Ib Kofod-Larsen easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, model Sälen, was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE in Sweden during the 1950s. The design is a strong example of Scandinavian mid-century lounge seating, combining a sculptural wooden frame with a low, relaxed seating position and carefully balanced proportions intended for both comfort and visual lightness.

The frames are executed in solid teak, displaying a warm medium-brown tone with a clearly visible grain structure. The construction is defined by its angular geometry, where the legs and arm supports form an open trapezoidal silhouette. The armrests are shaped with a distinctive tapered profile, widening toward the front and ending in an organic pointed termination, emphasizing the hand-finished character of the woodwork. The back legs rise upward into a continuous vertical element, giving the chair a strong architectural outline while maintaining an elegant, minimal footprint.

The upholstery has been newly executed in tan natural leather, which has already developed a slight patination. The leather has a smooth semi-matte surface with subtle tonal variation, enhancing the material depth and complementing the teak. The seat and back are generously padded, with a softly rounded edge profile that contrasts with the sharp geometry of the wooden frame. The cushions are integrated into the structure in a way that allows the upholstery to appear suspended within the frame, reinforcing the lightness of the overall design.

Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of Denmark’s most important furniture designers of the postwar period, known for refined forms that combined modernist construction with organic shaping. His designs often feature elegant joinery and sculptural detailing, with an emphasis on comfort and human scale. The Sälen model is closely aligned with his broader body of lounge furniture, where angled seating positions and slim frames were used to create relaxed yet architecturally defined silhouettes.

OPE was an influential Swedish producer active during the mid-20th century, recognized for manufacturing high-quality seating and modern furniture designs, often in collaboration with prominent Scandinavian designers. Their production is typically characterized by careful woodworking, precise joinery, and durable upholstery methods, contributing to the lasting structural integrity of their pieces.

The chairs are in good vintage condition and have been fully restored. The teak frames show minor signs of age and use, including small surface marks and light wear consistent with careful handling. The leather upholstery is new, with early patina and slight natural variation, giving the chairs an authentic material character while maintaining a clean and well-preserved overall impression.

Dimensions: 80 cm width, 75 cm depth, 75 cm height (31.50 x 29.53 x 29.53 in). Seat height is 39 cm (15.35 in).