Vintage Norwegian Rosewood Sofa by Hans Olsen for Vatne

About the Item

Bring home the refined simple luxury of mid-century Norwegian Modern furniture with this exceptionally exquisite sofa designed by Hans Olsen of Denmark for Norway's Vatne Møbler brand. With a frame carved from solid rosewood, the armrests highlight Olsen's signature arching silhouette, while individual cushions work together to form a cozy four-seater. Originally imported by Long Island's Scandinavia Ltd. Please confirm item pickup location (Brooklyn or New Jersey) with seller.

Creator:
Vatne Møbler (Manufacturer),Hans Olsen (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 87 in (220.98 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)Seat Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Hardwood,Rosewood,Upholstery,Wood,Carved,Joinery
Place of Origin:
Norway
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Mid-20th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Age appropriate used vintage condition- some minor scuffs/scratches/dings to wood edges/frame. Small tear to back corner fabric. Minor rips/tears/fraying/wear/etc may be present to fabric/cushions. Professional reupholstery is available!
Seller Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: 20756-4350NL1stDibs: LU921842246842

Shop All Vatne Møbler

Vatne Møbler

Norwegian furniture manufacturer Vatne Møbler has a rich legacy underscored by visionary collaborations with iconic Norwegian furniture designers. The company’s mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern lounge chairs and armchairs are known for their quality leather upholstery that acquires a beautiful patina over time.

Vatne Møbler was established in 1946 by Knut Sæter in the village of Vatne, Norway. Sæter was an interior architect who studied at the Bergen School of Arts and Crafts. He designed and manufactured the company’s first pieces. In 1955, interior architect Gerhard Berg started working for Vatne Møbler. His designs — particularly for sofas — soon became popular.

Later in the 1950s, furniture designer Fredrik A. Kayser began creating pieces for Vatne Møbler. His furniture earned the company international acclaim. In 1960, Kayser’s 711 chair for Vatne Møbler won first place at an Industry Council chair competition.

After Kayser died in 1968, the company was overseen by interior designer Sigurd Resell. Resell’s most enduring contribution to Vatne Møbler was the 1970 Falcon armchair. The comfortable, leather-upholstered, X-framed chair came in second place at an Industry Council chair competition. In the 1970s, Resell designed a series of striking glass-topped Falcon coffee tables.

Vatne Møbler’s success lasted through the 1980s, a decade which included a collaboration with furniture designer Olav Eldøy. In 1989, the company encountered financial problems and was sold to Norwegian manufacturer Stokke AS.

In 2002, Knut Sæter’s son, Per Arne Sæter, reopened the family business by relaunching Kayser’s classic designs along with a new collection. Production shut down in 2008 due to the financial crisis, but started again in 2010.

In 2015, the grandson of Knut Sæter, Amund Sæter, published Møbeleventyret Vatne: Boken om Vatne Møbler 1946-1989, a book about the early history of Vatne Møbler. The company continues to operate the Vatne Møbler As store in Norway.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Vatne Møbler seating and tables.