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.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 "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
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
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
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
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 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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth
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
$2,509
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
A Mid-Century Modern Cabinet, in Style of Jean Prouvé, Sweden c. 1950s
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A Mid Century Modern Cabinet, in the Style of Jean Prouvé, Sweden, 1950s A Swedish cabinet produced in the 1950s. Executed in wood with a restrained and functional design, defined b...
Wood
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
Beautiful Art Deco Cabinet from 1930s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Introducing a piece of history - an Art Deco cabinet from the 1930's that has been repurposed as a bar/fridge, but with endless possibilities for customization. This unique piece of ...
Mahogany
Vintage Josef Frank Style Swedish Cabinet, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Round Rock, TX
Vintage Swedish cabinet, after Josef Frank. Wildflower front with a grounded frame. The loose botanical motif echoes the Svenskt Tenn aesthetic with a nice balance of movement. Solid...
Textile, Beech
$4,472
H 81.89 in W 46.86 in D 20.48 in
Børge Mogensen Oak Cabinet, Scandinavian Modern Design, Sweden, 1950s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Berlin, DE
Shelving and storage cabinet in oak by Borge Mogensen.
Wood, Oak
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
$3,148 / set
H 17.72 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Modernist nightstands in massive Pine 1960s in the taste of Carl Malmsten/Hjorth
By Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Forest, BE
This is a pair of unusual nightstands/ side tables made out of pine. Produced in Sweden around the 1960s. It is in the taste of Carl Malmsten and Axel Einar Hjorth. Carl Malmsten ...
Pine
$18,006
H 37.01 in W 27.96 in D 14.97 in
Chest of Drawers Model 146 Designed by Carl-Axel Acking, Sweden 1940s
By Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Stockholm, SE
Chest of drawers model 146 designed by Carl-Axel Acking for Svenska Möbelfabriken, Sweden, 1940s. Elm with alder root drawers, brass. Marked "SM No. 146" Measurements: H: 94 cm/ ...
Elm
$5,500Sale Price|50% Off
H 49.22 in W 53.15 in D 18.51 in
1920s - 1930s Swedish Grace Masur Birch Inlay Cabinet Attributed Carl Bergsten
By Carl Bergsten
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the 1920s - 1930s Swedish Grace inlay cabinet attributed Carl Bergsten. It comes with a top veneered in dark stained birch decorated with a well-marked molding in both straig...
Birch, Elm, Plywood
Swedish pine cabinet circa 1950.
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Swedish cabinet with 14 drawers made in solid pine. Typical Folk art all hand crafted, good original condition. thsi cabinet can be related to Axel einar hjorth style in sweden in th...
Pine
Modernist Carl Malmsten Pine 1930s Table/Desk restored Hjorth
By Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth
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
$6,595
H 53 in W 44.5 in D 17 in
Swedish Grace Hand-Carved Antique 1920s Art Deco Bar or Storage Cabinet
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and exceptional piece of Swedish Grace furniture, handmade in Sweden in the 1920s. Attributed to famed furniture designer Otto Schulz of Boet, this cabinet showcases the soph...
Hardwood, Birch, Elm, Mahogany
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
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
Swedish Grace "Haga" Sideboard by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
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 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 Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
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 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