Carl Malmsten, a prominent furniture designer and educator associated with Swedish modernism, enjoyed immense popularity for his shapely sofas and armchairs in luscious color palettes. Malmsten believed that light — much like our eyes and bodies — doesn’t like to bump into sharp objects. Smooth edges, on the other hand, are kinder to the eye and and to our touch, and allow light to softly bounce off surfaces. Malmsten felt that if his furniture didn’t “serve well” in the home, it had no business being there.
Malmsten’s career essentially began in 1915, when his submissions for a competition to furnish the new Stockholm City Hall were first- and second-place prize winners. In the 1920s, his profile soared. He won a prize at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts — the show that brought the Art Deco style to worldwide attention — and quickly became one of the most sought-after designers of commercial seating in Sweden.
Malmsten was soon contracted to design chairs, tables and other furniture for the Stockholm Concert Hall, the Swedish Institute in Rome and the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. His famous Art Nouveau-influenced Stadshusstolen chair, designed for Stockholm City Hall in 1916, is a highlight of the city’s recently opened Museum of Furniture Studies. Malmsten expanded into interior design and created a luxurious, well-appointed living room in the palace of then-Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and his bride, Crown Princess Louise.
In the 1930s, Malmsten clashed with critics when he voiced his opposition to functionalism. Like Danish modernist Kaare Klint, he favored using quality local materials and prized traditional craftsmanship. Malmsten’s furniture draws on graceful neoclassical influences, and he said that extreme functionalism contributed to “sterile” interiors — while the curving contours of his work may share ground with furniture designed by Alvar Aalto or Bruno Mathsson, Malmsten differed with Bauhaus eminences and some Scandinavian modernists on their prioritization of functionalism.
For an exhibition in 1956 at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg, Malmsten designed furniture that was intended for mass production — and his striking designs began to make their way into middle-class Swedish homes owing to Malmsten’s partnerships with manufacturers such as O.H. Sjögren. Until then, he had built his pieces at the school he founded in the 1930s or had them made by artisans at several small local workshops.
Malmsten founded a number of schools for design and collaborated with other designers who shared his philosophy of “hand and mind in creative collaboration.” These included the esteemed textile artist Märta Måås Fjetterström, whose pieces he included in exhibits and even his own home.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Carl Malmsten seating, tables, cabinets and more.
Swedish Grace Vitrine Bookcase, Carl Malmsten, NK, Sweden, 1910/20s
By Carl Malmsten, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning Swedish Grace bookcase with vitrine doors by Carl Malmsten, made from stained and ebonized birch. Lovely details such as inlaid decoration of stylized leaves between the doo...
Glass, Birch, Rosewood
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors 'Birgitta' Vanity Table in Teak
By Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors, 'Birgitta' dressing table, teak, mirrored glass, Sweden, 1950s-1960s An exceptionally elegant dressing table designed by Carl Malmsten for Bodafors. Exec...
Mirror, Teak
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sidetable with intarsia decor by Carl Malmsten, Scandinavian Modern
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare sidetable in mahogany veneer with intarsia decor depicting leaves, by reowned designer Carl Malmsten, Sweden circa 1940s. Two drawers on each side. Makers mark CM underneath ta...
Wood
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and blue fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface s...
Fabric, Pine
$5,570Sale Price|30% Off
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and red, blue-striped fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Oak
Swedish Grace Side Chairs by Carl Malmsten, SMF Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace side chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with a curved backs and legs that form a refined silhouette. Contrasting cro...
Wool, Birch
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
Midcentury chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, made from birch with clean lines. Veneer laid in a striking graphic pattern.
Birch
Swedish Grace "Haga" dining table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1932
By Carl Malmsten, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant “Haga” dining table by Carl Malmsten, with a curvesome stained wooden base. Round table top with warm mahogany veneer in a checkered pattern.
Birch
Carl Malmsten Vintage 1950s Gavle Chair in Moss Green Velvet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Gävle Lounge Chair, 1950s The Gävle chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's more obscure and rare armchair designs. The chair is named after the municipality ...
Wool, Beech
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by carl malmsten circa 1960. Well known model of sofa designed by carl malmsten, this sofa is a 3 seater. Shaped back and arms, with tufted ...
Fabric, Beech
Swedish Grace Vitrine Bookcase, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant bookcase with vitrine doors by Carl Malmsten, perfect for organizing favorite books and objects. Made from mahogany with woodgrain laid in contrasting directions.
Glass, Mahogany
Set of Six Upholstered Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful set of six dining chairs in beech, by Carl Malmsten for Waggeryds Möbelfabrik AB, Sweden, 1950, all with arm rests and upholstered seats.
Upholstery, Beech
Swedish Grace Side Chair by Carl Malmsten, SMF Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant Swedish Grace side chair by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with a curved back and legs that form a refined silhouette. Contrasting cross-shaped ...
