Uno Åhrén attrib. easy chairs

This is a rare pair of easy chairs attributed to Swedish architect and designer Uno Åhrén, produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1930s. The chairs reflect a transitional aesthetic that merges early modernist functionalism with the expressive and luxurious qualities of the Scandinavian interpretation of the Art Deco style.

The chairs feature a tall, sculptural wingback profile with sharply tapering sides and a flared base, giving them a commanding architectural presence. The overall silhouette is geometric and vertical, softened by the rounded contours of the armrests and seat edge. The proportions are generous, offering both enclosure and comfort, with deep seats and upright support ideal for lounge settings.

The structure is constructed from solid wood, resting on block feet in black-stained oak, which is only partially visible beneath the tailored upholstery. The chairs have been reupholstered in a light beige alcantara fabric, a synthetic microfiber with suede-like texture that adds visual depth and tactile softness. The fabric is accented with twisted piping that traces the chair’s seams, emphasizing its sculptural lines and adding a traditional decorative detail. The reupholstery respects the original form while updating the material character for durability and contemporary use.

Uno Åhrén (1897–1977) was a pioneering figure in Swedish modernism and a key proponent of functionalist ideals in architecture and design. His early furniture designs often combined expressive forms with progressive materials and methods, aligning with the social and aesthetic goals of the emerging modern movement in Sweden. The attribution of this model to Åhrén is consistent with his documented collaborations with Svenskt Tenn and his contributions to furniture design during the interwar years.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, became a leading design house in Stockholm known for its bold decorative arts and its work with architects and designers like Josef Frank, Uno Åhrén, and Björn Trägårdh. In the 1930s, the firm was central to the development of Swedish Grace and early functionalist design.

The chairs are in good vintage condition, with signs of age and use. The reupholstery is recent and well-executed, while the wooden feet show some wear and patina appropriate to their age.

Each chair measures 63 cm in width, 78 cm in depth, and 105 cm in height, with a seat height of 40 cm (24.8 x 30.7 x 41.3 inches, seat height 15.7 inches). These chairs are important historical examples of early 20th-century Swedish design, blending decorative refinement with structural modernity.