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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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Creator: Carl Malmsten
Carl Malmsten rocking arm chair of birch, model Lille Åland
Carl Malmsten rocking arm chair of birch, model Lille Åland

Carl Malmsten rocking arm chair of birch, model Lille Åland

By Carl Malmsten, Stolab

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Carl Malmsten rocking armchair in solid birch. With cushion of lambskin. Model Lille Åland, made by Stolab

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine, Lambskin, Birch

Carl Malmsten Stool
Carl Malmsten Stool

Carl Malmsten Stool

By Carl Malmsten

Located in San Francisco, CA

Carl Malmsten stool simple but elegant hand made craftsmanship with signature leg construction, Sweden.

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Pine Table, 1930s
Carl Malmsten Pine Table, 1930s

Carl Malmsten Pine Table, 1930s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

This rare console or side table, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden during the 1930s, exemplifies the designer’s devotion to traditional Swedish craftsmanship and his s...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of four Swedish midcentury pine dining chairs by Carl Malmsten
Set of four Swedish midcentury pine dining chairs by Carl Malmsten

Set of four Swedish midcentury pine dining chairs by Carl Malmsten

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Eskilstuna, SE

Set of four Scandinavian modern pine dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten during the 1960s. Fits together perfectly with other sports cabin furniture from Sweden. Beautiful o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

1950ies Solid Pine Chairs Designed by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur
1950ies Solid Pine Chairs Designed by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur

1950ies Solid Pine Chairs Designed by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur

By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten

Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg

1950ies Sörgården dining chairs, designed by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur in solid pine wood The Sörgården chair was designed by Malmsten and manufactured by Svensk Fur in the 19...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Solid Pine Visingsö Stools
Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Solid Pine Visingsö Stools

Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Solid Pine Visingsö Stools

By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur

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

Pair of Candlesticks, Model No. 7 by Carl Malmsten (1888–1972) for Liljeholmens
Pair of Candlesticks, Model No. 7 by Carl Malmsten (1888–1972) for Liljeholmens

Pair of Candlesticks, Model No. 7 by Carl Malmsten (1888–1972) for Liljeholmens

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Greding, DE

Pair of candlesticks, Model No. 7, designed by Carl Malmsten for Liljeholmens. Crafted in stained wood with a square base and round candle socket for taper candles. Each piece retain...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of two pine lounge chairs "Stugan" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden
Set of two pine lounge chairs "Stugan" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden

Set of two pine lounge chairs "Stugan" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Klintehamn, SE

Early set of pine lounge chairs by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. "Stugan" (The cottage) was his answer to the new demand of pine furniture for the summer houses that was developing...

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Hangsits armchair in solid pine and green fabric c. 1947
Carl Malmsten Hangsits armchair in solid pine and green fabric c. 1947

Carl Malmsten Hangsits armchair in solid pine and green fabric c. 1947

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

An exceedingly rare chair designed by Carl Malmsten. The “hangsits” armchair, c. 1947 in solid pine and original green fabric. From Sweden these chairs weren’t offered as knock down furniture...

Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten “Samsas” Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
Carl Malmsten “Samsas” Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s

Carl Malmsten “Samsas” Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s

By 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 “Stugan” Armchairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1940s
Carl Malmsten “Stugan” Armchairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1940s

Carl Malmsten “Stugan” Armchairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1940s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Utrecht, NL

This pair demonstrates Carl Malmsten’s fine sense of proportion, line tension and balance between the surfaces, and how skillfully he carried in the heritage of traditional allmoge (...

