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.
Pair of Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” Shelving Units in Pine, Svensk Fur, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of Scandinavian shelving units from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Each unit features thr...
Pine
$6,595 / item
Carl Malmsten pine cabinet, circa 1950.
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Pine Cabinet designed and produced by Carl Malmsten in Sweden in the 50's. The cabinet is made in solid pine, two drawers inside. Good overhall condition. The cabinet is marked by th...
Pine
Pair of pine bookcases by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A pair of pine bookcases designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced in Sweden during the 1950s. A fine example of so called Swedish sports cabin furniture. The dimensions stated in the it...
Pine
Sideboard “Calmare Nyckel”, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard in oak designed by Carl Malmsten as part of the “Calmare Nyckel” series. The piece features four framed cabinet doors and a decorative drawers with carved circular motifs...
Oak
Modernist Carl Malmsten Pine 1940s Desk with a shelf, unique
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Carl Malmsten
Located in Forest, BE
This is a unusual desk made out of pine. Produced in Sweden around the 1940s. It is a so unique in the shape, the base is very unusual with the shelf as a feet. It will brighten any...
Pine
Midcentury chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, made from birch with clean lines. Veneer laid in a striking graphic pattern.
Birch
Carl Malmsten pine cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s. Produced in Sweden. Good condition.
Pine
Swedish Grace Vitrine Bookcase, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant bookcase with vitrine doors by Carl Malmsten, perfect for organizing favorite books and objects. Made from mahogany with woodgrain laid in contrasting directions.
Glass, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten Swedish Grace Executive Desk
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
An inlaid rosewood and flame birch desk with locking drawer, filing cabinet and pullout drawers. Various wood inlay. Finished on all sides. Knee hole...
Rosewood
Scandinavian Functionalist Sideboard by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sideboard by Carl Malmsten, with elegant rosewood veneer, decorated around the edge and top with inlays of flowers and leaves in a lighter wood. Chunky feet with diagonal l...
Rosewood
Scandinavian Bookcase in Pine by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
A beautiful shelf designed by Carl Malmsten, manufactured in his own studio, 1940s. This piece goes together well with pine furniture from other Swedish designers from the era, suc...
Pine
Carl Malmsten 'Vardags' Swedish Modern Bookcase With Storage Cabinet
By Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Modern Bookcase Hutch Credenza With Storage Cabinet, designed by Carl Malmsten. Upper piece has three shelves and hutch. Lower piece ha...
Pine
Midcentury "Tulip Rose" chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, model called “Tulipanros” (“Tulip Rose”), made in mahogany and root veneer laid in an elegant pattern. Graphic decor on the drawer fronts...
Birch
Carl Malmsten 'Släden' nesting tables, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Produced in Sweden by Åfors Möbelfabrik. Good condition. Central table: H 57 cm × L 70,5 cm × W 41 cm Small tables: H 53.5 cm × L 36.5 c...
Teak
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Löfving & Söner, Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Walnut Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Cabinet Produced by Carl Löfving & Söner in Sweden...
Walnut
Carl Malmsten, “Visingsö” Cabinet in Pine, Svensk Fur, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A charming cabinet with writing flap from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur. Executed in pine, the piece reflects Malmsten’s philosophy of “...
Pine
Swedish high pine cabinet 'Carolus' by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Swedish high bar cabinet designed by Carl Malmsten during the 1950s. Made in beautifully patinated pine. Possible to remove the top part.
Pine
$11,900Sale Price|57% Off
Unique Swedish Art Deco, Modern Neoclassical Cabinet, Carl Malmsten Signed, 1932
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important 'Swedish Grace' sideboard, cupboard or buffet by Swedish Master, Carl Malmsten delicately constructed of inlaid birch and elmwood depicting a scene of Saint Geor...
Birch, Ebony, Maple
Scandinavian Modern Bookcases in Pine Set Of 2, Svensk Fur, ca 1960's
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern bookcases with a cabinet in pine set of 2, Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, ca 1960's. The upper section (cabinet with shelfs) is removable. Both are signed with mak...
Pine
1930s Pair of Bookcases/Cabinets by Carl Malmsten SMF Birch Mid Century Modern
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A pair of swedish Art Deco bookcase or cabinets by Carl Malmsten for SMF. The case is composed of highly figured golden flame birch wood with rosewood banding and inlays. Relief carv...
Birch
Cabinet con ripiani a vista “Visingsö” di Carl Malmsten per Svensk Fur, anni ’50
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Brescia, IT
Cabinet con ripiani a vista modello “Visingsö” di Carl Malmsten per Svensk Fur, in legno laccato beige e grigio antracite, anni ’50. Cabinet con ripiani a vista della serie “Visings...
Beech
Cabinet Model "Lillbo" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
Elegant cabinet in walnut, model “Lillbo” designed by Carl Malmsten. The piece is raised on slender legs, giving it a light and architectural presence, while the upper cabinet and lo...
Wood
1930s Swedish Large Cupboard Cabinet by Carl Malmsten for Ab Nordiska Kompaniet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An extremely rare and possibly unique cabinet designed by Carl Malmsten for AB Nordiska Kompaniet. Beautiful condition and versatile cabinet. Large cabinet with fully adjustable shel...
Birch
Modernist Carl Malmsten Pine 1930s Table/Desk restored Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Carl Malmsten
Located in Forest, BE
This is a unusual table / desk made out of pine. Produced in Sweden in the early 1930s. It is a so unique in the shape inspired by the traditional baroque tables but in a stylized a...
Pine
Dudouyt - Desk - Table - Oak - 1940s - France - Brutalist
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a remarkable French Art Deco Desk designed by the renowned Charles Dudouyt, a celebrated furniture designer known for his exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, a...
