Carl Malmsten Seating
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
Pair of Side Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of beautiful side chairs by Carl Malmsten. Made from stained wood with rattan backs, contrasting elegantly in color. Lovely, flowing lines, light expression.
Category
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Mohair
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Birch
1950s Boucle Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten
Carl Malmsten Small Sofa, c1940s
This exceptional piece of Swedish furniture was designed in the 1940s by master cabinetmaker & designer Carl Malmsten. It was pro...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Carl Malmsten "Ulla" Three-Seater Birch Sofa, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl Malmsten wanted to express a feeling or a characteristic with his designs. Thanks to its generous format and enveloping shapes, Carl Malmsten's upholstered pieces offer seating ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Visingsö Solid Pine Stools
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Kramfors, SE
Set of 2 stools Visingsö by Carl Malmsten för Svensk fur. The stools are solid pine with beautifully curved characteristic edges. Designed in 1953. This pair is from around 1965 and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Pine
Carl Malmsten 1940s Vintage Boucle Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
This exceptional piece of Swedish furniture was designed in the 1940s by master cabinetmaker and designer Carl Malmsten. It was produced at his own workshop near Stockholm in Sweden....
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur Set of Four 'Sörgården' Dining Chairs in Solid Pine
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, dining chairs model 'Sörgården', pine, Sweden, 1950s
This set of four dining chairs designed by Malmsten and manufactured by Svensk Fur combines comfor...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Carl Malmsten "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 have a have new fabric and rehopulstred by proffesinol with original Malmst...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Fabric
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Pine
Swedish Grace Sofa Designed by Carl Malmsten, Mahogany Frame, Sweden, 1929
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Grace sofa designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden. 1929.
Mahogany frame with exotic wood inlay. Fabric upholstery.
Provenance: Commissioned by ...
Category
1920s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Birch, Fabric
"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 Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Carl Malmsten Armchair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten armchair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Birch, Fabric
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Velvet, Birch
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Brass
Midcentury 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.
...
Category
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Velvet
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 Seating
Materials
Wool, Beech
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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Beech, Fabric
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 Seating
Materials
Wool
Carl Malmsten “Samsas” Pair of Armchairs for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
"Visingso" Pine Bench by Carl Malmsten for Karl Andersson's, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Skokie, IL
"Visingso" Pine Bench by Carl Malmsten for Karl Andersson's. Simple but elegant handmade craftsmanship with signature leg construction.
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Wooden stool attrib. to Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian pine wood bench.
This vintage solid wood stool is attributed to Carl Malmsten. The essential and carefully detailed forms hark back to Scandinavian Brutalist design of ...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Wool, Teak
Midcentury Modern Sheepskin/Shearling Carl Malmsten "Lata Greven" Lounge Chairs
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Lata Greven" (Lazy countess) lounge chair designed by Carl Malmsten in 1953 and manufactured during that time. These two chairs have been fully...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Sheepskin, Birch
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Seating
Materials
Wool, Beech
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Carl Malmsten seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Carl Malmsten seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 144 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Arne Norell, Bruno Mathsson, and Yngve Ekström. Prices for Carl Malmsten seating 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 $5,900.
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