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Carl Malmsten Furniture

Swedish, 1888-1972

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.

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Item Ships From: Europe
Creator: Carl Malmsten
Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Visingsö Solid Pine Stools
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Kramfors, SE
Set of 2 stools Visingsö by Carl Malmsten för Svensk fur. The stools are solid pine with beautifully curved characteristic edges. Designed in 1953. This pair is from around 1965 and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

1960's Swedish Design by Carl Malmsten Brigitta Dressing Table and Chair
By Yngve Ekström, Carl Malmsten, Bodafors
Located in Tourcoing, FR
1960's Swedish Design Brigitta set composed of a wooden dressing table design by Carl Malmsten with its matching wooden and bouclé fabric chair d...
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1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fabric

“Farmor” Armchair by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1956
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the mid-1950s, Carl Malmsten awarded ten small furniture companies, mainly in Småland, the honour of making a series of some of his products. Among the first pieces was Farmor, wh...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Carl Malmsten "Berlin" Three-Seater Sofa, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Berlin” three-seater sofa is “Malmstenesque” to its core. Designed in 1960, this sofa shows the designer’s predilection for traditional Swedish craftsmanship. Rejecting strict f...
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Midcentury Set of 4 Candlesticks in Birch Carl Malmsten Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set containing 4 candlesticks designed by the famous Carlm Malmsten. Made in lacquered birch are these modest yet highly crafted candlesticks made in Sw...
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Carl Malmsten High Back Chair in Walnut and Black Leather
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, high back chair, walnut, brass, leather, Sweden, 1940s. Rare armchair designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. This chair exhibits a warm walnut frame which is ni...
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1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Malmsten, Visingsö, Dining table, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Paris, FR
Carl Malmsten (Sweden, 1888-1972) Visingsö A rectangular pine wood dining table on four feet assembled by two on each side and joined by an arched base. Sweden. 1960s.  
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Armchair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern armchair by Carl Malmsten from Sweden made during the mid 20th century, around 1960 to 1970. The armchair has the sleek lines and minimal design typical to the Sc...
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Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Bench in Solid Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in Scandinavian solid pine. Designed by Carl Malmsten, 1960s. Great original condition.
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa for Ab Record, Sweden 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
This model “Samspel” sofa was first introduced at the exhibition at Röhsska Museet (the Swedish Museum of Design and Crafts) in Gothenburg in 1956. The model’s name means ‘interactio...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wool, Wood

Carl Malmsten Oak "Visingsö" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
The famous “Visingsö” series demonstrates Carl Malmsten’s fine sense of proportion, line tension and balance between the surfaces, and how skilfully he carried in the heritage of tra...
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Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Pair of Side Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of beautiful side chairs by Carl Malmsten. Made from stained wood with rattan backs, contrasting elegantly in color. Lovely, flowing lines, light expression.
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1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

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 ...
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1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Birch, Satinwood, Fabric, Cotton, Jacquard, Linen

Scandinavian birch coffee tables signed Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of birch wood bedside tables designed in the 1960s by Carl Malmsten, as noted by the stamp of authenticity. The soft lines of the top and legs make these elegant nightstands tim...
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1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Carl Malmsten for O. H. Sjögren Lounge Chairs Model ‘Farmor’
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for O. H. Sjögren, lounge chairs model ‘Farmor’, fabric wood, Sweden, design 1956 Swedish furniture designer Carl Malmsten cooperated in the 1950s with small Swedish c...
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Carl Malmsten 1940s Vintage Boucle Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
This exceptional piece of Swedish furniture was designed in the 1940s by master cabinetmaker and designer Carl Malmsten. It was produced at his own workshop near Stockholm in Sweden....
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1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Beech

1950s Boucle Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten Carl Malmsten Small Sofa, c1940s This exceptional piece of Swedish furniture was designed in the 1940s by master cabinetmaker & designer Carl Malmsten. It was pro...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Beech

Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Solid Pine Visingsö Stools
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Visingsö stools by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur made in solid pine. The stools are minimalistic design with a clean shape and elegantly curved edges. Designed by Carl Malmsten in 195...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Art Deco / Swedish Grace Sideboard Carl Malmsten "Haga”, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful Swedish Grace Art Deco / sideboard, buffet, storage unit named 'Haga' by Carl Malmsten. The sideboard sits on an ebonized base and it has inlays of geometric decoration and...
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1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur Set of Four 'Sörgården' Dining Chairs in Solid Pine
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, dining chairs model 'Sörgården', pine, Sweden, 1950s This set of four dining chairs designed by Malmsten and manufactured by Svensk Fur combines comfor...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Crib Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1924
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Crib designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1924. Stained pine. Carl Malmsten was a renowned Swedish furniture designer and architect who lived from 1888 to 1972. He is considered one ...
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1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten "Ulla" Three-Seater Birch Sofa, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl Malmsten wanted to express a feeling or a characteristic with his designs. Thanks to its generous format and enveloping shapes, Carl Malmsten's upholstered pieces offer seating ...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Carl Malmsten "Gamla Stan" Armchairs, Sweden ca 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl Malmsten has designed over 1000 different furniture models, most of which were named, giving his models even more character. “Gamla Stan”, Swedish for ...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of "Haga" Side Tables by Carl Malmsten
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of beautiful bedside tables by Carl Malmsten, model named “Haga”. Made in alder root and stained birch. On the sides the wood is laid in a...
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1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Midcentury modern Carl Malmsten ''Berg'' Coffee Table
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Madrid, ES
1940´s swedish round center table “Berg” in birch and Masur Birch by Carl Malmsten with a sculpted tripod base and remarkable table top in birch. Fully refinished.
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1940s Swedish Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Nest of Tables ‘Släden’ Designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Nest of tables ‘Släden’ designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden. 1950’s. Birch. Silver plaque marked “Carl Malmsten Jubeluemsmodell 1988 NR 52” From the limited ju...
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1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Midcentury Pine Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful pine coffetable by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. The table is produced in the time when the pine furniture of quality were made in Sweden. This one is no exaption. Th...
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1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Set of 4 Carl Malmsten Chairs Dining in Pine, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These midcentury dining chairs were designed by Carl Malmsten. The set of 4 dining chairs made in solid pine with all new qulity linnen fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition,...
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1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Linen, Pine

Midcentury Carl Malmsten "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 have a have new fabric and rehopulstred by proffesinol with original Malmst...
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Swedish Grace Sofa Designed by Carl Malmsten, Mahogany Frame, Sweden, 1929
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Grace sofa designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden. 1929. Mahogany frame with exotic wood inlay. Fabric upholstery. Provenance: Commissioned by ...
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1920s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

"Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, Sweden
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Goteborg, SE
This small bench was designed by one of the real giants in Nordic design, Carl Malmsten. The bench is rustic, but elegant. It is made in solid pinewood, a material you not often see ...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Coffee Table Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden.   
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten, Pair of Konsert Lounge Chairs for Stockholm Concert Hall, 1926
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Uppsala, SE
Very rare and important lounge chairs, model Konsert, designed by the grandfather of Swedish design, Carl Malmsten, for Stockholms Konserthus (Stockholm Concert Hall) in 1923. An early piece in his production. The concert hall was designed by Swedish architect Ivar Tengbom...
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1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Birch

Carl Malmsten Easy Chairs Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 6 easy chairs designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden. Matching coffee table by Malmsten is also available.
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Seating Group Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 6 easy chairs and coffee table designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden. Dimensions easy chairs (W x D x H): 45 x 52 x 74.5 cm, SH: 34.5 cm. Dimensio...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Benches Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of benches model Visingsö designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

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 ...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Bench Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench model Visingsö designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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. ...
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1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Carl Mamsten Samsas Sofa, circa 1923
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in London, GB
First designed in 1923 for the Stockholm Concert Hall. Produced by O.H. Sjogren, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Oiled beech legs.
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1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wool, Beech

Two-Seat Sofa in New Grey Wool Upholstery Named 'Samas' by Carl Malmsten
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A beautifully reupholstered quality grey wool two-seat sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjogren of Sweden. A Classic comfortable scandy cool sofa.
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Carl Malmsten Pair of Lounge Chairs with Original Upholstery
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for AB O.H. Sjögren, pair of easy chairs, fabric, mahogany, Tranås, Sweden, 1987 Pair of wonderful chairs that are very well designed by Carl Malmsten. The armchairs a...
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1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Carl Malmsten “Samsas” Pair of Armchairs for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated model with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country mano...
Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa for AB Record Bollnäs, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Samspel”, or “Interaction” sofa model was first introduced at the exhibition at Röhsska Museet (the Swedish Museum of Design and Crafts) in Gothenburg in 1956. The model’s name ...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Wooden stool attrib. to Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian pine wood bench. This vintage solid wood stool is attributed to Carl Malmsten. The essential and carefully detailed forms hark back to Scandinavian Brutalist design of ...
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Cornerboard by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage two-body teak corner cabinet. An iconic Scandinavian 1960s design furniture piece. The lower part is a storage compartment with hinged doors, and the upper part consists of ...
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1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Modern Sheepskin/Shearling Carl Malmsten "Lata Greven" Lounge Chairs
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Lata Greven" (Lazy countess) lounge chair designed by Carl Malmsten in 1953 and manufactured during that time. These two chairs have been fully...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Sheepskin, Birch

Carl Malmsten 'Berg' Three Legged Side Table in Masur Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant side table was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1936 as part of his 'Berg' series of three-legged tables. This example was produced by Carl Malmsten in the early 1950s. The ...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wool, Beech

Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wool, Beech

Carl Malmsten furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Carl Malmsten furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Carl Malmsten furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 211 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Carl Malmsten were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Arne Norell, Bruno Mathsson, and Yngve Ekström. Prices for Carl Malmsten furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $476 and can go as high as $48,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,467.

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