Swedish architect and furniture designer Alf Svensson worked with a range of organic materials that are today commonly associated with Scandinavian modernism, utilizing rosewood, oak and teak in his cabinets, chairs, tables and other furniture, and opting for leather when it came to creating upholstery for his sleek seating. He worked for several manufacturers including String Seffle AB, Bergbom & Co., Nybrofabriken and Nesto but is best known to collectors for the designs he created for DUX.
As creative director at Bergboms, Svensson worked with brass and opaline glass to create a range of lighting. He designed sculptural tripod-style floor lamps with bodies of steam-bent solid teak — a popular material with furniture makers of the mid-20th century — while his hanging ceiling lights featured lacquered metal shades that bring pops of color into living rooms and entryways.
Svensson’s role at the lighting manufacturer, which was founded in 1940 by Efraim Ljung — also the founder of Ljungs Industrier — saw him collaborating with the likes of legendary designers such as Greta Magnusson Grossman and Edward Wormley, a favorite of mid-century modern furniture collectors and the longtime director of design for the Dunbar furniture company.
Svensson also served as the creative director at Ljungs Industrier. In Sweden, Studio Ljungs Industrier AB is the large family-owned parent company of Duxiana (in America, DUX). In 1950, Folke Ohlsson, then leading Ljungs Industrier’s design team, decamped to the States to explore how he could expand DUX’s business, which at that point included a wide range of furniture. It was during this time, in the postwar era, that American tastemakers really sold the citizenry on the warmth and good craftsmanship that characterizes Scandinavian modern design.
Ohlsson established a DUX office not long after he arrived in California, first in San Francisco and later in Burlingame. Svensson, a chief designer in the Malmö, Sweden, office of Ljungs Industrier, was among the top-tier furniture design talent with which DUX collaborated (a list that included Wormley and Bruno Mathsson). Svensson’s Galaxy chair, a comfortable upholstered swivel seat attributed to a partnership between the designer and Yngvar Sandström that exudes Space Age charm, is highly sought after, and Svensson's relationship with DUX yielded similarly attractive sideboards, lounge chairs and other furnishings that are some of his most celebrated works.
Find vintage Alf Svensson furniture on 1stDibs.
Alf Svensson "Norrland" Sideboard, 1960s
By Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Oak and rattan. Model "Norrland" produced by Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden, 1960s. Good vintage condition with minor signs of usage.
Rattan, Oak
Pair of Alf Svensson "Norrland" Sideboards, Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Oak and rattan. Model "Norrland" produced by Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden, 1960s. Good vintage condition with minor signs of usage.
Rattan, Oak
Oak and rattan bookshelf by Alf Svensson, Bjästa, Sweden 1950s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Bookshelf designed by Alf Svensson. Produced during the 1950s in Sweden by Bjästa Snickeri. Made from teak in the sideboard part with sliding doors in rattan. The inside of the sideb...
Rattan, Beech, Oak, Teak
Alf Svensson "Norrland" Sideboard, Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Teak and rattan. Model Norrland produced by Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of usage.
Rattan, Teak
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian Sideboards in Teak and Rattan by Alf Svensson
By Alf Svensson, Bjästa Möbelfabrik
Located in Karlstad, SE
Two sleek and sophisticated sideboards, crafted by the renowned designer Alf Svensson and produced by the esteemed Bjästa Möbelfabrik of Sweden, gracefully adorn this piece from the ...
Teak, Rattan
Wall-mounted sideboards by Alf Svensson "Norrland", Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Alf Svensson wall-mounted "Norrland" sideboards. Oak veneer and rattan. Produced by Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden, 1960s. Good vintage condition with minor signs of usage a...
Rattan, Oak
Set of 2 Alf Svensson Shelves Model 'Norrland', Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
4 Pieces available. Please note: listed price is for one (1) shelf. Produced in Sweden by Bjästa Snickerifabrik. Design Alf Svensson, 1960s.
Teak
Alf Svensson Oak Double Chest of Drawers, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Alf Svensson, Bjästa Möbelfabrik
Located in PARIS, FR
Sleek and authentic design of Scandinavian modernism: double oak chest of drawers by Alf Svensson. The finishes and the beautiful honey shade of the wood give it an elegant aesthetic...
Oak
A Mid-Century Bookshelf, Oak, France, c. 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique mid-century bookshelf with compass feet in oak, designed by unknown designer in France, c. 1950s.
Oak
$2,500
H 31.5 in W 79.75 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Long Teak Credenza or Dresser by Westnofa
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
You can use this in any room of the house! A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction made by Westnofa Furniture in Europe. It features a sleek front with 6 dee...
Teak
$3,357
H 37.01 in W 79.93 in D 17.72 in
Oak Highboard by Henning Kjærnulf, Baroque & Mid-Century, 1970s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking highboard in oak with rich carved details. Attributed to Henry Kjærnulf. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Probably m...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Long Teak Credenza with Tambour Doors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction. It features two sliding tambour doors, two drawers and two shelf spaces. Marked made in Denmark. Original clean cond...
Teak
$1,674Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.6 in W 31.5 in D 16.54 in
Sideboard By Karl Erik Ekselius For JOC Design Vetlanda Sweden. 1960s
By JOC Mobler Vetlanda, Karl-Erik Ekselius
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Very beautiful and high quality sideboard / credenzas in teak and designed by Karl Erik Ekselius for JOC Design Vetlanda Sweden. This cabinet is in absolutely beautiful condition and...
