Arnold Madsen easy chair

This rare model MS-30 reclining easy chair with matching ottoman was designed by Danish upholsterer and furniture designer Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark during the 1960s. The set embodies the organic and sculptural qualities of Danish modernism, combining craftsmanship with technical innovation.

The base is constructed from solid teak, featuring a warm reddish-brown tone and pronounced grain. The seat, backrest, and armrests are upholstered in black leather, which has developed a natural patina with visible wear consistent with age and use. The leather shows creasing and surface marks, especially on the seat and ottoman cushions, indicating original, unrestored material. The chair includes an integrated neck cushion and a mechanical reclining mechanism operated via a lever beneath the seat, allowing for adjustable seating angles.

The form is characterized by a tall, slightly winged backrest, angled armrests, and a low-slung stance. The ottoman complements the chair with matching base design, similar joinery, and curvature, creating a cohesive visual pairing. The frame consists of round, tapered legs connected by mortise and tenon joints, exemplifying the high-quality Danish craftsmanship of the era.

Arnold Madsen, co-founder of Madsen & Schubell in the 1940s, was renowned for his upholstery expertise and ergonomic design sensibility. The MS-30 is among the firm’s rarer and more technically sophisticated models, reflecting mid-century Scandinavian design’s blend of aesthetics and functional advances.

The chair measures 80 cm in width, 83 cm in depth, and 104 cm in height, with a seat height of 40 cm (approximately 31.5 x 32.7 x 40.9 inches, seat height 15.7 inches). The ottoman measures 60 cm in width, 48 cm in depth, and 39 cm in height (approximately 23.6 x 18.9 x 15.4 inches).