Sofa

This rare sofa was produced by Åby Möbelfabrik in Sweden during the 1930s. It is constructed from stained pine combined with cast iron fittings, and it has been newly reupholstered in a textured wool fabric. The design strongly echoes the aesthetic language of Axel Einar Hjorth’s sportstugemöbler, a series of furniture intended for Swedish country houses and cabins, characterized by robust forms and rustic charm.

The color palette includes the deep, rich brown tones of the stained pine, contrasted by the light natural hue of the wool upholstery. The natural grain of the wood is prominently visible, enhancing the rustic character of the piece. The cast iron straps that encircle the back and sides add an industrial element while reinforcing the structural solidity of the sofa.

The form is simple yet bold, with a slightly curved backrest that cradles three round, newly upholstered cushions. The arms are solid and squared off, giving the sofa a sturdy, architectural presence. The generous seat cushion is rectangular and neatly fitted into the frame, contributing to the clean lines of the overall design. The cut-out space beneath the seat visually lightens the otherwise heavy construction, demonstrating an understanding of balance and proportion.

The condition of the sofa is excellent. The wood shows only minor signs of wear consistent with careful age, and the new wool upholstery is in pristine condition, providing a fresh contrast to the original elements. The cast iron fittings retain a consistent dark patina, underscoring the vintage authenticity of the piece.

Åby Möbelfabrik was a Swedish manufacturer known for producing furniture that combined quality craftsmanship with the evolving aesthetics of early 20th-century modernism.

The dimensions of the sofa are 180 cm in width, 70 cm in depth, and 77 cm in height, with a seat height of 40 cm, corresponding approximately to 70.87 inches wide, 27.56 inches deep, 30.31 inches high, and 15.75 inches seat height.