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 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
Bruno Mathsson Book Crib in Elm by Firma Karl Mathsson, 1976
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
Book crib designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1941. This example made by original manufacturer Firma Karl Mathsson in 1976. Made from solid elm and bent wood beech in the legs. Subtle join...
Elm
Bruno Mathsson Wall-Mounted Bookcase by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall-mounted bookcase designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Birch, Pine
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
Magazine table Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This rare Bruno Mathsson magazine table for Firma Karl Mathsson in Värnamo is a thoughtful expression of Swedish design and Scandinavian vintage design at its most architectural. Des...
Birch
Shelf 'Book crib' model T-709 Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bruno Mathsson’s “Book crib” model T-709 is a refined example of Scandinavian vintage design where function and sculpture are perfectly aligne...
Birch
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
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
Sold|$4,780
H 27.96 in W 31.5 in D 9.85 in
Set of Swedish Grace Bookcases in Elm & Birchwood with Fluted Feet, 1930s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Odense, DK
A refined pair of Swedish Modern bookcases in the style of Otto Schulz dating from the 1930s–1940s, crafted in warm-toned elm and birchwood. Their restrained architectural form is el...
Birch, Elm
Scandinavian Bookcase in Pine by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
A beautiful shelf designed by Carl Malmsten, manufactured in his own studio, 1940s. This piece goes together well with pine furniture from other Swedish designers from the era, suc...
Pine
Antique American Art Deco Book Shelf
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique American Art Deco wood book shelf free standing, in two shelves.
Wood
$9,446
H 96.46 in W 100.79 in D 36.62 in
Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm, France, c. 1980, Scandinavian Style
By Ebenisterie Seltz et Fils 1
Located in St Ouen, FR
French work of the 1980s, this elegant shelves combines rusticity and modernity by the choice of a wood with warm tones and minimalist lines, like the creations of Pierre Chapo. The...
Elm
Bruno Mathsson Shelf Model MI 1050, Sweden, 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall shelf model MI 1050 designed by Bruno Mathsson during the 1960s, produced by Bruno Mathsson International, Sweden. Very good vintage condition.
Birch
Swedish Sky / Floor Bookcase in Teak and Brass, 1960s
By Ico Parisi, Ignazio Gardella
Located in taranto, IT
Large Swedish sky / earth bookcase, original from the 1960s, made of teak with three compartments on four metal uprights, floor and ceiling fixing with brass elements, shelves and do...
Brass
$15,820
H 86.62 in W 103.94 in D 17.72 in
Wall Unit Bookcase by Knoll International designed by Fred Ruf, 1950s
By Knoll, Fred Ruf
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Wall Unit by Knoll International designed by Fred Ruf, 1950s A rare wall-mounted shelving unit designed by Fred Ruf and produced by Knoll International, Stuttgart, in the 1950s. Cab...
Formica, Walnut
$4,500 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 10.83 in
Pair of Wall-Mounted Bookcases in Solid Teak by Mogensen Koch
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of wall-mounted units in solid teak. Designed by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers in 1933. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Teak
$3,243
H 59.06 in W 47.25 in D 15.36 in
Early 20th Century Swedish Oak “Gillberga” Bookcase by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1924
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Balen, BE
Dating from 1924, this oak bookcase was produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), Sweden’s leading department store and one of the country’s most influential producers and retailers of fu...
Oak
Swedish Modern Bookcase in Pine, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in Sweden, 1940s
Pine
$5,121
H 114.18 in W 33.08 in D 7.88 in
Floor-to-ceiling modular bookcase produced by FEAL, 1950s, Italy
By Feal
Located in Milano, IT
We offer a rare and valuable floor-to-ceiling modular bookcase produced by FEAL in the 1950s, an authentic example of the best Italian postwar design. This particular version stands ...
Metal, Brass
Bruno Mathsson 'Anita' Shelving System, 1970s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered steel, birch and beech wood. Measures: height 250 cm Depth 34 cm. Width 145.5 cm.
Steel
Pair of pine bookcases by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A pair of pine bookcases designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced in Sweden during the 1950s. A fine example of so called Swedish sports cabin furniture. The dimensions stated in the it...
