Swedish furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth created tables, chairs, cabinets and other pieces that were as elegant as they were functional, and he frequently worked in references to a litany of inspirations including French Art Deco, Gustavian style and modernism. Ahead of his time, his style was refined and daringly simple.
Born in Krokek, Sweden, Hjorth grew up in a foster family and at 20 moved to Stockholm where he studied architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan (now the University of Arts, Crafts & Design). Although he dropped out when his foster father died, he went on to work for some of the largest furniture manufacturers in Sweden during the 1920s.
Hjorth’s work was featured in the 1923 Gothenburg Exhibition world’s fair, and he exhibited a birch and cherry cabinet in the 1927 “Swedish Contemporary Decorative Arts” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His role as the head of the furniture department at Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), an upscale department store in Stockholm, from 1927 to 1938, further brought his designs to widespread acclaim, including pieces exhibited at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
At the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition, an influential event in the emergence of functionalism in Swedish design, Hjorth exhibited a dozen room settings that featured examples of sportstugemöbler. These furniture lines were named for islands in Sweden’s archipelago — Utö, Blidö and Torö — with designs intended for cabins and vacation homes. The use of solid Swedish pine in these pieces revealed a love of traditional rustic furniture while the simple forms boldly looked to the future. He also brought his eclectic influences to armchairs formed from tubular metal, blocky case pieces made from birch and upholstered sofas with neoclassical details, each exuberantly mixing form and function.
Find vintage Axel Einar Hjorth furniture today on 1stDibs.
$70,001 / set
Pair of "Lovö" Chairs by Axel Einar-Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of low back 'Lovö' chairs by Axel-Einar Hjorth. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s. Very good condition, original cushions.
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Set of Six High Back Chairs in Oak and Brown Velvet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Prague, New Town
Exceptional set of six high back chairs, special commissioned model, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s. Produced in Sweden, 1938. Oak, recently upholstered in brown velvet with me...
Velvet, Oak
Single Swedish Wooden "Utö" Dining Chair in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish single wooden "Utö" dining / office chair in pine by Axe Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1930s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 80 cm...
Pine
$70,001 / set
Pair of "Lovö" Chairs by Axel Einar-Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of low back 'Lovö' chairs by Axel-Einar Hjorth. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s. Very good condition, original cushions.
Pine
$70,001 / set
Pair of "Lovö" Chairs by Axel Einar-Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of low back 'Lovö' chairs by Axel-Einar Hjorth. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s. Very good condition, new cushions.
Pine
$3,966 / item
A set of 8 Axel Einar Hjorth Utö chairs
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Utö/Uto pine chair by Axel-Einar Hjorth, Sweden, circa 1933. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet. A set of 2 in total. Purchased for a sports cabin on the Kulla Peninsula, Skåne. A chair marked with an inscription in pencil “36270" which is the drawing number for the article “Utö chair...
Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Birch, Rare Birka Chairs, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stamford, CT
Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Birch, Rare "Birka" Chairs, Sweden, 1930s A rare and complete set of six “Birka” dining or side chairs designed by...
Fabric, Birch
Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth model "Radio" for NK
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 6 dining chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, model "Radio". Sweden, Circa 1930th. Stained birch upholstered in muslin. NK tags with numbers attached.
Birch
Swedish "Utö" Pine Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Single beautiful “Utö” dining chair, made from pine in an elegant design balancing rustic and modernism. Solid wood, sturdy feel. Lovely woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of fur...
Pine
$26,250 / set
Set of Four 'Uto' Dining Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of four 'Utö' dining chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth c. 1930's, produced by Nordiska Kompaniet.
Pine
Set of Four "Utö" Pine Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of four “Utö” dining chairs, made from pine in an elegant design balancing rustic and modernism. Solid wood, sturdy feel. Lovely woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of furnitu...
Pine
Set of four 'Birka' chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A refined set of four dining chairs from the “Birka” series, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1930s. Crafted in ash and beech, with elegantly curved backre...
Fabric, Ash, Beech
Dining chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Ebony & Velvet
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of dining chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1934. Veneered Macassar ebony and velvet. Stamped. Provenance: The chairs are said to have stoo...
