Yngve Ekström coffee table

This rare coffee or side table, designed by Yngve Ekström and produced by Westbergs Möbler in Tranås, Sweden, is a refined example of Scandinavian mid-century modernism, combining functional clarity with sculptural form. Ekström, best known for his iconic Lamino chair, applied the same sensitivity to proportion, material, and balance in this more modest yet equally sophisticated design.

The tabletop is shaped in a distinctive teardrop or asymmetrical triangular form, a motif characteristic of organic modernism during the 1950s and 60s. Crafted from richly grained rosewood, the surface presents deep reddish-brown tones with expressive, flowing grain patterns that enhance the visual texture of the piece. The form is both aesthetically pleasing and spatially efficient, offering flexibility in positioning—whether as a standalone side table or as part of a more dynamic living room arrangement.

Supporting the top is a black lacquered wood frame, featuring three slender, subtly tapered legs that reinforce the minimalist aesthetic while preserving structural stability. The legs are slightly curved, which adds a sense of motion and visual lightness to the overall composition. Beneath the tabletop, a discreet crossbar structure provides support and strengthens the connection between the legs, illustrating a level of detail and engineering precision aligned with Ekström’s architectural approach to furniture design.

The table measures 78.5 cm in length, 35.5 cm in width, and 40.5 cm in height (approximately 30.9 × 14 × 15.9 inches), making it well suited for use as either a coffee table in smaller living environments or as a sculptural side table beside seating. Its modest footprint and elegant silhouette allow it to function in a variety of interiors, from formal modernist spaces to more eclectic or intimate arrangements.

In terms of condition, the table is very well preserved. The rosewood top shows only minor signs of wear, retaining its lustrous finish and crisp edge profile. The black lacquered frame and legs are similarly in excellent vintage condition, with minimal surface scuffing consistent with careful use over time.

Yngve Ekström (1913–1988) was one of the central figures of Swedish modern design. Alongside contemporaries such as Bruno Mathsson and Carl Malmsten, Ekström helped define a distinctly Scandinavian approach to furniture—marked by organic forms, material honesty, and an understated yet innovative sensibility. His collaboration with Westbergs Möbler, though less widely documented than his work with Swedese, resulted in a number of finely crafted and elegantly resolved pieces such as this table.

This piece stands as both a functional object and a sculptural form, embodying the timeless values of Scandinavian design: simplicity, natural beauty, and enduring craftsmanship.