As the descendant of four generations of Swedish master cabinetmakers, Bruno Mathsson was born to design furniture. Mathsson was known as a methodical perfectionist who made usefulness the fundamental attribute of his iconic lounge chairs, tables, armchairs and other works, yet he was also a ceaseless experimenter, who constantly searched for improvements in form, materials and methods of design.
Like the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, Mathsson was one of the first Scandinavians to embrace undulating, biomorphic forms in furniture. His early pieces such as the Eva and Pernilla series of chairs incorporate dramatically flowing bent beechwood frames, making them some of the most instantly recognizable works of 20th-century design.
Mathsson was also a pioneer of ergonomics — he is said to have based the contours of his chairs on the impression his body made when he sat in a snow bank — and used supple, accommodating woven webbing for seats. His concern for practicality is shown by pieces such as the Maria table. An elegant design with gate legs and hinged leaves, the table measures more than nine feet long when fully extended, but folds down to just nine inches in thickness.
From the mid-1940s through the 1950s, Mathsson focused on architecture, designing and building houses with insulated, triple-glazed window walls and heated floors — construction that flew in the face of traditional wood-clad Swedish residential design, and consequently met with some skepticism. He returned to furniture in the 1960s, employing an entirely new suite of materials: Stainless-steel framing and mesh seats feature in pieces like the Jetson chair; with the mathematician Piet Hein, Mathsson designed the Super-Elliptical table, which has a laminate top and four-part tubular steel legs that sprout like flower stems from a single base.
Bruno Mathsson’s stylistic flexibility as a designer made him a creator whose pieces meet all tastes and needs.
Find vintage Bruno Mathsson dining tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$15,426
Ultra Rare Wall Secretary
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Munich, DE
Designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1938 and made by Karl Mathsson. There is a common version in birch. This one is in masur birch! Located in hamburg.
Maria Flap Dining Table in Rosewood, Beech and Brass by Bruno Mathsson, 1950's
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Maria Flap Dining Table in Rosewood, Beech and Brass by Bruno Mathsson, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, beech and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced ...
Rosewood
Bruno Mathsson Bookcase Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bookcase designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Steel
Vintage Midcentury "Pernilla" Chaise Lounge by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare, early edition “Pernilla” chaise lounge with wheels by Bruno Mathsson. Made from solid birch with curved lines. Original wreathed paper web...
Papercord, Birch
Superellipse Dining Table Model B616 By Piet Hein & Arne Jacobsen
By Bruno Mathsson, Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen, Piet Hein
Located in Lejre, DK
Superellipse dining table, model B616, designed by Piet Hein in collaboration with Bruno Mathsson and Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. The table has a minimalist look with a grey lami...
Steel
1971 Bruno Mathsson Swedish Drop Leaf Wood Steel Rolling Work Table
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Madrid, ES
A refined and highly functional drop-leaf table by Bruno Mathsson, embodying the designer’s hallmark balance of simplicity, craftsmanship, and adaptability. Crafted in warm-toned woo...
Metal, Steel
$4,556Sale Price|40% Off
Very Rare Bruno Mathsson Sofa in Perfect Condition
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Munich, DE
No.T201 sofa designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1936 and made by Karl Mathsson. Re-upholstered to perfect condition. Vintage nos fabric. One from the first year...
Fabric, Wood
Dining table Superellips Designed by Bruno Mathsson 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
The ‘Superellipse’ dining table, designed by Bruno Mathsson in collaboration with Piet Hein during the 1960s, is an icon of Scandinavian modern design. Its distinctive superelliptica...
Metal
$5,010
Table by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in London, England
A large circular coffee table by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. With a silver birch veneered top and beech legs, stamped to the underside of the top. Fantastic quality and design. ...
Beech, Birch
Bruno Mathsson Early Eva Easy Chair by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Early easy chair model Eva designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Hemp, Birch
‘Eva’ 3-Seater Sofa by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
Bruno Mathsson’s “Eva” sofa, designed in the 1940s, is an exemplary piece that showcases his mastery of form, function, and material innovation. This iconic sofa is characterized by ...
Leather, Beech
$4,112Sale Price / set|47% Off
Bruno Mathsson Scandinavian Mid Century Mirja Tan Leather Lounge Chairs 1970s
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Pair of Bruno Mathsson for DUX Mirja Tan Leather Easy Lounge Chairs Made in Sweden Mid Century Modern These chairs have a chromium-plated s...
Steel, Chrome
Rare birds eye birch "Super Ellips" by Bruno Mathsson
By Piet Hein, Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare version of the iconic "Super Ellips" table designed by Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson in collaboration. This example produced by Mathsson International during the 1960-70s. Large su...
Stainless Steel
Beechwood Upholstered Chaise by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in New York, NY
Beechwood upholstered chaise by Bruno Mathsson.
Fabric, Beech
Bruno Mathsson extremely rare original 1936 stool collector in mint condition
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Forest, BE
Tabouret dans son état d'origine. Daté de 1936 et produit en 1941 dans les ateliers de son père Karl Mathsson. Ce tabouret est unique et invite au repos. Les sangles sont en bon état...
Birch
Lounge Chair ‘Pernilla 3’ Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lounge chair ‘Pernilla 3’ designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1946 - 1947. Laminated birch and textile. Stamped. Provenance: This chair, which was special...
Textile, Birch
Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson Dining Table with 2 Extension Leafs Super Elipse
By Fritz Hansen, Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson dining table with new professional lacquered white plate. Two Extension leaf of 60 cms. Legs of chromed metal. Model Super Elipse...
Chrome
1970s Minette Chair by Bruno Mathsson in original oxblood leather
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Victoria, BC
Rare variant of the Minette chair designed by Bruno Mathsson during the 1970s. Preserved in exceptional original condition, this example reflects Mathsson’s lifelong exploration of c...
