Carl-Johan Boman easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, designed and produced by Carl-Johan Boman in Finland, exemplifies the understated elegance and superior craftsmanship associated with early to mid-20th-century Finnish design. With their graceful proportions, tactile materials, and carefully considered details, these chairs reflect Boman’s refined approach to functional aesthetics.

Upholstered in a high-quality Savak plain wool fabric in a soft cream or off-white tone, the chairs convey a light and inviting character. The Savak wool—known for its fine texture and durability—enhances the surface quality while contributing to a warm, natural palette. Accented with symmetrically placed tan leather buttons, the upholstery introduces a subtle but distinctive decorative element. These leather buttons, in a slightly darker hue, punctuate the backs and seats with rhythmic precision, maintaining visual interest without disrupting the clean overall silhouette.

The chairs feature gently curved backrests that widen toward the top, providing broad ergonomic support. This curve, combined with a subtle backward tilt, creates a relaxed and open posture ideal for lounging. The seats are generously padded and rounded at the edges, adding both comfort and a soft visual rhythm that contrasts nicely with the tapering lines of the legs.

The legs are crafted from birch, a material frequently used in Nordic furniture for its warmth and strength. With a golden honey-toned finish, the wood has a polished, satin-like surface that highlights the natural grain and adds visual richness. The legs are elegantly tapered and splayed slightly outward, contributing to the chair’s poised and balanced stance. The structural joinery is clean and well-integrated, supporting the chairs’ robust construction.

Carl-Johan Boman (1883–1969) was a central figure in Finnish interior design, active during a period that transitioned from classical revivalism to modernism. His work often merged traditional woodworking techniques with the emerging principles of functional design. Though less internationally known than his contemporaries, Boman’s designs are increasingly recognized for their quality, restraint, and enduring appeal.

The condition of this pair is excellent. The wool upholstery is recently renewed and remains flawless, crisp, and clean, with no signs of wear or discoloration. The leather buttons are securely affixed and display a uniform patina. The birch wood legs are similarly well-preserved, with no visible scratches or damage, retaining their original sheen and finish.

Each chair measures 75 cm wide, 74 cm deep, and 75.5 cm high, with a seat height of 38 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 29.5 inches wide, 29.1 inches deep, 29.7 inches high, and a seat height of 15 inches.