Bruno Mathsson bookcase
This rare wall-mounted bookcase was designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden, in 1960. The system is constructed from tubular steel uprights combined with shelves in birch and pine, exemplifying Mathsson’s mastery of bentwood techniques and his commitment to both lightness and structural clarity.
The design is modular and visually weightless, with elegantly curved wooden brackets that support thin, floating shelves. Each shelf has slightly rounded front edges and subtle variations in tone, reflecting the natural character of the wood. The steel uprights are finished in a soft off-white tone, contrasting with the warm hues of the birch and pine and enhancing the architectural rhythm of the structure.
Mathsson’s furniture designs often explored the relationship between modern materials and organic form. This shelving system demonstrates his functionalist ideals—maximizing efficiency, flexibility, and aesthetic harmony. Its open, airy composition makes it equally suitable for use as a library or display system in domestic and public interiors.
The bookcase remains in good vintage condition with signs of use and an attractive patina consistent with age.
Dimensions: width 267 cm (105.1 in), depth 42 cm (16.5 in), height 248 cm (97.6 in)
Dimensions (cm) | W: 267 / D: 42 / H: 248 |
| Producer | Firma Karl Mathsson |
| Color | Cream |
| Decade | 1960s |
| Country | Sweden |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Birch, Pine, Steel |
| Designed in | 1960 |
| Item Number | 115915 |
Bruno Mathsson
Bruno Mathsson (1907–1988) was one of Sweden’s most influential modernist designers, internationally acclaimed for his functionalist furniture and contributions to postwar architectural design. His career was marked by a deep understanding of ...
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