$23,500 / item
1956 'Sampsel' Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The 1956 'Sampsel' Sofa by Carl Malmsten is a timeless design steeped in history.
Wood
"Sampsel" Sofa by Carl Malmsten, circa 1950
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa entitled “Sampsel” in beechwood, designed and edited by Carl Malmsten in 1950.
Beech
20th Century Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern “Sampsel” sofa by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjoegren.
Fabric, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Sampsel' Sofa First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Sampsel' sofa First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Stained beech legs.
Wool, Beech
Boucle Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' sofa First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record, Bollnas, Sweden. This example has been reupholstered in luxurious bouclé wool fabric from Dedar, Mil...
Wool, Beech
Vintage Swedish Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
The Samspel 2-seat sofa was first designed in 1956 by Swedish master Carl Malmsten and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden. This example has been completely Reupholstered in dus...
Wool, Beech
Vintage Sampsel Armchair by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Vintage armchair designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Sweden. This listing is for an example with its original upholstery intact and ready for new fabric. T...
Wool, Beech
Pair of Sampsel Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
A pair of armchairs designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Sweden. This pair have been reupholstered in Chase Erwin 'Embrace', a luxurious boucle fabric. The ...
Wool, Beech
Sampsel Sofa by Carl Malmsten T250
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Sampsel sofa by Carl Malmsten. This sofa has the original wool fabric.
Beech, Fabric
Carl Malmsten Sampsel Sofa/Settee
Located in Hudson, NY
Curving camel-back sofa with spring seat construction, tapering birch legs and sculptural arms. In original wool upholstery. Made by AB Record, Bollnäs, Sweden.
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated series with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country man...
Fabric, Wood
$8,016
H 33.86 in W 70.87 in D 26.78 in
Midcentury Modern Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. It’s in good vintage conditi...
Velvet, Birch
Swedish Modern Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten 1950's
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Uccle, BE
This Samspel 2 seaters sofa has been reupholstered in a cotton blend-Villa Nova Bari fabric parchment color. This “Samspel” or Interplay sofa was created by Carl Malmsten, one of Sw...
Cotton, Beech
1950s Swedish Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden's...
Beech, Sheepskin
Carl Cederholm, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Cederholm
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed by Carl Cederholm and produced by Stil & Form, Sweden, 1940s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Seat Height (inches): 17” A...
Fabric, Wood
"Divina" sofa by Arne Norell, Westbergs möbler, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Hägersten, SE
"Divina" two seater sofa attributed to Arne Norell. Produced in Sweden by Westbergs Möbler during the 1950s. Stained beech legs and new upholstery in light beige "Hallingdal" wool fa...
Wool, Beech
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master cabinetmaker Carl Malmsten. It was produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden. Thi...
Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage "Ingeborg" sofa by Flemming Lassen, Denmark, 1940s
By Asko, Flemming Lassen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “Ingeborg” sofa by Flemming Lassen, with curvesome forms. Designed in 1940 and named after his mother, the artist Ingeborg Winding. Upholstered with caramel colored sheepsk...
Lambskin, Birch
Ilmari Lappalainen "Laila" Sofa for Asko, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Laila” models from the series by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappala...
Fabric, Wood
$13,741
H 33.08 in W 63 in D 31.89 in
Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, Reupholstered Sheepskin, Sweden, 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Samspel” sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB Record Bollnäs Sweden. The sofa has been fully reupholstered and now have its ...
Sheepskin
Swedish Modern Sofa from Berga Möbler, Sweden, 1940s
By Berga Mobler
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant Swedish Modern sofa from Berga Möbler, with rounded lines and fun sculpted legs. Original mole colored plush upholstery.
Wood
Carl Malmsten, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in High Point, NC
A cream velvet and wood sofa, model Samspel, designed and produced by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scat...
Wood, Velvet
Vintage Swedish Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable vintage Swedish Samsas sofa by Carl Malmsten. This was recently imported from Sweden, it dates from the 1960’s. This is of extremely high qualit...
