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 Folke Ohlsson for DUX Scissor Chair Made in Sweden c 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century Scandinavian Modern design by Folke Ohlsson, for Dux, circa 1960's. The chair, known as the Scissor Chair, features a sleek architectural frame of solid beech wood...
Upholstery, Beech
Rare "Horn" Desk / Accent Armchair in Beech, Folke Ohllson, DUX, Sweden, 1950s
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare "horn" chair designed by the influential Folke Ohlsson for the Swedish firm DUX. Recently and meticulously restored this sculptural chair, made from solid beech wo...
Beech
Set of 2 "Horn" Accent Armchairs by Folke Ohllson for DUX, Sweden, c. 1950s
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare set of two "horn" chairs designed by the influential Folke Ohlsson for the Swedish firm DUX. Recently and meticulously restored this sculptural chair set, made fro...
Beech
$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
Hunting Chairs, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of hunting chairs and matching table - 1950s Mid-century hunting chairs set of three made in the 1950s in Sweden. The back of the chairs are made of two deer antlers while the l...
Antler
Oswald Haerdtl Beech Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Thonet, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Almelo, NL
Oswald Haerdtl set of four chairs, the 1950s A rare set of four chairs was designed by the Austrian designer Oswald Haerdtl and produced by Ton (Thonet) in the former Czechoslova...
Ash, Beech, Bentwood
$2,650
H 30.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Scandinavian Midcentury Easy Lounge Chair by Folke Ohlsson for DUX, 1950's
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful very sculptural chair designed by Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mobler of Sweden. The model is rarely seen and was only made directly for export to the US market. Made from solid w...
Wool, Walnut
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
$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 Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
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
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Danish Sofa
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
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 armchair "Profile" DUX of Sweden 1960
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Paris, IDF
Folke Ohlsson armchair "Profile" made by DUX of Sweden around 1960. Original fabric in beige velvet. Good condition DUX launched a number of generously increased upholstered seatin...
Wood
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34 in W 34 in D 36 in
Folke Ohlsson For Dux ‘Profil’ Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Chicago, IL
Folke Ohlsson for Dux of Sweden ‘Profil’ lounge chair and ottoman. This is an iconic Swedish design by Ohlsson for two particular reasons; the firs...
Upholstery, Teak
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
$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 Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
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
Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chair by DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
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
Sold
H 28.5 in W 29 in D 30 in
Pair of Folke Ohlssen for Dux USA 75 Vintage 1960s Teak Accent Lounge Chairs
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of USA 75 chairs by Folke Ohlssen for Dux. This is a beautiful example of the USA 75 chair, in very good recently refurbished condition. Each chair has a very classic mid cent...
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chairs for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Folke Ohlsson designed lounge chairs for Dux, circa 1950s, Sweden. The chairs feature solid birch bases and upholstered seats in a geometric striped earth tone fabric. Dim...
Upholstery, Birch
Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Teak Wood Frame
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Astoria, NY
Manufactured by DUX in the 1960s. The chair has a sleek and classic designwith a modern appearence. The ottoman is adjustable. Recently upholstered in a black chenille fabric with underlying multi-colored threads. Removable headrest...
Chenille, Teak
Folke Ohlsson for Dux of Sweden Teak Scissor Chairs, A Pair
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in New Windsor, NY
Pair of Folke Ohlsson designed scissor chairs for Dux of Sweden. Solid teak construction with very clean original oiled finish. Ergonomically slatted back contour and tapered legs. G...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 25 in W 31 in D 31 in
Pair of Midcentury DUX Scandinavian Teak Frame Low Tan Suede Lounge Chairs
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of original mid-century Scandinavian lounge chairs for DUX. All teak wood low lounge chairs. Arms have unique curve - great lines. Solid teak frames with spindle back and thin u...
Ultrasuede, Teak
Folke Ohlsson For DUX Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Folke Ohlsson For DUX Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair The chair measures: 34 wide x 32 deep x 38 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height of 19.5 inches Ready for ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Folke Ohlsson for DUX mid century walnut lounge chair The chair measures: 34 wide x 32 deep x 37.5 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height of 19 inches Ready for ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 39 in W 35 in D 33.5 in
Mid Century Folke Ohlsson Profile Teak & Leather Armchair with Footstool, C.1960
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Folke Ohlsson profile teak & leather armchair with footstool. All original condition. Leather in good condition with no rips or tears. ...
Leather
Folke Ohlsson Model 75-C Walnut Color Danish Modern Lounge Chair for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Houston, TX
Folke Ohlsson Model 75-C walnut color Danish modern lounge chair for DUX New indoor outdoor stainproof fabric from Kravet. Chair dimensions: H 28 in. x W 27 in. x D 26 in. Seat h...
Birch
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Lounge Chair
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in New York, NY
Classic Folke Ohlsson lounge chair manufactured by DUX of Sweden. This example is structurally sound and sturdy, the fabric is worn and will need to be replaced. Measures: Total H 3...
Upholstery, Wood
Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chair by DUX of Sweden in Cheetah Print Fabric
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in New York, NY
Chic Folke Ohlsson lounge chair in dramatic cheetah print fabric, on exposed teak frame. This example is in very good, clean and original condition. Designed by Folke Ohlsson, for DU...
Upholstery, Teak
Midcentury Set of 6 Teak Dining Chairs by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury set of 6 teak dining chairs by Folke Ohlsson for DUX. Very beautiful designed and crafted set of dining chairs with elegant curved backs. The set has all new wool woven upholstery very neutral tones hint of green and sand/tan wool. Very solid chairs and comfortable. Very unique set of Swedish designed chairs...
Teak