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.
Pair of Vintage Swedish Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and exceedingly rare pair of vintage Swedish armchairs by Carl Malmsten. They were recently imported from Sweden, they dat...
Wood, Cotton
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
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
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
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Samsas Original Armchair
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
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
$6,601Sale 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
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
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
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 "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...
Wool, Wood
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
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Pine Stool Visingsö by Carl Malmsten for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
1960’s ‘Visingsö’ solid pine wood stool by Carl Malmsten. The design features simple and efficient lines combined with characteristic round edges. Original piece manufactured in Swed...
Pine
Carl Malmsten Pair of 'Hängsits' Armchairs in Solid Pine, 1947
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of 'Hängsits' armchairs, designed by Carl Malmsten in Sweden in 1947. Solid pine, recently reupholstered in blue fabric. Marked 'CM' to the underside. Dimensions: Height: 78 cm...
Fabric, 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 ...
Pine
Scandinavian Modern by Carl Malmsten ”Lata Greven” Pair of Chairs
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
Vintage Swedish Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
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 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.
Pine
20th Century Swedish Two Seater Beech Sofa by Möbel Komponerad AV, Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish two-seater sofa with two pillows, made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Möbel Komponerad AV i...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
$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 Vintage Swedish Cirkus Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic pair of vintage Swedish Cirkus armchairs by Carl Malmsten. They were made in Sweden, and they date from around the 1960’s. This is a very rare model, they are o...
Bouclé, Wood
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
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
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...
Fabric
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
Set of eight Carl Malmsten dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Carl Malmsten 1888 - 1972 Malmsten’s career started in 1915, when the results of a furniture competition for the massive new building project, the Stockholm City Hall, were announced...
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
Carl Malmsten 'Berg' Three Legged Coffee Table in Burl Elmwood, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant side table was designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by his company in Sweden in the 1960s. This is a rare variant of his iconic 'Berg' model, with a larger square top ...
Elm, Burl
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 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
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
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
$2,985 / 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
Sofa "Samspel" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A classic piece by Carl Malmsten, the Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and manufactured by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. The softly curved backrest and armrests reflect Malmsten’s ...
Sheepskin, 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
$45,969 / 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 "Hemmakväll" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1956
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl Malmsten devoted his life to the renewal of Swedish craftsmanship, inspired to create furniture endowed with a creative simplicity, with functionality in mind and a high technic...
Fabric, 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
Dining Table by Carl Malmsten, 1950
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful dining table in beech with veneered top, by Carl Malmsten for Waggeryds Möbelfabrik AB, Sweden, 1950, in its smallest configuration the table is round with 45.66 inch diame...
Beech
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Velvet, Birch, Sweden, c. 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A purple velvet and light birch lounge chair, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Arm Height (inches): 23.63" All items ship fro...
Velvet, Birch
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
Carl Malmsten Bed in Ash wood, Model "Guldheden"
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant bed in solid ash wood designed by Swedish furniture architect Carl Malmsten. The “Guldheden” model is a fine example of Malmsten’s sense of proportion, material quality, and ...
Ash
Midcentury Modern Pine Side Chair by Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
"Sörgården" pine chair by Carl Malmsten, with a low seat height that fits well with a coffee table or as a bedside table. Rustic modernist design with...
Pine
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
Early Carl Malmsten Writing or Console Table
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
Carl Malmsten was one of the most talented and prolific Scandinavian designers of the 20th century. He rejected the dehumanizing elements of Functionalism in favor of a considered ap...
Birch, Elm, Oak, Burl
Vintage Swedish Cirkus Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic vintage Swedish Cirkus armchair by Carl Malmsten. It was made in Sweden, it dates from around the 1960’s. This is a very rare model, it is of exceptional qualit...
Bouclé, Wood
Vintage Scandinavian Wall Mirror by Carl Malmsten, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful wall mirror by Carl Malmsten, with a mahogany frame. Inlays of a vase and flowers coming out of it at the top of the frame.
Mirror, Wood
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström Pair of "Caryngo" Chairs
By Carl Malmsten, Swedese, Yngve Ekström
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
$3,105Sale Price|50% Off
1972 Carl Malmsten Unique Longcase “Tidlösa” Clock, Birch and Masur Birch
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten “Tidlösa” Longcase clock in Birch and Masur birch. Case signed Malmstens Verkstadsskola 1977, Carpenter Master Artur Jönsson, clock marked Westerstrands Sweden.
Birch
Swedish Grace "Haga" dining table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1932
By Carl Malmsten, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant “Haga” dining table by Carl Malmsten, with a curvesome stained wooden base. Round table top with warm mahogany veneer in a checkered pattern.
Birch
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
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
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
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
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 SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
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