Bruno Mathsson lounge chair

This rare early lounge chair was designed by Swedish architect and furniture designer Bruno Mathsson in 1941 and produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden. It represents a significant moment in Mathsson’s career when he was deeply engaged in ergonomic experimentation and pioneering laminated wood construction techniques. The chair belongs to a formative period during which Mathsson developed seating solutions that follow the natural curvature of the human body, often without the need for added padding or upholstery.

The chair’s structure is crafted from laminated birch, exhibiting a light golden tone with a subtly aged surface that reveals its natural character. The wood is shaped into continuous flowing lines, forming both the frame and support system in an elegant, sculptural manner. The base features bentwood legs and stretchers with a sinuous profile, demonstrating skilled craftsmanship and a lightweight structural design. The seat and backrest consist of a single plane of woven webbing, likely natural linen or jute, in a light tan hue. This webbing is broad and interlaced, suspended over the frame to follow the chair’s continuous S-curve, providing ergonomic support for a fully reclined posture.

The form is defined by sweeping curves, beginning with a slightly elevated headrest, flowing down through a concave seat, and rising again at the footrest. This sculptural profile not only offers full-body support but also embodies Mathsson’s adherence to functionalist design principles and a human-centered approach. The absence of upholstery emphasizes the purity of the chair’s structure and materials.

This example bears both the branded stamp and original paper label from Karl Mathsson, confirming its authenticity and early production date. It remains in good vintage condition, showing moderate patina on the webbing and minor wear consistent with age and use on the birch frame. The construction is structurally sound, with no visible warping or significant restoration.

Bruno Mathsson is recognized as one of Sweden’s most influential modernist designers, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modernist innovation. His collaboration with his father, master cabinetmaker Karl Mathsson, was essential in bringing his early concepts to production. This chair anticipates many later advances in ergonomic seating and molded wood manufacturing.

The dimensions are 51 centimeters in width, 147 centimeters in depth, and 82 centimeters in height, with a seat height of 28 centimeters (approximately 20.1 inches W x 57.9 inches D x 32.3 inches H, seat height 11 inches).