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.
Bruno Mathsson, Chaise Longue, Birch, Jute, Sweden, 1936
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in High Point, NC
A very early production chaise longue designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Matthson, Värnamo, Sweden, 1936. With makers label specifying production year 1936. Seat Heigh...
Jute, Birch
Swedish Wooden Mid Century Lounge Chair "Model 36" by Bruno Mathsson, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century wooden lounge chair model " Vilstol / Model 36" in birch, webbing and sheepskin by Bruno Mathsson produced by...
Sheepskin, Birch, Paper
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chaise Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chaise Lounge and Ottoman. This set dates to about 2005. Still presents very well with a couple flaws photographed and shown in the photos. Sits very well, st...
Cotton, Birch
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla 3 Chaise Longue in Brown Leather, Karl Mathsson, 1944
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in The Hague, NL
This iconic chaise longue, Pernilla 3, was designed by the renowned Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. This particular chair is one of the earliest and most original versions, produced...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Bruno Mathsson "Pernilla" Chaise Longue Chair in Patinated Saddle Leather, 1964
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Bruno Mathssons iconic "Pernilla" Chaise Longue made in 1964 at Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden. Edition with patinated saddle leather. Solid birchwood with a beautiful warm patina. Equi...
Leather, Sheepskin
Bruno Mathsson Chaise Longue Early Chair no. 36. Blue Webbing & Beech, 1939
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Early edition of Bruno Mathsson chaise longue chair no. 36 with adjustable reading tray in elm wood. Dated manufacturer's paper label to the frame. Original blue paper weave webbing,...
Beech, Paper
Bruno Mathsson Scandinavian Modern Chaiselongue Model 36 by Karl Mathsson, 1964
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful "model 36" chaiselongue designed in 1936 by Bruno Mathsson and produced in 1964 by Karl Mathsson, Sweden. The chair is made of bent, laminated birch with a webbed canvas upholstery. Pillow in Greenlandic sealskin. Marked by maker. Model 36 is a reclining chair...
Beech
"Pernilla 3" Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Extended lounge chair model "Pernilla 3" designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by his company Firma Karl Mathsson during the 1950-60s. Made from laminated birch and beech wood. New up...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech, Birch
Scandinavian Lounge Chair "Pernilla 1" by Bruno Mathsson, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"The Scandinavian Lounge Chair 'Pernilla 1,' designed by the Swedish furniture designer Bruno Mathsson in the 1940s, is a masterpiece of mid-century modern ...
Wood
Scandinavian Lounge Chair & ottoman "Pernilla 1" by Bruno Mathsson, LEATHER
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Scandinavian Lounge Chair & ottoman "Pernilla 1" by Bruno Mathsson, Retains its original LEATHER .. Wonderful patina,, late 1940s early 1950s..Also retains original ink stamp wi...
Leather, Beech, Birch, Bentwood
Pair of vintage Pernilla-3 Chaiselongues by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of Pernilla 3 chaiselongue by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden a.1945. In laminated beech and fine brown saddle girth. We had these lounges re-covered with leather by ou...
Leather, Beech
Bruno Mathsson Chaise Longue, Beech Wood, Scandinavian Design, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This reclining chaise longue, model 36 by Bruno Mathsson, is a clear expression of Swedish modernism and the principles that shaped Scandinavian design in the mid-20th century. Desig...
Beech
Rare Pernilla Chaise Longue by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare “Pernilla” Chaise Longue with wheels by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson. Made in Sweden circa 1940s. Retains original label Firma Karl Ma...
Canvas, Birch
Vintage Midcentury "Pernilla" Chaise Lounge by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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
Beechwood Upholstered Chaise by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in New York, NY
Beechwood upholstered chaise by Bruno Mathsson.
Fabric, Beech
Vintage Brown Leather Chaise Longue
By Enrico Pellizzoni
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing a fluid silhouette crafted of bronzed cylindrical steel, padded in expanded polyurethane, and upholstered in vintage brown leather, this elegant chaise longue makes for th...
Leather
Swedish Modern Berlin Daybed T303 by Bruno Mathsson 1960
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime stamped Berlin daybed model #T303 designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in Varnamo, Sweden 1960. Crafted from blonde beechwood in the Scandinavian modern style o...
Fabric, Foam, Beech
$32,975
H 35.44 in W 57.88 in D 24.81 in
Vintage Midcentury "Pernilla" Chaise Lounge by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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
Early Bruno Mathsson model 36 easy chair
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Highland, IN
Among the earliest of Bruno Mathsson's designs is this rare model 36 easy chair. It features interesting details that were changed in later production. The le...
Beech, Leather
$5,991 / set
H 32.68 in W 19.3 in D 27.56 in
Scandinavian Easy Chairs "Arbetsstolen" by Bruno Mathsson, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Gorgeous pair of “Arbetsstolen” lounge chairs by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1940s. This early pair is made with paper webbing, due to loss of hemp during the Second World War. Condition: Great original condition with perfect patina. No damage to the webbing, and all original parts. We at 1st Modern...
Leather, Beech
$31,374
H 17.92 in W 85.83 in D 31.89 in
"Paris" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing “Paris” daybed by Bruno Mathsson, designed in 1937. Made from birch bentwood with wreathed jute. Sleek, clean design. Mattress in grey fabric on t...
