Vintage Yngve Ekström furniture embodies the beauty and simplicity of the Scandinavian modern style. The Swedish designer, architect and woodworker created clean-lined hardwood pieces with sophisticated details and flourishes. He was known for his comfortable lounge chair designs as well as chic cocktail tables and handsome highboard cabinets.
Ekström was born in 1913 in Småland, home to Sweden’s oldest furniture factory, Hagafors Stolfabrik. After his father died, he began working at the factory. In 1945, Ekström and his older brother, Jerker Ekström, opened ESE Möbler, a furniture company headquartered in their hometown. In 1952, they received acclaim for their innovative Thema chair. The laminated veneer chair was packed flat for easy shipping so customers could assemble it at home. Ekström followed it with the 1955 Arka chair for the furniture manufacturer Stolab. A spindle backrest and spacious curved seat gave the chair comfort and style.
Ekström’s most popular design was the 1956 Lamino chair. Still in production, the minimalist wooden-frame chair features a sinuous and inviting profile with a high backrest. Looking back at his well-loved design, Ekström said: “To have designed one good chair might not be a bad life’s work.”
After Ekström’s brother left the company, he changed the name to Swedese. Ekström sold Swedese in 1974, but continued to design for it until he died in 1988. His furniture is in museum collections around the world, including the National Museum in Stockholm, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Victoria & Albert museum in London. In 1999, Swedish design magazine Sköna Hems named the Lamino chair the “20th-Century’s Best Swedish Furniture Design.”
Swedese, which still occupies its original building in Småland, partnered with artist Kustaa Saksi in 2017 to update the iconic Lamino chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Yngve Ekström seating, tables, storage cabinets and more.
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström Pair of "Caryngo" Chairs
By Yngve Ekström, Carl Malmsten, Swedese
Located in Long Island City, NY
The Caryngo chair was a collaboration between the great Swedish designers Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström, for Ekström’s furniture manufacturing company Swedese. The original saddle ...
Leather, Oak
Scandinavian 1960s “Ruster” Lounge Chair by Yngve Ekström for Pastoe
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Paris, FR
The notable Ruster Danish lounge chair by Swedish designer Yngve Ekström and edited by Pastoe in the 1960s. The leather is in its original condition, the frame has been expertly re-f...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Swedese "Lamello" Easy Chairs, Yngve Ekström
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Swedese "Lamello" easy chairs, Yngve Ekström.
Swedish Mid Century Sculptural Yngve Ekström "Arka" Easy Armchairs in Oak, 1950s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare pair sculptural Swedish mid century curved "Arka" wooden armchairs in stained solid oak by Yngve Ekström produced in Sweden, 1950s In good original condition with beautiful na...
Oak
Yngve Ekström Fortino Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Original Sunflower by Swedese
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Bochum, NRW
Original Sunflower Yellow Corduroy by Swedese, Sweden, 1960s A stunning example of Scandinavian design, this Fortino Lounge Chair with Ottoman by celebrated designer Yngve Ekström fo...
Velvet, Beech, Tapestry
Yngve Ekström Mod.Circle Pair of Armchairs Scandinavian Design 1960s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Taranto, IT
Pair of Circle model armchairs, with round solid beech wood frame painted white, round slatted seat, as well as the backrest and unscrewable shaped legs. Imbottitura nella zona del c...
Fabric, Wood
$1,916Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Lounge Chair Rusty Cognac Suede Leather Sling Swedese Yngve Ekstrom
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Lamino Series Low Back Yngve Ekstrom Chair in Warm Light Brown Leather. Bent Oak Frame with Teak inlayed sculptural arm rests. W 27.25 x D 28.25 x Seat ...
Oak, Teak
Swedish Mid Century Wooden "Arka" Armchairs in Oak by Yngve Ekström, 1950s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century wooden armchairs model "Arka" in stained oak by Yngve Ekström produced in Sweden, 1950s. Both chairs are in good original condition with nice matchin...
Oak
Scandinavian Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Yngve Ekström for Swedese
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Karlstad, SE
The lounge chairs by Yngve Ekström for Swedese are a rare find, a true gem of the robust pine furniture era that grew popular in Sweden in the late 1960s. These chairs are a testamen...
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Oak Vintage Lounge Chair Arka by Yngve Ekström Sweden, 1955
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage lounge chair or armchair from oak model Arka by Yngve Ekström 1955, Sweden. A gorgeous chair showing famed sleek chic...
Oak
Scandinavian Midcentury Armchairs Model "Sibbo" by Yngve Ekström
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Karlstad, SE
Swedish armchairs, model "Sibbo," designed by Yngve Ekström in the 1950s. Crafted from oak, these chairs showcase Ekström's signature balance of form and function. The spindle backre...
Oak
$1,633Sale Price / set|45% Off
Pair of Yngve Ekstrom's Circle Armchairs for Swedese Meubel, Sweden, 1960
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of chairs designed by renowned Swedish designer Yngve Ekström and manufactured by Swedese, the company he co-founded. The chairs are crafted from solid wood with a black lacquere...
Fabric, Beech
Pair of 1960s chairs designed by Yngve Ekström, made of wood and fabric, Model Circle
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Taranto, IT
Pair of Circle model armchairs, with round solid beech wood frame painted white, round slatted seat, as well as the backrest and unscrewable shaped legs. Imbottitura nella zona del c...
