Sofa
This is a rare upholstered sofa produced in Sweden during the 1940s, attributed stylistically to the tradition of Otto Schulz. The design features a gently scalloped backrest with channel tufting, forming a semi-enclosed and supportive seating environment that evokes the comfort-oriented aesthetics of mid-century Swedish domestic furniture. The sofa’s silhouette curves in a soft arc across the back and seat, creating a rounded, sheltering effect, while the gently tapering legs in birch provide visual lightness and contrast.
The upholstery is a muted terracotta-colored textile with a fine weave, chosen to complement the natural tone of the birch frame. The backrest is vertically segmented by deep stitched channels that emphasize the shell-like contour, a motif characteristic of Schulz’s influence in Swedish interiors. The seat is thickly padded with continuous cushioning that integrates with the rounded profile of the armrests and base. The structure underneath is built in solid birch and displays warm amber tones and fine surface grain. The feet are slightly splayed, contributing to a balanced stance and stability.
This piece reflects the influence of Otto Schulz, a German-born architect and designer who worked in Gothenburg and was instrumental in establishing a decorative, comfortable aesthetic in Swedish furniture. Schulz’s work often emphasized integrated upholstery, soft forms, and high-quality traditional construction methods. While the designer of this specific sofa is not confirmed, the sculptural form, attention to textile detailing, and use of birch suggest it was conceived within this same lineage.
The condition is consistent with careful preservation and restoration. The fabric is clean and taut with no visible fading, and the woodwork displays minor signs of age and handling, appropriate for a piece from the 1940s. A matching pair of easy chairs is noted to be available, suggesting this was originally part of a coordinated seating suite.
Dimensions: Width 160 cm (62.99 inches), Depth 85 cm (33.46 inches), Height 76 cm (29.92 inches), Seat Height 40 cm (15.75 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | W: 160 / D: 85 / H: 76 / Seat H: 40 |
Decade | 1940s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Birch, Fabric |
Designed in | 1940s |
Item Number | 123844 |