Wool, Birch
Carl Malmsten “Capella” Swedish Flatweave Rug
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An early unsigned example of the “Capella” rug, designed by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the 1940s. Woven in the traditional Swedish rölakan flatweave technique, the rug is reversi...
Wool
$13,459Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Sofa Model "Värend" Carl Malmsten, 1942
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This Rare model” Värend” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1940s. The sofa has been reupholstered. Stained elm, back with ribs, loose back cushions and upholstered seat, cove...
Elm
$9,548Sale Price|30% Off
Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, Reupholstered Sheepskin, Sweden, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB Record Bollnäs Sweden. The sofa has been fully reupholstered and now have its ...
Sheepskin
Carl Malmsten & Yngve Ekström Pair of 'Caryngo' Chairs in Oak and Canvas
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström for Swedese, 'Caryngo' armchairs, oak, canvas, Sweden, 1955 These Caryngo lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström features an oak frame and ...
Canvas, Oak
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
1950s Swedish Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden's...
Beech, Sheepskin
Scandinavian Bookcase in Pine by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
A beautiful shelf designed by Carl Malmsten, manufactured in his own studio, 1940s. This piece goes together well with pine furniture from other Swedish designers from the era, suc...
Pine
Vintage Swedish Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Carl Malmsten, Circa 1940-60
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish set of a lounge chair and footstool, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren in good condition. The large Scandinavian reading chair is composed with a headrest, the seat backrest is slightly curved, detailed with outspreaded arms, standing on four small polished Beechwood feet. Manufacturer label underneath the ottoman. Newly upholstered in a white bouclé fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1940 - 1960, Sweden, Scandinavia. Seat: 17.5" H x 22" W x 21.5" D Ottoman: 18" H x 24" W x 22" D Carl Malmsten was a famous Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator born in 1888, in Sweden and passed away in 1972. He collaborated with Gunnar Asplund and Uno Ahren. Malmsten has a lasting influence on Swedish design through the two schools which he founded, the Carl Malmsten furniture studies. In 1945, Malmsten was honored for a design with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal in Sweden. O.H. Sjögren is one of the oldest Swedish furniture companies which is run by the fourth generation. The company was originally founded in circa 1870 by C. Rosén in Tranås, Sweden. In 1902, the Swedish manufacturer ( known today as O.H. Sjögren ) was taken over by Oskar Herbert Sjögren. In the early times, they were producing harnesses, saddles, etc. for horses. Later on, in the 1930’s, when the sons of Sjögren, Gustav and Olle Sjögren...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech
$14,268 / set
Pair of Cirkus Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Cirkus Lounge Chair, 1950s The Cirkus Chair by Carl Malmsten was designed in the early 1950s and has become one of his most well-loved and distinctive designs from h...
Wool, Bouclé, Oak, Walnut
Pair of Side or Bedside Tables in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of side or bedside tables, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden, reflects the refined sensibility and craftsmanship that define his legacy in Scandinavian ...
Pine
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A cream velvet and wood sofa, model Samspel, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scat...
Wood, Velvet
Swedish Modern Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Uccle, BE
This Samspel 2 seaters sofa has been reupholstered in a cotton blend-Villa Nova Bari fabric parchment color. This “Samspel” or Interplay sofa was created by Carl Malmsten, one of Sw...
Cotton, Beech
1950s Swedish Velvet Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Carl Malmsten Samspel Sofa in Wool Velvet 1950s
By Dagmar, Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Wool, Oak
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and light-grey fabric sofa designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 78.5"W x 27.75"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Ar...
Fabric, Wood, Birch
Carl Malmsten Vintage 1950s Samspel Chairs in Moss Green Velvet
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Lounge Chairs, 1950s The Samspel chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's most well-loved and sought after designs. These examples were produced in the...
Beech, Velvet
Cabinet Model "Lillbo" by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Karlstad, SE
Elegant cabinet in walnut, model “Lillbo” designed by Carl Malmsten. The piece is raised on slender legs, giving it a light and architectural presence, while the upper cabinet and lo...
Wood
Scandinavian Functionalist Sideboard by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sideboard by Carl Malmsten, with elegant rosewood veneer, decorated around the edge and top with inlays of flowers and leaves in a lighter wood. Chunky feet with diagonal l...
Rosewood
“Samspel” Sofa by Carl Malmsten in Original Pink Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
The “Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. The softly curved backrest flows into the raised armrests, complemented by ...
Fabric, Beech
Scandinavian modern coffee table 'Berg' by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A refined coffee table designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1940s. The Berg model features a beautifully patterned alder root veneer top resting on an elegant solid beech tripod base. ...
Beech
Swedish Pinewood Gateleg Table “Härjedalen” by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
Scandinavian Modern gateleg table model “Härjedalen” by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten in the 1950s. Skilfully executed in solid pinewood with hinges in wood and visible cabinetmaker...
