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.
$4,700 / 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
Set of four Swedish midcentury pine dining chairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Set of four Scandinavian modern pine dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten during the 1960s. Fits together perfectly with other sports cabin furniture from Sweden. Beautiful o...
Pine
$45,241 / 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
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
$1,645Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of three Carl Malmsten dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Ystad, SE
Set of Three Carl Malmsten Dining Chairs in Solid Oregon Pine, Sweden, 1960s A refined set of three dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten...
Pine
Set of eight Carl Malmsten dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Carl Malmsten 1888 - 1972 Malmsten’s career started in 1915, when the results of a furniture competition for the massive new building project, the Stockholm City Hall, were announced...
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...
Brass
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...
Pine
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.
Pine
Set of 4 chairs by Carl Malmsten "Lilac Aland"
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage Scandinavian dining chairs. This chair model that has become iconic is distinguished by its unique backrest structure consisting of eight vertical wooden stems. The...
Wood
Set of 8 mid century Swedish pine dining chairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Practical set of Swedish 1970's dining chairs. Shaped backs with 4 back slats with a carrying handle cut out. Plain seat, standing on tapered legs. Simple elegant design and comfor...
Pine
$2,700 / set
H 33.47 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Set of 6 Chairs in Pine, by a Swedish Cabinetmaker, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Sven Larsson, Roland Wilhelmsson, Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful set of 6 sculptural dining chairs in solid pine with a fine carved backrest. Handcrafted by a Swedish Cabinetmaker in the 1960s, made in the style of Carl Malmsten. These...
Pine
Rainer Daumiller Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Pine
By Rainer Daumiller, Hirtshals Sawmill
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals Sawmill, set of eight dining chairs, pine, Denmark, 1970s Beautiful, organic and natural dining chairs in solid pine by Danish Rainer Daumiller in t...
Pine
$3,523Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.09 in W 16.93 in D 17.72 in
Set of 4 iconic Göran Malmvall dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1940s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Ystad, SE
Set of 4 Göran Malmwall Pine Dining Chairs, Sweden, 1940s A distinctive set of four iconic dining chairs designed by Göran Malmwall and crafted in solid pine by the renowned Swedish...
Pine
$4,641 / set
H 30.32 in W 23.63 in D 24.41 in
Scandinavian Modern by Carl Malmsten ”Lata Greven” Pair of Chairs
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
$980
H 38.59 in W 17.33 in D 15.75 in
Rustic Swedish Pine Chair, Carl Malmsten Style, Early 20th Century
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A rare rustic dining / office chair in stained pine. Made in the style of Carl Malmsten "Skedblad" in the early 1900s. It has an incredibly strong character, with its rounded shape...
Pine
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn 'Sawbuck' Dining Chair in Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 'Sawbuck' dining chair, model CH29, teak, beige fabric, Denmark, design 1952 Hans Wegner's chair exemplifies a solid construction, despite its...
Fabric, Teak
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
$7,931 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Hans Wegner CH30 Dining Chairs Carl Hansen, Denmark, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning set of 6 dining chairs model CH30 designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, Odense Denmark 1950. These chairs are an early design by Wegner as they w...
Faux Leather, Oak, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Lane Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Stylish and timeless, this set of four 1960’s Mid-Century Modern walnut dining chairs brings warm organic character to any dining space. Each chair features beautifully sculpted fram...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Jacob Kielland-Brandt Dining Chair in Solid Pine
By Jacob Kielland-Brandt
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kielland-Brandt, dining chair, solid pine, Denmark, 1960s This remarkable chair is designed by Danish designer Jacob Kielland-Brandt in the 1960s. It has a strong expression, ...
Pine
$3,400
H 29.53 in W 78.75 in D 30.71 in
Mid-20th Century, Swedish Three Seater Sofa in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
Sold
H 35.04 in W 20.08 in D 22.84 in
Carl Malmsten Set of Four Dining Chairs in Walnut and Blue Velvet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, set of four dining chairs, walnut, velvet, Sweden, 1940s Designed by Carl Malmsten in the forties, these dining chairs have a beautiful elegant silhouette executed wi...
Velvet, Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 22 in D 21 in
Swedish Mid Century Modern slat back dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Swedish Mid Century Modern slat back dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten. Solid birch frames with leather upholstery that has a dyed finish. Very sturdy simple set of Swedish mod...
Leather, Birch
Sold
H 32 in W 22 in D 21 in
10 Swedish Mid Century Modern slat back dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brooklyn, NY
(10) Swedish Mid Century Modern slat back dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten. Solid birch frames with leather upholstery that has a dyed finish. Very sturdy simple set of Swedis...
Leather, Birch
Sold
H 33 in W 20.75 in D 18 in
Set of Ten Klismos Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten for Widdicomb, circa 1940
By Carl Malmsten, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most rare set of ten Klismos dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten in 1938 for Widdicomb newly professionally refinished and reupholstered in Holy Hunt Great Outdoors fabric designed for both indoor and outdoor use making it highly durable and resistant to stains or happy spills. This particular Klismos set...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.86 in W 16.54 in D 17.33 in
Oak and Cane Weave Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Dining chairs model "Jöns" designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced in Sweden by O. H. Sjögren during the 1950s. Very light but sturdy frame of solid oak with woven cane seats. The seats have been repaired and the new cane strands have been colored to blend in with the original weave. Very good vintage condition with light age related patina. Carl Malmsten, an iconic figure in the realm of Swedish furniture design, has left an indelible mark on the world of interior aesthetics. Renowned for his exquisite creations, Malmsten's legacy continues to resonate as his designs have become cherished modern classics. Among his notable works are the famed cane chair "Lilla Åland...
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 36.03 in W 16.54 in D 4.73 in
Stained Pine Chair by Carl Malmsten, Model "Skedblad", Early 20th Century, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A rare dining / office chair in stained pine. Designed by Carl Malmsten in 1930s. Model "Skedblad". It has an incredibly strong character, with its rounded, bowl-shaped back. At ...
Pine
Carl Malmsten Dining Chairs Model Sörgården Produced in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 6 dining chairs model Sörgården designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced in Sweden.
Pine
Swedish Midcentury Set of 10 oak dining chairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Uccle, BE
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish set of 10 dining chairs including a set of armchairs made of hand carved birchwood, designed by Carl Malmsten, in good condition. Restored and re...
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 31.11 in W 17.33 in D 18.12 in
Swedish Modern, Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Mid Century, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 6 dining chairs in solid pine, designed by Carl Malmsten for Karl Andersson and Söner, Sweden, 1960s. Great details that are also present in the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth ...
Pine
Sold
H 35.83 in W 16.15 in D 16.93 in
Early 20th Century Stained Pine Chair by Carl Malmsten, Model "Skedblad", 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A rare dining / office chair in stained pine. Designed by Carl Malmsten in 1930s. Model "Skedblad". It has an incredibly strong character, with its rounded, bowl-shaped back. At ...
Pine
Carl Malmsten Dining Chairs by Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 dining chairs designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden.
Pine
Sold
H 34 in W 18 in D 22 in
Set of 8 Dining Room Side Chairs Designed by Carl Malmsten for Stolab, Sweden
By Stolab, Carl Malmsten
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning set of 8 dining room side chairs designed by Carl Malmsten for Stolab, set consists of 6 side chairs and 2 arm (captain) chairs...Classic Scandinavian design, amazing qualit...
Leather, Wood