As the descendant of four generations of Swedish master cabinetmakers, Bruno Mathsson was born to design furniture. Mathsson was known as a methodical perfectionist who made usefulness the fundamental attribute of his iconic lounge chairs, tables, armchairs and other works, yet he was also a ceaseless experimenter, who constantly searched for improvements in form, materials and methods of design.
Like the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, Mathsson was one of the first Scandinavians to embrace undulating, biomorphic forms in furniture. His early pieces such as the Eva and Pernilla series of chairs incorporate dramatically flowing bent beechwood frames, making them some of the most instantly recognizable works of 20th-century design.
Mathsson was also a pioneer of ergonomics — he is said to have based the contours of his chairs on the impression his body made when he sat in a snow bank — and used supple, accommodating woven webbing for seats. His concern for practicality is shown by pieces such as the Maria table. An elegant design with gate legs and hinged leaves, the table measures more than nine feet long when fully extended, but folds down to just nine inches in thickness.
From the mid-1940s through the 1950s, Mathsson focused on architecture, designing and building houses with insulated, triple-glazed window walls and heated floors — construction that flew in the face of traditional wood-clad Swedish residential design, and consequently met with some skepticism. He returned to furniture in the 1960s, employing an entirely new suite of materials: Stainless-steel framing and mesh seats feature in pieces like the Jetson chair; with the mathematician Piet Hein, Mathsson designed the Super-Elliptical table, which has a laminate top and four-part tubular steel legs that sprout like flower stems from a single base.
Bruno Mathsson’s stylistic flexibility as a designer made him a creator whose pieces meet all tastes and needs.
Find vintage Bruno Mathsson dining tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Bruno Mathsson Birch Book Crib by Firma Karl Mathsson, 1941
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The rare and early book crib model T-704, designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden in 1941, is a sculptural and refined example of early Scan...
Birch
Scandinavian Modern Book Crib by Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1930s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Early edition “Book Crib” by Bruno Mathsson, made from elmwood. A beautiful design piece that can be placed on a desk or on the floor.
Elm
Book crib by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1964
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Elegant book crib designed by Bruno Mathsson, executed in bent birch with softly sculpted edges and characteristic curved legs. The geometric body is divided into three compartments,...
Birch
Bruno Mathsson Reading Stand Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare reading stand with light designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Brass, Steel
Rare Set of Bruno Mathsson Chrome Nightstands from the 1970´s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A perfect set of Bruno Mathssons bedsidetables or nightstands. Rare and in an almost new condition. A mix of Mid-Century Modern design and revived artdeco feeling.
Chrome
1st Production 1936 Bruno Mathsson Reading Music Stand by Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Uxbridge, GB
Bruno Mathsson Reading Music Stand , 1936 Nickel plated steel & birch Tray - Width - 58cm - 22¾ Inches Depth - 5cm - 2 Inches Height - 39cm - 15¼ Inches Base - Width -47cm -18½ Dep...
Steel
1968 Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson Music Reading Stand in Birch and Ash
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Swedish music stand, initially designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in 1936. This piece dates to 1968 and was produced in Sweden. The design features a tubula...
Steel
Contemporary Book Shelf Stand
By Pedro Useche
Located in Boston, MA
Solid wood with natural finish and metallic shelves. Silver and black.
Wood
1970s Bespoke Patinated Copper Headboard and Nightstand Set
By Paul Evans, Pace Collection
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Striking in both scale and materiality, this 1970s bedroom suite features a monumental handcrafted copper headboard paired with two matching night...
Copper
Paper Basket/Umbrella stand "Sicilia" by Bruno Munari, 1959.
By Bruno Munari, Danese Milano
Located in Roma, IT
Paper basket/umbrella stand "Sicilia" was designed by Bruno Munari in 1959. H. 56 x 22 x 24 cm. Made by Danese, Milan. Sheet metal, painted blue. Marked: manufacturer's embossing...
Sheet Metal
$2,912
H 21.26 in W 17.72 in D 7.09 in
Scandinavian Modern Magazine Stand by Larsen & Bender Madsen, Denmark, 1960s
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare & beautiful magazine stand in rosewood and rattan cane by Danish designers Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen. Made in the 1960s. Danish design duo Ejner Larsen (1917—1987) an...
Cane, Rosewood
$2,242
H 11.03 in W 39.38 in D 11.82 in
Alvar Aalto Hat Rack / Coat Hanger in Birch, Model 113, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This early 1940s single wall shelf / hat rack model 113 is designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto for artek. This versatile shelf is in stained birch. The 2 triangular panels ...
Metal
"The Big Nude" Large Sumo Book by Helmut Newton
By Helmut Newton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"The Big Nude" Large Sumo Book with stand by Helmut Newton. Brand new in it's original packaging, unopened and unexposed. Bound printed paper, signed and ...
