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 Mattheson's Berlin Daybed for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in San Diego, CA
Leather daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson. The daybed originally debuted at the International Exhibition in Berlin in 1957. The frame is made of birch plywood and feat...
Leather, Birch, Bentwood
'Berlin' daybed in beech by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
'Berlin' daybed with new mattress upholstered in 'Heritage Linen' fabric (color: Natura) with lambskin neck pillow on a patinated beech frame. Label from Illums Bolighus. Designed by...
Lambskin, Fabric, Beech
Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin Produced by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed model Berlin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Leather, Beech
Scandinavian Modern Daybed in Birch by Bruno Mathsson, 1973
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The rare Berlin daybed, designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by his father Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden, is a landmark piece in the canon of Scandinavian modern design. First ...
Sheepskin, Birch
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
'Berlin' - Daybed in beech by Bruno Mathsson
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
'Berlin' daybed with new mattress upholstered in 'Heritage Linen' textile (colour: Desert Palm) on frame in patinated beech. Stamped from manufacturer Karl Mathsson and designed by B...
Fabric, Beech
Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Daybed
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruno Matthson descended from five generations of master cabinetmakers in Sweden. “He carefully studied the ‘mechanics of sitting.’ For example, in search of the perfect seating curv...
Upholstery, Beech
"Paris" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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
Bruno Mathsson Daybed for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, c.1960s, Sweden. The daybed features a bent birch plywood frame that curves slightly upwards at the headrest. It is finished...
Leather, Birch
'Berlin 57' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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
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
Mid-Century Modern Daybed in Beech and Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
A stunning and versatile Mid-Century Modern daybed, dating to the 1950s. This piece is a masterclass in the "form follows function" philosophy, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that ...
Metal
$1,781
H 33.08 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Armchair Model "Eva" by Bruno Mathsson Birch/Hemp, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in München, BY
Mid century armchair model "Eva" made of birch and braided hemp webbing. Design by the well-known Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson, Sweden. The Eva armchair is a design from 1941. Ve...
Hemp, Birch
$6,492 / set
H 40.16 in W 25.2 in D 34.65 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pair of Lounge Chair "Miranda" by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian pair of lounge chair "Miranda" by Bruno Mathsson. Bentlaminated Beech treated with clearcoat. Seat cover...
Beech
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Woven Cotton and Beech Side Chair
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Astoria, NY
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Beech Side Chair, with tan cotton woven seat and back, marked "Bruno Mathsson / Design / Made in Sweden". 33" H x 19" W x 22" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: A N...
Cotton, Beech
Swedish Designer, Daybed, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and stained birch daybed designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 76.0"W x 32.75"D...
Fabric, Birch
Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Daybed
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruno Matthson descended from five generations of master cabinetmakers in Sweden. “He carefully studied the ‘mechanics of sitting.’ For example, in search of the perfect seating curv...
Upholstery, Beech
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chaise Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl 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
$5,003
H 37.8 in W 34.26 in D 36.42 in
Scandinavian Modern Pernilla Lounge Chair Ottoman Bruno Mathsson DUX 1970 Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage Pernilla lounge chair or easy chair with ottoman from bentwood and fabric in butter cream color by Bruno Mathsson for Dux, 1970s. Iconic lounge chair mod...
Fabric, Bentwood
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Lounge Chair by Karl Mathsson, 1970s
By Bruno Mathsson, Ivan Schlechter
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage "Eva" lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson made by Karl Mathsson in 1974. The beechwood and hemp webbings has a nice patina and the chair comes with a leather cover hand sewn by Iv...
Hemp, Beech, Leather
$2,978
H 33.08 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in
Beautiful Lounge Chair Mod. Eva by Bruno Mathsson, 1960ies Sweden No.2
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Berlin, DE
Lounge Chair “Eva” by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Värnamo, Sweden, 1960s Offered here is an iconic “Eva” lounge chair, designed by celebrated Swedish furniture designer Bruno ...
Leather, Beech
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
$9,262 / set
H 33.08 in W 23.63 in D 27.17 in
Pair of armchairs ‘Eva’ designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of armchairs ‘Eva’ designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1964. Leather and birch. Stamped. With its characteristically curved legs and armrests, this iconic c...
Leather, Birch
Bruno Mathsson Daybed, Sweden circa 1960
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Culver City, CA
Sweden, 1960 Beech frame and newly upholstered in velvet by BDDW. 80”w x 40”d x 27”h x 18”seat Ref. MOD1178 $ 7,000
Velvet, Beech
'Berlin' Daybed in Birchwood by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden 1972
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Hellouw, NL
A rare Berlin daybed, designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1957, captures the essence of Scandinavian modernism. Introduced at the International Building Exhibition in Berlin, this model ex...
Birch
Bruno Mathsson Berlin Daybed
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Oakland, CA
Rare version of model "Berlin" daybed designed in the 1930s by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, made in Sweden. Production year 1963. Frame-platform is constructed of steam-b...
Fabric, Birch
Rare 'Berlin' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, 1957
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
A rare and beautiful ‘Berlin’ daybed designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson in 1957. It was first shown in 1957 at the International Building Exhibition in Berlin where it rece...
Wool, Beech
Berlin T303 Daybed by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Portland, OR
Rare model Berlin daybed by Bruno Mathsson in Beech. Platform daybed features lovely sculptural lines and it’s quality construction makes it e...
Beech
Sold
H 19.69 in W 76.78 in D 38.59 in
Rare ‘Berlin’ daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden 1969
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare ‘Berlin’ daybed designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden 1969. This first edition daybed has the original canvas upholstery with leather cognac buttons. The fr...
Beech
Original Vintage "Berlin 57" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Signed
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in North Miami, FL
A totally original piece from Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, with a newly upholstered cushion in a cotton/linen thick weave natural fabric (preserving the original design). ...
Cotton, Linen, Beech
Bruno Matthsson 'Paris' Daybed C. 1937
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bruno Mathsson 'Paris' chaise lounge. Designed in 1936 for the 1937 edition of the Paris International Exposition. Manufactured by...
Hemp, Birch, Bentwood
Sold
H 43.31 in W 82.68 in
Bruno Mathsson "Berlin 57" Mid-Century Daybed in Beech Produced in Sweden, 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare daybed model "Berlin 57" designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1963. In good vintage and original condition with some signs from age and use. The lin...
Linen, Birch
Sold
H 19.3 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Vintage Model Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1960s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Rare daybed designed by Bruno Mathsson for by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden. Model Berlin Made in beech and original wool fabric with leather buttons. Good vintage condition.
Wool, Birch
Bruno Mathsson 'Berlin' Daybed by Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Utrecht, NL
Birch and beech plywood daybed model T303 also known as the 'Berlin' daybed since it was first presented at the International Building Exhibition in Berlin in 1957. Designed by Swedi...
Beech, Birch
Sold
H 18.51 in W 37.8 in D 76.78 in
Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed model Berlin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Leather, Fabric, Birch