Marianne von Münchow cabinet

This unique cabinet, designed by Marianne von Münchow and produced in Sweden during the 1940s, exemplifies the understated elegance and craftsmanship of Swedish functionalist furniture from the mid-20th century. Constructed entirely from oak, the piece presents a finely balanced combination of modernist design principles and artisanal woodworking.

The cabinet is structured around a tall vertical form, with clean lines and well-resolved proportions. Its façade is divided into two primary elements: an upper section with vertically slatted doors and a lower section consisting of nine drawers arranged in a three-by-three configuration. The slatted doors provide visual rhythm and surface depth while concealing internal shelving, enhancing both aesthetic refinement and utility. The drawers are fronted by a stepped or layered façade, which adds textural variation and emphasizes the cabinet’s geometric structure.

Raised on square-section oak legs, the cabinet achieves a sense of visual lightness despite its substantial volume. The overall impression is one of functional clarity, softened by the warmth of the oak and the tactile quality of the wood grain. The construction shows careful attention to detail, including precise joinery and proportional balance between storage and form.

Marianne von Münchow, though a lesser-documented figure in Swedish design history, contributed to the domestic landscape of the 1940s with designs that emphasized rational organization and craftsmanship rooted in the modernist movement. Her work reflects a nuanced understanding of form and material, aligned with the ideals of the Swedish Grace and early modernist transitions of the interwar and wartime periods.

The cabinet remains in very good vintage condition. It shows minor signs of age-related wear, including a soft patina and subtle surface marks, which are consistent with careful long-term use. These traces contribute to its character and historical integrity.

The dimensions are 75 cm in width, 44 cm in depth, and 180 cm in height, which corresponds to approximately 29.5 inches wide, 17.3 inches deep, and 70.9 inches high.