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.
Midcentury Stool Designed by Illum Wikkelsø, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed by Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø. Great condition.
Sheepskin, Oak
$880
H 14.97 in W 20.87 in D 14.97 in
Mid-Century Modern Stool by Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Møbler, 1960s
By Hugo Frandsen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern stool. Design by Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Møbler Denmark. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid teak frame with re-upholstered premiu...
Leather, Teak
$1,341
H 14.57 in W 20.87 in D 15.36 in
stool model 91 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Aarhus
By Michael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice original Illum Wikkelso foot stool model 91 for Michael Michael Laursen in Aarhus . Solid Rosewood legs , ,comes with its original faux Leather cognac color upholstery .
Faux Leather
Swedish Designer, Stool, Mohair, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige mohair and teak stool or ottoman designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear to wood legs consistent with age and use. Brand new mohair upholstery. Overall Dimensions ...
Mohair, Teak
Madsen & Schubell, Stool, Wood, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige mohair fabric stool produced by Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, c. 1950s. Wear to wood legs consistent with vintage age and normal use. Reupholstered in brand new mohai...
Mohair, Wood
Danish Designer, Stool, Teak, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and yellow mohair stool designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Wear to wood legs consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 15.0"H x 22.5"W x 17.0"D Sea...
Mohair, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Öresund Design by Børge Mogensen Stool
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern Öresund design by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner. The stool is from the 1960s and made in light oak. Good vintage condition consistent with age and use...
Bouclé, Oak
$1,168
H 18.51 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
1960s Swedish Lamino Footstool Ottoman In Sheepskin By Yngve Ekstrom For Swedese
By Swedese, Yngve Ekström
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A vintage 1960s "Lamino" sheepskin footstool ottoman by Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom. Both ‘’Lamino’’ armchair and stool were listed among the greatest designs of the Scandinavian...
Sheepskin
$1,000
H 17.92 in W 18.51 in D 15.75 in
Danish Modern Oak Stool by Peder Kristensen for Glyngøre Stolefabrik, 1960s.
By Peder Kristensen, Glyngøre Stolefabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak and Papercord Stool by Peder Kristensen for Glyngøre Stolefabrik, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern footstool in solid oak with woven Danish paper cord seat Model No...
Papercord, Oak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Teak, Shearling, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and shearling stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new shearling. Seat height: 18” All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon re...
Sheepskin, Teak