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Two-Seat Sofa in New Grey Wool Upholstery Named 'Samas' by Carl Malmsten
Two-Seat Sofa in New Grey Wool Upholstery Named 'Samas' by Carl Malmsten

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

A Pair of "Stora Furulid” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s
A Pair of "Stora Furulid” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s

A Pair of "Stora Furulid” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Utrecht, NL

There is a certain “Malmsten-esque” charm to the Swedish designer’s pieces that manifests in the gentle but defined curves and cosy appearance. The expression “Swedish Modern” was ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Midcentury "Party Cart" serving cart by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
Midcentury "Party Cart" serving cart by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s

Midcentury "Party Cart" serving cart by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Adorable serving cart by Carl Malmsten, called “Kalasskrindan”, which means “Party Trolley”. Sleek lines with nicely curved handle. Removable tray on legs.

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten, Set of "Sledge" Nesting Tables, Sweden, circa 1948
Carl Malmsten, Set of "Sledge" Nesting Tables, Sweden, circa 1948

Carl Malmsten, Set of "Sledge" Nesting Tables, Sweden, circa 1948

By Carl Malmsten

Located in New York, NY

Midcentury nesting tables with teak marquetry by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Beech, Teak

Sofa in Pine and White Bouclé Fabric by Carl Malmsten, 1936
Sofa in Pine and White Bouclé Fabric by Carl Malmsten, 1936

Sofa in Pine and White Bouclé Fabric by Carl Malmsten, 1936

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Sofa in Pine and Newly Reupholstered in White Bouclé Fabric by Carl Malmsten, 1936 Additional Information: Material: Pine and newly reupholstered in white Bouclé fabric Style: Mid c...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine, Fabric

“Farmor” Armchair by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1956
“Farmor” Armchair by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1956

“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...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 4 chairs by Carl Malmsten "Lilac Aland"
Set of 4 chairs by Carl Malmsten "Lilac Aland"

Set of 4 chairs by Carl Malmsten "Lilac Aland"

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Brescia, IT

Original vintage Scandinavian dining chairs. This chair model that has become iconic is distinguished by its unique backrest structure consisting of eight vertical wooden stems. The...

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood

Carl Malmsten Candle Holders- Set of Four, Sweden, 1960s
Carl Malmsten Candle Holders- Set of Four, Sweden, 1960s

Carl Malmsten Candle Holders- Set of Four, Sweden, 1960s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Rare set of four candle holders designed by Carl Malmsten. Has an elegant swedish craftsman feel to them. These have been used and show signs of such. All are marked on bottom

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood

Carl Malmsten "Åldermannen" Winged Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s
Carl Malmsten "Åldermannen" Winged Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s

Carl Malmsten "Åldermannen" Winged Armchair for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s

By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren

Located in Utrecht, NL

Carl Malmsten’s life's work spans nearly sixty intense years and his legacy is considered a national treasure in Sweden. He created a number of furniture classics including this rare...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

“Farmor” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1956
“Farmor” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1956

“Farmor” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1956

By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren

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...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Coffee table "Ovalen" in teak by Carl Malmsten
Coffee table "Ovalen" in teak by Carl Malmsten

Coffee table "Ovalen" in teak by Carl Malmsten

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Brescia, IT

Coffee table model "Ovalen" in teak, designed by Carl Malmsten, with original manufacturer's label. Coffee table model "Ovalen" in teak, designed by Carl Malmsten and accompanied by...

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Teak

“Alltid Redo” Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s
“Alltid Redo” Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s

“Alltid Redo” Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Utrecht, NL

“All edges must be thoroughly broken”, Carl Malmsten often wrote in his drawings. It was nature that was his great source of inspiration, and in nature there are hardly any sharp edg...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood

Carl Malmsten Benches Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden
Carl Malmsten Benches Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden

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

Carl Malmsten "Stora Furulid" Armchair for OPE-Möbler Jönköping, Sweden 1950s
Carl Malmsten "Stora Furulid" Armchair for OPE-Möbler Jönköping, Sweden 1950s

Carl Malmsten "Stora Furulid" Armchair for OPE-Möbler Jönköping, Sweden 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Utrecht, NL

