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, 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
Midcentury Modern 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. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and fabric "Erik Gustav" lounge chairs or armchairs designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.625"H x 27.5"W x 29.0"...
Fabric, Walnut
Carl Malmsten Pair of 'Farmor' Armchairs in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
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
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
1950s, Lilac Wool Armchair By Carl Malmsten For O.H. Sjogren.
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chairs, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of birch and blue fabric lounge chairs, model Jonas Love, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor scuffing to legs. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.7...
Fabric, Birch
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master-designer Carl Malmsten. It was originally produced by ...
Sheepskin, Beech
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master-designer Carl Malmsten. It was originally produced by ...
Sheepskin, Beech
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, 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
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
20th Century Swedish Vintage OH Sjögren Home Evening Settee by Carl Malmsten
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten, AB Stilarmatur Tranås
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish three-seater " Home Evening " sofa or settee with two pillows, designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren and Stoppmöbler, Tranås in good ...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
Carl Malmsten "Hemmakväll" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1956
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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-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
$13,216 / 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
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
Midcentury Modern Sheepskin/Shearling Sofa Model 'Samspel" Carl Malmsten, 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
Midcentury Modern Sheepskin/Shearling Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Lounge Chairs
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Samspel” lounge chairs was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB Record Bollnäs Sweden. These two chairs have been fully reupholstered...
Sheepskin, Birch
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated series with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country man...
Fabric, Wood
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
$3,768Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant three seat "Samsas" sofa by Carl Malmsten manufactured by O.H Sjögren in Sweden during the 1960s. The sofa was originally designed by Mal...
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech
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 for O.H. Sjögren Pair of 'Our Lady' Lounge Chair in Teak
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, 'Our Lady' lounge chair, teak, fabric, Sweden, 1950s. Interesting Swedish lounge chair by Carl Malmsten in off-white fabric with tufted back. The di...
Fabric, Teak
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...
Velvet, Mahogany
Swedish Modern Sheepskin/Shearling Sofa and two lounge chairs 'Samspel"
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of Sofa and 2 chairs. Item Reference LU4154138829682 LU4154138829492 This model” Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB...
Sheepskin
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, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and brown fabric lounge chairs designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 36.0"H x 24.6"W x 29.0"D Seat Height (inches): 1...
Fabric, Oak
One Of A Kind "Samspel" Loveseat By Carl Malmsten In Recycled Embriodery
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Carl Malmsten Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 62″ wide x 32″ tall Condition: In excellent original condition.
Teak
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
$4,839 / set
Vidar Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, set of 6
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
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 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
$46,500 / 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, 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
“Farmor” Armchair by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s
By 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”, which soon became the most popular armchair model. In 1956, Carl Malmsten was on one of his regular visits to Sjögren's Upholstery Workshop in Tranås to develop new models for his furniture program. That was when this “Grandma” chair...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Carl Malmsten Armchairs in Birch and Satinwood, Bodafors, Sweden, 1930s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare pair of armchairs was designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svenska Möbelfabriken in Bodafors, Sweden in the early 1930s. The refined design is marked by ...
Fabric, Cotton, Jacquard, Linen, Upholstery, Birch, Satinwood
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
Vintage Swedish Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish armchair by Carl Malmsten. This model is very rare, it is called the ‘Stora Furulid’. We have recently imported it from Sweden, it...
Fabric, Wood
‘Visingsö’ Bench in Solid Pine by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Karis, Nyland
A solid pine bench from Carl Malmsten’s ‘Visingsö’ series, produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the 1950’s. The design is defined by its rectangular seat with softened edges and v...
Pine
Pair of Mabulator High Back chairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1950s High Back chair in model Mabulator by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. Elegant pine frame with a ladder back and newly upholstered c...
Wool, Pine
Midcentury Modern Pine Side Chair by Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Stockholm, SE
"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
Carl Malmsten Upholstered Armchairs for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
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
Scandinavian Pine Bench by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Dronten, NL
Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern solid pine bench by Swedish company Karl Andersson and Söner, designed by Carl Malmsten. Nice woodworking details that are also present in the designs...
Pine
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
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
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