Velvet, Ebony, Macassar
$22,000 / set
A pair of “Lovö” chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of 2 stained pine “Lovö” chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s.
Pine
Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Cerused Oak by Axel Einar Hjorth, circa 1940
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
A six chairs dining set by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, circa 1940. Cerused oak with leather seats. Marked: AE Hjorth. Wood frame in perfect vintage condition. Original leather seat...
Leather, Oak
$30,858 / set
Axel Einar Hjorth Lovö chairs
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Rare "Lovö" high back pine chair by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1930s. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial prod...
Pine
$17,500
H 32.29 in W 20.48 in D 24.41 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Rocking Chair in Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden 1930
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Swedish mid century modern wooden rocking chair model "Lovö" in stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1932. In good original condition...
Sheepskin, Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth, "Wärmdö" Sofa, Pine, Shearling, Sweden, 1937
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine and shearling "Wärmdö" sofa designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1937. Seat Height (inches): 17.25” Arm Height (inches): 24...
Sheepskin, Pine
$42,584
H 31.11 in W 54.73 in D 17.33 in
1930s Utö Sofa by Axel Einar Hjorth – Nordic Pine Bench for NK, Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa ‘Utö’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Stained pine. Provenance: From a private Swedish collection. Original cushion. From 1927 to 1938, Axel-Einar Hjorth was the chief architect and designer at the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm—which was known as one of the most important producers of modernist furniture in Sweden. During this time, Hjorth designed both public and private interiors, and worked with international clients including Iranian royalty. His first project for NK was a stand for the World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, during which he exhibited the Louis Cabinet...
Pine
$120,000
H 32.68 in W 84.65 in D 31.1 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "LOVÖ" sofa, Nordiska Kompaniet, with original cushions.
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in New York, NY
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930's with original cushions. The "Lövö" sofa by Axel Einar Hjorth is a masterful blend of comfort and sophistication, embodying the best o...
Pine
$8,600 / set
H 34 in W 16.75 in D 18.75 in
Set of Six 1930s French Art Deco Scalloped Backs Dining Chairs in Maple & Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Art Deco dining chairs, sourced in Provence and dating to the 1930s. The chairs present a clean, architectural silhouette defined by restrained lines and ...
Velvet, Maple
$5,833
H 31.5 in W 17.72 in D 15.95 in
Axel Einar Hjorth - Utö Dining Chair - produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Axel Einar Hjorth “Utö” Dining Chairs - price per piece (5pcs in total avaible). These chairs, part of the Utö expo designed by Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. T...
Wood, Pine
$25,665
H 28.75 in W 66.34 in D 26.78 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Velvet Sofa, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s. Velvet Upholstery. Dimensions: H: 73 cm / 2' 4 3/4'' W: 168.5 cm / 5' 6 1/4'' D: 68 cm / 2' 2 3/4'' Depth of the corner side: 136 cm / 4' 5 1/2'' SH: 43 cm / 17'' Provenance: Fredrik Anderzon who was the manager of the brewery Nässjö Bryggeri commissioned a modernist summerhouse in 1936 and this sofa formed part of the interior. Literature: A high back chair that matches this model, Christian Björk, Thomas Ekström...
Upholstery, Velvet
Pair of Lovö Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The beautiful Lovö Chair is an exceptionally treasured vintage find. Designed in the 1930s by Axel Einar Hjorth as part of his ‘Sportstugemöbler’ (weekend cottage or lodge furniture) collection for Nordiska Kompaniet, the models in the beloved Lovö series are regarded by many as Axel Einar Hjorth's masterpieces. Crafted for the weekend cottages that were gaining popularity in Sweden at the time, each series is lovingly named after a Swedish island. Crafted from solid stained pine, their rich cherry tone exudes a timeless appeal. The green and blue floral vintage cushions...
