Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair

Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937.

Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy chair stands as an exemplary creation by the Swedish designer and architect, Carl Malmsten. Initially conceptualized during the autumn of 1936 for Professor N. Antoni, who sought an armchair that would accommodate his wife's preference for sitting with her legs draped over one of the armrests, the chair embodies a distinct design featuring an armrest on one side and a continuous curved backrest on the opposite side. Originally referred to as 'Rena Snurren' in the initial drawing, the name was later changed to 'Redet'. The chair garnered significant attention, being showcased at Carl Malmsten's spring exhibition in 1937, adorned with a floral cretonne fabric, before being presented at the World Exhibition in Paris later that year. Notable characteristics of the chair include the elegant curves evident in its construction, as well as the piping incorporated into the upholstery of the backrest. The chair is reupholstered in "Eden Citrine" fabric by Métaphores, showcasing a charming pattern which exudes a natural and refreshing aura, rendered in various natural shades of green, beige, and white.

Carl Malmsten (1888-1972), a Swedish architect and designer, gained significant recognition for his contributions to the Swedish Grace style. This design movement emerged during the 1920s, serving as a deliberate response to the opulent and ornate characteristics of the Art Nouveau movement. Central to the Swedish Grace style is simplicity, refined elegance, use of natural materials, functionality, and appreciation for nature and Swedish traditions and craftsmanship.