Easy chairs

Rare pair of Swedish Modern easy chairs, produced in Sweden during the 1940s. The designer and manufacturer are unidentified. Fully upholstered easy chairs with dark-stained beech legs were a recurring construction type in Swedish seating of this period.

The chairs have a compact, enveloping form built around a continuous curved back and arm structure. From the front, the backrest is divided visually into three rounded sections, with the central section dipping slightly at the top and the two outer sections flowing forward into the substantial rolled arms. From behind, the upholstered shell forms a broad convex curve, interrupted by V-shaped seams that correspond to the internal divisions of the back and emphasize the radial construction. This combination of rounded geometry, relatively low proportions and extensive upholstery is characteristic of the softer direction Swedish Modern furniture took during the 1940s, moving away from the more rectilinear language associated with early functionalism.

Both chairs retain their original striped textile upholstery. The fabric is woven in alternating vertical bands of cream, beige, taupe, grey-brown and darker chocolate brown. Its orientation changes with the individual upholstered elements: the stripes run vertically across the outer shell, front apron and backrest, while they curve over the arms and run front-to-back across the seat. This treatment makes the construction of the upholstered volumes particularly legible. Twisted cord piping in a muted brown-beige tone outlines the seat, front apron and inner arm sections, while fabric-covered piping defines the outer perimeter. Rows of dark upholstery nails are visible along portions of the rear construction.

The seat is broad and gently rounded at the front, with a deep upholstered apron divided horizontally by cord trim. The arms are heavily padded and roll inward toward the seat, continuing into the segmented backrest without exposed structural members. Four short, slightly tapered dark-stained beech legs lift each upholstered body above the floor. Their warm reddish-brown color provides a contrast to the predominantly neutral textile.

Swedish Modern developed during the 1930s and 1940s as a less rigid interpretation of functionalist principles, combining practical construction with greater emphasis on tactile materials, curved forms and traditional furniture-making. Upholstered lounge furniture from the 1940s frequently adopted more organic silhouettes and substantial curved backs; surviving Swedish examples are documented with both stained beech and other native hardwood structures. The present chairs fit this context through their low proportions, continuous upholstered shells, rounded armrests and restrained use of exposed wood.

Each chair measures 90 cm wide, 80 cm deep and 69 cm high, corresponding to approximately 35.4 × 31.5 × 27.2 inches. The seat height is 42 cm, or approximately 16.5 inches.

The pair is in good vintage condition with small signs of use consistent with age. The original striped upholstery shows minor age-related wear and tonal variation, while the dark-stained beech legs retain signs of use to their surfaces.