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.
Axel Einar Hjorth, Console Table, Wood, Marble, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and marble console table, model "Caesar" designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, c. 1935. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced ma...
Marble
Utö Library Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Rare and authentic Utö library table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932. Wear consistent with age and use, including surface scratches, m...
Pine
"Lovö" Dining Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovö” dining table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from solid pine in a clean, rustic design. Beautiful woodgrain. “Lovö” is one of the series of furniture included in NK:s “Sporstugemöb...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Rare “Uto” library console table in acid treated and stained
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
Rare “Uto” library / console table in acid treated and stained pine wood by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Stockholm, Sweden, 1930s. Good vintage condition, stains, marks ...
Pine
"Utö" Console Table, Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Utö” console table, made in pine by Axel Einar Hjorth. An iconic early modernist design. “Utö” is one of the series of furniture included in NK:s “Sporstugemöbler”, “sports cabin’s...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Console Table (Swedish, 1888-1959)
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in London, GB
Axel Einar Hjorth Console Table — Bertil Series, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1934 Sweden, Macassar Ebony Veneer, with Original NK Plaque This rare console table was designed by Axel Einar ...
Birch, Macassar
Modernist "Sport" Console table by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant console table by Axel Einar Hjorth from the “Sport” series, in a rustic design made in stained pine. Beautiful proportions. “Sport” is one of the series of furniture include...
Pine
Library / Console Table in Acid-Stained Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Library / Console Table in Acid-Stained Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932 Additional Information: Material: Acid-stained pine Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Very rare library / cons...
Pine
Modernist "Utö" stools by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of “Utö” stools by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine. Rustic design, decorative spheres on the seats. “Utö” is one of the series of furniture included in NK:s “Sporstugemöbler”...
Pine
"Lovö" Pine Console Table by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pine “Lovö” console or small coffee table by Axel Einar Hjorth. Sleek lines in a solid, chunky design. Model designed in 1932. “Lovö” is one of the series of furniture included in ...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Console Table Model Louis Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare console table model Louis designed by Axel Einar Hjorth. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden.
Ebony
Functionalist Console Table, Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant console table by Axel Einar Hjorth, in a sleek, functionalist design. Wooden table top lacquered black, cylinder formed steel legs. “Utö” is one of the series of furniture i...
Steel
Pair of "Ängby" Bedside Tables by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of lovely bedside tables by Axel Einar Hjorth, model called “Ängby”. Swedish Modern lines with a touch of rococo. Made from wood, lacquered celadon green.
Wood, Lacquer
$11,615
H 28.75 in W 59.06 in D 25.6 in
Swedish Grace Library Table "Charles" by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden, 1929
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant console or library table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from stained oak with beautiful decorative sculpted details.
Oak
$22,038
H 24.81 in Dm 31.11 in
Wooden Lovö Side Table in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet 1940
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare wooden sculptural side occasional table in pine model "Lovö" by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1940s. In good original condition. Stable. Dim...
Pine
$22,336
H 29.93 in W 68.9 in D 25.6 in
"Corall" Dining Table/Desk, Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant 1930s library / dining table or desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, from the “Corall” series. Clean, compact lines. Made from birch with darker wood inlays and details.
Birch
$37,416
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 23.63 in
Scandinavian Modern "Skoga" Dining Table, Axel Einar Hjorth, Nk, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rustic “Skoga” dining table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine. Chunky rounded lines.
Pine
"Lovö" pine table by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table "Lovö" produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1940s. Solid pine with great original patina, never restored.
Pine
Sibylla Console Table by Axel Einar Hjorth, Swedish Design, 1933
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely console table by Axel Einar Hjorth, model called “Sibylla”. Clean functionalist lines with t-shaped legs, lacquered clay and celadon green.
Wood, Lacquer
$125,085
H 29.14 in W 66.93 in D 21.66 in
Library / Console Table in Acid-Stained Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Library / Console Table in Acid-Stained Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1932 Additional Information: Material: Acid-stained pine Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Very rare library / cons...
Pine
$4,574Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 18.9 in W 29.53 in D 18.51 in
A Pair of Axel Einar Hjorth Manner Solid Pine Side Tables, Sweden 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Ystad, SE
Pair of Side Tables in the Manner of Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1940s. A refined pair of minimalist Swedish side tables, executed in solid pine by a Swedish cabinetmaker during the ...
Pine
$3,126Sale Price|44% Off
H 27.17 in Dm 27.56 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Cooldige" side table for Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden 1928.
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Ystad, SE
Rare “Coolidge” Side Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1928 A seldom seen and early documented side table from Axel Einar Hjorth’s “Coolidge” series, design...
Birch
Axel Einar Hjorth Lövo Side table , 1930's
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Uccle, BE
Axel Einar Hjorth was a renowned Swedish designer of the 20th century, recognized for his influence in the modern Swedish design movement. Active during the first half of the 20th century, he was one of the pioneers of the modern Swedish design movement. Hjorth skillfully merged the functional aesthetics of Scandinavian design with a distinctive artistic sensibility, creating furniture pieces that transcend eras. The "Lövo side table...
Pine
"Utö" table by Axel Einar Hjorth fro NK
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Long Island City, NY
The "Utö" table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, in 1932. Sweden. Stained pine, light scratches. Featured in the book " Axel Einar Hjorth Mobel Arkitekt".
Pine
Sold
H 29.14 in W 66.93 in D 21.66 in
"Utö" Dining or Console Table, Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Iconic “Utö” dining table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from solid pine in a striking, rustic design with beautiful woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of furniture included in NK:s ...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Sibylla entrance table 1930’s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Valby, 84
Rare and important vanity/entrance piece by Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjorth from the Sibylla series designed in 1933, this specific piece was manufactured in the middle of the 193...
Pine
Sold
H 28.55 in W 70.08 in D 29.14 in
"Lovö" Dining Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Lovö” dining table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from solid pine in a clean, rustic design. Stained darker brown.
Pine
Mirror and Console Table by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant console table and mirror by Axel Einar Hjorth. Both beautifully executed in dark mahogany, with several decorative details. Size: Height console 71 cm, mirror 99 cm, width console 65 cm, mirror 40 cm, depth console 34...
Mahogany
Sold
H 21.66 in W 49.22 in D 21.66 in
Table, “Sandhamn” Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden, 1929
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine. Literature: Christian Björk, Thomas Ekström & Eric Ericson, Axel Einar Hjorth - Furniture Architect, 2009, compare model depicted p. 129.
Pine
Sold
H 28.75 in W 43.12 in D 23.23 in
Table ‘Typenko’ Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1931
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered oak and stainless steel.
Oak
Pine "Lovo" Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pine "Lovo" table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet A rectangular Swedish pine table by Axel Einar Hjorth with plank top, a stretcher with pegs, and a circular cut-out on ...
Pine
"Uto" Console Table by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in San Francisco, CA
A "Uto” console table in stained pined by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, circa 1930s.
Pine
Console Tables Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
"Sandhamn", Console tables in solid pine designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden, 1932 Unique. Provenance: Specially made for Café Brostugan, Drottningholm, Sweden.
Pine
Table by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
Sandhamn table by Axel Einar Hjorth Sweden, 1929 Beautiful patinated finish 78"L x 24"W x 29"H
Wood