Erik Bertil Karlén sofa

This is a rare three-seat sofa designed by Erik Bertil Karlén and produced by Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden during the 1940s. It exemplifies the Scandinavian mid-century commitment to craftsmanship, modest elegance, and a sculptural interpretation of functional seating.

The sofa has an organically contoured frame, with high, winged sides and a gently sloping backrest. The solid beechwood base and legs are slightly tapered and joined with supportive stretchers, forming a visually light but structurally stable foundation. The upholstery is newly restored in a warm off-white wool textile from Kvadrat, a contemporary fabric house known for its durable, textile-forward materials that retain a naturalistic character. The backrest features a fully button-tufted pattern with leather-covered buttons in a warm chestnut tone, creating a contrasting grid across the soft fabric surface. The seat is wide and deep, with a low-profile seat height appropriate for relaxed lounging, and the proportions remain human-scaled despite its sculptural presence.

The frame and woodwork remain in good vintage condition with minor signs of age and use, particularly to the wooden legs which retain their original finish. The new upholstery is professionally executed and maintains the integrity of the original design. The combination of beechwood, wool, and leather articulates the natural material sensibility typical of Swedish modern design of the time.

Erik Bertil Karlén was an active furniture designer in Sweden during the mid-20th century. While his output was more limited compared to some of his contemporaries, Karlén’s works often display an architectural sensitivity and attention to silhouette. Firma Rumsinteriör was a notable Swedish interior outfitter and furniture producer during the 1930s–1950s, collaborating with a number of skilled craftsmen and designers to realize modern interiors with an artisanal quality.

The dimensions of the sofa are 165 cm wide, 85 cm deep, and 80 cm high, with a seat height of 39 cm, which corresponds to approximately 65 inches wide, 33.5 inches deep, 31.5 inches high, and a seat height of 15.4 inches.