Pine
$2,706
H 27.56 in W 30.12 in D 21.26 in
Swedish pine lounge chair in the manner of Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Uppsala, SE
Stained pine lounge chair in the manner of Axel Einar Hjorth, made in Sweden in the 1930s. Seat and back cushion with original striped fabric with yellow and grey tones. The back cushion are held in place by two linnen webbing stripes. This type of pine furniture became very popular during the 1930s and 1940s and were specifically designed for Swedish summer houses that increased in popularity during this period. They are often reffered to as "Sportstugemöbler" in Sweden and were popularised by Swedish design superstar Axel Einar Hjorth. In the south of Europe they are often called Chalet furniture...
Fabric, Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovo" armchair, stained pine and iron rivets
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in New York, NY
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930's. Discover the timeless elegance of the Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovo" armchair in stained pine, a masterpiece of mid-century Swedish design...
Iron
$76,359
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
Sofa in Pine and Bouclé Attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Pine and Bouclé Attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s Additional Information: Material: Pine and bouclé Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Sofa Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet...
Bouclé, Pine
Axel Einar Hjorth Lovö chairs
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Rare "Lovö" high back pine chair by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1930s. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial prod...
Pine
Lovö Chairs Axel Einar Hjorth Pine Wood, 1940
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Vienna, AT
Two pairs of “Lovö” easy chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, executed in solid pine and defined by a robust, deliberately rustic character. The expressive construction is complemented by wr...
Pine
Sold
H 31.11 in W 17.92 in D 17.72 in
Single "Utö" Dining Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Single beautiful “Utö” dining chair, made from pine in an elegant design balancing rustic and modernism. Solid wood, sturdy feel. Lovely woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of fur...
Pine
Sold
H 31.11 in W 17.72 in D 18.12 in
A single Utö Dining Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A single beautiful patinated Utö chair by Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjorth, produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. There's a breach in...
Pine
Sold
H 81 in W 52 in D 45 in
Midcentury "Lovö" dining or side chairs, Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “Lovö” easy chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from solid pine in a striking, rustic design. Wrought iron details on the backrests. New seats modelled from the origi...
Pine
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 17.33 in
Set of Eight Axel Einar Hjorth "Utö" Pine Chairs by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of eight mid century "Utö" pine dining chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1930s. In good original and matching condition. Dimensions: H: 80...
Pine
Sold
H 37.41 in W 18.51 in D 19.69 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Dining / Office Chair in Pine Produced for NK, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare "Lovö" high back chair in stained pine model Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1932. In good original condition acquired from the original owner. ...
Pine
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 17.33 in
Single Wooden Dining Utö Chair in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK Sweden, 1932
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare wooden "Utö" dining chair in stained pine designed by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1932. In good vintage condition acquired from the original owner....
Pine
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 18.31 in
Set of 3 "Utö" Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth de...
Wood
Sold
H 38 in W 18.71 in D 16.54 in
Set of Twelve Dining Chairs Model ‘Lovö’ Designed by Axel-Einar Hjorth for Nk
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of twelve dining chairs model ‘Lovö’ designed by Axel-Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s Pine and texile. H: 96.5 cm W: 47.5 cm D: 42 cm SH: 40.5 cm SH with cushion: 45.5 cm From 1927 to 1938, Axel-Einar Hjorth was the chief architect and designer at the department store Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm—which was known as one of the most important producers of modernist furniture in Sweden. During this time, Hjorth designed both public and private interiors, and worked with international clients including Iranian royalty. His first project for NK was a stand for the World Fair in Barcelona in 1929, during which he exhibited the Louis Cabinet...
Textile, Pine
Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Eight dining chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet in 1928. Model "Charlies". Original NK tags with numbers attached on six chairs. Six chairs upholstered in green velvet and two chairs upholstered in sand velvet...
Hardwood
Sold
H 37.75 in W 18.62 in D 21.25 in
Axel Einar Hjorth, Set of “Lovö” Chairs, Pine, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in High Point, NC
A set of 4 pine “Lovö” chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s.
Pine
Sold
H 34.06 in W 19.49 in D 16.15 in
Pair of ‘Sandhamn’ Chairs Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ‘Sandhamn’ chairs designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932. Hand-carved solid pine, and iron hardware. Marked....
Iron