Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated series with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten. This was
Bouclé, Beech
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten. This was
Bouclé, Beech
Swedish Leather Samsas Round Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
This is an absolutely stunning and iconic design. It’s the Swedish Leather Samsas Round Sofa
Leather, Wood
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by carl malmsten circa 1960. Well known model of sofa
Fabric, Beech
$3,716Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.47 in W 72.45 in D 27.56 in
Scandinavian Modern Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant three seat "Samsas" sofa by Carl Malmsten manufactured by O.H Sjögren in Sweden during the
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech
$8,338
H 33.86 in W 70.87 in D 26.78 in
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren
Velvet, Birch
“Samsas” Sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Karis, Nyland
An original “Samsas” three-seater sofa designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren in
Wool, Wood
"Samsas" by Carl Malmsten Sofa & Armchair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Memphis, TN
Elegant mid century three-seat “Samsas” sofa and armchair by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. Cool
Fabric, Beech
Unavailable
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 40.56 in
Carl Malmsten Samsas Round Sofa, Newly Produced, Designed in 1966
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Tranås, SE
Samsas was designed in 1960 and is regarded as the most typical item of Carl Malmsten's upholstered
Wool, Oak, Pine
Unavailable
H 33.47 in W 61.03 in D 31.11 in
Carl Malmsten Samsas 2 Seater Sofa, Newly Produced, Designed in 1960
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Tranås, SE
Samsas was designed in 1960 and is regarded as the most typical item of Carl Malmsten's upholstered
Wool, Oak, Pine
Unavailable
H 33.47 in W 70.87 in D 31.11 in
Carl Malmsten Samsas 3-seater Sofa, Newly Produced, Designed in 1960
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Tranås, SE
Samsas was designed in 1960 and is regarded as the most typical item of Carl Malmsten's upholstered
Wool, Oak, Pine, Fabric
Unavailable
H 34.26 in W 68.9 in D 35.44 in
Scandinavian Modern Original "Samsas rund" Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Madrid, ES
Sofa "Samsas rund" by Carl Malmsten in beech and upholstery for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1950s. This
Upholstery
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Long Island City, NY
A classic three-seater sofa designed by Carl Malmsten. "Samsas" can be roughly translated from
Beech, Cotton
Swedish Modernist Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa.
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Newly restored vintage original Carl Malmsten Swedish modernist sofa upholstered in a new geometric
Birch
Swedish Modernist Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Newly restored vintage original Carl Malmsten Swedish modernist sofa upholstered in a new geometric
Birch
1960s Vintage Carl Malmsten ‘Samsas’ Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Swedish sofa, this is an original ‘Samsas’ sofa, by Carl Malmsten. It was
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 72.45 in D 31.11 in
Mid-20th Century Three-Seater Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa by O.H Sjogren
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Madrid, ES
This three-seat "Samsas" sofa by Carl Malmsten is manufactured by O.H Sjogren in Sweden
Wool, Beech
Carl Malmsten Samsas Settee
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Dallas, TX
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O. H. Sjogren. This is in a heavy linen material with
Upholstery, Wood
Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
A classic three-seater sofa designed by Carl Malmsten, wearing its original yellow wool upholstery
Beech, Wool
Carl Malmsten, Three-Seat Sofa Lambswool Sofa, "Samsas"
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Carl Malmsten three seat sofa in lambswool. Leather buttons. Legs of stained beech Made in
Lambskin, Beech
Mid-Century Carl Malmsten Designed Samsas Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Midcentury Carl Malmsten designed samsas sofa circa 1960. Well known model of sofa designed by
Fabric, Beech
Retro Swedish ‘Samsas’ Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten, it is called the ‘Samsas’ sofa. This is in the original fabric which is in very good
Vintage Swedish ‘Samsas’ Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish ‘Samsas’ sofa by Carl Malmsten. It was
Bouclé, Wood
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten. It was recently
Bouclé, Beech