Beech, Bentwood
Teak 'Super-Circular' Table by Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson for Fritz Hansen, 1968
By Bruno Mathsson, Piet Hein, Fritz Hansen
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Early ‘Super-Circular’ dining table designed by Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson in 1968. This old version features a top in beautiful teak wood combined with a sleek and practical pedesta...
Metal
Shelf ‘Book crib’ designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1961
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Shelf ‘Book crib’ model T-709 designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1961. Frame in elm, legs in laminated beech. Stamped. H: 25.5 cm / 10" L: 50 cm / 19 3/4'...
Beech, Elm
Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair Produced by Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare early lounge chair designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Birch
Original Photo of furniture by Bruno Mathsson / Sweden - 1945
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1952 - Museum of decorative Arts in Czech republic - suitable for framing - photographed by Illek and Paul jr
Paper
1970s Cleft-Leg Side Table in Ash Wood by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Knebel, DK
1970s Cleft-Leg side table in ash wood by Bruno Mathsson Large Bruno Mathsson’s square sized “cleft-leg” table originally designed in 1948 and manufactored by Karl Mathsson in 1973...
Ash
Original Bruno Mathsson Book Cradle for Karl Mathsson ( 1st Production Example )
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Bruno Mathsson Book Cradle for Karl Mathsson 1st Production Label still attached. Handwritten Date of '41 in pencil on top of Label. Des...
Birch
Sofa in Laminated Birch and Original Leather Webbing by Bruno Mathsson, 1968
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Laminated Birch and Original Leather Webbing by Bruno Mathsson, 1968 Additional Information: Material: Laminated birch and original leather webbing Style: Mid century, Scand...
Birch
Original Dux of Sweden EVA Sessel Bruno Mathsson Armchair Buche
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen schwedischen Armlehnstuhl "EVA" aus Buchenholz und Sattelleder von Dux of Sweden zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Bruno Mathsson aus dem Jahr 193...
Leather, Wood
1970s Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson Annika Coffee Table, 37 inches
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Annika Coffee Table, initially designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in 1936. This piece dates to the 1970s and was produced in Sweden. The design features gr...
Birch, Teak
Early 'Super Ellipse' Dining Table by Piet Hein for Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Piet Hein
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A "super elipse" shaped dining table designed by Piet Hein featuring a teak wood top with chromed steel legs. This table is from the first year of manufacture (pre-Fritz Hansen produ...
Steel
Bruno Mathsson Wall-Mounted Bookcase by Bruno Mathsson International in Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Wall-mounted bookcase designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Bruno Mathsson International in Sweden.
Beech
Bruno Mathsson Side Table by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side / magazine table designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Metal
Bruno Mathsson Side Table Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side / magazine table designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Metal
Bruno Mathsson, 'Annika' Table, Designed 1936, Beautiful Early Example pre-war
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in London, GB
Bruno Mathsson (designer) Karl Mathsson, Värnamo, Sweden (manufacturer) 'Annika' low table, designed 1936. Curly birch top on laminated birch legs. Stamped to underside 'MADE IN SW...
Birch
1960s Piet Hein / Bruno Mathsson / Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Coffee Table
By Bruno Mathsson, Piet Hein, Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a teak coffee table, originally designed by Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson, and Arne Jacobsen. This particular example was produced in the 1960s by Fritz Hansen. The design is com...
Steel
Occasional Table “Annika” Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Birch. Measure: H: 50.5 cm / 20’’ D: 84.5 cm / 2’ 9 1/2’’.
Birch
1968 Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson Music Reading Stand in Birch and Ash
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Swedish music stand, initially designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in 1936. This piece dates to 1968 and was produced in Sweden. The design features a tubula...
Steel
'Annika' Table Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1936
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table Annika designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden. 1936. Elm top and birch legs. Measurements: H: 65 cm / 2' 2" D: 95 cm / 3' 1 7/8" This round “Annika” occasional table was manufactured in 1967 and designed in 1936; it is made of birch with a smooth Oregon pine top. Bruno Mathsson created various iterations of his “Annika” model — they come in three shapes with different wood combinations and various heights. They can be round with three legs, square with four legs, or rectangular with six legs, allowing exciting and contrasting combinations when grouped. While the design aesthetic is delicate, the table is very well-made because of the strong plywood. Bruno Mathsson’s love for nature pervades all his designs — he frequently slept outside in the forest or his garden on a specially designed foldable bed. His furniture shapes, particularly the legs, bring bull's horns or insects to mind. Mathsson was one of the most important Swedish designers of the 20th century. He was a contemporary of Alvar Aalto and Marcel Breuer, all of whom had already experimented with bent plywood during the 1930s. Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson's father, was the fifth generation in a family of master cabinet makers. He owned a furniture manufacturing company that produced the earlier pieces; later, they founded "Mathsson International”. The stamp indicates the manufacturing date and, sometimes, the design date. Bruno Mathsson often gave his furniture Swedish woman...
Birch, Elm
1960s Swedish Eva Lounge Chairs by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eva Hog lounge chair, Model 41, initially designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in 1941. These particular examples were produced in Sweden in the 1960s. The l...
Steel
Early Swedish Annika Coffee Table In Cuban Mahogany By Bruno Mathsson Circa 1940
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A graceful early "Annika" coffee table by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson. The Annika table was designed in 1936, this early example manufactured circa 1940....
Hardwood, Beech
Price Upon Request
Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in New York, NY
Chic "Berlin" daybed by Swedish modern master, Bruno Mathsson. Made by Firma Karl Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960 Molded Beech, new upholstery Measures: 80" L x 40" W x 18.5" H. Bruno M...
Upholstery, Beech