Pine
$1,500 / set
H 14.18 in W 27.56 in D 6.3 in
Pair Wall-Mounted Bookcases in Solid Oregon Pine, Made in Denmark, 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of wall-mounted units in solid Oregon Pine. Designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Pine
Vintage Mid Century Modern Stained Wood Adjustable Book Shelf..
Located in Seattle, WA
This mid-century modern bookcase features a rich, warm wood finish highlighting subtle burl-like grain variation throughout its sturdy frame and back panel. Designed for flexible org...
Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 39.38 in D 13.78 in
Birch and pine wall shelf by Bruno Mathsson. Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden 1967
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall mounted shelf designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced in Sweden by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1967. Bent wood consoles made from birch with shelf made from beautiful fine grained pine,...
Birch, Pine
Sold
H 3,948.83 in W 39.38 in D 10.63 in
Birch and pine wall shelf by Bruno Mathsson. Firma Karl Mathsson, sweden 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall mounted shelf designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced in Sweden by Firma Karl Mathsson during the 1960s. Bent wood consoles made from birch with shelf made from beautiful fine grai...
Birch, Pine
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 13.78 in
Birch and pine wall shelf by Bruno Mathsson. Firma Karl Mathsson, sweden 1964
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall mounted shelf designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced in Sweden by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1964. Consisting of steam bent birch consoles, shelf in solid pine and bookshelf made from...
Metal
Private listing: Bruno Mathsson bookcase
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bookcase designed by Bruno Mathsson Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden Lacquered teel, birch and pine 1950s Mid century, Scandinavian Dimensions (W x D x H): 250 x 37 ...
Metal
Sold
H 10.04 in W 19.69 in D 10.63 in
Book crib by Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Sweden 1941, elm no.2
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Book crib designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1941. Very early example made by Firma Karl Mathsson the first year. Made from solid elm and bent wood beech in the legs. Small brass screw de...
Beech, Elm
Bruno Mathsson, book cart, Dux, 1980s
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
Book cart / book crib (bokvagga in Swedish) in beech designed by Bruno Mathsson for Swedish company DUX. Designed in 1941 but this example is produced in...
Beech
Sold
H 10.04 in W 19.69 in D 10.63 in
Book case "Bokvagga/Book crib" by Bruno Mathsson , Sweden 1941, elm and beech
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Book crib designed by bruno Mathsson in 1941. This example made by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1964. Made from solid elm and bent wood beech in the legs. Very good vintage condition with ...
Beech, Elm
Sold
H 83.08 in W 27.56 in D 11.82 in
Shelving Systems Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Mathsson International
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Shelving systems designed by Bruno Mathsson for Mathsson International, Sweden, 1960s. Pine and lacquered wood. Measu...
Wood, Pine, Lacquer
Sold
H 96.46 in W 157.49 in D 35.83 in
Shelving System Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered steel, birch and pine. Note: Only half of the system is pictures, i.e. only 200 cm. Measures: Total length 400 cm/ 13' 1 1/2" H 245 cm/ 8' 2 1/4".
Steel
Sold
H 10.63 in W 19.69 in D 10.63 in
'Book Crib' by Bruno Mathsson, Swedish Modern Books and Magazine Holder
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Utrecht, NL
Birch bookshelf named 'Book Crib' Model T-704 on laminated wooden legs by Bruno Matsson Sweden, originally designed in 1941. Meant to use next to a chair or ...
Birch, Plywood
Wall-Mounted Shelves / Bookcase by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Utrecht, NL
Large beech wall-mounted shelves / bookcase by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden. Versatile shelves for kitchen display, study or living room setting. Excellent condition.
Metal
Sold
H 42.13 in W 62.21 in D 11.42 in
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.
Steel
Sold
H 9.45 in W 19.69 in D 10.24 in
Bruno Mathsson Book Crib Model T-704 by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early book crib T-704 designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Birch
Sold
H 46.07 in W 35.44 in D 12.21 in
Bruno Mathsson Bookcase in Beech 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
Sold
H 10.63 in W 19.69 in D 10.63 in
Bruno Mathsson 'Book Crib' Bookshelf by Karl Mathsson, Dated 1963
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Utrecht, NL
Smaller birch bookshelf named 'Book Crib' Model T-704 on laminated wooden legs by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson. Signed with production date 1963, accordi...
Birch