Torsten Claeson dining chairs

This set of ten dining chairs was designed by Torsten Claeson and produced by Steneby Hemslöjd in Sweden in 1939. The chairs are crafted in solid pine, displaying a warm, natural tone with visible grain patterns and a hand-finished appearance. Each chair features a sculpted backrest with a softly curved silhouette, supported by four vertical spindles. The round seat is constructed from multiple pine planks, secured with visible circular plugs that emphasize the handcrafted construction. The legs are slightly tapered and angled outward, giving the chairs a sturdy stance typical of Swedish rural furniture traditions.

The surfaces show a patinated finish with signs of age and use, including wear marks, small dents, and subtle variations in color. These characteristics are consistent with well-preserved vintage pine furniture and contribute to the authentic, rustic quality of the set. The construction is robust, with the joinery and proportions reflecting the artisanal approach associated with Steneby Hemslöjd’s workshop production during the late 1930s.

Torsten Claeson was active in the development of Swedish craft-based furniture, working within the tradition of modern rural design that combined functional simplicity with expressive woodwork. Steneby Hemslöjd, located in Dalsland, has long been recognized for its emphasis on craftsmanship and regional production. The fact that this set was retailed by Meeths in Gothenburg indicates an early commercial distribution of handcrafted Swedish furniture through prominent design retailers.

The style of the chairs is grounded in Scandinavian rustic modernism, blending vernacular forms with refined detailing. The natural pine material and straightforward construction underscore the aesthetic values of honesty, utility, and material clarity that were central to Scandinavian design in the early twentieth century.

Each chair measures 40 cm in width, 47 cm in depth, and 85 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 15.7 x 18.5 x 33.5 inches. The seat height is 45 cm, equivalent to roughly 17.7 inches. The set remains in good vintage condition with consistent patina and signs of use appropriate to age.