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 "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
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
An Authentic Utö table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A rare and authentic version of the iconic Utö table designer Axel Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1932. This particular Utö represents one of the rarer and...
Pine
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
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
Axel Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' table for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930th.
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
A coffee or side table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, for Nordiska Kompaniet, Model “L0v0″, Circa 1930th. Acid stained pine. Diam 24″. H 20”. Production drawing number by pencil on ...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth “Lovö” pine table
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Long Island City, NY
Axel Einar Hjorth designed “Lovö” stained pine table for Nordiska Kompaniet 1930s. Length 20″ , width 20″, height 20″.
Pine
$3,123Sale Price|44% Off
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
$11,000 / item
1920s Swedish Grace Period Side Table
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
The fine oak rectangular top with rounded corners supported at each end by slender baluster shaped turnings joined by stretcher at base with brass clad feet and stretcher having orig...
Oak
Price Upon Request
Axel Einar Hjorth Occasional Table for Nordiska Kompaniet, circa 1930
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
Pine occasional table for Nordiska Kompaniet designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, circa 1930 Measures: 24" height x 31.5" diameter.
Pine
$113,043
H 29.14 in W 66.93 in D 21.66 in
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
Side Table in the Manner of Axel Einar Hjorth Produced in Sweden
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side table in the manner of Axel Einar Hjorth. Produced in Sweden.
Leather, Pine
Nordiska Kompaniet, Side Tables, Oak, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak side tables produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1930s. Mild tabletop surface wear from normal use; one has darker imperfections. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3...
Oak
$2,800
H 29.53 in W 58.47 in D 35.44 in
Axel Einar Hjorth, Dining Table in Birch, Swedish Grace, Bodafors, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Bodafors
Located in Odense, DK
An extravagant Swedish Grace dining table from the early 20th century, crafted in dark birch veneer with finely carved details. The table features a richly decorated apron and legs w...
Birch
$4,664Sale Price|31% Off
H 30.71 in W 74.41 in D 21.66 in
Axel Einar Hjorth manner Console / Library Table, solid Pine, Sweden 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Ystad, SE
Console / Library Table in the Manner of Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1930s A refined and minimalistic Swedish console or library table, executed in solid pine by a Swedish cabinetmak...
Pine
$22,311
H 29.93 in W 68.9 in D 25.6 in
"Corall" Dining Table/Desk, Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
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
$23,798
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 29.53 in
"Lovö" Dining Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
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
"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
$37,374
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 23.63 in
Scandinavian Modern "Skoga" Dining Table, Axel Einar Hjorth, Nk, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rustic “Skoga” dining table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine. Chunky rounded lines.
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
$33,912
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 29.14 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Dining Table in Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and early Swedish mid century modern wooden dining table model "Lovö" in stained pine designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1932. In go...
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
Pair of Axel Einar Hjorth oak side tables - Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in London, GB
A pair of oak side tables designed by Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959). The Swedish furniture designer was a chief designer for Nordiska Kompaniet, who was known for his singular minima...
Oak
Sold
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Squared "Lovö" Pine Table by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare mid century coffee / side table model "Lovö" in solid stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1932. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 5...
Pine
Sold
H 24.61 in Dm 31.5 in
Axel Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' Occasional Table in Pine, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in The Hague, NL
This occasional or side table was produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in the late 1930s. Made of solid pine, the round top is resting on three cleverly constructed legs that meet up in th...
Pine
1930s Side Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for AB Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in London, London
Side table By Axel Einar Hjorth For AB Nordiska Kompaniet One drawer Macassar Sweden 1930s.
Macassar
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 15.75 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Utö" Stool in Pine for Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare stool in solid pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm, 1930s. This stool comes from the original owner family and could have been lowered at some time in ...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Round Coffee Table for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1937
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare coffee table was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth in January 1937 and was made to order for the “Spring Show” of the same year for the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in S...
Wood
Sold
H 24.02 in W 15.75 in D 12.8 in
Side table ‘Sport’ by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table ‘Sport’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Stained pine. Marked 37113. Measures: H 61 cm/ 2' W 40 cm/ 15 3/4" D 32.5 cm/ 12 3/4".
Pine
Mahogany Side Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant side table by Axel Einar Hjort, made in dark mahogany. Beautiful sculpted decor and out turned lions’ feet. One small drawer.
Mahogany
Axel Einar Hjorth, table, NK 1935
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Axel Einar Hjorth, table model Typenko in red beech. Made in 1935 for the Spring Exhibition at Nordiska Kompaniet, Stockholm.
Beech
Sold
H 18.9 in W 27.96 in D 13.39 in
Side Table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Greding, DE
Low side table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for A.B. Nordiska Kompaniet. The triangular tabletop with slanted edges rests on three S-shaped legs; the outside shows the carving of a ...
Wood
Axel Einar Hjorth Table Guéridon for Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in CA, CA
An exceptional ebony Macassar and parcel-gilt circular table by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, circa 1928. The sunburst top is of matched ebony Macassar with a stepped fa...
Ebony
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet Lovo Side Table
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
Solid pine table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced for Stockholm department store Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1930s. He was the store's chief interior architect. The table...
Pine