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, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A cream velvet and wood sofa, model Samspel, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scat...
Wood, Velvet
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” bench for Svensk Fur, Sweden, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A “Visingsö” bench designed by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from knot-free solid pine, with a gently curved seat, taper...
Pine
$5,528Sale Price|30% Off
Midcentury Modern 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. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
Swedish Grace Side Chairs by Carl Malmsten, SMF Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace side chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with a curved backs and legs that form a refined silhouette. Contrasting cro...
Wool, Birch
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and red, blue-striped fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Oak
“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
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Prague, New Town
'Farmor' armchair, designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956. Produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden, 1950s. Recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 103 cm / 40.55 in Wid...
Sheepskin, Wood
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brown orange fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Vintage cu...
Fabric, Oak
Swedish Grace Side Chair by Carl Malmsten, SMF Bodafors, 1920s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant Swedish Grace side chair by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with a curved back and legs that form a refined silhouette. Contrasting cross-shaped ...
Wool, Birch
Carl Malmsten Vintage 1950s Gavle Chair in Moss Green Velvet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Gävle Lounge Chair, 1950s The Gävle chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's more obscure and rare armchair designs. The chair is named after the municipality ...
Wool, Beech
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and blue fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface s...
Fabric, Pine
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
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
$9,478Sale Price|30% Off
Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, Reupholstered Sheepskin, Sweden, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB Record Bollnäs Sweden. The sofa has been fully reupholstered and now have its ...
Sheepskin
1950s Swedish Velvet 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...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Swedish Modern Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Uccle, BE
This Samspel 2 seaters sofa has been reupholstered in a cotton blend-Villa Nova Bari fabric parchment color. This “Samspel” or Interplay sofa was created by Carl Malmsten, one of Sw...
Cotton, Beech
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green fabric lounge chair designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Åfors Möbelfabrik, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use....
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Modern Samsas armchair by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Uccle, BE
This Samsas armchair has been reupholstered in a cotton blend-Villa Nova Bari fabric parchment color. This armchair was created by Carl Malmsten, one of Sweden's best known furnitur...
Cotton, Beech
$14,172 / 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
Carl Malmsten Pair of 'Farmor' Armchairs in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of 'Farmor' armchairs, designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956. Produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden, 1950s. Recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 103 cm / 40....
Sheepskin, Wood
Carl Malmsten Samspel Sofa in Wool Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Dagmar
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, Wool, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Pine Dining Chairs 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 for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Grey Lambswool, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An iconic and timeless armchair, the "Farmor" (Grandmother) model, designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1950s and produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden. This piece is among Malmsten’s most ...
Lambskin, Leather, Pine
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 Malmsten's iconic curved sofa was designed in 1956 and produced by Swedish cabinetmakers AB Record in Bollnas. It is considered one the finest exa...
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
Pair of Carl Malmsten Art Deco High Back Armchairs, Sweden, 1930s
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
Carl Malmsten & Yngve Ekström Pair of 'Caryngo' Chairs in Oak and Canvas
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström for Swedese, 'Caryngo' armchairs, oak, canvas, Sweden, 1955 These Caryngo lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström features an oak frame and ...
Canvas, Oak
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
Set of Swedish Modern dining chairs model "Pyramid" designed by Carl Malmsten.
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Set of five dining chairs model "Pyramid" designed by Carl malmsten. Made in Sweden by Åfors möbelfabrik during the 1940-50s. Made from solid mahogny and linen fabric in light blue c...
Linen, Mahogany
$13,359Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
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
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and light-grey fabric sofa designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 78.5"W x 27.75"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Ar...
Fabric, Wood, Birch
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
Vintage Swedish Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Carl Malmsten, Circa 1940-60
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
$12,822 / set
Pair of Carl Malmsten of Armchairs, circa 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten Armchairs, circa 1950s A pair of upholstered armchairs from Swedish master: Carl Malmsten. This model is a lighter variation on the Samsas chair with taller legs. This...
Bouclé, Beech
Set of 6 Vidar Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Rosewood, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Göteborg, SE
Vidar's chair is an iconic chair by Carl Malmsten's son Vidar Malmsten in the 1970s. Widely used in the US and Canada in studio furniture maker training...
Rosewood
Scandinavian Swedish Modern Carl Malmsten Samsas White Bouclé Armchairs
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Carl Malmsten Samsas armchairs for O.H. Sjögren from the mid 20th century. The chairs are a Swedish modern classic and the Samsas series is today recognised as the most characteristi...
Bouclé, Wood
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa, model Berlin, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Likely reupholstered at some point in history. Minor imperfections to fabric on...
Velvet, Wood
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
1950s Vintage Sofa by Carl Malmsten, Oak Frame, Fabric Upholstery
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage sofa sofa Carl Malmsten Sweden period 1950s design Carl Malmsten OH. Sjogren's Sweden condition good light signs of use size 77 x 205 x 78 (hxwxd) seat height 43; ...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 4 Scandinavian Modern Dining Chairs in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare set of four dining chairs in pine, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden, exemplifies the designer’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and harmony w...
Pine
1950s, Lilac Wool Armchair By Carl Malmsten For O.H. Sjogren.
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1950s armchair designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden. This elegant Scandinavian piece features Malmsten’s signature soft, organic lines and exceptional craftsmanship. Up...
Wool, Beech, 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
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
Pair of Mahogany Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
A handsome pair of “Erik Gustav/Jonas Love” chairs by Carl Malmsten, produced by his own studio. The barrel back opens generously, and the mahogany frame subtly flares where the arms...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pink fabric and stained birch sofa, model "Nya Berlin", designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair conditi...
Fabric, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Birchwood, 1950
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...
Brass
$4,332Sale 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
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 (...
Fabric, Oak
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
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
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
$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
Early Swedish Modern Wooden Dining Office Chair in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and early Swedish mid century modern wooden chair in dark brown stained pine with a sculptural shaped back designed and produced by Carl Malmsten and his cabinetmakers in 1933...
Pine
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
Carl Malmsten armchair 'Stora Furulid' in sheepskin for O.H.Sjögren ca. 1950
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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, 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
Carl Malmsten Pine Bench – Nordic Craftsmanship, Sweden, 1960
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Dronten, NL
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine icon of Scandinavian design: a solid pine bench by the legendary Swedish master Carl Malmsten. Executed with a profound respec...
Pine