Uno & Östen Kristiansson stools

This rare pair of stools was designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Luxus in Vittsjö. Dating from the mid-20th century, the stools exemplify the Scandinavian design principles of simplicity, functional elegance, and refined craftsmanship. They reflect the designers’ consistent focus on material integrity and minimal forms, realized through a collaboration with a company renowned for producing high-quality furniture and lighting during the postwar period.

Each stool features a tripod construction with three gently tapering legs made from solid oak. The wood displays a warm, honey-toned surface with pronounced grain patterns, contributing to the visual richness of the design while also affirming the quality of the material. The oak is in excellent condition, with a clean surface and minimal wear, underscoring the durability and care taken in the piece’s preservation.

The triangular seat is formed from thick saddle leather, fixed to the frame using leather straps secured beneath the seat with metal hardware. The leather has aged naturally, acquiring a deep, rich patina that enhances its tactile and visual character. The exposed stitching and strap construction reveal the thoughtful assembly techniques employed by Luxus, where both functional and aesthetic considerations are balanced with precision.

The stools are structurally simple yet formally refined. Their low profile and geometric clarity allow them to function flexibly as seating or as sculptural accents in an interior setting. The combination of natural oak and aged leather presents a warm and textural palette, typical of Scandinavian modern furniture of the period.

Uno & Östen Kristiansson were influential Swedish designers known for their work in lighting and furniture. Their designs often emphasized organic materials, modularity, and practical elegance. Produced by Luxus—a firm active in Vittsjö and recognized for its artisanal attention to detail—this pair of stools stands as a representative example of Swedish mid-century design at its most considered.

Each stool measures 46 cm in diameter, 45.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 43 cm. In inches, these dimensions correspond approximately to 18.1 inches in diameter, 17.9 inches in height, and a seat height of 16.9 inches.