Vintage Yngve Ekström furniture embodies the beauty and simplicity of the Scandinavian modern style. The Swedish designer, architect and woodworker created clean-lined hardwood pieces with sophisticated details and flourishes. He was known for his comfortable lounge chair designs as well as chic cocktail tables and handsome highboard cabinets.
Ekström was born in 1913 in Småland, home to Sweden’s oldest furniture factory, Hagafors Stolfabrik. After his father died, he began working at the factory. In 1945, Ekström and his older brother, Jerker Ekström, opened ESE Möbler, a furniture company headquartered in their hometown. In 1952, they received acclaim for their innovative Thema chair. The laminated veneer chair was packed flat for easy shipping so customers could assemble it at home. Ekström followed it with the 1955 Arka chair for the furniture manufacturer Stolab. A spindle backrest and spacious curved seat gave the chair comfort and style.
Ekström’s most popular design was the 1956 Lamino chair. Still in production, the minimalist wooden-frame chair features a sinuous and inviting profile with a high backrest. Looking back at his well-loved design, Ekström said: “To have designed one good chair might not be a bad life’s work.”
After Ekström’s brother left the company, he changed the name to Swedese. Ekström sold Swedese in 1974, but continued to design for it until he died in 1988. His furniture is in museum collections around the world, including the National Museum in Stockholm, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Victoria & Albert museum in London. In 1999, Swedish design magazine Sköna Hems named the Lamino chair the “20th-Century’s Best Swedish Furniture Design.”
Swedese, which still occupies its original building in Småland, partnered with artist Kustaa Saksi in 2017 to update the iconic Lamino chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Yngve Ekström seating, tables, storage cabinets and more.
Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Ranst, VAN
Vintage sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s. The sofa has a teak frame and the cushions have a cream beige fabric. The sofa is in great condition. Dime...
Teak
Børge Mogensen, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and off-white fabric sofa designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 41” H x 80.3 x 32” D Seat Height: 16” H
Fabric, Oak
$1,983 / set
H 36.62 in W 48.43 in D 31.5 in
Yngve Ekström for Swedese Single Sofa and Footstool, 1960s
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Rochester, England
Yngve Ekström was one of the most important figures in the evolution of the Scandinavian Modernism movement and co-founder of the furniture design company Swedese. This living room ...
Fabric, Pine
$4,936
H 33.47 in W 66.93 in D 28.35 in
1950s Rare Børge Mogensen 3-Seat "Shaker" Sofa by FDB Mobler, Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, FDB Møbler
Located in Praha, CZ
- The item was carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered pillows are not original - Labeled by Manufacturer.
Upholstery, Wood
Yngve Ekström Pine Sofa, Swedese, Mid Century Modern, 1970s
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Chicago, IL
Yngve Ekstrom Sofa, c. 1970 Swedese Pine frame, newly reupholstered in Knoll Textiles "Ferry - Whitehall" 27 1/2" H x 77 1/2" W x 30" D Condition: Very good overall condition. Pine ...
Pine
$4,947
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 68.9 in
Sofa Model FD 130/3 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1960
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater sofa model FD 130/3 designed in 1960 by danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, Denmark. Early edition in hardwood with new upholst...
Fabric, Hardwood
Danish Vintage Sofa Bed by Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder, Vamo Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
A rare and absolutely stunning Danish vintage sofa bed by Arne Vodder for Vamo Mobelfabrik. It was made in Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quality, the fr...
Bouclé, Wood
$2,709
H 30.71 in W 51.97 in D 32.29 in
Italian mid-century modern sofa Loden by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern sofa Loden by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1960s Loden two-seater sofa with seat and back cushions, padded and upholstered in brown fabric. The armrests a...
Fabric, Wood
Stunning Three Seater Danish Sofa By Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Portlaoise, IE
A stunningly beautiful sofa designed by the legendary Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Mobelfabrik. Exceedingly rare in rosewood this piece has remarkable grain pattern and is presented ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Børge Mogensen Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Børge Mogensen. Manufacturer: Fredericia Stolefabrik. Period or model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Wood, leather. Condition: This Børge Mogensen sofa...
Leather
Martin Visser SZ01 Easy Chair for 't Spectrum, 1960
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful SZ01 easy chair designed by Martin Visser for Spectrum. This armchair was designed in 1960 and has been in production ever since. this easy chair is from the late 70s / ea...
Wicker
Teak High Back Lounge Chair 1960s Holland
By Louis Van Teeffelen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice High Back Lounge Chair . Faux Leather upholstery ,Dark Red color solid Teak frame . good vintage condition . 1960s holland
Teak
Grandessa Spindle back armchair by Lena Larsson for Nesto, Sweden 1960
By Nesto, Lena Larsson
Located in Den Haag, NL
Solid Beechwood armchair , Beautiful light and airy design , by Lena Larson ,for Nesto Stolfabrik, 1960s . Very nice color . Good condition . Model ''Grandessa'' please ask fo...
Beech
Hans Eichenberger Lounge chair for Strases Swiss 1970er
By Strassler, Hans Eichenberger
Located in Den Haag, NL
This Lounge chair by Hans Eichenberger has a high quality chrome plated tubular base and a two tone brown leather adjustable seat and back. The chair has a Bauhaus style design with ...
Leather
Ole Gjerlov Knudsen for Cado Saw chair 1960 Denmark
By Cado, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Saw chair designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen. 1958 Denmark. Birch wooden frame. Four parts sliding in each other. The seating angle can be changed by adjusting the parts more forward or...
Canvas
Aksel Bender Madsen Karen pair wingback chairs Bovenkamp Holland 1960
By Bovenkamp, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful pair of lounge chairs model Karen designed by Aksel Bender Madsen & Schubell and manufactured by Bovenkamp, The Netherlands 1960. Aksel Bender Madsen was contracted by ...
Teak
