Skip to main content

Carl Malmsten Side Tables

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
6
2
8
7
1
8
8
4
2
8
4
4
3
2
8
8
8
8
8
8
148
264
214
189
161
Creator: Carl Malmsten
Carl Malmsten 'Båstad' Side Table in Mahogany, Erik Johansson, Sweden
Carl Malmsten 'Båstad' Side Table in Mahogany, Erik Johansson, Sweden

Carl Malmsten 'Båstad' Side Table in Mahogany, Erik Johansson, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in The Hague, NL

This elegant side table was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1951 and is known as the Båstad model, named after the town where Malmsten's close friend, the iconic textile artist Märta Må...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Carl Malmsten, Side Tables, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Carl Malmsten, Side Tables, Teak, Sweden, 1950s

Carl Malmsten, Side Tables, Teak, Sweden, 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of teak side tables designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Moderate fading to tops as illustrated. ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Pair of "Guldheden" Bedside Tables by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
Pair of "Guldheden" Bedside Tables by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

Pair of "Guldheden" Bedside Tables by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Pair of elegant bedside tables in pine, designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent condition with small signs of usage and patina.

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Pine side table 'Sparven' by Carl Malmsten, 1950s, Sweden
Pine side table 'Sparven' by Carl Malmsten, 1950s, Sweden

Pine side table 'Sparven' by Carl Malmsten, 1950s, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Eskilstuna, SE

Rare side table in pine designed by Carl Malmsten during the 1950s. Goes perfectly together with other so called sports cabin furniture.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Stool 'Visingsö' by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
Stool 'Visingsö' by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

Stool 'Visingsö' by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Stool in pine model 'Visingsö' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Good condition with small signs of usage and patina. Please note: set of 2 available

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

White Side Table by Carl Malmsten
White Side Table by Carl Malmsten

White Side Table by Carl Malmsten

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Dronten, NL

Elegant bone white lacquered mahogany side table, designed by Carl Malmsten for Möbel Komponerad AV. This table was loved during its many years of existence and is in beautiful vinta...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Beech

Carl Malmsten Bench Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
Carl Malmsten Bench Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden

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 Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten, Set of "Sledge" Nesting Tables, Sweden, circa 1948
Carl Malmsten, Set of "Sledge" Nesting Tables, Sweden, circa 1948

Carl Malmsten, Set of "Sledge" Nesting Tables, Sweden, circa 1948

By Carl Malmsten

Located in New York, NY

Midcentury nesting tables with teak marquetry by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Beech, Teak

Related Items
Teak "Sladen" “The Sled” Nesting Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden
Teak "Sladen" “The Sled” Nesting Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden

Teak "Sladen" “The Sled” Nesting Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Beautiful “The Sled” nesting table by Carl Malmsten, made from teak. Light, graceful design with sled shaped legs and a discreet decor of inlaid spheres at the edges of the table tops.

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Swedish Designer, Side Table, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Pine, Sweden, 1940s

Swedish Designer, Side Table, Pine, Sweden, 1940s

$5,800

H 24.25 in W 23.625 in D 23.625 in

Swedish Designer, Side Table, Pine, Sweden, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A pine side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.25"H x 23.625"W x 23.625"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

1960s Nesting Ceramic Tile Tables, Denmark
1960s Nesting Ceramic Tile Tables, Denmark

1960s Nesting Ceramic Tile Tables, Denmark

$565 / set

H 19.69 in W 25.2 in D 15.36 in

1960s Nesting Ceramic Tile Tables, Denmark

Located in Praha, CZ

- 3 pieces - Good original condition with minor signs of use.

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik  Denmark, 1960
Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik  Denmark, 1960

Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Denmark, 1960

By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik

Located in Camden, ME

Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik design rare set of 3 rosewood nesting tables produced in Denmark, 1960. The beautifully grained Brazilian rose...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s

Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s

$794

H 16.54 in W 21.66 in D 14.97 in

Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

This side table is an example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood, which radiates warmth and elegance. With its simple and functional design, this table fits perfectl...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rosewood 1960s Danish
Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rosewood 1960s Danish

Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rosewood 1960s Danish

$1,766 / set

H 20.48 in W 16.54 in D 24.41 in

Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rosewood 1960s Danish

By Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Danish nesting table from the 1960s in rosewood.

