Carl Malmsten dining chairs

This is a rare set of six dining chairs, model Sörgården, designed by Swedish architect and furniture designer Carl Malmsten and produced in Sweden during the 1940s. The chairs are a fine example of early Scandinavian modernism shaped by a functionalist approach blended with vernacular craftsmanship and material sensibility. Constructed entirely from solid pine, the chairs exhibit a warm, honey-toned surface with pronounced vertical grain.

The design features a rounded, organic silhouette with a distinctive heart-shaped backrest, integrated with a handgrip cutout at the top. This detail is both functional and ornamental, in keeping with Malmsten’s ethos of creating furniture that is tactile, human-centered, and durable. The seats are solid and slightly dished for comfort, attached to four tapered legs that splay outward to increase stability. The joinery is clearly visible through contrasting wood plugs on the seat surface, referencing traditional Swedish woodworking techniques. The legs are chamfered and softly shaped, contributing to a sculptural yet grounded presence.

Carl Malmsten, one of Sweden’s most influential 20th-century designers, rejected industrial mass production in favor of craftsmanship and natural materials. The Sörgården model reflects his belief in simplicity, comfort, and connection to Swedish folk traditions while being forward-looking in its ergonomic considerations and elegant construction. Each chair is branded with Malmsten’s initials and lightning mark on the underside, confirming authenticity.

Dimensions per chair are 41.5 cm in width (16.3 inches), 49 cm in depth (19.3 inches), and 81 cm in height (31.9 inches), with a seat height of 44.5 cm (17.5 inches). The set is in good vintage condition with light surface wear, patina, and small imperfections consistent with age and use, but structurally stable and retaining the integrity of the original design.