Vintage Göran Malmvall furniture reflects the skill and precision of a craftsman focused on geometry and sumptuous simplicity. The Swedish designer's tables and case pieces are sleek and striking, with elegant, clean lines that emphasize the function-first sensibility typically associated with Scandinavian modernism. An adept cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, Malmvall created furniture that is widely loved by design enthusiasts all over the world.
Malmvall was born in Berghem, Sweden, and was the youngest son of Karl Andersson — the master cabinetmaker and founder of the reputable furniture company Karl Andersson & Söner. Malmvall grew up on the small family farm in Berghem with his ten brothers and sisters but was so frequently in the factory that he often slept there. At the young age of 17, he became a foreman on the production floor and, eventually, factory manager.
Early on, Malmvall showed a considerable talent for design and began studying furniture-making in his spare time. He took design courses near his hometown, and he was brought into the family business at a young age. Malmvall furthered his studies under the tutelage of Carl Malmsten, a prominent designer and educator associated with Swedish modernism.
Malmvall became an integral part of Karl Andersson & Söner and one of its leading designers. In 1972, he created the iconic KA72 series of storage cabinets — a completely customizable system that can be purchased with solid-wood or glass-front doors and open shelving. The KA72 collection is still available from Karl Karl Andersson & Söner today and is versatile enough for any room in the home.
Malmvall went on to design for several Scandinavian furniture companies. The slender dining chairs, sofas and tables he created for Svensk Fur are likely his best known designs. He remained a designer for Karl Andersson & Söner until 1982. The designer’s son, Karl Malmvall, is also a successful furniture designer who worked for IKEA.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Göran Malmvall seating, tables, case pieces and more.
Carlo de Carli, a Pair of Easy Chairs, Italy, Mid-1900s
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of easy chairs, designed by Carlo De Carli. Italy, mid-1900s. Marked: Figli di Amedeo Cassina. Meda (Milano) Tel. 7238.
Wood
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italian, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of lounge chairs, in vinyl, Italian, 1950s. In need of reupholstering.
Faux Leather
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool Model Pirkka, Designed for Laukaan Puu, 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957.
Wood
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italian, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of lounge chairs, Italian, 1950s. Wool fabric, in need of reupholstering.
Wool, Wood
Shearling lounge chair, Sweden.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A 1930s arm - lounge chair made in modernist style.
Wool
Pair of Stools, Sweden, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of stools in beech, made in Sweden, mid-1900s.
Beech
Göran Malmvall Rocking Chair for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden 1940s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Utrecht, NL
While they play a prominent role in both architecture and pop culture, rocking chairs solidified their place in Scandinavian design history as well. As this Göran Malmvall model prov...
Fabric, Wood
Göran Malmvall Rocking Chair by Svensk Fur, 1960s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Modern rocking chair designed by Göran Malmvall. Executed in pinewood.
Pine
Midcentury Rocking Chair in Pine, Göran Malmvall, Sweden, 1940s
By Svensk Fur, Goran Malmvall
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Rocking chair, made in solid pine, designed by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur, Sweden. Modernist design in traditional Swedish workmanship, made to adapt to the new era in the late ...
Pine
Göran Malmvall Rocking Chair in Acid-Stained Pine, Sweden, 1940s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Hammarö, SE
A sculptural Swedish Modern rocking chair in solid acid-stained pine, designed by Göran Malmvall, Sweden, 1940s. Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of Karl Andersson, f...
Pine
Rare Mid Century Rocking Chair by Torsten Claeson
By Torsten Claeson
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare mid century Swedish Modern rocking chair, designed by Torsten Claeson and manufactured by Steneby Hemslöjd. 1940s, Sweden.
Pine
Swedish pine rocking chair by anonymous designer, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great rocking chair by anonymous designer and unknown cabinetmaker in Sweden during the first half of the 20th century. Made in solid pine with a sculptural backrest.
Pine
