Since its inception, luxury retailer Nordiska Kompaniet, known affectionately to its customers as “NK,” has offered an influential platform for innovators in furniture design. Its department stores in Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden, have been home to many of the top names in mid-century modern design and in Scandinavian modernism. Admired for its production of high-quality pieces, it continues to support forward-looking designers.
Nordiska Kompaniet was founded in 1902 through the merger of the companies K.M. Lundberg and Joseph Leja. Its founder, Josef Sachs, envisioned a department store as a cultural arena that would rival the luxury stores of Paris. He opened a flagship store in Stockholm in 1915. Early on, the brand set its sights on quality furniture making, bringing on master cabinetmaker Axel Einar Hjorth, who headed its production from 1927 to 1938.
The Stockholm Exhibition of 1930 was pivotal for both Nordiska Kompaniet and the world of design as a whole. NK’s installation, designed by Sven Markelius, positioned the artist as a key influencer and force majeure of Swedish functionalism.
Nordiska Kompaniet has continued to hire renowned designers throughout its operations, including such luminaries as Carl Bergsten, David Rosen and Gio Ponti. Many iconic sofas, lounge chairs, bookcases and dining room tables from the mid-century modern period originated in its furniture shop. The brand has also been at the forefront of textile, ceramic and wallpaper design, with artists Berndt Friberg, Josef Frank, Stig Lindberg and Elsa Gullberg among those who have contributed to NK’s brand legacy.
To cater to its growing customer base, Nordiska Kompaniet opened a second store in Gothenburg in 1971. Today, NK continues to provide patronage to top designers, remaining a leader in high-end furniture production.
Find antique and vintage Nordiska Kompaniet tables, seating, mirrors, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
"Typenko" Console/bookcase by Axel Einar Hjorth.
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Typenko" Console/bookcase designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden. Circa 1933. Stained birch. Manufacturer label with numbers attached.
Birch
H 59.85 in W 39.38 in D 17.33 in
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
H 61.03 in W 39.38 in D 17.92 in
Pine Cabinet ‘Lovö’ by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cabinet ‘Lovö’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Pine and forged iron. From 1927 to 1938, Axel-Einar Hjorth was the chief architect and designer at the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm—which was known as one of the most important producers of modernist furniture in Sweden. During this time, Hjorth designed both public and private interiors, and worked with international clients including Iranian royalty. His first project for NK was a stand for the World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, during which he exhibited the Louis Cabinet...
Iron
H 64.57 in W 37.8 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Modern Unique Cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Unique bar cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, in a strikingly decorative design with elegant details. Made from mahogany with floral motif inlays in birch and rosewood. Lighting inside. M...
Mahogany
H 39.57 in W 45.67 in D 9.85 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Swedish Grace Bookshelf, 1930
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Uccle, BE
"Funkis" Bookshelf made of Bonad birch with removable shelves. Metal plaque on back with the following information NK R 35389- C 25 1 32. Dimensions: H100.5 x W116 x D25cm H39" x W46...
Birch
H 61.03 in W 40.16 in D 18.12 in
Axel-Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' cabinet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovo cabinet by Axel-Einar Hjorth, produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s.
Iron
H 45.28 in W 33.86 in D 15.56 in
Swedish Grace Fall-front Cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1925
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning fall-front desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from mahogany with sculpted, darker wood details. Generously decorated with inlays, beautifully executed. Multiple small drawers a...
Mahogany
H 61.02 in W 39.27 in D 17.72 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Rare "Lovö" cabinet in stained pine wood
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Lovö" cabinet in stained pine wood by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Stockholm Sweden, 1930s. Good condition. Key is included. Stained pine, patinated iron rivets. ...
Iron
H 61.23 in W 40.36 in D 18.31 in
Axel-Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' Cabinet in Pine, Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare cabinet was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. It is part of the iconic Lovö series, designed by Hjorth in the early 1930s. T...
Iron
H 61.42 in W 39.38 in D 17.72 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Wooden "Lovö" Pine Cabinet for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare "Lovö" cabinet in stained pine wood by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm Sweden, 1930s. In good original condition. Key is included. Dimensions: H: 156 c...
Wrought Iron
H 17 in W 20 in D 69 in
1960s Axel Einar Hjorth Style Swedish Pine Storage Bench
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Swedish Mid-Century, large pine storage bench is in the style of celebrated Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjorth, likely inspired by the works of the designer's 'Sportstugemöbler...
Pine
H 34.65 in W 55.12 in D 18.9 in
Elm sideboard 'OK' by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful sideboard by the renowned designer Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet during the 1930s and 1940s. Model is called 'OK' and was a part of a series of furn...
Metal
H 33.47 in W 66.15 in D 19.69 in
Sideboard 'Borgholm' attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth for Bodafors, Sweden, 1920s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard attributed to the Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjorth. Produced by Bodafors as part of the series 'Borgholm' during the 1920s. Elegant design in stained birch.
Birch
H 59.06 in W 88.59 in D 13.78 in
Bookcase Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, (NK), Sweden, 1930's
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bookcase in solid pine and iron. Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, (NK), Sweden, 1930's.
Iron