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Side Table 1950s
Vintage Side Table 1950s

Vintage Side Table 1950s

$470

H 30.71 in W 25.99 in D 16.93 in

Vintage Side Table 1950s

Located in Čelinac, BA

Vintage Side Table 1950s

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Wood

White Oak Side Table
White Oak Side Table

White Oak Side Table

$650 / item

H 15 in W 24 in D 24 in

White Oak Side Table

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

This white oak side table is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each table is a hand-made mitered box from white oak veneer and ...

Category

2010s American Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Classic Wide Side Table, Rustic White
Classic Wide Side Table, Rustic White

Classic Wide Side Table, Rustic White

$1,780 / item

H 26 in W 28 in D 18 in

Classic Wide Side Table, Rustic White

Located in Westwood, NJ

Classic wide rectangle side table with a drawer, two shelves, brass hardware, and tapered feet, has a rustic “drift” white painted finish with subtle grey distressing with subtle vis...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Rustic Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Coffee Table for Åfors Möbelfabrik AB, Sweden, 1960s
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Coffee Table for Åfors Möbelfabrik AB, Sweden, 1960s

Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Coffee Table for Åfors Möbelfabrik AB, Sweden, 1960s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Utrecht, NL

“All edges must be thoroughly broken”, Carl Malmsten often wrote in his drawings. It was nature that was his great source of inspiration and in nature there are hardly any sharp edges or corners. This “Samsas” table is one of the greatest examples of this sentiment. This elegant table was designed as part of the 'Samsas' series of seating models and this rare table. Neither the light, the eye nor the person likes to turn against sharp corners, Malmsten explained once. Therefore, edges should be rounded so that they become friendlier to touch and look at. Carl Malmsten was not only one of Sweden's most famous furniture designers, he was also one of the last century's great cultural personalities with a strong influence on the home environment, public environment and the contemporary public debate. His personality shines through the design of this round coffee table as well. The design is dominated by the round tabletop with a spectacular sunburst pattern. The sunburst design or figure was commonly used in architectural ornaments and design patterns; it consists of rays or "beams" radiating out from a central point in the manner of sunbeams. To support the top are four straight legs with impeccable joinery that is visible under the tabletop. Since this table was made in the heyday of the mid-century, the legs, and the design as a whole lacks heavy ornamentation and instead focuses on the natural beauty of wood and the rounded edges. Carl Malmsten’s design was materialized by Swedish manufacturer, Åfors Möbelfabrik AB...

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Small pine console table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s
Small pine console table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s

Small pine console table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s

$4,709

H 23.82 in W 51.19 in D 23.63 in

Small pine console table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1940s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Eskilstuna, SE

Lovely console table by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the first half of the 20th century. Made in pine with a elegant design.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Danish Modern, Teak, Organic Form Side Table, Denmark, 1950s
Danish Modern, Teak, Organic Form Side Table, Denmark, 1950s

Danish Modern, Teak, Organic Form Side Table, Denmark, 1950s

Located in Manhasset, NY

Danish Mid-Century Modern, Teak, Organic Form Side Table, Denmark, 1950s A petite stained wood side table having an organic form top, designed and produced in Denmark in the middle ...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Carl Malmsten 'Berg' Three Legged Side Table in Masur Birch, Sweden, 1950s
Carl Malmsten 'Berg' Three Legged Side Table in Masur Birch, Sweden, 1950s

Carl Malmsten 'Berg' Three Legged Side Table in Masur Birch, Sweden, 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in The Hague, NL

This elegant side table was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1936 as part of his renowned Berg series, a collection of distinctive three-legged tables. The particular example shown here ...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian Mid-Century Birch "Ovalen" Side Table by Carl Malmsten
Scandinavian Mid-Century Birch "Ovalen" Side Table by Carl Malmsten

