Torbjørn Afdal dining chairs

This is a complete and highly rare set of twelve dining chairs, model “Darby” designed by Norwegian furniture designer Torbjørn Afdal in the 1950s and produced by Nesjestranda Møbelfabrikk. The chairs exemplify Afdal’s precision in woodworking and his approach to minimalist elegance within the Scandinavian modern tradition. Afdal, active primarily during the mid-century period, was known for his refined aesthetic and for producing high-quality functional furniture. His works were widely respected in Norway and internationally, often using richly grained woods and streamlined silhouettes.

Each chair is crafted from solid rosewood with distinctive dark grain patterns, giving them a rich and vibrant visual depth. The backrest is gently curved and sculpted from a single piece of rosewood, offering both ergonomic support and a strong architectural presence. The overall structure is constructed with clean, geometric lines and subtle joinery details, characteristic of high-quality Norwegian cabinetmaking of the era.

The seats are upholstered in black leather, which remains in very good condition, showing only light signs of age and use. The combination of the dark rosewood and black leather creates a balanced and refined tonal palette. The form of the chairs is compact yet sculptural, with tapering legs and slender stretchers that provide stability without compromising the visual lightness of the design.

The chairs were manufactured by Nesjestranda Møbelfabrikk, a Norwegian workshop known for its close collaboration with Afdal. The firm produced several of his most iconic pieces during the postwar period and was a key contributor to the spread of modern Scandinavian design.

Dimensions per chair are 47 cm wide, 50 cm deep, and 80 cm high, with a seat height of 44 cm (equivalent to approximately 18.5 x 19.7 x 31.5 inches, seat height 17.3 inches). The set remains structurally sound and original, presenting an excellent example of Norwegian mid-century craftsmanship and design.