Børge Mogensen easy chair

This rare and iconic lounge chair and stool set, model BM-2254, also known as the “Slædestolen” was designed by Danish architect and designer Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik during the 1950s. The set stands as a pivotal contribution to mid-century Scandinavian furniture design, blending functionality, craftsmanship, and a clear structural expression. It is celebrated for its simplicity and ergonomic design, representing the essence of Scandinavian modernism.

The armchair is constructed with a rectilinear frame made from solid oak, characterized by its warm golden-brown hue and tight grain, which is indicative of high-quality Danish oak. The frame’s geometric design, with squared sections and right-angled joints, exemplifies Mogensen’s commitment to functional honesty and clarity of construction. The seating and backrest are crafted from cane webbing, which is woven into a consistent grid pattern. The gentle curves of the webbing provide ergonomic support for the body, ensuring comfort without compromising the chair’s structural integrity. The reclining backrest is connected to the lower frame by brass hinges, allowing for two adjustable seating positions and adding a practical, functional aspect to the design.

Accompanying the chair is a square ottoman, which mirrors the design and materials of the chair. The ottoman’s seat cushion is upholstered in a blue and black checkered wool fabric, accented with subtle piping that complements the tonal qualities of the oak and cane. The chair’s headrest is similarly upholstered and attached using leather straps, maintaining the visual consistency across the set while enhancing the overall comfort and ergonomic support.

Børge Mogensen, a central figure in postwar Danish design, was known for creating functional, accessible furniture that adhered to democratic design principles. His designs often drew inspiration from historical vernacular typologies, but with a modernist approach that emphasized simplicity and utility. Mogensen’s collaboration with Fredericia Stolefabrik, a company founded in 1911, resulted in some of the most enduring and influential designs in Danish furniture history, with the BM-2254 lounge chair being one of his most iconic creations.

The style of this set is firmly grounded in the Scandinavian modern tradition, with its focus on natural materials, simplicity of form, and a harmonious balance between utility and aesthetic value. The use of cane and exposed joints in the design reflects influences from Shaker furniture and international modernism, while the oak frame reinforces a distinct Nordic material identity.

This lounge chair and ottoman set remains in excellent condition, showing only a patina consistent with age and use. The materials, craftsmanship, and timeless design ensure that this set continues to be a remarkable example of mid-century Danish furniture.