Bouclé, Beech
Carl Malmsten Samspel Sofa in Wool Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Wool, Oak
Swedish Modern Sofa, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The term “Swedish Modern” was quickly established as a reinterpretation of the Modern style during the 1940s, where functionalism was replaced by a freer and more artistic ideal. Swe...
Fabric, Wood
$10,495
H 29.14 in W 63.78 in D 32.29 in
"Tellus" Sofa by Folke Jansson for SM Wincrantz, Sweden 1950s
By Folke Jansson, SM Wincrantz 1
Located in Utrecht, NL
Sweden contributed to the progression of form and function in its own way based on long-standing traditions, natural resources, and the critical, yet often coincidental, availability...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four Bentwood Dining Chairs Attributed to Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Bentwood chairs as Thonet No 20. New canning on all chairs. Four pieces available Delivery time 3-4 weeks.
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 45 in D 45 in
Stunning Mid century modern danish walnut rounded dining table with two leaves
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern walnut rounded dining table with two leaves. This table sits on (4) narrow tapered legs and has brass hardware under the table. This table sits 4 - 6 chairs. Beau...
Brass
$1,650
H 19.49 in W 22.45 in D 11.42 in
1780s-1850s Edo Japanese antique medicine chest of drawers, cabinet wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Mid size apothecary chest, medicine chest of drawers - "Kusuri dansu" in Japanese - product of late Edo era (1780s-1868), estimate from the style & conditions. Pieces of old pape...
Wood
Circa 1800 French Chestnut Farm Table
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century long farm table from France made from chestnut. The table has a wonderfully grained top with lovely curved ends which gives a fabulous overhang on each end. The ...
Chestnut
$4,500
H 41.34 in W 62.21 in D 33.47 in
Japanese Antique Large Kuruma Tansu 1800s-1860s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old, large, Japanese-made Kuruma-Tansu. Made in the Edo period (1800s-1860s), it is a powerful and dignified piece, the culmination of the skills and aesthetic sense of th...
Iron
$5,439 / set
H 23.63 in W 34.65 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Carlotta Lounge Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Aartselaar, BE
A striking pair of Italian lounge chairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, this early edition of the iconic Carlotta model, manufactured late 1960s/ early 1970s, embodie...
Wood, Fabric, Foam
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Studio BBPR, Augusto Romano
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s. Requires reupholstery. We can upholster in COM - please enquire. Fast shipping worldwide. COM fabrics subje...
Brass
Jay Chiat's 'Grandpa Beaver' Chair by Frank Gehry
By Frank Gehry
Located in Long Island City, NY
Perhaps the most voluptuous of Frank Gehry’s corrugated cardboard furniture designs, this Grandpa Beaver chair was in the personal collection of Jay Chiat, and resided for a number o...
Paper
$998Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in Dm 11.03 in
Vintage Blue and White Ceramic Table Lamp, 1977 with New Liberty London Shade
By Liberty of London, Flora Gouda, Amitābha Studio
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
One-of-a-kind 1977 Dutch blue ceramic table lamp by Flora Gouda (Lotus series), paired with a new Liberty of London “Marquess Garden” floral shade in blue; finished with brass detail...
Brass
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch daybed for Knoll International, USA, 1980s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist designs, the Barcelona daybed was originally create...
Chrome
Branda Leather Bench by Enrico Tonucci
By Manifestodesign
Located in Milan, IT
The origins of this product are as old as time, and most likely this was once a travel bed. This bench is made of solid black hickory, with a seat in full-grain leather. Branda can b...
Leather, Hickory
Velvet Love Seat Sofa by Alfred Christensen c1950s
By Alfred Christensen
Located in London, England
Alfred Christensen - Tissø Love Seat Sofa The official re-edition of this classic love-seat sofa by Danish designer and cabinetmaker: Alfred Christensen which was originally produce...
