Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist coffee table

This rare coffee table was designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden during the 1950s. It features a round top crafted from woven rattan, showcasing tight spiral and radial weave patterns that create a textured and tactile surface. The rattan has a natural honey tone, and the weaving is executed with precision, reinforced by a thickened rim that gently rises along the perimeter to strengthen the structure.

The tabletop is supported by four slim, slightly splayed legs made of black-painted iron. These legs taper subtly and end in black rubber or plastic feet, ensuring stability and protecting the flooring. The combination of natural rattan and metal legs reflects an organic-modern aesthetic typical of Scandinavian postwar design, emphasizing lightness, functionality, and natural materials.

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist (1925–1997) was a Swedish designer known for her soft modernist approach, blending sculptural elegance with a sense of domestic comfort. While best known for her upholstered seating designs for NK, she also explored other forms and materials, as demonstrated by this coffee table, highlighting her versatility and interest in material contrasts.

Produced by NK, Sweden’s leading department store and design manufacturer, the table exemplifies the high quality and innovative spirit characteristic of their 1950s furniture output. NK collaborated with prominent designers to produce distinctive modern pieces embodying the ideals of Swedish design.

The coffee table is in very good vintage condition, exhibiting light patina on the iron frame and minor wear to the rattan consistent with age and use. The structural integrity of the woven surface remains intact. Its dimensions are 73 centimeters in diameter and 44 centimeters in height (approximately 28.7 by 17.3 inches).