1960s Vintage Swedish ‘Samsas’ Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Swedish sofa, this is an original ‘Samsas’ sofa, by Carl Malmsten. It was
Fabric
1960s Vintage Swedish 'Samsas' Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish sofa. This design is called the ‘Samsas’ sofa
Bouclé, Beech
1960s Vintage Swedish 'Samsas' Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish sofa. This design is called the ‘Samsas’ sofa
Bouclé, Beech
1960s Vintage Swedish 'Samsas' Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish sofa. This design is called the ‘Samsas’ sofa
Bouclé, Beech
Swedish Leather Samsas Round Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning and iconic design, this is the Samsas Round sofa. It was designed by Carl
Leather, Wood
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by carl malmsten circa 1960. Well known model of sofa
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Samsa Rund Triple Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid-20th century samsa rund triple sofa by Carl Malmsten, circa 1960. Well known model of sofa
Teak
Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, 1970s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful blue sofa from the Classic Swedish 'Samas' designed by Carl Malmsten. Upholstered in blue
Velvet
Pair of 20th Century Shaped Sofas by Carl Malmsten Samsas Rund
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine piece of design by Carl Malmsten with this pair of sofas. First designed in 1923 by Carl
Beech
Sold
H 33.08 in W 69.69 in D 21.66 in
Mid-century Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, 1970s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful blue sofa from the Classic Swedish 'Samas' designed by Carl Malmsten. Upholstered in blue
Velvet
Carl Malmsten ‘Samsas’ Pink Sofa for O.H. Sjögren
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ‘Samsas’ pink sofa designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren. In good condition with wood
Upholstery
Sold
H 33.86 in W 70.87 in D 26.78 in
Midcentury Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren
Velvet
Vintage Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A vintage Carl Malmsten sofa model samsas, circa 1950 (makers label) original fabric.
Sold
H 33.5 in W 70 in D 32 in
Carl Malmsten Sofa Model Samsas for O.H. Sjogren, Scandinavian, Midcentury
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Carl Malmsten is becoming increasingly sought after and for good reasons. Strong proponent of
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 34.26 in W 72.84 in D 19.69 in
Scandinavian Swedish Modern Sofa “Samsas” by Carl Malmsten for O.H Sjögren
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern sofa “Samsas” by Carl Malmsten for O.H Sjögren in Tranås. The sofa is a mid
Fabric, Pine
Sold
H 34 in W 73.5 in D 29 in
20th Century Swedish OH Sjögren Beechwood Samsas, Sofa - Settee by Carl Malmsten
By AB Stilarmatur Tranås, Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish three-seater " Samsas ", sofa with two pillows
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
Carl Malmsten Sofa Model Samsas Produced by O.h Sjögren In Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Carl Malmsten sofa model Samsas produced by AB O.H Sjögren in Sweden
Vintage Swedish Carl Malmsten Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Newly restored vintage original Carl Malmsten Swedish Samsas sofa upholstered in a new ultra
Birch, Upholstery
Sold
H 34.5 in W 64 in D 28 in
20th Century Swedish OH Sjögren Beech Samsas Two Seater Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish two-seater " Samsas " love sofa, settee with two pillows
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten sofa "Samsas" for O.H Sjögren in Tranås. The sofa is a
Pine
Set of Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa and Easy Chair by O.H Sjogren
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Madrid, ES
This set of three-seat "Samsas" sofa and armchair by Carl Malmsten is manufactured by O.H Sjogren
Wool, Beech
Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten White Bouclé 'Samsas' Sofa
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H Sjögren. Designed 1960 and made in the
Bouclé, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 61.03 in D 29.53 in
Scandinavian Midcentury Carl Malmsten Boucle "Samsas" Sofa, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This mid century icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren
Fabric
Sold
H 34.5 in W 73 in D 27 in
Swedish Mid-Century "Samsas" Sofa by Carl Malmsten in Beech and Twill, c. 1950's
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Norwalk, CT
of Swedish Mid-Century design, the "Samsas" sofa is the commercial issue of Carl Malmsten's "Konsert
Fabric, Beech
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
Located in Richmond, VA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa ca. 1930. Covered in gold silk/cotton. Legs in birch.
Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa ca. 1940
Located in Richmond, VA
Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa ca. 1940 recoverd in gold silk cloth. Legs in a brown birch
Rare Runda Version of Carl Malmsten's Samsas Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brussels, BE
A rare Runda version of Carl Malmsten's Samsas sofa. Wonderful shape to see in the round. In good
Wool, Teak
Carl Malmsten 'Samsas' Sofa, Covered in Gold Silk Fabric
Located in Richmond, VA
Carl Malmsten 'Samsas' Sofa, Covered in Gold Silk Fabric. Tuffted back. Malmsten is the
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Richmond, VA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa for O.H. Sjögren. In original fabric with original maker tags in metal
Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Stunning Carl Malmsten three-seat 'Samsas' sofa, manufactured by OH Sjogren, Sweden. Lovely organic
Upholstery, Beech
Swedish Design Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in VENLO, LI
Gorgeous vintage two-seater sofa designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten for AB O.H. Sjögren
Fabric, Wood
"Samsas" sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Richmond, VA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa ca. 1930. Covered in gold silk/cotton. Legs in birch.
Carl Malmsten, Sofa "samsas"
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Salzburg, Austria
. The prototype was designed in the time of Carl Malmstens big breakthrough, when he won both first and
Carl Malmsten Sofa OH Sjögren Samsas
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Alvesta, SE
Nice sofa designed by Carl Malmsten. Modern classic design. Malmsten has won several prices for his
Fabric
"Samsas" Sofa by Carl Malmsten circa 1930
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Richmond, VA
"Samsas" model sofa by famed Swedish modernist Carl Malmsten. Solid birch wood frame. Tufted
Sold
H 33.86 in W 60.63 in D 31.11 in
Carl Malmsten Mid Century Samsas Sofa in Yellow Linen, Swedish 1950’s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A beautiful two-seater sofa designed by world renowned furniture designer Carl Malmsten. An early
Linen, Elm
Pink 3-Seat 'Samsas' Sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Antwerpen, BE
The Samsas sofa is designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren in the year 1960. This design is a
Fabric
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O.H. Sjogren.
Fabric, Birch
Carl Malmsten Samsas Sofa
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful Samsas sofa designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren. Perfected condition, newly
1960s "Samsas rund" Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Madrid, ES
Sofa "Samsas rund" by Carl Malmsten in beech and upholstery for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s. This
Upholstery, Wood
Art Deco Discometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Discometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An eye-catching piece for a beautiful table. • Diskometal metal vase with curvy opening • Designer: Just Andersen • Style: D...
Metal
$3,335Sale Price / set|37% Off
H 34.26 in W 30.71 in D 35.44 in
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Design Armchairs Marco Zanuso Style
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of mid-century Italian design armchairs, special metal feet, the style of Marco Zanuso.
Metal
$2,499 / item
H 57.48 in W 27.55 in D 0.98 in
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp, glass...
Brass
Paavo Tynell 'Model 5321' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Paavo Tynell 'Model 5321' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp Originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1938, this authorized GUBI re-edition is executed in brass and rattan. The 5321 table la...
Metal, Brass
Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases
Located in New York, NY
large bamboo pair of table lamps with brass bases. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely brass bases and bamboo tops held by brass top.
Brass
$14,950 / item
H 33.08 in W 115.36 in D 61.82 in
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Velvet, Walnut
$1,560 / item
H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 1.58 in
Contemporary Ceramic Mirror 'Elo' by Pani Jurek, 60-90 Brown
By Pani Jurek
Located in Paris, IDF
ELO Mirror Signed by Pani Jurek Dimensions: H90 x60 x 4 cm Hand glazed ceramic Color shown on main image: Brown _________________________________ Pani Jurek is a Polish design stu...