Jute, Birch
‘Eva’ 3-Seater Sofa by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl 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
'Berlin 57' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A totally original piece from Bruno Mathsson dated 1968 and with fresh new cover in sand Alpaca fur by Pierre Frey with leather buttons. This model was originally shown at the Berlin...
Leather, Fabric, Beech
Mid Century Vintage Pernilla 69 Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Vintage Pernilla 69 Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson Sweden The Pernilla 69 is a classic easy chair designed by iconic Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. Bentwood beech fram...
Leather, Canvas, Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
$7,789
H 32.5 in W 61 in D 20 in
Bruno Mathsson Scandinavian Modern Chaiselongue Model 36 by Karl Mathsson, 1964
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful "model 36" chaiselongue designed in 1936 by Bruno Mathsson and produced in 1964 by Karl Mathsson, Sweden. The chair is made of bent, laminated birch with a webbed canvas upholstery. Pillow in Greenlandic sealskin. Marked by maker. Model 36 is a reclining chair...
Beech
$8,800 / set
H 33.25 in W 18.25 in D 21 in
Bruno Mathsson, Dining Room Chairs, Birch, Webbing, Sweden, 1965
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six birch and webbing dining room chairs designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Matthson, Sweden, 1965. Production date 1965. Light to moderate straining on...
Birch
$12,702
H 35.63 in W 25.2 in D 70.87 in
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
Early Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chair and Ottoman
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Long Island City, NY
An early and beautiful example of Bruno Mathsson’s classic Pernilla lounge chair, recently recovered in plush curly gray shearling. Chair: 42” long x 21” wide x 31” high (seat heigh...
Fur, Birch
Sold
H 35.83 in W 25.6 in D 66.15 in
Bruno Mathsson "Pernilla" Chaise Longue Chair in Paper Weave Webbing, 1950s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Early example of Bruno Mathssons "Pernilla" Chaise Longue made in the 1950s at Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden. Original dark paper weave webbing. Solid birchwood with a beautiful warm p...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Sold
H 35.83 in W 25.6 in D 66.15 in
Bruno Mathsson "Pernilla" Chaise Longue Chair in Saddle Girths, 1964
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Bruno Mathssons iconic "Pernilla" Chaise Longue made in 1964 at Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden. Original braided saddle girth. Solid birchwood with a beautiful warm patina. Equipped wit...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Sold
H 36 in W 26 in D 60 in
Bruno Mathsson ‘Pernilla 3’ Chaise Lounge, Dux Sweden, Sheep Wool/Leather
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Round Rock, TX
An all original ‘Pernilla 3’ chaise lounge by Bruno Mathsson for Dux, Sweden, 1970s. This uncommon example still retains its...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 20.08 in
Chaise longues by Bruno Mathsson with sheepskin cushion, Leather and birch 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Resting chair model 36 designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1936. This example made by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1941. Made from steam bent birch and solid beech wood. New leather webbing in t...
Leather, Beech, Sheepskin
Sold
H 35.5 in W 25.5 in D 62 in
Iconic Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chaise Lounge for Firma Karl Mathsson Sweden 1978
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic Original MidCentury Scandinavian Pernilla chaise lounge with arms, rendered in a bent beech wood frame with handwoven hemp burlap webbing strapping and an upholstered natural ...
Leather, Burlap, Upholstery, Hemp, Beech
Sold
H 35.83 in W 25.6 in D 66.15 in
Bruno Mathsson "Pernilla" Chaise Longue Chair in Patinated Saddle Leather, 1965
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Bruno Mathssons iconic "Pernilla" Chaise Longue made in 1965 at Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden. Edition with patinated saddle leather. Solid birchwood with a beautiful warm patina. Mark...
Leather, Sheepskin
Sold
H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 20.08 in
Early model 36 chaise longue by Bruno Mathsson, Leather and beech, 1940s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Resting chair model 36 designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1936. This example made by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1941. Made from steam bent birch and solid beech wood. New leather webbing in t...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 32.68 in W 55.12 in D 24.41 in
Model 36 chaise longues by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson 1940s Sweden
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Resting chair model 36 designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Firma Karl Mathsson, this example from the late 1930s to early 1940s. Rare to find with armrests. Made from steam bent ...
Brass
Sold
H 28 in W 25 in D 70 in
Bruno Mathsson for Dux "Pernilla 3" Chaise Lounge Chair in Lambswool & Leather
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Norwalk, CT
Embrace the epitome of Scandinavian Modern luxury with the Pernilla 3 Chaise Lounge Chair by Bruno Mathsson for Dux. This extraordinary piece represents a ha...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 39.38 in W 24.81 in D 66.93 in
Bruno Mathsson "Pernilla 3" Lounge Chair in long haired lambskin
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rare lounge chair model Pernilla / T-108 by Bruno Mathsson produced by Dux. The chair is with long haired lambskin
Beech, Lambskin
Sold
H 35.04 in W 20.08 in D 64.97 in
Bruno Mathsson "Pernilla 3" Lounge Chair in Leather and webbing Swedish
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rare lounge chair model Pernilla / T-108 by Bruno Mathsson produced by Dux. The chair is with webbing and new tan aniline leather pillow.
Leather, Beech