Folke Ohlsson pioneered the “knock-down” revolution of furniture, making the innovative flat-pack means of manufacturing and shipping common practice. Credited with playing a significant part in bringing Scandinavian modern forms to the United States, he was an international designer who created attractive pieces that are highly coveted by today’s collectors.
In Sweden, Studio Ljungs Industrier AB is the large family-owned parent company of Duxiana (in America, DUX). While leading the design team for Studio Ljungs Industrier in his native Malmö, Ohlsson visited the West Coast of the United States in 1950 and opened DUX Inc., to expand the company’s global footprint. DUX put into practice an idea that Ohlsson patented for the so-called “knock-down,” or “KD,” chair, a term referencing easy, flat-pack assembly. It saved DUX space in warehouses and money on transportation and was a concept that would inspire hundreds of subsequent companies — most notably fellow Swedish brand IKEA.
Integrating American upholstery with Swedish knock-down hardware and wooden frames, Ohlsson and DUX revolutionized the furniture industry. The manufacturer consistently worked with brilliant mid-century modern designers — among them Bruno Mathsson, Edward Wormley and Alf Svensson — expanding the brand’s portfolio and establishing credibility as a design source. Today vintage DUX sofas and dining chairs are valuable collector’s items, and the space-saving attributes and efficiency associated with the company’s modular designs continue to influence manufacturers all over the world.
Partly because of the affordability of DUX’s furniture — as well as an understandable affinity for the simplicity, warmth and coziness of Scandinavian modern design — postwar America embraced Ohlsson’s vision. One of Ohlsson’s best-known designs is the Profil lounge chair, built on a teak frame that can rock or recline with the push of a lever, while the wool bouclé upholstery is sumptuous and stylish. Another iconic collection is the clean, minimal Pasadena set of sofas, footstools and armchairs, fashioned from solid walnut with brass sabots.
The Milano Triennale and the “Good Design” exhibition series at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art distinguished Ohlsson with more than 30 awards. In 1964, he was honored with Sweden’s Royal Order of Vasa decoration by King Gustav VI Adolf because of his role in exporting modern Scandinavian aesthetics to America. Ohlsson’s designs were also produced by Bodafors and Fritz Hansen.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of Folke Ohlsson seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson, Dux, Sweden, 1950s
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish three seater sofa with two pillows made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by Folke Ohlsson and produced by DUX, in good condition. The ...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Teak
$2,850
H 40 in W 30 in D 33.5 in
Folke Ohlsson teak 'Duxiesta' Adjustable Arm Chair by DUX - Sweden 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folke Ohlsson teak 'Duxiesta' Adjustable Arm Chair by DUX - Sweden 1960's 1960's Folke Ohlsson for DUX Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Teak Wood Adjustable Frame. Made in Sweden. Adjustable recliner for dialed in comfort. New upholstery in Gudbrandsdalens Vadal by Christiane Müller: Gray Norway Wool...
Wool, Teak
$3,250
H 29.5 in W 96 in D 33 in
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Four-Seat Mid-Century Sofa in Original Wool Fabric 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Scandinavian modern sofa made and marked by Dux of Sweden made sometime in the 1960's designed by Folke Ohlsson. Handsome build with profound design lines that bring elegance and style to any space. A splendid, long modern sofa...
Wool, Teak
1960s Mid Century Walnut Recliner by Folke Ohlsson for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century walnut recliner was designed by Folke Ohlsson and manufactured by Dux in Sweden circa 1960s. This fantastic recliner features a walnut frame with gray upholstery. Th...
Fabric, Walnut
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Danish Sofa
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Danish Sofa This sofa measures: 95 wide x 31 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 21 inches Fair Vintage Condition - ...
Upholstery
Folke Ohlsson Sofa by DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, subtle design by Swedish designer Folke Ohlsson, this upholstered three seat sofa with gently curved lines is supported by a walnut base. In very good original vintage ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chair by DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Highland, IN
This generous lounge chair designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX is strikingly handsome and remarkably comfortable. The walnut base supports the body upholstered in black leatherette. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Folke Ohlsson "Stanford" Teak Armchair for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Rare "Stanford" High Back Teak Lounge Chair was designed by Folke Ohlsson for Dux in the 1960s. The "Stanford" model was one of Ohlsson's less common designs. This armchair has a...
Linen, Teak
$7,500 / set
H 31 in W 30 in D 31 in
Swedish Modern Leather and Teak Lounge Chairs by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folke Ohlsson for Dux of Sweden sculptural staved-teak lounge chairs (Model 72-C) featuring a rounded / slatted back and loose cushions. Frames have been ref...
Leather, Teak
$4,125Sale Price|25% Off
H 29 in W 74 in D 29 in
Danish Mid Century Modern teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Dux Model 72-S
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Monterey /5-161 Sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Dux in the 1960’s. Sofa has profiled armrests, representing high craftsmanship, characteristic of...
Teak
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 83.5 in D 32 in
Wonderful Swedish Mid-Century Sofa Folke Ohlsson DUX Style, circa 60's
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Swedish modern Folke Ohlsson Dux style sofa. This sofa retains its original heavy-weight textured zig-zag fabric in presentable condition-cleaning is recommended. The fabri...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century “Profile” Lounge Chair by Folke Ohlsson for DUX of Sweden
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking example of Scandinavian-American modernism, this “Profile” lounge chair was designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX of Sweden in the 1950s–60s. The angular solid teak frame supp...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$4,200
H 29 in W 74 in D 30.5 in
Classic Danish Midcentury Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Folke Ohlsson, Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant three-seat sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson in 1955 as Model 5464 for Fritz Hansen. We love the elegant angles of the sofa and the legs combined the slim cushi...
Wool, Teak