Swedish furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth created tables, chairs, cabinets and other pieces that were as elegant as they were functional, and he frequently worked in references to a litany of inspirations including French Art Deco, Gustavian style and modernism. Ahead of his time, his style was refined and daringly simple.
Born in Krokek, Sweden, Hjorth grew up in a foster family and at 20 moved to Stockholm where he studied architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan (now the University of Arts, Crafts & Design). Although he dropped out when his foster father died, he went on to work for some of the largest furniture manufacturers in Sweden during the 1920s.
Hjorth’s work was featured in the 1923 Gothenburg Exhibition world’s fair, and he exhibited a birch and cherry cabinet in the 1927 “Swedish Contemporary Decorative Arts” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His role as the head of the furniture department at Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), an upscale department store in Stockholm, from 1927 to 1938, further brought his designs to widespread acclaim, including pieces exhibited at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
At the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition, an influential event in the emergence of functionalism in Swedish design, Hjorth exhibited a dozen room settings that featured examples of sportstugemöbler. These furniture lines were named for islands in Sweden’s archipelago — Utö, Blidö and Torö — with designs intended for cabins and vacation homes. The use of solid Swedish pine in these pieces revealed a love of traditional rustic furniture while the simple forms boldly looked to the future. He also brought his eclectic influences to armchairs formed from tubular metal, blocky case pieces made from birch and upholstered sofas with neoclassical details, each exuberantly mixing form and function.
Find vintage Axel Einar Hjorth furniture today on 1stDibs.
Pair of Utö Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sold as a pair, these beautiful solid pine Utö Chairs are an exceptionally treasured vintage find. Designed in the 1930s by Axel Einar Hjorth as part of his ...
Pine
Pair of Lovö Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The beautiful Lovö Chair is an exceptionally treasured vintage find. Designed in the 1930s by Axel Einar Hjorth as part of his ‘Sportstugemöbler’ (weekend cottage or lodge furniture) collection for Nordiska Kompaniet, the models in the beloved Lovö series are regarded by many as Axel Einar Hjorth's masterpieces. Crafted for the weekend cottages that were gaining popularity in Sweden at the time, each series is lovingly named after a Swedish island. Crafted from solid stained pine, their rich cherry tone exudes a timeless appeal. The green and blue floral vintage cushions...
Pine
"Skoga" Pine Lounge Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Skoga” lounge chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine in a striking, modernist design. This model was designed in 1933 and intended both for inside and garden use. This eye-catch...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth - Utö Dining Chair - produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Axel Einar Hjorth “Utö” Dining Chairs - price per piece (5pcs in total avaible). These chairs, part of the Utö expo designed by Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. T...
Wood, Pine
$14,277 / set
Pair of "Utö" Chairs by Axel-Einar Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of Utö/Uto pine chair by Axel-Einar Hjorth, Sweden, circa 1930s. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet.
Pine
Pair of Side Chairs model Lovö by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932, Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Side Chairs in Acid-Stained and Oiled Pine with Wrought Iron Fittings by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932 Additional Information: Material: Acid-stained and oiled pine with wrought i...
Pine
A pair of important and early Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovo" Chairs
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of important and early Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovo" sandblasted and stained pine chairs by Nordisca Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932. The present chairs were exhibited and acquired at the Nordiska Kompaniet spring exhibition of 1932, when the "Lovo" series was first introduced. This rare available set of chairs are the earliest known of the "Lovo" series , as well as only known with metal tags. Later stained in black. Literature: Christian Bjork, Thomas Ekstrom...
Pine
Really scarce variant of the Lovö chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rarissime set de deux chaises Lovö par Axel Einar Hjorth pour Nordiska Kompaniet, commande spéciale pour un restaurant au Danemark, avec renfort en métal. photos in situ disponibles...
Iron
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930'sset of four chairs
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930's. This set of four chairs in stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth is a stunning example of Swedish craftsmanship, blending modernist desi...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth "Utö" Chair for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”), a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and famously, Utö. The ‘Utö’ chair...
Wood
Pair of Axel-Einar Hjorth "Birka" chairs by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model Birka. Produced by NK, 1930s. Newly upholstered in honey colored sheep skin.
Ash, Beech
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Chair for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish architect and furniture maker Axel Einar Hjorth worked as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth desig...
Iron
Four ‘Corall’ chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1937
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set of four chair model ‘Corall’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1937 Birch, rattan, upholstered velvet seat. Labeled. This set of four ‘Corall’ chai...
Velvet, Rattan, Birch
Dining chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Ebony & Velvet
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of dining chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1934. Veneered Macassar ebony and velvet. Stamped. Provenance: The chairs are said to have stoo...
Velvet, Ebony, Macassar
Set of Three Chairs “Typenko” by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three chairs “Typenko” designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden. 1944. Birch and velvet upholstery. Dimensions: H: 88 cm/ 2' 11'' W: 45,5 cm/ 1' 6 1/2'' D: 57 cm/ 1' 11'' Seat height: 43 cm/ 1' 5 1/2'' From 1927 to 1938, Axel-Einar Hjorth was the chief architect and designer at the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm—which was known as one of the most important producers of modernist furniture in Sweden. During this time, Hjorth designed both public and private interiors, and worked with international clients including Iranian royalty. His first project for NK was a stand for the World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, during which he exhibited the Louis Cabinet...
Velvet, Birch
$6,900
H 29.53 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in
Handcrafted Swedish Folk Art Pine Lounge Chair 1930s - Reupholstered Sheepskin
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Pine
Pair of "Lovö" Chairs by Axel Einar-Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of low back 'Lovö' chairs by Axel-Einar Hjorth. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s. Very good condition, new cushions.
