Otto Schulz easy chair
This is a rare and distinctive easy chair designed by Otto Schulz and produced by the Swedish furniture firm Boet during the 1940s. Known for its sculptural volume, material richness, and decorative refinement, this model exemplifies the transitional style between Swedish Grace and mid-century Scandinavian modernism.
The chair is upholstered in a golden yellow velvet fabric, which offers a rich surface texture and a warm, luminous color tone. The backrest is fully tufted in a diamond pattern with deep, sculpted folds, imparting a luxurious softness to the visual form. The frame is constructed from dark-stained beech, with flared and gently curved legs that terminate in subtle tapering. The joinery is punctuated by brass rivet detailing along the lower upholstery edge, arranged in a horseshoe pattern around each leg joint. This embellishment not only secures the fabric but also adds ornamental character to the structural form.
Otto Schulz (1882–1970) was a German-born architect and designer who became a central figure in Swedish interior design during the early and mid-20th century. After relocating to Gothenburg, he founded the influential studio Boet, which produced furniture and interiors rooted in artisanal craftsmanship and bold stylistic expression. Schulz’s work often combined rich materials with a theatrical sense of comfort, blending classic proportions with contemporary experimentation. His designs straddle the aesthetic line between functional modernism and expressive decorativeness, as evident in this easy chair model.
Boet, under Schulz’s direction, became a defining name in Swedish interior culture of the interwar and postwar periods. Pieces produced by the studio are noted for their bespoke quality, refined detailing, and highly individualistic presence, making them highly collectible among connoisseurs of Northern European design.
The chair measures 87 cm in width, 70 cm in depth, and 75 cm in height (34.3 x 27.6 x 29.5 inches), with a seat height of 40 cm (15.7 inches). It remains in good vintage condition, with minor signs of age and a well-maintained velvet surface that retains its luster. The wooden legs show slight wear consistent with age, and the rivets remain intact and structurally sound.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 83 / D: 74 / H: 76 / Seat H: 40 |
Producer | Boet |
Color | Yellow |
Decade | 1940s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Beech, Brass, Fabric, Velvet |
Designed in | 1940s |
Item Number | 98817 |
Otto Schulz