Edvin Helseth easy chairs

This rare pair of armchairs was designed by Edvin Helseth and produced by Trybo in Norway in 1965. The design combines structural clarity with functional versatility, reflecting the architectural precision characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian furniture. Each chair is constructed from solid pine and features three adjustable seating positions, allowing the sitter to alternate between upright, relaxed, and reclined postures.

The frames display clean, rectilinear lines softened by rounded armrests and dowel joints, emphasizing craftsmanship and construction honesty. The natural pine has developed a warm golden tone over time, enhanced by visible grain patterns and subtle patina. The cushions have been newly reupholstered in a light grey Kvadrat wool fabric, whose soft texture and muted hue contrast elegantly with the wood’s organic warmth.

Edvin Helseth, active in Norway during the mid-20th century, was known for his thoughtful approach to material and form. His designs often balanced functionality with sculptural simplicity, emphasizing human comfort through adjustable mechanisms and tactile surfaces. The collaboration with Trybo—a Norwegian furniture maker recognized for its high-quality solid wood furniture—ensured precise joinery and durable construction.

These chairs exemplify the postwar Nordic tradition of democratic design: furniture that is both rational in structure and sensitive in material expression. The geometric frame, adjustable backrest, and light proportions recall the experimental yet humanist spirit of the 1960s Scandinavian design movement.

Both chairs remain in good vintage condition, with signs of use and a pleasing patina to the pine. The new upholstery complements the original aesthetic while ensuring contemporary comfort and longevity.

Dimensions: width 59 cm (23.2 in), depth 78 cm (30.7 in), height 73.5 cm (28.9 in), seat height 38 cm (15 in)