Oak
Scandinavian modern chest of drawers, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great functionalistic chest of drawers produced in Sweden during the 1950s. Made in birch with brass handles.
Brass
Sideboard by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Budapest, HU
Sideboard by Umberto Mascagni. Four doors and four-drawer and the mirror. We have the complete dining suite: Table and six chairs and bar cabinet.
Aluminum
1960s, Teak Bookcase By Carl Axel Acking for Bodafors, Sweden
By Bodafors, Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Teak Bookcase with Drawers by Carl Axel Acking for Bodafors (Sweden, 1950s–60s) A beautifully proportioned teak bookcase designed by renowned Swedish architect and designer Carl Axel...
Brass
Pine pantry cabinet, circa 1820
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This Northern European oak pantry cabinet, crafted circa 1820, is a characterful and authentic piece of furniture with a rich historical appearance. The cabinet is made of solid pine...
Wrought Iron
Desk - French - Art Deco - Oak - Dudouyt - 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a checked marquetry. It rests on tall and Brutalist ...
Oak
$9,353
H 43.31 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Swedish Cabinet in Stained Pinewood by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur, 1940s
By Svensk Fur, Goran Malmvall
Located in Odense, DK
Rare cabinet in dark stained pinewood by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur. Pair of doors with relief decor. 4 shelves with dovetail joints. Original key included. Göran Malmvall (1917-...
Pine
1950s Sideboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, solid oak, lacquered oak, the Netherlands, 1950s This 1950s Dutch sideboard is a beautiful example of post-war modernism, combining functional clarity with subtle decorat...
Oak
Desk - French - Cerused - Art Deco - Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
French Art Deco desk table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a checked marquetry. It rests on tall and Brutalist le...
Oak
Carl Malmsten pine cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s. Produced in Sweden. Good condition.
Pine
1950s Chest of Drawers, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood
$5,400
H 28.75 in W 55.12 in D 39.38 in
Dudouyt - Spirit - Architectural - Oak - Desk - France - 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Architectural Oak Desk with Parquet Top, France, 1940s Form distilled to mass and rhythm — a collector’s piece of sculptural restraint. This commanding French oak dining table, craf...
Oak
Sold
H 43.51 in W 41.15 in D 16.93 in
Carl Malmsten, “Visingsö” Cabinet in Pine, Svensk Fur, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A Scandinavian cabinet from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Engraved with "CM" on the back. Ver...
Pine
Sold
H 76.38 in W 39.38 in D 15.75 in
Cabinet con ripiani a vista “Visingsö” di Carl Malmsten per Svensk Fur, anni ’50
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Brescia, IT
Cabinet con ripiani a vista modello “Visingsö” di Carl Malmsten per Svensk Fur, in legno laccato beige e grigio antracite, anni ’50. Cabinet con ripiani a vista della serie “Visings...
Beech
Sold
H 104.73 in W 32.29 in D 12.21 in
Private Listing for E.: Italian Wall Unit by Feal;Carl Malmsten Vanity Table
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
This is a private listing for E. containing the following items: - Carl Malmsten for Bodafors Dressing Table 'Brigitta' in Mahogany (LU933121733012): $5,200 - Italian Wall Unit by ...
Mahogany, Teak
Swedish Grace "Haga" Sideboard by Carl Malmsten
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant sideboard by Carl Malmsten for NK, model called “Haga”, made from birch. Stained top and base, graphic inlays on the door fronts. Lovely attention to detail.
Birch
Sold
H 53.55 in W 37.8 in D 16.54 in
Early Swedish Mid Century Modern Wooden Pine Cabinet by Carl Malmsten, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare Swedish modern wooden pine cabinet with traditional and decorative double doors, shelves, drawers and two floral shaped handles designed and branded by Carl Malmsten prod...
Pine
Sold
H 33.47 in W 63 in D 20.08 in
Art Deco / Swedish Grace Sideboard Carl Malmsten "Haga”, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful Swedish Grace Art Deco / sideboard, buffet, storage unit named 'Haga' by Carl Malmsten. The sideboard sits on an ebonized base and it has inlays of geometric decoration and...
Birch
20th century birch and burr chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century birch and burr chest of drawers by carl malmsten circa 1940. Here we present a known design designed by carl malmsten. Dark stained birch carcass, with 2 drawers r...
Birch
Sold
H 60.24 in W 37.41 in D 15.75 in
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Model "Lillbo" by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Klintehamn, SE
Very rare cabinet - model Lillbo designed by Carl Malmsten in 1960. Mahogany veneer. Produced by Carl Löfving & Söner in Tibro, Sweden. Brass hinges, sculptured wooden handles on the...
Mahogany
Sold
H 34.65 in W 59.45 in D 20.08 in
Swedish Birch Art Deco Intarsia Buffet , Carl Malmsten, Haga model 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brussels, BE
Swedish Birch Art Deco Intarsia Buffet ,Carl Malmsten,Haga model 1930s
Wood
20th century birch and burr chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century birch and burr chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten circa 1940. Here we present a known design designed by Carl Malmsten. Dark stained birch carcass, with 2 drawers r...
Birch
Cornerboard by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage two-body teak corner cabinet. An iconic Scandinavian 1960s design furniture piece. The lower part is a storage compartment with hinged doors, and the upper part consists of ...
Teak
Chest of drawers designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Chest of drawers designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940. Veneered oak, birch and elm. Stamped. Made by carpenter Johan Abrahamsson. H: 81.5 cm / 2' 8'' W: 114.5 cm / 3' 9'' D: 4...
Birch, Elm, Oak