Ceramic, Mirror
$11,435 / set
H 31.5 in W 30.71 in D 30.32 in
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, Pair of ''Lady'' Armchairs in Blue Cotton Velvet
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An exquisite pair of Lady lounge chairs, originally designed by the renowned Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy in 1951. These remarkable chairs have undergone meticulous reupholstering,...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and lucite "Omnibus" sofa designed and produced by Vladimir Kagan, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”
Velvet, Lucite
$48,400 / set
H 34 in W 21 in D 23 in
Set of 14 Paul Frankl Corset Oak Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman in Latte Bouclé
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sultry large set of 14 Oak Corset Dining Chairs designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Brown Saltman newly professionally restored and refinished in original stain with new cushions...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master-designer Carl Malmsten. It was originally produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden...
Sheepskin, Beech
Stilnovo Mid-century Chandelier in Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chandelier by Stilnovo, ceiling light, brass, glass, metal, Italy, 1950s This stunning Italian design lamp from the 1960s is a piece of design-candy, designed to shine from the ceil...
Metal, Brass
Paolo Buffa, Walnut Mid-Century Daybed, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Rare and very elegant wooden daybed Varnished walnut and fabric Model created circa 1940 H 58 × L 205 × W 95 cm Paolo Buffa was an Italian furniture des...
Velvet, Walnut
Lisa Johansson-Pape 'Lisa' Floor Lamp for Innolux Oy
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Innolux Oy
Located in Glendale, CA
Lisa Johansson-Pape 'Lisa' floor lamp for Innolux Oy. Originally produced in the 1950s by Orno, this newly authorized re-edition of the iconic lamp is made by Innolux in Finland usi...
Brass
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Malmsten, a prominent furniture designer and educator associated with Swedish modernism, enjoyed immense popularity for his shapely sofas and armchairs in luscious color palettes. Malmsten believed that light — much like our eyes and bodies — doesn’t like to bump into sharp objects. Smooth edges, on the other hand, are kinder to the eye and and to our touch, and allow light to softly bounce off surfaces. Malmsten felt that if his furniture didn’t “serve well” in the home, it had no business being there.
Malmsten’s career essentially began in 1915, when his submissions for a competition to furnish the new Stockholm City Hall were first- and second-place prize winners. In the 1920s, his profile soared. He won a prize at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts — the show that brought the Art Deco style to worldwide attention — and quickly became one of the most sought-after designers of commercial seating in Sweden.
Malmsten was soon contracted to design chairs, tables and other furniture for the Stockholm Concert Hall, the Swedish Institute in Rome and the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. His famous Art Nouveau-influenced Stadshusstolen chair, designed for Stockholm City Hall in 1916, is a highlight of the city’s recently opened Museum of Furniture Studies. Malmsten expanded into interior design and created a luxurious, well-appointed living room in the palace of then-Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and his bride, Crown Princess Louise.
In the 1930s, Malmsten clashed with critics when he voiced his opposition to functionalism. Like Danish modernist Kaare Klint, he favored using quality local materials and prized traditional craftsmanship. Malmsten’s furniture draws on graceful neoclassical influences, and he said that extreme functionalism contributed to “sterile” interiors — while the curving contours of his work may share ground with furniture designed by Alvar Aalto or Bruno Mathsson, Malmsten differed with Bauhaus eminences and some Scandinavian modernists on their prioritization of functionalism.
For an exhibition in 1956 at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg, Malmsten designed furniture that was intended for mass production — and his striking designs began to make their way into middle-class Swedish homes owing to Malmsten’s partnerships with manufacturers such as O.H. Sjögren. Until then, he had built his pieces at the school he founded in the 1930s or had them made by artisans at several small local workshops.
Malmsten founded a number of schools for design and collaborated with other designers who shared his philosophy of “hand and mind in creative collaboration.” These included the esteemed textile artist Märta Måås Fjetterström, whose pieces he included in exhibits and even his own home.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Carl Malmsten seating, tables, cabinets and more.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.