Carl Malmsten, a prominent furniture designer and educator associated with Swedish modernism, enjoyed immense popularity for his shapely sofas and armchairs in luscious color palettes. Malmsten believed that light — much like our eyes and bodies — doesn’t like to bump into sharp objects. Smooth edges, on the other hand, are kinder to the eye and and to our touch, and allow light to softly bounce off surfaces. Malmsten felt that if his furniture didn’t “serve well” in the home, it had no business being there.
Malmsten’s career essentially began in 1915, when his submissions for a competition to furnish the new Stockholm City Hall were first- and second-place prize winners. In the 1920s, his profile soared. He won a prize at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts — the show that brought the Art Deco style to worldwide attention — and quickly became one of the most sought-after designers of commercial seating in Sweden.
Malmsten was soon contracted to design chairs, tables and other furniture for the Stockholm Concert Hall, the Swedish Institute in Rome and the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. His famous Art Nouveau-influenced Stadshusstolen chair, designed for Stockholm City Hall in 1916, is a highlight of the city’s recently opened Museum of Furniture Studies. Malmsten expanded into interior design and created a luxurious, well-appointed living room in the palace of then-Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and his bride, Crown Princess Louise.
In the 1930s, Malmsten clashed with critics when he voiced his opposition to functionalism. Like Danish modernist Kaare Klint, he favored using quality local materials and prized traditional craftsmanship. Malmsten’s furniture draws on graceful neoclassical influences, and he said that extreme functionalism contributed to “sterile” interiors — while the curving contours of his work may share ground with furniture designed by Alvar Aalto or Bruno Mathsson, Malmsten differed with Bauhaus eminences and some Scandinavian modernists on their prioritization of functionalism.
For an exhibition in 1956 at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg, Malmsten designed furniture that was intended for mass production — and his striking designs began to make their way into middle-class Swedish homes owing to Malmsten’s partnerships with manufacturers such as O.H. Sjögren. Until then, he had built his pieces at the school he founded in the 1930s or had them made by artisans at several small local workshops.
Malmsten founded a number of schools for design and collaborated with other designers who shared his philosophy of “hand and mind in creative collaboration.” These included the esteemed textile artist Märta Måås Fjetterström, whose pieces he included in exhibits and even his own home.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Carl Malmsten seating, tables, cabinets and more.
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors 'Birgitta' Vanity Table in Teak
By Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors, 'Birgitta' dressing table, teak, mirrored glass, Sweden, 1950s-1960s An exceptionally elegant dressing table designed by Carl Malmsten for Bodafors. Exec...
Mirror, Teak
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Prague, New Town
'Farmor' armchair, designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956. Produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden, 1950s. Recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 103 cm / 40.55 in Wid...
Sheepskin, Wood
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
$13,751Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Sofa Model "Värend" Carl Malmsten, 1942
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This Rare model” Värend” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1940s. The sofa has been reupholstered. Stained elm, back with ribs, loose back cushions and upholstered seat, cove...
Elm
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Set of Swedish Modern dining chairs model "Pyramid" designed by Carl Malmsten.
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Set of five dining chairs model "Pyramid" designed by Carl malmsten. Made in Sweden by Åfors möbelfabrik during the 1940-50s. Made from solid mahogny and linen fabric in light blue c...
Linen, Mahogany
Cabinet Model "Lillbo" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
Elegant cabinet in walnut, model “Lillbo” designed by Carl Malmsten. The piece is raised on slender legs, giving it a light and architectural presence, while the upper cabinet and lo...
Wood
Swedish Grace Side Chairs by Carl Malmsten, SMF Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace side chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with a curved backs and legs that form a refined silhouette. Contrasting cro...
Wool, Birch
Midcentury chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, made from birch with clean lines. Veneer laid in a striking graphic pattern.
Birch
Swedish Grace Vitrine Bookcase, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant bookcase with vitrine doors by Carl Malmsten, perfect for organizing favorite books and objects. Made from mahogany with woodgrain laid in contrasting directions.
Glass, Mahogany
Sidetable with intarsia decor by Carl Malmsten, Scandinavian Modern
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare sidetable in mahogany veneer with intarsia decor depicting leaves, by reowned designer Carl Malmsten, Sweden circa 1940s. Two drawers on each side. Makers mark CM underneath ta...
