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 'Vardags' Swedish Modern Bookcase With Storage Cabinet
By Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Modern Bookcase Hutch Credenza With Storage Cabinet, designed by Carl Malmsten. Upper piece has three shelves and hutch. Lower piece ha...
Pine
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
$11,900Sale Price|57% Off
Unique Swedish Art Deco, Modern Neoclassical Cabinet, Carl Malmsten Signed, 1932
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important 'Swedish Grace' sideboard, cupboard or buffet by Swedish Master, Carl Malmsten delicately constructed of inlaid birch and elmwood depicting a scene of Saint Geor...
Birch, Ebony, Maple
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
$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
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
Carl Malmsten Boucle Samsas Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten Samsas lounge chair, 1950s Produced in the 1950s by O H Sjögren in Sweden, the 'Samsas' lounge chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's finest works. This e...
Wool, Beech
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chairs, Grey Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stamford, CT
Carl Malmsten, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, "Hemmakvall" Lounge or Arm Chairs, Grey Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1950s Pair of "Hemmakvall" model lounge chairs designed and produced by Carl...
Fabric, Wood
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
1930s Pair of Bookcases/Cabinets by Carl Malmsten SMF Birch Mid Century Modern
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A pair of swedish Art Deco bookcase or cabinets by Carl Malmsten for SMF. The case is composed of highly figured golden flame birch wood with rosewood banding and inlays. Relief carv...
Birch
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
$14,489 / 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
Vintage Swedish Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Carl Malmsten, Circa 1940-60
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
$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
"Jonas Love" Armchair with Blue Upholstery by Carl Malmsten, Sweden Mid-20th C
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
By the mid 20th century, Carl Malmsten became one of the most sought-after interior and furniture designers in all of Sweden. As a furniture maker he expressed the old, inherited for...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Carl Malmsten & O.H. Sjögren, Sweden
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, Birch, Upholstery, Cotton
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
Carl Malmsten Upholstered Armchairs for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
$7,728Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Swedish Kilim Rollakan Rug by Carl Malmsten, Capellagården
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Dallas, TX
78609 Vintage Swedish Rollakan Kilim Rug, 06'02 x 09'07. Designed for a lifestyle of simplicity and minimalism, this handwoven vinta...
Wool
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
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
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 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
Vintage Swedish Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish armchair by Carl Malmsten. This model is very rare, it is an early model made by O.H. Sjogren. We have recently imported it from S...
Bouclé, Wood
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
$4,531Sale 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
$6,519Sale 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
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
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 armchair 'Stora Furulid' in sheepskin for O.H.Sjögren ca. 1950
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A stunning armchair by the famous furniture designer- Carl Malmsten. This iconic chair provides great comfort and is of enduring quality. Back tufted by buttons, elegant arm curves ...
Sheepskin, Wood
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
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Set of 8
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully restored Swedish Modern Gustavian Style vintage dining chair set by renowned Swedish furniture designer Carl Malmsten. Eight sturdy chairs newly reupholstered in Belgi...
Linen, Wood
Mid-Century "Staken" Floor Lamp by Carl Malmsten, Adjustable, Sweden, 40s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Göteborg, SE
Staken floor lamp designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, circa 1940s. An elegant example from one of Sweden's most celebrated furniture designers and a defining voice of Swedish Modern ...
Paper, Beech
20th Century Single Swedish Armchair - Vintage Side Chair by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white-grey, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish anonymous armchair with two pillows, designed by Carl Malmsten, in good condition. The seat backrest of single Scandinavian Little Fu...
Fabric, Upholstery, Birch
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
Carl Malmsten "Lillasyster" Easy Chair for OH Sjögren, Sweden 20th Century
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl Malmsten’s “Lillasyster” (little sister) easy chair is a stunning representation of the Swedish designer’s craftsmanship and creativity. “Neither light, nor eyes, nor people lik...
Fabric, Wood
Modernist Carl Malmsten Pine 1940s Mirror, in the Vibe of Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Carl Malmsten
Located in Forest, BE
This is an unusual wall pine mirror. Produced in Sweden around the 1940s. It is a so unique in the shape. It will brighten any projects. We just cleaned it and waxed it. Branded with...
Mirror, Pine
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...
Bouclé, Oak
"Oskar" Armchair by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1930s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
The ‘Oskar’ armchair was designed in 1939, the same year that Carl Malmsten participated in the New York World’s Fair. It was there that the expression “Swedish Modern” was coined, b...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Carl Malmsten Oak Wood Table Lamp 'Karin'. Sweden, 1960s.
By Markslöjd, Solbackens Svarveri, Carl Malmsten, Lamp Gustaf, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful oak wood table lamp. Designed by Calm Malmsten and made in Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. Sold without lampshade. Light source: E26/E27 screw bulb. Number o...
Oak
Pair of “New Berlin” Easy Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 20th Century
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
These “New Berlin” chairs are among Swedish icon Carl Malmsten’s rarer models. The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery and timeless, clean design makes the “New Berlin” model a beaut...
Fabric, 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
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
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, Sofa, Velvet, Birch, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A purple velvet and birch sofa, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15.75" Arm Height (inches): 23.75" All items ship from High Point, ...
Velvet, Birch
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten. This was recently imported from Sweden, it dates from the 1960’s. This is of extremely high qualit...
Bouclé, Beech
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 and Yngve Ekström Pair of "Caryngo" Chairs
By Swedese, Yngve Ekström, Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
The Caryngo chair was a collaboration between the great Swedish designers Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström, for Ekström’s furniture manufacturing company Swedese. The original saddle ...
Leather, Oak
Carl Malmsten "Visingsö" Bench in Solid Pine, Sweden 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Utrecht, NL
This bench was part of the famous “Visingsö” series by Carl Malmsten who is one of Sweden’s most celebrated furniture designers. This bench stands as a hallmark of Scandinavian desig...
Pine
Teak "Sladen" “The Sled” Nesting Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “The Sled” nesting table by Carl Malmsten, made from teak. Light, graceful design with sled shaped legs and a discreet decor of inlaid spheres at the edges of the table tops.
Teak
“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
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
Scandinavian Modern Bookcases in Pine Set Of 2, Svensk Fur, ca 1960's
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern bookcases with a cabinet in pine set of 2, Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, ca 1960's. The upper section (cabinet with shelfs) is removable. Both are signed with mak...
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
$1,652Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of three Carl Malmsten dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Ystad, SE
Set of Three Carl Malmsten Dining Chairs in Solid Oregon Pine, Sweden, 1960s A refined set of three dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten...
Pine
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
Vintage Swedish Samspel Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made vintage Swedish Samspel armchair by Carl Malmsten. It was made in Sweden, it dates from around the 1960’s. This is of exceptional quality and is ex...
Bouclé, Wood