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 '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
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 that creates a striking silhouette, contrast...
Birch
Carl Malmsten "Farmor" Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950' Lounge chair designed by Carl Malmsten. The iconic "Farmor" (Grandmother) model, was designed in the 1950s and produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden. This piece is among Malmsten...
Upholstery, Birch
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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, Nightstands, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak nightstands designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Bodafors, Sweden, c. 1950s. Stain to one tabletop surface. Natural cracking of trim edge. Minimal wear to insid...
Teak
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and fabric "Erik Gustav" lounge chairs or armchairs designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.625"H x 27.5"W x 29.0"...
Fabric, Walnut
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
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 for O.H. Sjögren Pair of 'Our Lady' Lounge Chair in Teak
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, 'Our Lady' lounge chair, teak, fabric, Sweden, 1950s. Interesting Swedish lounge chair by Carl Malmsten in off-white fabric with tufted back. The di...
Fabric, Teak
Carl Malmsten Set of Eight Armchairs in Mahogany and Blue Upholstery
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, set of eight armchairs, mahogany, blue velvet, Sweden, 1940s Set of armchairs designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten that are hard to come by. These chairs contai...
Mahogany
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
Pair of Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” Shelving Units in Pine, Svensk Fur, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
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" 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
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
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
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
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
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, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1970s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.0"H x 31.5"W x 31.5"D All items ship ...
Wood
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Löfving & Söner, Carl Malmsten
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
Functionalist "Sketching Table" desk by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking desk by Carl Malmsten, in a rustic design, model called “Skissbordet” (“The Sketching Table”). Made from pine with clean lines, discreet drawer under the table top.
Pine
Carl Malmsten Pair of 'Farmor' Armchairs in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
Alder wood entry or sofa table by Carl Malmsten, Swedish modern 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Entry table or game table designed by Carl Malmsten, model "Berga". Produced by his own workshop during the 1940s. Perfect in a hallway or library for vases and books or as a game ta...
Teak
$13,038 / set
Pair of Carl Malmsten of Armchairs, circa 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten Armchairs, circa 1950s A pair of upholstered armchairs from Swedish master: Carl Malmsten. This model is a lighter variation on the Samsas chair with taller legs. This...
Bouclé, Beech
Scandinavian Modern by Carl Malmsten ”Lata Greven” Pair of Chairs
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern “Lata Greven” chairs designed by Carl Malmsten around 1953. This particular pair is likely made during the later years of the 1900s. Produced by O.H Sjögren. The ...
Birch, Wool
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
$3,600
Carl Malmsten Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjogren. Birch wood frame with original upholstery. Made in Sweden. 1970's
Birch
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
Swedish high pine cabinet 'Carolus' by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Swedish high bar cabinet designed by Carl Malmsten during the 1950s. Made in beautifully patinated pine. Possible to remove the top part.
Pine
Swedish Pine Stool by Carl Malmsten, Scandinavian Modern, Circa 1950
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Charming solid pine stool model "Hadar", reminiscent of the "sportstugemöbler" furniture. Designed and manufactured by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from solid pine ...
Pine
Modernist Carl Malmsten Pine 1940s Desk with a shelf, unique
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Carl Malmsten
Located in Forest, BE
This is a unusual desk made out of pine. Produced in Sweden around the 1940s. It is a so unique in the shape, the base is very unusual with the shelf as a feet. It will brighten any...
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
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
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master cabinetmaker Carl Malmsten. It was produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden. Thi...
Sheepskin, Beech
$45,798 / 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
Carl Malmsten 'Släden' nesting tables, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Produced in Sweden by Åfors Möbelfabrik. Good condition. Central table: H 57 cm × L 70,5 cm × W 41 cm Small tables: H 53.5 cm × L 36.5 c...
Teak
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
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
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
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
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Samsas Original Armchair
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Kramfors, SE
Carl Malmsten Samsas armchair for O.H. Sjögren from the mid 20th century. The chair is a Swedish modern classic and the Samsas series is today recognised as the most characteristic d...
Fabric, Wood
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
Pair of Vintage Swedish Samsas Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage Swedish Samsas armchairs by Carl Malmsten. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1960’s. The quality is absolutely outstandin...
Bouclé, Beech
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
Carl Malmsten Swedish Lounge Chair, 1950s, Mohair Velvet by Chase Erwin
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in London, GB
A Swedish lounge chair designed by Carl Malmsten and made by O.H. Sjögren in Tranås in the 1950s. A well-proportioned piece that's very comfortable, with an elegant, graceful shape t...
Mohair
Scandinavian Swedish Modern Carl Malmsten Samsas White Bouclé Armchairs
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Carl Malmsten Samsas armchairs for O.H. Sjögren from the mid 20th century. The chairs are a Swedish modern classic and the Samsas series is today recognised as the most characteristi...
Bouclé, Wood
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 Malmsten's iconic curved sofa was designed in 1956 and produced by Swedish cabinetmakers AB Record in Bollnas. It is considered one the finest exa...
Mohair, Velvet, 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
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
$2,973 / item
Stool 'Visingsö' by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool in pine model 'Visingsö' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Good condition with small signs of usage and patina. Please note: set of 2 available
Pine
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
Swedish Modern Two Seater Wooden Sofa in Pine & Sheepskin by Carl Malmsten 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and early Swedish mid century wooden two seater sofa model "Stugan" in stained pine by Carl Malmsten produced by his workshop in the 1940s. In good original condition wit...
Sheepskin, Pine
Carl Malmsten pine cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s. Produced in Sweden. Good condition.
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
$1,718Sale Price|19% Off
1950s, Lilac Wool Armchair By Carl Malmsten For O.H. Sjogren.
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1950s armchair designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden. This elegant Scandinavian piece features Malmsten’s signature soft, organic lines and exceptional craftsmanship. Up...
Wool, Beech, Oak
Swedish Pinewood Gateleg Table “Härjedalen” by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
Scandinavian Modern gateleg table model “Härjedalen” by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten in the 1950s. Skilfully executed in solid pinewood with hinges in wood and visible cabinetmaker...
Pine
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Grey Lambswool, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An iconic and timeless armchair, the "Farmor" (Grandmother) model, designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1950s and produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden. This piece is among Malmsten’s most ...
Lambskin, Leather, Pine
$4,758 / set
Vidar Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, set of 6
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