Carl Malmsten’s Concert Hall chair

This chair is truly a living expression of Swedish Grace… Sweden has given the world many celebrated artists and designers, but few have left as lasting and personal a mark as Carl Malmsten. Renowned for his dedication to craftsmanship, honesty in materials, and deep respect for Swedish tradition, Malmsten didn’t just design furniture—he sought to create beauty for everyday life, or “Vackrare Vardagsvara,” as it was called in Swedish. Driven by the belief that furniture should feel both natural and nurturing, Malmsten’s pieces are defined by soft lines, solid wood and an almost lyrical attention to detail. He once said, “Furniture must not only be beautiful to look at, but also beautiful to use.” That philosophy breathes through everything he made. Every time I step into Stockholm’s Concert Hall, I’m reminded of Malmsten’s unique spirit. In the late 1920s, architect Ivar Tengbom enlisted the era’s most brilliant creative minds to imbue the new concert hall with character and soul. It was during this time that Malmsten designed the chairs, sofas, tables and benches that shape the experience for visitors even today. Malmsten’s work for the Concert hall truly embodies Swedish Grace—a style that blends classic design and elegance with functional simplicity. Many may not realize that, while the main foyer of the Concert Hall now features modern furnishings, Malmsten’s original masterpieces are still found in the side foyers. Their legacy was given new life in 2018 through a comprehensive restoration. Master conservators, artisans and craftspeople meticulously returned every chair, sofa and bench to its original splendor, carefully undoing later repairs and replacing every material with those Malmsten originally intended. I was amazed to discover one of his original chairs for sale on Blocket (Sweden’s equivalent to Craigslist). I quickly contacted the seller and managed to purchase this iconic piece for just a symbolic sum. The chairs had previously been sold through one of Stockholm’s online auction houses—but how they ever left the Concert Hall in the first place remains a mystery. I would have loved to know the story behind their journey.

Location

Sweden