Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s

“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 manors and rustic styles. In this spirit, Samsas is today regarded as the most typical of Malmsten’s furniture.

This Samsas sofa is a classic with a solid wood frame and was manufactured by O.H. Sjögren in Tranås. Its aesthetic expression is defined by comfort with a big form, fine lines and details – and the feeling of togetherness. As the name suggests (to get on well together), Samsas was designed to be a part of a cosy environment, and to bring people together. This sofa model is a part of a family, along with two different sofas and a chair to combine with each other. Despite its gentle appearance, this sofa has a sturdy structure that was created to last. The upholstered body has a welcoming design with outward curving armrests, a wide backrest with cross stitches, and a generous seat. The beautiful tapered, wooden legs are a modern detail that balance out the fully upholstered body. The light bouclé upholstery further adds to the warm and cosy aesthetic of this three-seater sofa.

Samsas is conceived as a model for pleasant socializing and as such, it has been beloved for over 50 years. In other words, a timeless and durable model. Carl Mlamsten’s furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:
72.83 in W x 30.31 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 23.62 in
185 cm W x 77 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 60 cm

About the designer:
Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.

In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.

Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.

Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded and regularly spoke about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship, and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today. ~H.

Shipping:
This sofa will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.