Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20

Torbjørn Afdal and Harry Moen "Biri" Leather and Pine Bench, Norway 1960s

About the Item

Torbjørn Afdal (1917-1999) is remembered as one of the most well-respected Norwegian designers of the postwar period. Afdal’s work is characterised by a refined understanding of material and form. Oftentimes the combination of art and tradition is evident in his creations, as he possessed the talent of utilising the natural properties of wood. This bench, which was crafted in collaboration with Harry Moen as part of the “Biri” collection, is a wonderful example of Norwegian mid-century design. This bench’s style is effective without the need for heavy ornamental elements. Uncompromising on quality materials and craftsmanship, the design is focused on functionality. Norwegian craftsmen of the mid-20th century often produced simple, well-made pieces of homegrown woods such as walnut and pine. The pine frame of this bench is outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The wood’s light colour and the slender lines that make up the bench create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. The clean and elegant lines further let the upholstery stand out, while the organic shade of the leather highlights the mid-century modern connection to nature. Unlike designs from elsewhere, Norwegian and Nordic furniture pieces weren’t flashy but designed to be well-made and fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. Moreover, these desighers were of the firm belief that beautiful and functional objects needn’t be the preserve of the rich but should be accessible to everyone. Torbjørn Afdal’s creations were previously collected by US First Lady Jackie Kennedy for the White House, Japanese Emperor Hirohito, and Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and continue to be sought after today. Benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, or hallway. Craftsmanship and quality materials are among the few things that will never go out of style, therefore this bench could be an addition of a lifetime to any space. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and marks on the wood. The bench has been reupholstered recently in a premium leather. 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: 62.40 in W x 19.68 in D x 32.68 in H; Seat height 17.72 in; Seat depth 17.32 in 158.5 cm W x 50 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 44 cm
  • Creator:
    Bruksbo (Manufacturer),Torbjørn Afdal (Designer),Harry Moen (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 32.68 in (83 cm)Width: 62.41 in (158.5 cm)Depth: 19.69 in (50 cm)Seat Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1960s
  • Condition:
    Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and marks on the wood. The bench has been reupholstered recently in a premium leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
  • Seller Location:
    Utrecht, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 202529331stDibs: LU2947344939242

More From This Seller

View All
Brutalist Solid Wood Bench, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare m...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Benches

Materials

Wood

Pair of Brutalist Wooden Benches, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare m...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Benches

Materials

Wood

Göran Malmvall Bench for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1960s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Svensk Fur” bench is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design relays an insight about the society and culture...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Four Brutalist Wooden Benches, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare m...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brutalist Benches

Materials

Wood

Wooden Bench with Sheepskin Upholstery, Norway Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
The first part of the 20th century saw a new wave of Norwegian design - humanistic in its approach, and focused on the aesthetic of everyday objects. This modern movement expressed t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Carl Malmsten "Visingsö" Bench in Solid Pine, Sweden 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Utrecht, NL
This bench was part of the famous “Visingsö” series by Carl Malmsten who is one of Sweden’s most celebrated furniture designers. This bench stands as a hallmark of Scandinavian desig...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

You May Also Like

Scandinavian Midcentury "Biri" Lounge Chairs by Harry Moen and Torbjørn Afdal
By Harry Moen, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Karlstad, SE
These lounge chairs are early pieces from the iconic Biri series, designed specifically for Norwegian mountain cabins by Harry Moen and Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo Tegnekontor. The co...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Pine

“Krobo” Bench by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
By Bruksbo, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sleek walnut “Krobo” bench by Torbjørn Afdal, with a beautiful, smooth surface. Great as a coffee table or room divider.
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

“Krobo” Bench by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
By Torbjørn Afdal, Bruksbo
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sleek rosewood “Krobo” bench by Torbjørn Afdal, with beautiful, striking veneer. Great as a coffee table or room divider.
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Torbjørn Afdal, rosewood Krobo bench, Norway, 1960s
By Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
’Krobo’ bench designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced in Norway in the 1960s for Mellemstrands Bruksbo. Made in rosewood. Modular and comes with an original plant box and a chest wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Copper, Iron

Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway Teak "Krobo" Long Coffee Table, Bench, 1960's
By Bruksbo, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Torbjorn Afdal solid Teak Table, Bench by Bruksbo Mellenstrands Norway. Featuring a longer lower lipped rectangular framework in smoothly grained Teak, with Steel supported legs...
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway Rosewood "Krobo" Coffee Table, Bench
By Torbjørn Afdal, Bruksbo
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Torbjorn Afdal solid dark rosewood table, bench by Bruksbo Mellenstrands Norway. Featuring a sturdy, lipped and, balanced rectangular framework in smoothly grained dark Rosewood, wit...
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Recently Viewed

View All