There is a certain “Malmstenesque” charm to the Swedish designer’s pieces that manifests in the gentle but defined curves, cosy appearance and in the modern way Carl Malmsten skilfully carried the heritage of traditional allmoge (folk art) design. The expression “Swedish Modern” was first used at the 1939 New York World Fair, when the designer introduced the model “Oskar”. Similarly to that model, Malmsten remained a traditionalist, mainly concerned with comfort regarding the “Stora Furulid...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Carl Malmsten Turned Birch Candleholders for Liljeholmens, Sweden, 1920s
Pair of Carl Malmsten Turned Birch Candleholders for Liljeholmens, Sweden, 1920s

Pair of Carl Malmsten Turned Birch Candleholders for Liljeholmens, Sweden, 1920s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Göteborg, SE

Beautifully crafted in turned birch, this rare pair of candleholders was designed by iconic Swedish designer Carl Malmsten for Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik in the 1920s. Best known for...

Category

1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

1956 'Sampsel' Sofa by Carl Malmsten
1956 'Sampsel' Sofa by Carl Malmsten

1956 'Sampsel' Sofa by Carl Malmsten

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

The 1956 'Sampsel' Sofa by Carl Malmsten is a timeless design steeped in history. Its classic lines and minimalist aesthetic make for a comfortable yet modern experience. This mid-ce...

Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish vintage stool "Visingsö" by Carl Malmsten
Swedish vintage stool "Visingsö" by Carl Malmsten

Swedish vintage stool "Visingsö" by Carl Malmsten

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Brescia, IT

"Visingsö" stool by Carl Malmsten in pine, with rounded top and exposed dowels: essential, warm, authentic. Designed by Carl Malmsten, the "Visingsö" stool enhances pine with a thic...

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Fryklund Desk by Carl Malmsten, Pine Wood, Art Deco, Sweden, 1930s
Fryklund Desk by Carl Malmsten, Pine Wood, Art Deco, Sweden, 1930s

Fryklund Desk by Carl Malmsten, Pine Wood, Art Deco, Sweden, 1930s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Göteborg, SE

The desk "Fryklund" by Carl Malmsten in pine is a classic and timeless high-quality piece of furniture, designed to suit both modern and traditional home interiors. Made from solid p...

Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Pine

Dining table 'Pyramid', Designed by Carl Malmsten Sweden, 1940s
Dining table 'Pyramid', Designed by Carl Malmsten Sweden, 1940s

Dining table 'Pyramid', Designed by Carl Malmsten Sweden, 1940s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Dining table 'Pyramid', Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s H: 73.5 cm / 2' 5" Dia: 124.5 cm / 4' 1" L (total): 274 cm / 8' 11 7/8" L (of 3 leaves): 50 cm / 1' 7 11/16" (each)

Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Sculpted Cocktail Table by Carl Malmsten, 1940s
Sculpted Cocktail Table by Carl Malmsten, 1940s

Sculpted Cocktail Table by Carl Malmsten, 1940s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A remarkable and elegant Cuban mahogany round center table with a sculpted tripod base.

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Scandinavian birch coffee tables signed Carl Malmsten
Scandinavian birch coffee tables signed Carl Malmsten

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...

Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Birch

Rare High Back Chair with Pillow by Carl Malmsten, circa 1940
Rare High Back Chair with Pillow by Carl Malmsten, circa 1940

Rare High Back Chair with Pillow by Carl Malmsten, circa 1940

By Carl Malmsten

Located in New York, NY

Rare and comfortable high back chair with pillow attached by leather straps. New Upholstery and mahogany excellent condition. Carl Malmsten (Swedish 1888-1972) High back chair w...

Category

1940s Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Rare Single Lounge Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
Rare Single Lounge Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s

Rare Single Lounge Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful single sculptural lounge chair by Swedish master Carl Malmsten. Carl Malmsten (1888-1972). Carl Malmsten Studio. Sweden, circa 1950. New Upholstery. Measures: 37.5” H x 27...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

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.