“Alltid Redo” Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s
“Alltid Redo” Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
“All edges must be thoroughly broken”, Carl Malmsten often wrote in his drawings. It was nature that was his great source of inspiration, and in nature there are hardly any sharp edges or corners. This “Alltid Redo” coffee table is a perfect example of this sentiment.
Neither the light, the eye nor the person likes to turn against sharp corners, Malmsten explained once. Therefore, edges should be rounded so that they become friendlier to touch and look at. Carl Malmsten was not only one of Sweden's most famous furniture designers, he was also one of the last century's great cultural personalities with a strong influence on the home environment, public environment and the contemporary public debate. His personality shines through the design of this soft-edged table as well.
The design is dominated by the rounded-square tabletop showing the beautiful yet subtle wood grain. To support the top are four straight legs with impeccable joinery that is visible under the tabletop. Since this table was made in the heyday of the mid-century, the legs - and the design as a whole - lacks heavy ornamentation, and instead focuses on the natural beauty of the wood and the rounded edges.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
31.49 in W x 31.49 in D x 23.03 in H
80 cm W x 80 cm D x 58.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
In the European design landscape of the mid-20th century, Brutalism emerged as a distinct architectural and artistic movement, influencing not only buildings but also furniture design. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the rise of Brutalist furniture pieces, often showcasing the marriage of raw, unfinished materials and sculptural forms. Today, this style has made a remarkable comeback, capturing the essence of a bygone era while still resonating with contemporary sensibilities.
This table boasts a robust, almost industrial aesthetic, marrying form and function with an unapologetic rawness. Its bold, unapologetic aesthetic resonates with those seeking a departure from the sleek minimalism of recent years. Its design showcases a rectangular stone top and wooden block base. This combination of materials makes it a stylish example of the period’s design versatility. The unique colour variation of the stone top greatly adds to the visual interest of this piece. Stone nowadays is an indispensable element of interior design. Not only is it durable, but it has the power to arrest visual interest through its versatility. Brutalist furniture from Europe in many ways transcends the word ‘modern’, and so does this coffee table.
Coffee tables, in general, serve as design staples in living spaces for a multitude of reasons: beyond their utilitarian function of providing a surface for drinks or books, they anchor a room, creating a focal point around which furniture and conversation revolve. Overall, this table equally emphasises function and visual interest, creating an instantly arresting aesthetic.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
55.11 in W x 27.55 in D x 14.37 in H
140 cm W x 70 cm D x 36.5 cm H