Pine
$5,948
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 17.33 in
Single Swedish Wooden "Utö" Dining Chair in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish single wooden "Utö" dining / office chair in pine by Axe Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1930s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 80 cm...
Pine
Pair of "Lovö" Chairs by Axel Einar-Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of low back 'Lovö' chairs by Axel-Einar Hjorth. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s. Very good condition, original cushions.
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth, "Wärmdö" Sofa, Pine, Shearling, Sweden, 1937
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine and shearling "Wärmdö" sofa designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1937. Seat Height (inches): 17.25” Arm Height (inches): 24...
Sheepskin, Pine
$17,846
H 32.29 in W 20.48 in D 24.41 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Rocking Chair in Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden 1930
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Swedish mid century modern wooden rocking chair model "Lovö" in stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1932. In good original condition...
Sheepskin, Pine
$33,004
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Set of Four "Utö" Pine Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of four “Utö” dining chairs, made from pine in an elegant design balancing rustic and modernism. Solid wood, sturdy feel. Lovely woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of furnitu...
Pine
$41,642 / set
H 32.29 in W 20.48 in D 24.41 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Lovö Rocking Chairs in Pine Wood by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare pair of Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" rocking chairs in pine wood produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1930s. In good original and matching condition. Dimensions: H: 82 cm /...
Pine
$5,651 / set
H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
A Pair of "Sportstuge" chairs in style of Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden c. 1940s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A pair of solid pine lounge chairs in the manner of Axel Einar Hjorth’s Sportstuge designs, produced in Sweden in the 1940s. The chairs feature a sturdy, architectural frame with wid...
Linen, Pine
$26,174
H 28.75 in W 66.34 in D 26.78 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Velvet Sofa, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Velvet Upholstery. Dimensions: H: 73 cm / 2' 4 3/4'' W: 168.5 cm / 5' 6 1/4'' D: 68 cm / 2' 2 3/4'' Depth of the corner side: 136 cm / 4' 5 1/2'' SH: 43 cm / 17'' Provenance: Fredrik Anderzon who was the manager of the brewery Nässjö Bryggeri commissioned a modernist summerhouse in 1936 and this sofa formed part of the interior. Literature: A high back chair that matches this model, Christian Björk, Thomas Ekström...
Upholstery, Velvet
$8,031
H 31.3 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Swedish "Utö" Pine Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Single beautiful “Utö” dining chair, made from pine in an elegant design balancing rustic and modernism. Solid wood, sturdy feel. Lovely woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of fur...
Pine
$10,000 / set
H 37 in W 19 in D 17 in
Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth model "Radio" for NK
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 6 dining chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, model "Radio". Sweden, Circa 1930th. Stained birch upholstered in muslin. NK tags with numbers attached.
Birch
Sold
H 31.5 in W 20.87 in D 20.08 in
Pair of Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Chairs for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish architect and furniture maker Axel Einar Hjorth worked as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth desig...
Fabric, Pine
Sold
H 31.11 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Pair of "Birka" Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Utrecht, NL
Architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. Hjorth's aesthetic alludes to both the traditional simplicity of the common people and the radical aesthetics of international modernism. These “Birka” chairs...
Sheepskin, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Utö set of 6 chairs for Nordiska Kompaniet, circa 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Authentic Axel Einar Hjorth set of 6 utö chairs designed in 1932 and produced during the 30's by Nordika Kompaniet. The chair is in good condition overhall, stable, with an authetic ...
Pine
Sold
H 31.7 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
Utö pine chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sportstugemöbel, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Hägersten, SE
Dining/side chairs model "Utö" designed by Axel Einar Hjorth. Produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet as a so called "Sportstugemöbel". Made during the 1930s. Solid pine wood. Good ...
Pine
Sold
H 37.41 in W 18.71 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Side Chairs in Acid-Stained and Oiled Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Side Chairs in Acid-Stained and Oiled Pine with Wrought Iron Fittings by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932 Additional Information: Material: Acid-stained and oiled pine with wrought i...
Iron
Sold
H 37.8 in W 15.75 in D 18.9 in
Axel Einar HjorthLovö Chair in Pine, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in London, GB
Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959) was a major contributor to the burgeoning Swedish design culture that was recognised internationally in the 1920s and effectively introduced the country...
Pine
Sold
H 37.8 in W 15.75 in D 18.9 in
Axel Einar Hjorth, Set of Two Pine Lovö Chairs, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in London, GB
Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959) was a major contributor to the burgeoning Swedish design culture that was recognised internationally in the 1920s and effectively introduced the country...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Axel Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' high-back chairs in pine with light fabric cushions. Designed in 1030's for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden. Good condition with some natural patina.
Metal
Lovö chair by Axel Einar Hjort for Nordiska Kompaniet 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stained pine 'Lovö' chair by Axel Einar Hjort for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s. Iron mounts, high back. Height 95 cm, seat height 41 cm. Wear and scratches.
Pine
Sold
H 31.7 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
Utö pine chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sportstugemöbel, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Hägersten, SE
Dining/side chair model "Utö" designed by Axel Einar Hjorth. Produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet as a so called "Sportstugemöbel". Made during the 1930s. Solid pine wood. Good v...
Pine
Pair of Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovo" Chairs
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovo" chairs by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, circa 1932. Stained pine with iron rivets. One chair with some trace of repair. Overall good vintage condit...
Pine
Sold
H 34.06 in W 19.49 in D 16.15 in
Pair of ‘Sandhamn’ Chairs Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ‘Sandhamn’ chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932. Hand-carved solid pine, and iron hardware. Marked....
Iron