Roland Wilhelmsson bench

This rare coffee table or bench, model “Bamse” was designed by the Swedish designer Roland Wilhelmsson and produced by Karl Andersson & Söner AB in Sweden during the 1970s. A quintessential example of Scandinavian brutalist craftsmanship, the piece is constructed entirely from solid pine, showcasing the material’s natural warmth, knots, and structural honesty. The design is defined by its low, architectural form, with a rectangular top supported by two broad vertical slab legs, creating a sculptural yet functional silhouette.

The table’s surface reveals the character of the solid wood through visible grain patterns, knots, and joinery details, which emphasize the handcrafted nature of the piece. Wilhelmsson’s approach was rooted in a belief that furniture should reflect both material integrity and architectural clarity, and this table embodies that philosophy — its minimal construction and robust proportions make it a timeless representation of Nordic modernism.

The “Bamse” series was part of Wilhelmsson’s exploration of pine as a democratic material, commonly used in postwar Scandinavian design for its durability and warm visual character. Despite its simplicity, the table demonstrates a strong sculptural presence, making it suitable both as a coffee table and as a bench in a modern interior.

The piece remains in good vintage condition, showing signs of use and a rich, well-developed patina that enhances its authenticity and historical value.

Dimensions are 100 cm wide, 49 cm deep, and 35 cm high (39.4 x 19.3 x 13.8 in)