Svante Skogh easy chairs
This rare pair of easy chairs, model “Bodö” was designed by Svante Skogh and produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden during the 1950s. The chairs exemplify mid-century Scandinavian furniture’s expressive craftsmanship and structural honesty, emphasizing natural materials and clear construction.
Each chair features a solid oak frame with pronounced angular geometry, including sharply tapering legs and diagonally braced backrests. The oak exhibits a warm golden tone with visible grain and a tactile softness, retaining its original finish with minimal wear and a pleasing patina. The seats and backs are supported by brown leather saddle straps, interlaced beneath the cushions and along the frame’s rear. These straps function as both structural and visual elements, highlighting a handcrafted approach to joinery and material tensioning.
The cushions have been newly reupholstered in a neutral grey wool fabric, which contrasts softly with the warm oak and natural leather. The wool’s subtle heathered texture and firm density provide supportive comfort while maintaining the understated aesthetic typical of Swedish modern design. The gently inclined back cushions are precisely framed by the vertical and horizontal oak slats, contributing to a balanced visual composition.
Svante Skogh (1923–1998) was known for his architectural approach to furniture and collaborations with notable Scandinavian manufacturers. His work often emphasized visible structural details, material authenticity, and proportion, qualities evident in the Bodö model.
Seffle Möbelfabrik, active in the mid-20th century, was recognized for high production standards and solid wood craftsmanship, contributing significantly to Swedish furniture’s international reputation during the postwar era.
Each chair measures 73 cm wide, 82 cm deep, and 66 cm high (approximately 28.7 by 32.3 by 26 inches), with a seat height of 38 cm (15 inches). The pair is in excellent condition with recently renewed upholstery, intact leather straps, and solid structural integrity. The design harmoniously blends traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship with a modernist emphasis on simplicity and material clarity.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 73 / D: 82 / H: 66 / Seat H: 38 |
Producer | AB Seffle Möbelfabrik |
Color | Grey |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Fabric, Leather, Oak |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 129061 |
Svante Skogh