Fabric, Wood
Exceptional Pair of Yngve Ekström Arm Chairs for Swedese, 1950, New Red Bouclé
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Dronten, NL
There is quiet confidence in true Scandinavian design—and this museum-grade pair of Yngve Ekström arm chairs for Swedese embodies that ethos perfectly. Produced in Sweden during the ...
Fabric, Pine
Rare MCM Chair in Teak Attributed to Yngve Ekström for Gemla Diö, Sweden, 1950s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an incredibly rare early Scandinavian Modern side chair attributed to Yngve Ekström for Gemla Diö. Produced in the early 1950s in Sweden, this stunning chair is construct...
Teak
Midcentury Rocking Chair in Pine and Sheepskin Yngve Ekström Sweden
By Yngve Ekström, Gemla
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderfully crafted rocking chair was designed by famous Swedish designer Yngve Ekström in 1970s and produced at Swedese. This one made in pine with a newly reupholstered seat i...
Sheepskin, Pine
Pair of "Circle" Chairs by Yngve Ekström, Italy, 1960s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of chairs realized by Yngve Ekstrom for Ese Mobler Ab Sweden in 1960s. Bentwood frame, painted wood finish and upholstered seats with back cushions. A refined pair of “Circle” ...
Wood, Fabric
$765Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Yngve Ekström "Contino" Leather Armchair, Sweden
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - sturdy and stable - Patinated leather in good condition
Leather
Exceptional Yngve Ekström Dining Set for Swedese, 1950, New Red Bouclé
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Dronten, NL
There is quiet confidence in true Scandinavian design—and this museum-grade Yngve Ekström dining set for Swedese embodies that ethos perfectly. Produced in Sweden during the golden a...
Fabric, Pine
Exceptional Yngve Ekström High Back Arm Chair for Swedese, 1950, New Red Bouclé
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Dronten, NL
There is quiet confidence in true Scandinavian design—and this museum-grade Yngve Ekström high back arm chair for Swedese embodies that ethos perfectly. Produced in Sweden during the...
Fabric, Pine
Yngve Ekström, Model ”Sibbo” for Stolab AB circa 1955, Sweden
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Yngve Ekström Arm Chair model Sibbo in solid oak designed in 1955 for Stolab AB in Sweden. Good overhall condition. Original cushion available. Yngve Ekström is one of the most influ...
Oak
Scandinavian Midcentury Armchairs Model "Sibbo" by Yngve Ekström
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Karlstad, SE
Swedish armchairs, model "Sibbo," designed by Yngve Ekström in the 1950s. Crafted from oak, these chairs showcase Ekström's signature balance of form and function. The spindle backre...
Oak
Pair of Armchairs by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese Møbler, 1960s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Palermo, PA
Pair of armchairs by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese Møbler, 1960s. Dimensions: H=90 cm; W= 85 cm; D= 85 cm.
Wood
Original Black "Circle" Chair by Yngve Ekström for Swedese, 1960s, Sweden
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Argelato, BO
It is one of the most iconic and representative chairs of Swedish design, designed by Yngve Ekström and produced in the 1960s for Swedese, Sweden. With colleagues such as Aalto, M...
Fabric, Wood
$765Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Yngve Ekström "Contino" Leather Armchair, Sweden
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - sturdy and stable - Patinated leather in good condition.
Leather
1970s Pair of Yngve Ekström "Contino" Leather Armachair, Sweden
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - sturdy and stable - Patinated leather in good condition - dimensions : 77 (40) 74 70, 99 (40) 74 80.
Leather
Midcentury "Puck" Chairs Gemla Furniture Yngve Ekström Sweden, 1950’s, Pair
By Yngve Ekström, Gemla
Located in Charleston, SC
These wonderfully crafted chairs named "Puck'" were designed by famous Swedish designer Yngve Ekström in 1956 and produced at the oldest Swedish furniture manufacturer "Gemla". These...
Upholstery, Teak
Yngve Ekström Easy Chair Model 'Rondino' for Swedes Sweden, 1970s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Paris, IDF
Yngve Ekström easy chair Model 'Rondino' For Swedes Sweden, 1970s structure and Upholstery in good conditio but the original fabric is torn and heavy wear need to be replaced ( see ...
Metal
Pair of Vintage Swedish Leather Lamino Armchairs by Yngve Ekstrom
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage Swedish leather Lamino armchairs by Yngve Ekstrom. They were made in Sweden by Swedese, they date from around the 1970-80’s. This model is extremely comfo...
Leather, Wood
Set of Four Circle Armchairs by Yngve Ekström for Swedese, Sweden, 1960
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Madrid, ES
This set of four Circle armchairs was designed in 1960 by renowned Swedish designer Yngve Ekström and manufactured by Swedese, the company he co-founded. The chairs are crafted from ...
Fabric, Beech
Italian Circle armchairs by Yngve Ekström for Ese Mobler Ab Sweden, 1960s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Circle armchairs by Yngve Ekström for Ese Mobler Ab Sweden, 1960s Pair of Circle model armchairs, with circular structure in solid beech painted in white, round seat with sla...
Fabric, Wood