Folke Ohlsson pioneered the “knock-down” revolution of furniture, making the innovative flat-pack means of manufacturing and shipping common practice. Credited with playing a significant part in bringing Scandinavian modern forms to the United States, he was an international designer who created attractive pieces that are highly coveted by today’s collectors.
In Sweden, Studio Ljungs Industrier AB is the large family-owned parent company of Duxiana (in America, DUX). While leading the design team for Studio Ljungs Industrier in his native Malmö, Ohlsson visited the West Coast of the United States in 1950 and opened DUX Inc., to expand the company’s global footprint. DUX put into practice an idea that Ohlsson patented for the so-called “knock-down,” or “KD,” chair, a term referencing easy, flat-pack assembly. It saved DUX space in warehouses and money on transportation and was a concept that would inspire hundreds of subsequent companies — most notably fellow Swedish brand IKEA.
Integrating American upholstery with Swedish knock-down hardware and wooden frames, Ohlsson and DUX revolutionized the furniture industry. The manufacturer consistently worked with brilliant mid-century modern designers — among them Bruno Mathsson, Edward Wormley and Alf Svensson — expanding the brand’s portfolio and establishing credibility as a design source. Today vintage DUX sofas and dining chairs are valuable collector’s items, and the space-saving attributes and efficiency associated with the company’s modular designs continue to influence manufacturers all over the world.
Partly because of the affordability of DUX’s furniture — as well as an understandable affinity for the simplicity, warmth and coziness of Scandinavian modern design — postwar America embraced Ohlsson’s vision. One of Ohlsson’s best-known designs is the Profil lounge chair, built on a teak frame that can rock or recline with the push of a lever, while the wool bouclé upholstery is sumptuous and stylish. Another iconic collection is the clean, minimal Pasadena set of sofas, footstools and armchairs, fashioned from solid walnut with brass sabots.
The Milano Triennale and the “Good Design” exhibition series at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art distinguished Ohlsson with more than 30 awards. In 1964, he was honored with Sweden’s Royal Order of Vasa decoration by King Gustav VI Adolf because of his role in exporting modern Scandinavian aesthetics to America. Ohlsson’s designs were also produced by Bodafors and Fritz Hansen.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of Folke Ohlsson seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Folke Ohlsson Sofa by DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, subtle design by Swedish designer Folke Ohlsson, this upholstered three seat sofa with gently curved lines is supported by a walnut base. In very good original vintage ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Danish Sofa
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Danish Sofa This sofa measures: 95 wide x 31 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height of 21 inches Fair Vintage Condition - ...
Upholstery
Swedish Dux Leather Sofa by Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Pasadena, TX
8ft four-seat dux leather sofa by Folke Ohlsson Sweden, 1960s Danish modern sofa upholstered in tan and black grass cloth Black leather detachab...
Leather
Swedish Modern “Monterey” Teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This beautifully crafted mid-century teak sofa is a stunning piece designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX of Sweden back in the 1960s. This sofa, also known as the Monterey /5-161, captur...
Fabric, Teak
$5,895
H 28 in W 70 in D 29 in
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model “Tema 1” Beechwood Sofa for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
$1,674
H 28.75 in W 59.85 in D 22.45 in
2 person DUX Sofa Made In Light Wool By Folke Ohlsson For Fritz Hansen
By Folke Ohlsson, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
The two-seater DUX sofa in light wool, designed by Folke Ohlsson and produced by Fritz Hansen, represents a fusion of form, function and finesse. Folke Ohlsson, a prominent Swedish f...
Wool
$5,500
H 29 in W 74 in D 29 in
Danish Mid Century Modern teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Dux Model 72-S
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Monterey /5-161 Sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Dux in the 1960’s. Sofa has profiled armrests, representing high craftsmanship, characteristic of...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson, Dux, Sweden, 1950s
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish three seater sofa with two pillows made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by Folke Ohlsson and produced by DUX, in good condition. The ...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Teak
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 83.5 in D 32 in
Wonderful Swedish Mid-Century Sofa Folke Ohlsson DUX Style, circa 60's
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Swedish modern Folke Ohlsson Dux style sofa. This sofa retains its original heavy-weight textured zig-zag fabric in presentable condition-cleaning is recommended. The fabri...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,250
H 29.5 in W 96 in D 33 in
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Four-Seat Mid-Century Sofa in Original Wool Fabric 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Scandinavian modern sofa made and marked by Dux of Sweden made sometime in the 1960's designed by Folke Ohlsson. Handsome build with profound design lines that bring elegance and style to any space. A splendid, long modern sofa...
Wool, Teak
Folke Ohlsson Dining Table for DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Folke Ohlsson. Manufacturer: DUX. Period and model: Mid-Century Modern. Specifications: Teak. Condition: These Folke Ohlsson dining table for DUX...
Teak
Børge Mogensen Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Børge Mogensen. Manufacturer: Fredericia Stolefabrik. Period or model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Wood, leather. Condition: This Børge Mogensen sofa...
Leather
Lawrence Peabody Danish Sofa for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Modern Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, high grade commercial fabric This Lawrence Peabody Danish Sofa P-1713 for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. This Lawrence Peabody sofa...
Linen, Walnut
Lawrence Peabody Modern Sofa for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, thick weave fabric This Lawrence Peabody modern sofa for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. This Peabody sofa is a licensed reintroduction for Craft Associates. The sofa is shown here in solid walnut and thick weave, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 31.5" (80.01cm) L 88" (223.52cm) D 30" (76.2cm) Arm height 22.25" (56.52cm) Seat height 17.5" (44.45cm) Seat width 80" (203.2cm) Seat depth 21.5" (54.61cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Fabric, Walnut
Bertu Outdoor Sofa, Outdoor Slatted Sofa, Large Sofa, Suelo
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Outdoor Sofa, Outdoor Slatted Sofa, Large Sofa, Suelo® This Large Outdoor Slatted Suelo® Sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The length is a full 10'...
Wood, Mahogany
Bertu Sofa, Mondo Modern Sofa, Maple
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
1. This Modern Maple Mondo Sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood and veneer in Ohio, USA. The sofa's silhouette is low, simple, and modern with co...
Maple
