Märta Blomstedt easy chair

This rare easy chair, model Aulanko, was designed by Finnish architect Märta Blomstedt in 1939 for the lounge area of Hotel Aulanko in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The chair is a distinguished example of early Finnish modernism, combining a sculptural, inviting form with generous proportions and tactile upholstery that prefigure postwar Scandinavian organic design. Its substantial presence merges functional comfort with architectural expression.

The chair’s form is notably rounded and embracing, featuring flared armrests, a high backrest, and integrated cushioning that unifies comfort and visual flow. It has been newly reupholstered in natural ivory-toned sheepskin, chosen to reflect the original design’s emphasis on warmth and softness. The dense, evenly clipped sheepskin adds both visual texture and tactile depth.

The base consists of four distinctive spherical feet made from stained birch wood. These playful yet grounding elements subtly elevate the chair’s bulk, resonating with Art Deco and Scandinavian functionalist tendencies toward rounded geometric forms and providing contrast to the soft irregularity of the upholstery.

Märta Blomstedt (1899–1982) was a pioneering female Finnish architect and a key figure in the country’s functionalist movement. Her work extended beyond architecture to include interior design, where she treated furniture as integral to spatial and social context. The Aulanko chair was conceived specifically for Hotel Aulanko’s interiors, exemplifying her holistic modernist philosophy.

The chair is in excellent restored condition. The sheepskin upholstery has been professionally renewed, while the original wooden feet show minor age-related wear and retain a pleasing patina.

The chair measures 100 cm wide, 98 cm deep, and 91 cm high (approximately 39.4 by 38.6 by 35.8 inches), with a seat height of 38 cm (15 inches).