Bruno Mathsson easy chairs

This pair of easy chairs, model Karin, was designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by DUX in Sweden during the 1960s. They represent an important phase in Scandinavian modern design, combining functional comfort with an elegant use of materials. The chairs are constructed with chrome-plated steel frames that provide both structural lightness and durability, while the seating consists of deep button-tufted cushions in dark brown leather, creating a striking visual and tactile contrast.

The design emphasizes Mathsson’s interest in ergonomics and flexible living, as the Karin model was one of the first to incorporate a moveable frame on wheels, highlighting the growing importance of adaptable furniture in postwar interiors. The leather upholstery shows a rich patina, with natural creasing and signs of wear consistent with age and use, giving the chairs a lived-in character without compromising their integrity. The combination of tubular steel and leather reflects the international modernist vocabulary while remaining distinctly Scandinavian in its refined proportions and understated luxury.

Bruno Mathsson, a central figure in Swedish design, is widely recognized for his pioneering work in seating furniture, with an emphasis on comfort achieved through advanced construction methods. The Karin model exemplifies his ability to merge craftsmanship and industrial techniques, while DUX, as a leading Swedish manufacturer, ensured high production standards and broad dissemination of Mathsson’s designs. These chairs stand as an embodiment of mid-century Scandinavian ideals, where form, function, and comfort are seamlessly integrated.

Dimensions: width 76 cm (29.9 in), depth 85 cm (33.5 in), height 79 cm (31.1 in), seat height 38 cm (15 in)