Folding screen
This is a rare four-panel folding screen or room divider produced in Sweden during the 1950s. The screen combines a geometric wooden framework made from oregon pine with semi-transparent textile infill panels, giving it both functional and aesthetic value. The warm, honey-toned pine frames are built with diagonally braced grids that form repeating triangular motifs across the linen-covered surfaces. The linen is a natural, loosely woven textile with visible fibers and light diffusion properties, intended to softly partition spaces without entirely obstructing light or visibility.
Each panel is joined with small-scale brass hinges, allowing for fluid folding in either direction and enabling the screen to be adjusted into multiple configurations. The hinges are functional yet unobtrusive, complementing the warm hue of the wood while ensuring durability and flexibility. When fully extended, the screen offers a wide surface, but it folds into a compact footprint when not in use.
The design reflects Scandinavian mid-century values of simplicity, utility, and natural materials. The use of untreated oregon pine and raw linen aligns with the regional emphasis on honest construction and organic textures. This piece was likely produced in a small workshop or limited series, given the artisanal detailing and rarity. While the maker is unidentified, the screen aligns stylistically with the works of Swedish designers exploring modular interior architecture and lightness in spatial division during the postwar years.
Condition is good vintage, with clear signs of use and aging. The wood shows some patina appropriate for its age, and the linen panels contain small holes and wear consistent with decades of handling and exposure. Despite this, the structure remains solid, and the visual impact of the piece is intact.
The dimensions are 62 cm wide per panel, reaching a total width of 372 cm (24.4 inches per panel, total 146.5 inches) when fully extended. The depth is 5 cm (2 inches) and the height is 153 cm (60.2 inches), offering generous coverage while maintaining portability and a visually light presence in an interior. This screen serves both decorative and practical purposes, fitting seamlessly within a mid-century or contemporary Scandinavian interior context.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 62 / D: 5 / H: 153 Fully extended: W: 372 |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Fabric, Linen, Oregon pine |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 123588 |