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.
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
Dymling Sofa, Scandinavian Modern Design, Pine, Vintage, 1970s
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Chicago, IL
"Dymling" sofa, Designed by Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese c. 1970's. This sofa features an old growth pine frame with playful chunky features as well as the original uph...
Pine
$6,600
H 27.17 in W 78.94 in D 32.49 in
"Monte Carlo" Sofa by Ingvar Stockum for Futura Möbler, Sweden 1960s
By Ingvar Stockum, Futura Möbler
Located in Utrecht, NL
This "Monte Carlo" sofa model was designed by Ingvar Stockum in the 1960s for Futura Möbler, but was only in production for two years before it was discontinued as a result of high p...
Leather, Wood
Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
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
Scandinavian Modern Sofa, Hämeen Kalustaja, Finland, 1970s
By Hämeen Kalustaja
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern sofa, manufactured by Hämeen Kalustaja, Finland, 1970s. Pine frame, original leather upholstery. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Leather, Pine
Mid-Century Pine Sofa, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970
By Charlotte Perriand, Yngve Ekström, Sven Larsson
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Mid-century pine sofa, Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1970. Mid-century brutalist solid pine lounge chair with new upholstery in it's original brown velvet. Elegant design and great comfor...
Fabric, Oak
Danish Modern, Oak Three-Seater Sofa, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Rødding, DK
A commanding solid oak three-seater sofa in the Danish Brutalist tradition. By Henning Kjærnulf and produced in Denmark during the 1960s — presenting an exceptional combination of sc...
Fabric, Oak
Vagn Fuglsang, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and pink fabric sofa or settee designed by Vagn Fuglsang and produced by Collection Fuglsang, Denmark, c. 1970s. Vintage fabric in fair condition Water marks present to wood...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Sofa Model "Bodö", Svante Skogh, 1950/1960s
By Svante Skogh
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Sofa model "Bodö", designed by Svante Skogh, 1950/1960s. Oak frame with leather wrapping. Reupholstered quality Model "Boucle Green" -fabric by Lauritzon. Sofa fillings renewed. Good...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
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
Edward Wormley Sofa Model 4906, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Edward Wormley Model 4906 sofa, made by Dunbar in the USA, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Augusto Romano, Studio BBPR
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Very Rare Sofa, Attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1950s/60s. Requires reupholstery. We can upholster in COM - please enquire. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Luigi Caccia Dominioni Fasce Cromate Sofa, New Mohair, Italy, 1960s
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Luigi Caccia Dominioni Fasce Cromate (or Chromate) Sofa, model P11, manufactured by Azucena in Italy, in the 1960s. Chrome-plated steel. Newly upholstered in drak brown...
Chrome
Carlo Scarpa Cornaro Loveseat / Armchair, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Carlo Scarpa Cornaro loveseat / armchair, pure Alpaca fabric, Italy. Produced by Gavina in the 1970s. Fast shipping worldwide.
Chrome
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Mario Bellini, Pierre Paulin
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A very rare two-seat Edward Wormley open frame sofa, made by Dunbar, in the USA, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in high quality fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Wood
