Gilbert Marklund stools

This rare pair of stools was designed by Swedish designer Gilbert Marklund and produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden in 1969. The stools exemplify a rustic, sculptural approach within mid-century Scandinavian furniture, favoring expressive craftsmanship and organic materiality over the more common formal minimalism of the period.

Constructed entirely from solid pine, the stools feature robust, architectural forms with two thick side panels joined by a pair of curved seat slats shaped for comfort and visual rhythm. The design celebrates the natural characteristics of the wood, including visible grain patterns, knots, and growth rings. The contoured, concave seat slats cradle the sitter, while the squared sides provide a solid, monolithic presence.

Finished with a warm honey-colored lacquer, the pine displays a subtle sheen and a light patina consistent with age, complemented by minor surface marks that add to the handmade, rustic charm. The straightforward but sturdy joinery reflects Marklund’s artisanal approach.

Each stool measures 46 cm wide, 28 cm deep, and 46 cm high (18.1 x 11 x 18.1 inches), with a seat height of 35 cm (13.8 inches). Their compact proportions make them versatile as occasional seats, side tables, or sculptural accents.

Gilbert Marklund (b. 1923) is recognized for his folk-inspired designs that merge traditional Swedish carpentry with modernist ideals, frequently working with pine to create pieces that blur the lines between utility and sculpture. Furusnickarn AB was known for handmade pine furniture in the northern Swedish tradition during the postwar period.