Sheepskin, Oak, Fabric, Velvet, Walnut
$1,088Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.99 in W 19.1 in D 16.34 in
1860s-1910s Meiji Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
From Kanto or Tohoku area, Japan. This mid tall size, Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product of Meiji era (circa 1860s - 1910s) , estimate from the style & conditions....
Wood
Willy Beck Lounge Chairs, Model 4401
By Willy Beck
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of large impressive high back lounge chairs designed by Madsen, Aksel Bender and Ejner Larsen for Willy Beck. Perfectly refinished teak and newly upholstered in Danish wool. Eac...
Teak
Loop Dining Chair by India Mahdavi
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Milan, IT
This continuous thread, which acts as the Loop’s structure, coils itself up to form the chair’s articulation, leaving two loops bent in its wake. The seductive curls that characteriz...
Wood
Custom Made Sheepskin Karu Sofa by Dagmar
Located in London, England
The Karu Sofa is a contemporary update of a classic design first produced in Finland by the Haimi Oy company in the 1940s. The inviting curved arms and subtle winged back are the epi...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak
Carl Malmsten, a prominent furniture designer and educator associated with Swedish modernism, enjoyed immense popularity for his shapely sofas and armchairs in luscious color palettes. Malmsten believed that light — much like our eyes and bodies — doesn’t like to bump into sharp objects. Smooth edges, on the other hand, are kinder to the eye and and to our touch, and allow light to softly bounce off surfaces. Malmsten felt that if his furniture didn’t “serve well” in the home, it had no business being there.
Malmsten’s career essentially began in 1915, when his submissions for a competition to furnish the new Stockholm City Hall were first- and second-place prize winners. In the 1920s, his profile soared. He won a prize at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts — the show that brought the Art Deco style to worldwide attention — and quickly became one of the most sought-after designers of commercial seating in Sweden.
Malmsten was soon contracted to design chairs, tables and other furniture for the Stockholm Concert Hall, the Swedish Institute in Rome and the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. His famous Art Nouveau-influenced Stadshusstolen chair, designed for Stockholm City Hall in 1916, is a highlight of the city’s recently opened Museum of Furniture Studies. Malmsten expanded into interior design and created a luxurious, well-appointed living room in the palace of then-Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and his bride, Crown Princess Louise.
In the 1930s, Malmsten clashed with critics when he voiced his opposition to functionalism. Like Danish modernist Kaare Klint, he favored using quality local materials and prized traditional craftsmanship. Malmsten’s furniture draws on graceful neoclassical influences, and he said that extreme functionalism contributed to “sterile” interiors — while the curving contours of his work may share ground with furniture designed by Alvar Aalto or Bruno Mathsson, Malmsten differed with Bauhaus eminences and some Scandinavian modernists on their prioritization of functionalism.
For an exhibition in 1956 at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg, Malmsten designed furniture that was intended for mass production — and his striking designs began to make their way into middle-class Swedish homes owing to Malmsten’s partnerships with manufacturers such as O.H. Sjögren. Until then, he had built his pieces at the school he founded in the 1930s or had them made by artisans at several small local workshops.
Malmsten founded a number of schools for design and collaborated with other designers who shared his philosophy of “hand and mind in creative collaboration.” These included the esteemed textile artist Märta Måås Fjetterström, whose pieces he included in exhibits and even his own home.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Carl Malmsten seating, tables, cabinets and more.
Vintage couches and antique sofas have anchored living rooms for generations. The pieces most sought after today carry the deep-buttoned tufting of a Chesterfield or the low, sculptural ease of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency design.
Styles to Know
Rolled arms and tufted backs point to Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency pieces, while tight backs and turned legs skew more traditional. Velvet is enjoying a renewed moment across most of these silhouettes; see our velvet chesterfield sofa trend report for examples. A mid-century modern coffee table within reach and a vintage mirror nearby round out the seating area.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Sofa
A sofa's frame and upholstery history can be difficult to judge from photographs alone. Ask a seller for more information when a listing doesn't show the fabric or joinery clearly, and confirm whether the upholstery is original or has been redone. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.