Pine
Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” bench for Svensk Fur, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A “Visingsö” bench designed by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from knot-free solid pine, with a gently curved seat, taper...
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Pine Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, 1933
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dining Chairs in Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1933 Additional Information: Material: Pine Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Very rare dining chairs model Skedblad Produced in Sweden Dimensi...
Pine
Pair of Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” Shelving Units in Pine, Svensk Fur, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of Scandinavian shelving units from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Each unit features thr...
Pine
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 Malmsten's iconic curved sofa was designed in 1956 and produced by Swedish cabinetmakers AB Record in Bollnas. It is considered one the finest exa...
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
Pair of Carl Malmsten Art Deco High Back Armchairs, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Swedish Art Deco (1930s) high back armchairs with burl wood veneer frames featuring an inlaid geometric floral design across the top back rails, two shallow wings topped with...
Fabric
$3,600
Carl Malmsten Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjogren. Birch wood frame with original upholstery. Made in Sweden. 1970's
Birch
Carl Malmsten, Nightstands, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak nightstands designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Bodafors, Sweden, c. 1950s. Stain to one tabletop surface. Natural cracking of trim edge. Minimal wear to insid...
Teak
Pair of Mahogany Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Long Island City, NY
A handsome pair of “Erik Gustav/Jonas Love” chairs by Carl Malmsten, produced by his own studio. The barrel back opens generously, and the mahogany frame subtly flares where the arms...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brown orange fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Vintage cu...
Fabric, Oak
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
By Carl Löfving & Söner, Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cabinet, Model Lillbo, in Walnut by Carl Malmsten, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Walnut Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Cabinet Produced by Carl Löfving & Söner in Sweden...
Walnut
Scandinavian Modernist Dining Table by Carl Malmsten, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Forest, BE
This is a large and unusual dining table made out of pine. Produced in Sweden around the 1940s. It is a so unique in the shape, the base is very unusual. It will brighten any project...
Pine
Scandinavian Swedish Modern Carl Malmsten Samsas White Bouclé Armchairs
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Kramfors, SE
Carl Malmsten Samsas armchairs for O.H. Sjögren from the mid 20th century. The chairs are a Swedish modern classic and the Samsas series is today recognised as the most characteristi...
Bouclé, Wood
Carl Malmsten, “Visingsö” Cabinet in Pine, Svensk Fur, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By Svensk Fur, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A charming cabinet with writing flap from the “Visingsö” series, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by Svensk Fur. Executed in pine, the piece reflects Malmsten’s philosophy of “...
Pine
Birch Library Table by Carl Malmsten, Scandinavian Modern, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare library table, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden during the 1920s, exemplifies the quiet elegance and craftsmanship central to the Swedish Grace movemen...
Birch
$3,057Sale Price|50% Off
1972 Carl Malmsten Unique Longcase “Tidlösa” Clock, Birch and Masur Birch
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten “Tidlösa” Longcase clock in Birch and Masur birch. Case signed Malmstens Verkstadsskola 1977, Carpenter Master Artur Jönsson, clock marked Westerstrands Sweden.
Birch
"Ambassadör" Sideboard by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
European walnut sideboard with three drawers and three separate storage compartments. "Ambassadör" model designed by Carl Malmsten for Åfors Möbelfabrik, Sweden. Original manufacture...
Walnut
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master cabinetmaker Carl Malmsten. It was produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden. Thi...
Sheepskin, Beech
$4,365Sale Price|20% Off
“Samsas” Sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Karis, Nyland
An original “Samsas” three-seater sofa designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by O.H. Sjögren in Tranås, Sweden, during the 1960s. The design captures Malmsten’s signature human-cent...
Wool, Wood
Set of Swedish Modern dining chairs model "Pyramid" designed by Carl Malmsten.
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Set of five dining chairs model "Pyramid" designed by Carl malmsten. Made in Sweden by Åfors möbelfabrik during the 1940-50s. Made from solid mahogny and linen fabric in light blue c...
Linen, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten Swedish Grace Executive Desk
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
An inlaid rosewood and flame birch desk with locking drawer, filing cabinet and pullout drawers. Various wood inlay. Finished on all sides. Knee hole...
Rosewood
Pair of Vintage Swedish Samsas Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage Swedish Samsas armchairs by Carl Malmsten. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1960’s. The quality is absolutely outstandin...
Bouclé, Beech
Set of 6 Vidar Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Rosewood, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Göteborg, SE
Vidar's chair is an iconic chair by Carl Malmsten's son Vidar Malmsten in the 1970s. Widely used in the US and Canada in studio furniture maker training...
Rosewood
Pair of Vintage Swedish Samsas Armchairs by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage Swedish Samsas armchairs by Carl Malmsten. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from around the 1960’s. The quality is absolutely outstandin...
Bouclé, Beech