Ib Kofod-Larsen "Sälen" Chair with Upholstered Seat for Ope Möbler, Sweden 1950s

There is a certain “Malmstenesque” charm to the Swedish designer’s pieces that manifests in the gentle but defined curves, cosy appearance and in the modern way Carl Malmsten skilfully carried the heritage of traditional allmoge (folk art) design. The expression “Swedish Modern” was first used at the 1939 New York World Fair, when the designer introduced the model “Oskar”. Similarly to that model, Malmsten remained a traditionalist, mainly concerned with comfort regarding the “Stora Furulid...

Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the pioneers of the Danish modern in the 1950s. Rather than a regional phenomenon, Kofod-Larsen saw Scandinavian design as part of international modernism, and he became one of the best-selling Danish architects in the United States in the 1950s. This rare palisander sideboard was produced by Swedish manufacturer Säffle Möbelfabrik...

This chair by Danish design icon, Ib Kofod-Larsen, was designed and launched in 1958 as a writing chair to be coordinated with the equally famous model IL-01. Produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark, this “Elizabeth” armchair...

The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, she created some of the most famous Swedish models of the era. The unique stained beech frames are a visual delight, with subtle decorative elements that distinguish this pair from other models of the era. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created her models with such precision and creativity that still makes them collectible pieces. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have unmistakeable backs and sides comprised of symmetrically arranged spindles. As the backs and armrests sit relatively low, the chairs have an open look. The original upholstered, dark green-coloured loose back and seat cushions elevate the visual comfort. The subtle elements of decoration include the tufted buttons on the cushions, the upholstered armrests, and the tapered legs. OPE Möbler, Jönköping produced the furniture designs of some of Scandinavia’s most renowned designers, such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ingemar Thillmark, and of course, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist. These Skrindan armchairs are exemplary of Swedish mid-century quality and design to their cores, uniting functionality with an understated, yet interesting and elegant design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. The chairs have their original velvet upholstery. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 28.93 in W x 33.07 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 23.22 in 73.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 59 cm About the Designer: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..." Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture...

The modernist movement in Europe found its beginnings in the roots of the Bauhaus and Functionalist movements. Bauhaus design emphasized clean, pure lines, while Functionalism sought...

Axel Larsson was an incredibly productive Swedish furniture architect and designer with a more than 50-year long career. This armchair is a rarity, despite Larsson being most well-known for his furniture series designed for and mass-produced by SMF Bodafors. This particular chair takes inspiration from the uplifting, pared-down aesthetic of Scandinavian design. The design consists of a smooth sculptural frame crafted in curved and stained wood that frames a finely tailored seat and back. The streamlined design of the wood structure immediately stands out for its pronounced lines and airy construction. It shows off the architectural precision put into both the design and into the execution. The curve of the arms and legs - formed of a single piece of wood - defines the look and is perfectly balanced by the straight stretchers connecting the legs. The other defining feature is the obtuse angle created by the reclined position of the back and the raised seat. This angle is also followed by the frame and as a result the aesthetic is dynamic but still exudes the functional cosiness of Swedish design. There is a clear emphasis on comfort, from the tilted back to the sculpted, wide armrests and the seat cushion. The light upholstery complements that dark stained wood by creating an apparent contrast both in colour and texture. Axel Larsson also designed furniture for individual carpenters in Stockholm; these were made in small numbers, and this armchair may be one of these rare designs. Swedish Modern style is delicately scaled, using tapering legs and clever but simple solutions as seen on this chair as well. Subtitled “A Movement Towards Sanity in Design”, it also describes quality and the ability to lend grace to the daily chores of life. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 25.59 in W x 30.31 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 21.65 in; Arm height 25.19 in 65 cm W x 77 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 55 cm; Arm height 64 cm About the Designer: Axel Larsson was born in 1898 in Torp socken, Sweden. Larsson was a professional for more than 50 years and belonged to a handful of furniture and interior designers who played a major role and influenced the development of their professional sphere. He grew up in Medelpad, and as a young carpenter's apprentice, he was given the opportunity to study further in Stockholm as a furniture designer through a scholarship from 1916 to 1920. In parallel with his studies at the Higher School of Art and Design, he was a furniture designer under Carl Malmsten during his work with furniture for Stockholm City Hall...

Armchair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Industry Jönköping. Walnut structure and renewed upholstery in leather. Sweden, 1960’s. Kofod-Larsen was one of the biggest figures in Dan...

Ib Kofod-Larsen "Seal" A teak and leather lounge armchair, the carved wood frame supporting a shell shaped seat and back upholstered with a beautifully patinated black leather...

Great pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen easy chairs in original upholstery. Produced by OPE, Sweden, 1960s.            

Stunning vintage three-seater sofa designed by Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for Ope, Sweden. This model Kandidaten sofa features a stylish 1950’s design, teak afrormosia frame and...

Lounge chair, Seal / Sälen or 503-799 model, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and manufactured by OPE Olof Persson Möbler in Sweden. One of the most striking p...

Ib Kofod-Larsen easychair, model "Sälen" / Seal Chair. In solid oak and black leather. Prod. by OPE Sweden 1960s.