Wood
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by carl malmsten circa 1960. Well known model of sofa designed by carl malmsten, this sofa is a 3 seater. Shaped back and arms, with tufted ...
Fabric, Beech
"Ambassadör" Sideboard by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
European walnut sideboard with three drawers and three separate storage compartments. "Ambassadör" model designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden. Original manufacture...
Walnut
Carl Malmsten Pair of 'Farmor' Armchairs in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of 'Farmor' armchairs, designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956. Produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden, 1950s. Recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 103 cm / 40....
Sheepskin, Wood
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brown orange fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Vintage cu...
Fabric, Oak
Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, Reupholstered Sheepskin, Sweden, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB Record Bollnäs Sweden. The sofa has been fully reupholstered and now have its ...
Sheepskin
Carl Malmsten Vintage 1950s Gavle Chair in Moss Green Velvet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Gävle Lounge Chair, 1950s The Gävle chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's more obscure and rare armchair designs. The chair is named after the municipality ...
Wool, Beech
Carl Malmsten Samspel Sofa in Wool Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Wool, Oak
Pair of Mahogany Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
A handsome pair of “Erik Gustav/Jonas Love” chairs by Carl Malmsten, produced by his own studio. The barrel back opens generously, and the mahogany frame subtly flares where the arms...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Library Table in Birch by Carl Malmsten, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare library table, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden during the 1920s, exemplifies the quiet elegance and craftsmanship central to the Swedish Grace movemen...
Birch
1950s Swedish Velvet Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
“Samspel” Sofa by Carl Malmsten in Original Pink Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
The “Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. The softly curved backrest flows into the raised armrests, complemented by ...
Fabric, Beech
Carl Malmsten & Yngve Ekström Pair of 'Caryngo' Chairs in Oak and Canvas
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström for Swedese, 'Caryngo' armchairs, oak, canvas, Sweden, 1955 These Caryngo lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström features an oak frame and ...
Canvas, Oak
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Side or Bedside Tables in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of side or bedside tables, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden, reflects the refined sensibility and craftsmanship that define his legacy in Scandinavian ...
Pine
Pair of Scandinavian armchairs 'Stora Furulid' in sheepskin by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A stunning pair of armchairs by the famous furniture designer- Carl Malmsten. These iconic chairs provides great comfort and are of enduring quality. Back tufted by buttons, elegant...
Sheepskin, Wood
Scandinavian modern coffee table 'Berg' by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A refined coffee table designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1940s. The Berg model features a beautifully patterned alder root veneer top resting on an elegant solid beech tripod base. ...
Beech
1950s Swedish Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden's...
Beech, Sheepskin
Carl Malmsten, “Visingsö” Cabinet in Pine, Svensk Fur, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A charming cabinet with writing flap from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur. Executed in pine, the piece reflects Malmsten’s philosophy of “...
Pine
$44,714 / set
Dining Chairs in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1933
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dining Chairs in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1933 Additional Information: Material: Pine Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Very rare dining chairs model Skedblad Produced in Sweden Dimensi...
Pine
Swedish Modern Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Uccle, BE
This Samspel 2 seaters sofa has been reupholstered in a cotton blend-Villa Nova Bari fabric parchment color. This “Samspel” or Interplay sofa was created by Carl Malmsten, one of Sw...
Cotton, Beech
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
1950’s Lounge Chair By Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950’s lounge chair designed by renowned Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. Beautiful organic design. Beech legs. Vintage upholstery. Produced by AB Record
Beech
Carl Malmsten Vintage 1950s Samspel Chairs in Moss Green Velvet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Lounge Chairs, 1950s The Samspel chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's most well-loved and sought after designs. These examples were produced in the...
Beech, Velvet
$14,182 / set
Pair of Cirkus Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Cirkus Lounge Chair, 1950s The Cirkus Chair by Carl Malmsten was designed in the early 1950s and has become one of his most well-loved and distinctive designs from h...
Wool, Bouclé, Oak, Walnut
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and light-grey fabric sofa designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 78.5"W x 27.75"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Ar...
