Jens Nielson easy chair

This rare easy chair, model Laminex, was designed by Jens Nielson and produced by Westnofa in Norway in 1966. Crafted entirely from laminated beech, the chair is a sculptural exploration of minimalism and organic form. Its design consists of two bent, curved components that interlock—one forming the base and front support, the other shaping the seat and backrest. This innovative joint requires no additional fasteners, enhancing both modularity and formal purity.

The beechwood features a natural lacquer finish that highlights the linear patterns of the laminated layers, imparting a warm tone that reflects Scandinavian material traditions. The chair’s profile is fluid and aerodynamic, with continuous curves extending from the floor to the top of the backrest, creating a dynamic visual presence even when stationary. Without upholstery or added embellishments, the design relies solely on the elegant shaping of plywood and a cantilevered form to provide ergonomic comfort.

Jens Nielson’s Laminex chair aligns with 1960s innovations in molded plywood furniture, drawing subtle influence from figures like Alvar Aalto and the Eameses while maintaining an architectural rigor that is geometric yet lightweight. Westnofa, the Norwegian manufacturer, was known for its collaborations with modernist designers, emphasizing export-focused Scandinavian furniture that balanced craftsmanship with forward-thinking production methods.

The chair is in good vintage condition, showing typical signs of use and minor edge wear on the veneer, especially along the seat and connection points. These age-related marks do not affect its structural integrity or functional performance.

Measuring 54 cm in width, 69 cm in depth, and 70 cm in height, with a seat height of 26 cm, the chair’s dimensions convert to approximately 21.3 inches wide, 27.2 inches deep, 27.6 inches high, and a seat height of 10.2 inches. The Laminex stands as a rare and refined example of mid-century Scandinavian experimentation in bentwood construction and architectural modularity in seating design.