Erik Bertil Karlén attrib. easy chairs

This is a rare pair of easy chairs attributed to Swedish designer Erik Bertil Karlén and produced by Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden during the 1940s. These chairs are representative of an early Scandinavian modernist sensibility, merging traditional craftsmanship with evolving trends in form, upholstery, and domestic comfort.

The chairs feature low, wing-shaped backrests that curve softly to cradle the body, combined with a wide and gently contoured seat. The generous, embracing profile is supported by a beech wood frame with four square-sectioned legs and connecting stretchers, giving the chairs a sturdy yet visually open base. The back legs are subtly splayed for additional stability and proportion, enhancing both comfort and balance in the silhouette.

The upholstery is recently renewed in ‘Cluny’ fabric by Sanderson, a classic English textile pattern known for its densely detailed botanical and avian motif. The multicolored palette includes deep greens, burgundies, ochres, blues, and soft neutrals, printed on a warm off-white ground. Birds, flowers, and foliage are interwoven in a continuous tapestry-like repeat that imparts a richly decorative and slightly romantic character to the chairs. The sculpted upholstery is finished with piped edges that trace the form of the seat and back, reinforcing the traditional tailoring and silhouette.

Erik Bertil Karlén was active during the mid-20th century and contributed to the early development of modern furniture design in Sweden. While less internationally recognized than contemporaries like Carl Malmsten, Karlén’s work aligns with the Swedish tradition of expressive upholstery, ergonomic shaping, and functional construction. Firma Rumsinteriör, the attributed producer, was a Swedish interior design firm that specialized in high-quality furniture production and collaborations with local designers.

The condition is excellent, with the frames exhibiting minor signs of use consistent with age, and the upholstery being recent and unworn. The beech wood shows a mellow, aged patina that complements the vibrancy of the fabric, and the chairs retain structural integrity throughout.

Dimensions:
Width: 61 cm (24.0 inches)
Depth: 67 cm (26.4 inches)
Height: 81.5 cm (32.1 inches)
Seat height: 39 cm (15.4 inches)