Scandinavian Mid-Century Birch "Ovalen" Side Table by Carl Malmsten

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Karis, Nyland

Side table designed in the 1960s by Carl Malmsten, as noted by the label. Birch wood. The simple soft lines and legs make this an elegant side table. Timelessly beautiful design piece.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian modern pine side table by Carl Malmsten, 1950s, Sweden
Scandinavian modern pine side table by Carl Malmsten, 1950s, Sweden

Scandinavian modern pine side table by Carl Malmsten, 1950s, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Eskilstuna, SE

Rare side table in pine designed by Carl Malmsten during the 1950s. Goes perfectly together with other so called sports cabin furniture.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

"Guldheden" Bedside Table by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
"Guldheden" Bedside Table by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

"Guldheden" Bedside Table by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

Sold

H 22.84 in W 19.69 in D 12.6 in

"Guldheden" Bedside Table by Carl Malmsten, 1960s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Elegant bedside table in pine, designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Very good condition with small signs of usage and patina.

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Pair of side tables ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten for Carl Löving & Sons
Pair of side tables ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten for Carl Löving & Sons

Pair of side tables ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten for Carl Löving & Sons

By Carl Löfving & Co, Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Pair of side tables ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten for Carl Löving & Sons, Sweden, 1950s. Oak.

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Oak

A Carl Malmsten Birch Side Table, Circa 1940s
A Carl Malmsten Birch Side Table, Circa 1940s

A Carl Malmsten Birch Side Table, Circa 1940s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in New York, NY

A Swedish Grace birchwood and stained side table, Designed by Carl Malmsten, circa 1940s, with a circular sunburst veneered top above a conforming apron raised on square tapered and ...

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Side table ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s, walnut
Side table ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s, walnut

Side table ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s, walnut

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Side table ‘October’ designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s. Walnut. Stamped.

Category

1930s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Side table 'October' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
Walnut Side table 'October' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s

Walnut Side table 'October' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Side table 'October' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s Stamped. Walnut. Carl Malmsten was a Swedish furniture designer, interior designer, and educator known for his devoti...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Carl Malmsten Bedside Tables, 1960s
Pair of Carl Malmsten Bedside Tables, 1960s

Pair of Carl Malmsten Bedside Tables, 1960s

Sold

H 24.02 in W 20.67 in D 14.97 in

Pair of Carl Malmsten Bedside Tables, 1960s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Pair of elegant bedside tables designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Very good condition with small signs of usage and patina. Signed.

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of Bedside Tables ‘Guest Stool Z’ for the Carl Malmsten Centre, Sweden
Pair of Bedside Tables ‘Guest Stool Z’ for the Carl Malmsten Centre, Sweden

Pair of Bedside Tables ‘Guest Stool Z’ for the Carl Malmsten Centre, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Marked. Measures: H: 39 cm / 15 1/3'' W: 55 cm / 21 1/2'' D: 38 cm / 15'' H storage section: 18 cm / 7''.

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Pine

Pair of "Birgitta" Mahogany Bedside Tables Carl Malmsten, Bodafors Sweden 1960s
Pair of "Birgitta" Mahogany Bedside Tables Carl Malmsten, Bodafors Sweden 1960s

Pair of "Birgitta" Mahogany Bedside Tables Carl Malmsten, Bodafors Sweden 1960s

By Carl Malmsten, Bodafors

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of "Birgitta" Mahogany bedside tables Carl Malmsten, Bodafors Sweden 1960s This modest set of nightstands is designed by the Swede Carl Malmst...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Nest of Tables 'Släden' Designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden
Nest of Tables 'Släden' Designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden

Nest of Tables 'Släden' Designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Stockholm, SE

Stamped. Measures: Large table: H: 57 cm / 22 1/2'' W: 70.5 cm / 2' 3 3/4'' D: 41 cm / 16'' Two smaller tables: H: 53 cm / 21'' W: 34 cm / 13 1/3'' D: 36.5 cm / 14 1/3''.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Carl Malmsten Side Tables

Materials

Cherry

Carl Malmsten side tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Carl Malmsten side tables 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 side tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side tables by Carl Malmsten were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in sweden during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side tables by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Dux of Sweden, and Bruno Mathsson. Prices for Carl Malmsten side tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,190 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,520.