Karin Mobring Natura Pine & Leather Armchair for IKEA, Sweden 1970s

The first golden age of Scandinavian design was from the 1930s through the 1970s. During this period, 20th century furniture designers from Scandinavia created designs that offered unique twists that would soon become prized for their innovative features, exemplified by this one-of-a-kind pair of armchairs. While the main principles of Swedish Modernism centre around minimalism, simplicity and functionalism, cabinetmakers also liked to try their hands at wooden ornamentation. These armchairs achieve to follow the basic principles while also offering plenty of visually arresting qualities, which include the sculpted legs...

The Mid-Century Modern era cemented the design principles of quality, functionality, and an unadorned, understated look for future pieces in Belgium as well. Accordingly, this chair created in the 1970s is defined by its materials, the finely worked solid wood and woven papercord. This classic armchair stands as evidence why many Belgian craftsmen succeeded at furniture design: the precision of the structure, the joinery, and the papercord weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, Frits Schuitema’s focus was evidently on practicality, structural stability, and a design in favour of these principles. The combination of subtle curved and straight lines and the absence of excess decoration is very typical of Belgian modern designers who like their contemporary European designers, saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials. The use of papercord is the defining material of this model. Noteworthy for its durability, the organic material has also been beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. The woven or basket form of seat and back of this chair have a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. This armchair has an equally arresting solid wood structure that shows great craftsmanship evident in the dovetail joinery on the arms. The producer, Shaker Furniture Schuitema en Zonen...

Designer Bengt Ruda was the first qualified designer to be employed at IKEA. Before being recruited in 1957, he had designed furniture for the high-end department store Nordiska Komp...

Carl Malmsten is one of Sweden's most famous furniture designers. Many of his furniture are considered modern design classics. His present 'Stugan' (Cottage or Cabin in Swedish) armc...

“Samsas” is for many the most associated model with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country mano...

Mid-century modern is to-the-point and no-nonsense, much like the straightforward interior style, which championed notions of functionality, ease and modern simplicity. This armchair...

Armchairs model Diana designed by Karin Mobring, circa 1970. Produced by Ikea in Sweden.

'Natura' armchair by Karin Mobring, 1970s. Leather and pine wood.

The "Diana" safari chair by Karin Mobring for Ikea is known for its simple and functional design. Crafted with a combination of pine wood and thick canvas, the chair offers a blend o...

Armchairs model Diana designed by Karin Mobring, 1974. Produced by Ikea in Sweden. These ones are sold as a pair. The frame is made in lacquered pine, and the upholstery is made in n...

Cognac leather safari lounge chairs Karin Mobring, Sweden 1970s. Karin Mobring designed this Ikea Classic Vintage Lounge chair in 1972. I...

Patinated leather safari lounge chair Karin Mobring, Sweden 1970s. This Ikea Classic Vintage Lounge chair was designed 1972 by Karin Mo...