Chrome
$3,270Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 23.43 in W 20.28 in D 13 in
Pair of Rattan Bamboo Nightstands / Small Chests, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spanish Modern bamboo four-drawer end table stands or small chests, 1970s. Eye-catching pair of woven bamboo and rattan bedside tables, end tables or nightstands. These sma...
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed
$575
H 17.5 in W 16 in D 13.5 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Magazine Record Album Storage Bin by Bruksbo
By Brucksbo, Rolf Hesland
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern magazine rack, record album caddy, made in Norway designed by Rolf Hesland, for Brucksbo c. 1960's. The teak, and teak veneer case is mounted on it's original chrome and black wheel caster feet. The case retains its original Brucksbo label on verso, as shown. This example is structurally sound and sturdy, the finish shows a couple of blemishes, specifically a visible scratch on one panel, and evidence of an old cosmetic...
Teak
Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of highly desirable and rare Paul McCobb nightstands from his Planner Group collection for Winchendon, c.1950s. The pair features an exposed wrought iron frame, single maple dra...
Iron
$3,104Sale Price / item|22% Off
H 78.74 in W 13.77 in D 11.81 in
Contemporary Book Shelf Stand in Brazilian Hardwood by Leo Strauss
Located in Atibaia, BR
The book shelf column is a piece of unique construction and design. Its geometric shapes, straight angles and simple lines, significant characteristics of the modernist movement in B...
Brass
$3,491 / set
H 22.45 in W 24.02 in D 14.18 in
Set of 2 Bedside Tables or Nightstands in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italy 1950's
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Beautiful pair of bedside tables / nightstands in the style of or attributed to Paolo Buffa (1903-1970). They are made in Italy in the 50's. This lovely set is made with passion by...
Brass
$1,995 / set
H 25.5 in W 23.5 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Kent Coffey "The Greenbrier" Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your bedroom with this stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern Kent Coffey “The Greenbrier” walnut nightstands. Expertly refinished to highlight the rich walnut grain, these icon...
Brass
Bruno Mattheson T-303 Berlin Daybed, 1950s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Astoria, NY
Bruno Mattheson (Swedish, 1907-1988) a ‘T-303’ ‘Berlin daybed’ in beech wood, 1950s, rectangular with one elevated end on four tapering columnar legs, with upholstered mattress intac...
Linen, Beech
Reading Stand by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic piece designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced for Firma Karl Mathsson, c. 1950's, Sweden. This stand is composed of a half lip birch and oak reading tray which is supported by a three legged nickel plated base. It is a beautiful addition to any office space or could even be flipped and used as a side able...
Nickel
Original Vintage "Berlin 57" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Signed
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in North Miami, FL
A totally original piece from Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, with a newly upholstered cushion in a cotton/linen thick weave natural fabric (preserving the original design). ...
Cotton, Linen, Beech
Bruno Mathsson Book Crib T-704 Produced by Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early book crib T-704 designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Birch
Reading Stand by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic piece designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced for Firma Karl Mathsson, c. 1950's, Sweden. This stand is composed of a half lip birch and oak reading tray which is supported by a three legged nickel plated base. It is a beautiful addition to any office space or could even be flipped and used as a side able...
Nickel
Sold
H 96.46 in W 157.49 in D 35.83 in
Shelving System Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered steel, birch and pine. Note: Only half of the system is pictures, i.e. only 200 cm. Measures: Total length 400 cm/ 13' 1 1/2" H 245 cm/ 8' 2 1/4".
Steel
Very Rare Reading Stand with Light by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Extremely rare reading stand by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden. This reading stand is one of very few made. It was probably a special order or made in a very limited edition during the late...
Metal, Brass
Very Rare Reading Stand with Light by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Extremely rare reading stand by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden. This reading stand is, as far as we know, one of a pair. It was probably a special order or made in a very limited edition du...
Metal, Brass
Table Book Stand by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Wonderful table book stand perfect for pocket books or smaller objects by Bruno Mathsson. Light elmwood quality.
Elm
Bruno Mathsson Adjustable Book Stand
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable book stand of birch, oak, and nickel-plated steel, designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson, c. 1950's. A rare companion piece to Mathsson's webbed chairs...
Steel
Birch Reading Stand by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Birch and lacquered steel reading stand by Bruno Mathsson, created to accompany Mathsson's bentwood chaise lounges. The model has been used as a versatile side table in homes as well...
Steel
Sold
H 10.63 in W 19.69 in D 10.63 in
Early Book Crib Model T-704 in Birch by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Beautiful Classic book trough in great condition, would look stunning on a scandy sideboard full of design books!
Birch