Fabric, Wood, Birch
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
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated series with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country man...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” Shelving Units in Pine, Svensk Fur, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of Scandinavian shelving units from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Each unit features thr...
Pine
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Carl Löfving & Söner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Walnut Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Cabinet Produced by Carl Löfving & Söner in Sweden...
Walnut
Sofa 'Värend' by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the 1940s. Model 'Värend' with an elegant design made in elm.
Fabric, Elm
Pair of Carl Malmsten Art Deco High Back Armchairs, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Swedish Art Deco (1930s) high back armchairs with burl wood veneer frames featuring an inlaid geometric floral design across the top back rails, two shallow wings topped with...
Fabric
Swedish Grace Side Chair by Carl Malmsten, SMF Bodafors, 1920s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant Swedish Grace side chair by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with a curved back and legs that form a refined silhouette. Contrasting cross-shaped ...
Wool, Birch
Carl Malmsten “Härjedalen” Large Drop-Leaf Table, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An unusually large version of Carl Malmsten’s “Härjedalen” drop-leaf table. Made of pine with two hinged leaves, allowing the table to be used in several sizes. Branded CM.
Pine
$5,800 / set
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, 1950
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful set of six dining chairs in beech, by Carl Malmsten for Waggeryds Möbelfabrik AB, Sweden, 1950, all with arm rests and upholstered seats.
Upholstery, Beech
Sideboard “Calmare Nyckel”, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard in oak designed by Carl Malmsten as part of the “Calmare Nyckel” series. The piece features four framed cabinet doors and a decorative drawers with carved circular motifs...
Oak
Carl Malmsten “Capella” Swedish Flatweave Rug
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An early unsigned example of the “Capella” rug, designed by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the 1940s. Woven in the traditional Swedish rölakan flatweave technique, the rug is reversi...
Wool
Console Table "Sportstugemöbel" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Console or dining table designed by Carl Malmsten in 1953 model "Visingsö", This early example from the Beginning of the 1950s without the added screws on the short ends and visible ...
Pine
Pair of "Guldheden" Bedside Tables by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of elegant bedside tables in pine, designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent condition with small signs of usage and patina.
Pine
Scandinavian Modernist Dining Table by Carl Malmsten, 1940s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Carl Malmsten
Located in Forest, BE
This is a large and unusual dining table made out of pine. Produced in Sweden around the 1940s. It is a so unique in the shape, the base is very unusual. It will brighten any project...
Pine
Carl Malmsten Upholstered Armchairs for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl Malmsten devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country manors and rustic styles. In this spirit, his armchairs are regarded t...
Fabric, Wood
Carl Malmsten Swedish Grace Executive Desk
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
An inlaid rosewood and flame birch desk with locking drawer, filing cabinet and pullout drawers. Various wood inlay. Finished on all sides. Knee hole...
Rosewood
Midcentury "Tulip Rose" chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, model called “Tulipanros” (“Tulip Rose”), made in mahogany and root veneer laid in an elegant pattern. Graphic decor on the drawer fronts...
Birch
Set of 6 Vidar Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Rosewood, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Göteborg, SE
Vidar's chair is an iconic chair by Carl Malmsten's son Vidar Malmsten in the 1970s. Widely used in the US and Canada in studio furniture maker training...
Rosewood
$4,459Sale Price|20% Off
“Samsas” Sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Karis, Nyland
An original “Samsas” three-seater sofa designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren in Tranås, Sweden, during the 1960s. The design captures Malmsten’s signature human-cent...
Wool, Wood
$6,419Sale Price|35% Off
Carl Malmsten Swedish Flat Weave Rölakan "Capellagården" Wool Rug, Sweden 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Ystad, SE
Rare “Capellagården” Rölakan Carpet by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s. An important and highly collectible Swedish rölakan flatweave carpet designed by Carl Malmsten, the “Capellagård...
Wool
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
Swedish Modern Samsas armchair by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Uccle, BE
This Samsas armchair has been reupholstered in a cotton blend-Villa Nova Bari fabric parchment color. This armchair was created by Carl Malmsten, one of Sweden's best known furnitur...
Cotton, Beech
Carl Malmsten, Side Tables, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak side tables designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Moderate fading to tops as illustrated. ...
Teak