Beech, Teak
Asymmetrical Oak Bookshelf, The Netherlands 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Modernism is at the core of the design of this shelving system. Modernism brought waves of innovative solutions, materials, and creativity to The Netherlands. At first, most Dutch de...
Oak
Bookshelf, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Larsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Freestanding bookshelf produced in Sweden, 1930s. Good vintage condition with signs of usage.
Pine
$4,187
H 29.93 in W 53.15 in D 14.18 in
Sideboard "Öresund" by Børge Mogensen, Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard from the Öresund series by Børge Mogensen, produced by Karl Andersson & Söner in the 1960s. Crafted in teak with clean, balanced proportions characteristic of Mogensen’s fu...
Brass
$6,938
H 77.96 in W 32.68 in D 12.21 in
Osvaldo Borsani anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex E60 bookshelf Italy 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The E60 bookshelf, crafted from anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex, is a distinguished model designed by the renowned Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno in the 1950s. Minimal...
Aluminum
Carl Malmsten pine cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s. Produced in Sweden. Good condition.
Pine
$3,828
H 33.08 in W 53.15 in D 18.12 in
Oak & Teak Sideboard by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Karis, Nyland
Refined Scandinavian modern sideboard designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden during the 1960s. The piece reflects Mogensen’s hallmark approach to...
Oak, Teak
Chunky sideboard by Børge Mogensen, Sweden, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard designed by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden during the 1960s. Made in oak with sliding doors in teak. Beautiful legs in oak and iron.
Iron
Sold
H 43.71 in W 47.25 in D 11.03 in
Set of two bookcases by Alf Svensson for Bjästa Snickerifabrik, Sweden 1960s.
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of two bookcases by Alf Svensson for Bjästa Snickerifabrik, Sweden 1960s. This is model ‘Norrland’, made out of oak and features adjustable shelves. Both units are in its origina...
Oak
Oak & Rattan Sideboard by Alf Svensson, Sweden, 1960s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Clean and elegant sideboard designed by Alf Svensson, manufactured by Bjästa Möbelfabrik in Sweden during the 1960s. The structure is made from oak with two doors panel covered by ra...
Brass
Oak bookcase by Alf Svensson, design 1960's
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in PARIS, FR
Clean and at the same time authentic design of Scandinavian modernism. The finishes and grain of the wood give it an elegant aesthetic and easily harmonize with different types of de...
Oak
Oak and rattan bookshelf by Alf Svensson, Bjästa, Sweden 1950s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Bookshelf designed by Alf Svensson. produced during the 1950s in Sweden by Bjästa Snickeri. Made from teak in the sideboard part with sliding door in rattan. The inside of the sidebo...
Rattan, Beech, Oak, Teak
Midcentury Pair of Oak Sideboards, Alf Svensson, Sweden, 1960s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of oak sideboards with beautiful rattan fronts, designed by Alf Svensson. Two shelves inside each sideboard separated by a wall in the center. Cool, large brass keys and nicely ...
Rattan, Oak
Oak and rattan sideboard by Alf Svensson, Bjästa, Sweden 1950s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Sideboard designed by Alf Svensson. Produced during the 1950s by Bjästa möbelfabrik in Sweden. Made from patinated oak and contrasting rattan on the doors. Light beech wood on the in...
Rattan, Beech, Oak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Cabinet, Cane Panels in Teak, Designed by Alf Svensson, 1960s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of cabinets with cane door in teak. Designed by MAA. Alf Svensson and made by Bjästa cabinetmakers Sweden. Great original condition.
Brass
Raffia buffet by Alf Svensson, 1960's Sweden
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Brussels, BE
This compact sideboard by Alf Svensson dates from 1960s Sweden. The main feature of this piece is its raffia-embellished doors, which add textural contrast to its clean lines. Modest...
Raffia, Wood
Sold
H 28.55 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
Alf Svensson Sideboard in Oak and Cane, Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden, 1960s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking sideboard was designed by Alf Svensson in the 1960s. The elegant model 'Norrland' was produced by Bjästa Möbelfabrik in Sweden and is stamped with the manufacturers sta...
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 94.49 in D 17.72 in
Sideboard, model Norrland, by Alf Svensson for Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden 1960s.
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sideboard, model Norrland, by Alf Svensson for Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Sweden 1960s. This sideboard consists of 2 smaller cabinets made out of oak and rattan. One sideboard contains seve...
Brass
Sold
H 43.71 in W 47.25 in D 11.03 in
Set of two bookcases by Alf Svensson for Bjästa Snickerifabrik, Sweden 1960s.
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of two bookcases by Alf Svensson for Bjästa Snickerifabrik, Sweden 1960s. This is model ‘Norrland’, made out of oak and features adjustable shelves. Both units are in its origina...
Oak
Oak & Rattan Sideboard Bookcase by Alf Svensson, 1960s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Elegant and very useful sideboard and bookcase model Norrland designed by Alf Svensson produced by Bjästa Möbelfabrik in Sweden 1960's. The 2 elements can be separate. Sideboard in o...
Cane, Oak