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 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
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, 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
Mid-20th Century, Swedish Three Seater Sofa in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Odense, DK
This stunning three-seater sofa is designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren, dating from the 1960s. The model, Visingsö, is a celebrated example of Swedish mid-century ...
Wool, Pine
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, 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
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
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
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
Swedish Modern Samsas armchair by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
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
$12,889 / 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
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
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 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
20th Century Swedish Vintage OH Sjögren Home Evening Settee by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, AB Stilarmatur Tranås, O.H. Sjögren
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
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
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
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
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
$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
Scandinavian Modern by Carl Malmsten ”Lata Greven” Pair of Chairs
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
Mid-Century “Gamla Berlin” Easy Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Old Berlin” chair is among Swedish icon, Carl Malmsten’s rarer models. The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery, and Malmsten’s timeless design makes this model a beautiful repr...
Sheepskin, 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 & 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
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
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
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
$2,109Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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...
Mohair
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
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 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 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 "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
$4,688 / 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
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
20th Century Swedish Pair of Möbel Komponerad AV Club Chairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 20th Century, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish pair of Stora Furulid, club chairs made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Möbel Kompone...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Swedish Pine Stool by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
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
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
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
Vintage Swedish Armchair by Carl Malmsten
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
$3,657Sale 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
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
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
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström Pair of "Caryngo" Chairs
By Carl Malmsten, Yngve Ekström, Swedese
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
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
Carl Malmsten Upholstered Armchairs for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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
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
$45,128 / 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 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
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
20th Century Swedish Pair of Vintage O.H. Sjögren Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
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, Cotton, Upholstery, Birch
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
“Gamla Berlin” Easy Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Old Berlin” chair is among Swedish icon, Carl Malmsten’s rarer models. The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery, and Malmsten’s timeless design makes this model a beautiful repr...
Fabric, Wood