Carl-Axel Acking easy chairs

This very rare pair of easy chairs was designed by Swedish architect and designer Carl-Axel Acking and produced in Sweden during the 1940s. These chairs are characteristic of early Scandinavian modernism, balancing structural clarity with a sculptural approach to form and comfort. The design incorporates traditional craftsmanship with a modernist sense of proportion and ergonomics, reflecting Acking’s training in both architecture and interior design.

Each chair features a tall, slightly inclined backrest with deep button-tufted upholstery and subtly rounded contours that transition fluidly into the arms and seat. The frames are constructed in stained birch, with the front legs standing vertically and the rear legs gently splayed and curved to provide both visual elegance and structural stability. The natural figure of the birch is visible beneath the warm stain, offering a pleasing contrast to the light, textured upholstery.

The chairs have been fully restored and reupholstered in Kvadrat’s Hallingdal fabric, a durable wool blend known for its high quality, tactile richness, and suitability for Scandinavian furniture restoration. The new upholstery is executed in a soft grey tone, preserving the aesthetic of the original design while ensuring long-term resilience and contemporary relevance. The foam and interior structure have been renewed as part of the restoration, ensuring optimal comfort and longevity.

Carl-Axel Acking (1910–2001) was a prominent Swedish designer and architect whose career spanned furniture, interiors, public buildings, and industrial design. He studied under Gunnar Asplund and became known for his contributions to Swedish functionalism, where form was closely tied to material honesty and user-centric thinking. His seating designs are often characterized by their sculptural presence and ergonomic sensibility, traits clearly demonstrated in this pair.

The chairs are in excellent vintage condition, with all components carefully restored to reflect their original design intent. They exemplify Swedish modernism in its transitional moment between pre-war classicism and post-war functionalism.

Dimensions:
Width: 71 cm / 28 inches
Depth: 93 cm / 36.6 inches
Height: 99 cm / 39 inches
Seat height: 41 cm / 16.1 inches