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 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
Swedish Grace "Haga" Sideboard by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant sideboard by Carl Malmsten for NK, model called “Haga”, made from birch. Stained top and base, graphic inlays on the door fronts. Lovely attention to detail.
Birch
Swedish Modern Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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 & 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, 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 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
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
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 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
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren Pair of 'Our Lady' Lounge Chair in Teak
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
Mid-20th Century, Swedish Three Seater Sofa in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Odense, DK
This stunning three-seater sofa is designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren, dating from the 1960s. The model, Visingsö, is a celebrated example of Swedish mid-century ...
Wool, Pine
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
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
Vintage Swedish Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Carl Malmsten, Circa 1940-60
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish set of a lounge chair and footstool, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren in good condition. The large Scandinavian reading chair is composed with a headrest, the seat backrest is slightly curved, detailed with outspreaded arms, standing on four small polished Beechwood feet. Manufacturer label underneath the ottoman. Newly upholstered in a white bouclé fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1940 - 1960, Sweden, Scandinavia. Seat: 17.5" H x 22" W x 21.5" D Ottoman: 18" H x 24" W x 22" D Carl Malmsten was a famous Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator born in 1888, in Sweden and passed away in 1972. He collaborated with Gunnar Asplund and Uno Ahren. Malmsten has a lasting influence on Swedish design through the two schools which he founded, the Carl Malmsten furniture studies. In 1945, Malmsten was honored for a design with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal in Sweden. O.H. Sjögren is one of the oldest Swedish furniture companies which is run by the fourth generation. The company was originally founded in circa 1870 by C. Rosén in Tranås, Sweden. In 1902, the Swedish manufacturer ( known today as O.H. Sjögren ) was taken over by Oskar Herbert Sjögren. In the early times, they were producing harnesses, saddles, etc. for horses. Later on, in the 1930’s, when the sons of Sjögren, Gustav and Olle Sjögren...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master-designer Carl Malmsten. It was originally produced by ...
Sheepskin, 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
20th Century Swedish Vintage OH Sjögren Home Evening Settee by Carl Malmsten
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten, AB Stilarmatur Tranås
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish three-seater " Home Evening " sofa or settee with two pillows, designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren and Stoppmöbler, Tranås in good ...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
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...
Velvet, Mahogany
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master-designer Carl Malmsten. It was originally produced by ...
Sheepskin, Beech
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
$13,145 / 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
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
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
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
$6,612 / item
Carl Malmsten pine cabinet, circa 1950.
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Pine Cabinet designed and produced by Carl Malmsten in Sweden in the 50's. The cabinet is made in solid pine, two drawers inside. Good overhall condition. The cabinet is marked by th...
Pine
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
Scandinavian Functionalist Sideboard by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sideboard by Carl Malmsten, with elegant rosewood veneer, decorated around the edge and top with inlays of flowers and leaves in a lighter wood. Chunky feet with diagonal l...
Rosewood
Midcentury "Haga" chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1920s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant “Haga” chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, made with stained birch veneer laid in a discreet pattern. Black painted legs and table top. Adorable handles in the form of crowns.
Birch
Carl Malmsten, “Visingsö” Cabinet in Pine, Svensk Fur, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
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
Swedish Modern Samsas armchair by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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, 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
20th Century Swedish Pair of Vintage O.H. Sjögren Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish Grandma pair of armchairs designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren, in good condition. The backrests of the Scandinavian lounge cha...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Birch
$6,642Sale 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
Carl Malmsten Center Table
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
A graceful center table, the top in radial birch veneer, the tripod base of solid birch. Observe the subtle carving of the base. Stamped CM. Carl Malmsten was one of the most talent...
Birch
Carl Malmsten, “Visingsö” Cabinet in Pine, Svensk Fur, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A Scandinavian cabinet from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Engraved with "CM" on the back. Ver...
Pine
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
$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
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
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
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
$2,164Sale Price|20% 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
Pair of Carl Malmsten Armchairs in Birch and Satinwood, Bodafors, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare pair of armchairs was designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svenska Möbelfabriken in Bodafors, Sweden in the early 1930s. The refined design is marked by ...
Fabric, Cotton, Jacquard, Linen, Upholstery, Birch, Satinwood
Pine bench "Visingsö" by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish Visingsö pine bench attributed to Carl Malmsten, an essential expression of Swedish Grace and Nordic craftsmanship. Visingsö pine bench attributed to Carl Malmsten, made in ...
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
Small pine console table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Lovely console table by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the first half of the 20th century. Made in pine with a elegant design.
Pine
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 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
$4,809 / 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
Pair of Carl Malmsten Art Deco Swedish Inlaid High Back Upholstered Armchairs
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
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 Swedish Samsas Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic vintage Swedish Samsas armchair by Carl Malmsten. It was made in Sweden, it dates from around the 1960’s. This is of exceptional quality and is extremely comfor...
Bouclé, Wood
Carl Malmsten 'Båstad' Side Table in Mahogany, Erik Johansson, Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant side table was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1951 and is known as the Båstad model, named after the town where Malmsten's close friend, the iconic textile artist Märta Må...
Wood
Pair of Vintage Swedish Carl Malmsten Hemmakvall Armchairs
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
MCM Pair of Swedish Hemmakvall armchairs by Carl Malmsten in original fabric circa 1956. Very comfortable! Original upholstery has flaws. Price listed includes reupholstery in COM....
Wool
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
Swedish "Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
Bench with beautiful proportions and details by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, Sweden. Condition: Very good original condition with a nice patina.
Pine
Stamped Carl Malmsten Sculpted Round Table
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
Carl Malmsten (1888-1972) designed round table. Table has three tripod legs and is branded with designers initials, "CM" (see photos). Diameter is approximately 40 inches and the hei...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Floor Lamp by Carl Malmsten, Teak Wood, Circa 1920
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, antique Swedish Gustavian Staken, floor lamp made of hand carved teak wood, designed by Carl Malmsten in good condition. The Scandinavian reading lamp is composed with...
Teak