Sture G. Ohlsson coffee table

This rare coffee table, designed by Sture G. Ohlsson and produced by AB Sture G. Ohlsson in Malmö, Sweden during the 1950s, is a refined embodiment of Scandinavian mid-century modernism—characterized by material clarity, graceful proportions, and an organic sense of form. The piece offers a balanced interplay between structure and surface, reflecting the Swedish tradition of functional elegance and artisanal precision.

The table features a circular walnut tabletop with a warm, deep tone and a finely grained surface. The natural figuring of the walnut is prominently showcased through a careful finishing process that highlights its rich tonal variations and lends a quiet sophistication to the overall composition. The choice of walnut not only provides visual warmth but also a tactile depth, underscoring the emphasis on natural materials that defined Scandinavian design in the postwar era.

Supporting the top are four smoothly contoured legs, executed in lighter-toned beech, creating a harmonious contrast with the darker walnut. These legs are gently splayed and tapering, terminating in a subtle curve that adds visual lightness and reinforces the table’s sculptural presence. The organic shaping of the legs reflects the broader Scandinavian interest in integrating biomorphic influences into everyday objects, allowing form to follow both function and natural gesture.

At 82.5 cm in diameter and 52.5 cm in height (32.5 x 20.7 inches), the table is proportioned to function as a central coffee table or as a generous side table within a seating arrangement. Its circular form promotes spatial openness and flexibility in placement, while the elevated stance contributes to an airy, minimalist profile.

Sture G. Ohlsson, while lesser-known internationally, contributed meaningfully to the regional development of Swedish furniture design in the mid-20th century. His designs often fused technical clarity with refined detailing, appealing to a growing domestic and international market interested in Scandinavian design’s balance of utility and beauty.

This table remains in very good vintage condition, with a subtle patina that enhances its authenticity and highlights the enduring quality of its materials and construction. It stands as a well-preserved example of the period’s design ethos—functional, elegant, and deeply connected to the tactile and visual qualities of wood.