Arnold Madsen attrib. stool

This rare stool, attributed to Arnold Madsen and produced in Denmark during the 1950s, exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian design principles through its thoughtful combination of materials and form. The construction features solid oak legs paired with a teak frame, while the seat is upholstered in the original synthetic leather. The seat’s subtly concave shape is designed to enhance comfort and create a visually soft profile, with the upholstery tightly wrapped over a lightly padded surface. The legs are turned in a cylindrical form, tapering gently toward the base, which lends the stool a sturdy yet understated expression.

The material palette includes natural oak, warm-toned teak, and brown faux leather, which together create a tactile and harmonious balance typical of the period. The wood surfaces exhibit a patina that indicates natural age-related wear, but no structural issues are evident. The upholstery remains intact and well-preserved given the stool’s vintage status.

Arnold Madsen (1907–1989) was a Danish furniture designer recognized for his collaborative work under the label Madsen & Schubell. Although this stool is only attributed to him and lacks definitive provenance, its organic yet controlled aesthetic aligns with the hallmarks of Madsen’s designs. His work often emphasized sculptural form and precise woodworking, reflecting core values of Danish modernism.

The stool embodies the Scandinavian mid-century tradition through its use of honest materials, functional construction, and minimal decoration. Its compact size and crafted character make it suitable as a side stool or footrest in interiors that prioritize material quality and well-considered proportions.

Dimensions are 43 cm wide, 32 cm deep, and 40 cm high, with a seat height of 38 cm, corresponding to approximately 16.9 inches wide, 12.6 inches deep, 15.7 inches high, and 15 inches seat height.