Göran Malmvall armchairs

This is a set of four armchairs designed by Göran Malmvall and produced in Sweden by Svensk Fur during the 1940s. Executed entirely in solid pine, the chairs exemplify the rustic and functional qualities typical of mid-century Scandinavian design, particularly in the context of Swedish vernacular furniture.

The chairs are constructed with a focus on simplicity and durability. The high, slightly tapered backrests are formed from a single curved plank with softly rounded top edges, while the seats are flat and rectangular with subtly beveled corners. The armrests are dowel-shaped and project horizontally, supported by vertical staves that intersect the seat frame. The legs are round and conically tapered, splayed outward to enhance stability and visual balance. The construction details, including exposed wooden dowels and visible joinery, reflect a handcrafted ethos and a structural honesty typical of the period.

The material used is solid pine, which shows a warm golden hue and a lively grain pattern. The finish has developed a consistent and attractive patina, with some signs of age and use that contribute to the authenticity and character of the chairs. Minor wear, superficial scratches, and natural discolorations are visible, aligning with their vintage condition. The backs of the chairs bear the branded mark of Svensk Fur, reinforcing their provenance and production origin.

Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the son of renowned Swedish furniture designer Carl Malmsten and continued his father’s design tradition through work that emphasized solid craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless forms. His collaborations with Svensk Fur represent a significant chapter in Swedish rustic modernism, where the intention was to produce accessible, well-crafted furniture for everyday use, particularly suited to country homes and vacation cottages.

This set reflects the rustic strand of Scandinavian modern design, favoring traditional materials and construction methods over industrial production. The result is a tactile and enduring object, bridging the aesthetic of traditional carpentry with the formal economy of modernist design.

Each chair measures 58 cm in width, 57 cm in depth, and 85 cm in height, with a seat height of 37 cm (22.8 x 22.4 x 33.5 inches, seat height 14.6 inches). The proportions and slightly reclined backrest make these chairs suitable for informal seating arrangements, and a matching coffee table, produced in the same material and stylistic vocabulary, complements the set.