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 "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 ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood
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.
Category
1940s Swedish 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...
Category
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,...
Category
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Linen, Pine
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, 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...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch
Swedish Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical Sideboard / Bar by Carl Malmsten, 1924
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
An Important 'Swedish Grace' / Swedish Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical cabinet, sideboard, buffet, bar, storage unit named 'Haga' by Carl Malmsten. The cabinet sits on an ebonized bas...
Category
1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch
"Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, Sweden
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
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 ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Pine
Midcentury Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "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 has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet.
...
Category
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Pair of Carl Malmsten Swedish Grace Inlaid Side Chairs
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fantastic pair of Carl Malmsten chairs inlaid rosewood and flame birch. Contrasting wood detail on the inside legs and back. Restored and f...
Category
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Mohair
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...
Category
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
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
1940s Swedish Sculpted Cocktail or Center Table by Carl Malmsten
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
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...
Category
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.
Category
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
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...
Category
1930s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch, Ebony, Maple
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.
Category
1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Wool, Beech
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 "Samsas" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch, Fabric
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
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....
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Wool
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Extendable Walnut Dining Table by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish extendable dining table made of hand carafted Walnut with two pullout leaves which are stored underneath, designed by Carl Malmsten ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Walnut
20th Century White Swedish Pair of Vintage Birch Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish pair of dining chairs made of hand crafted Birchwood, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Möbel Komponerad AV in good condition. The Scandi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Brass
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" chair produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Mid Century Modern Swedish Teak Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid-Century Modern teak coffee table by renowned Swedish furniture designer Carl Malmsten (1888-1972). Detailed corners and rounded butterfly legs. A wonderful midmod addition to you...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Teak
Carl Malmsten 1950s Cirkus Sofa in Boucle Fabric
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten - Cirkus Sofa, c1950s
Model 'Cirkus' love-seat sofa, designed in the 1950s by Swedish Master designer Carl Malmsten and produced by OH Sjögren in Tranås, Sweden. The sofa has restored and re-finsiehd stained elm wood legs and has been reupholstered in off-white boucle fabric.
H 80cm / D 80cm / W 151cm / SH 41cm.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Elm
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
A Pair of Carl Malmsten Armchairs, Circa 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Swedish Carl Malmsten birch and mahogany armchairs, Circa 1940s, with curved upholstered seat and back, a neoclassical inspired fruitwood inlaid frieze raised on circular t...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten for Stolab
By Stolab, Carl Malmsten
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Dimensions dining chair: H 34" / W 18.1" / D 16.5" Height from floor to seat: 20.3" / Back height: 16.6"
Dimensions armchair: W 21.5" / D 16.5" / Arm height: 26.5"
Gorgeous Set of 6...
Category
1990s Swedish Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Pair Carl Malmsten 1950s Lounge Chairs Model Samsas for O.H. Sjögren
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful midcentury lounge chairs model Samsas (meaning "together" in Swedish) designed by Swedish design icon, Carl Malmsten in 1955, for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden. Malmsten's work is i...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Wool, Teak
20th Century Swedish Modern Teakwood Berg Coffee, Sofa Table by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish Berg coffee table made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Teakwood, designed by Carl Malmsten in good condition. The round table top of th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Teak
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
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
Pair of Carl Malmsten Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" sofa designed in 1955 and produced by O.H. Sjogren.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
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 Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten lounge chair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" sofa designed in 1955 and produced
by OH Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" lounge chair with original upholstery. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Chairs
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" chairs produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Chairs
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" chairs produced by O. H. Sjogren.
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O. H. Sjögren.
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" sofa. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Furniture
Materials
Beech, Fabric
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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