Erik Bertil Karlén Curved Easy Chair For Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden 1940s
£3,411 per item
Shopping at Vinterior
-
14-day return guarantee
-
Outstanding customer service
-
Secure payment
-
Buyer protection
-
Trees planted for every purchase

Item details
Height
84.5 cm
Width
71.5 cm
Depth
73.0 cm
Wear conditions
Good
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Description
The dark wood, the beautiful upholstery, and Erik Bertil Karlén’s timeless design makes this rare easy chair a beautiful representation of Swedish mid-century modern design history.
For this model, nature was evidently a great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found. With a tremendous sense of proportion, this chair model is very comfortable and fulfils its task to “serve well” and last for lifetimes. Without any ornamentation, the focus here is on the round, flowing lines of the body and its upholstery. The design has the wingback look with sides that embrace the sitter in a cosy way. On the upper end, the “wings” curve outward, which opens up the design. What makes this model special is how the back and seat form one unit both visually and structurally. This shell-like form has a masterful curve that follows the human body’s shape therefore the chair is very ergonomic. The dark, wooden tapered legs are connected by stretchers on the sides and highlight the body with their understated look. The light upholstery with appealing button tufting provides an elegant look with its textured look and a cosy sitting experience thanks to its softness.
Swedish Modern design is a distinctive style that represents a design philosophy, guided by functionality, simplicity and clean lines. Karlén and his own manufactory, Firma Rumsinteriör, not only had a preference for its main characteristics and materials, but a deep respect as well. The design of this model is in favour of the user, maintaining the focus on authentic simplicity.
Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
28.14 in W x 28.74in D x 33.26 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
71.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 84.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
Literature:
Form: Svenska slöjdföreningens tidskrift, Svenska slöjdföreningen, Stockholm, 1943, p. 87.
Hedqvist, Hedvig & Björk, Christian, "Swedish Modern : En historia om modernismens yttringar i Sverige genom design, inredning och formgivning", Orosdi-Back, 2018, p. 228-229.
About the designer:
Erik Bertil Karlén was born on February 22, 1912 in Sundbyberg, Sweden. He was a Swedish architect and designer. His architecture characterized many areas of Stockholm’s suburbs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
After his training as an architect at KTH in the 1930s, Karlén got a job as an architect at Fortifikationsstyrelsen's Kasernbyrå in 1940. One of his major works at this time was designing the buildings for Svea Livgarde in Sörentorp, Solna municipality, which was completed in 1946. He gave the buildings a simple but careful architectural style using predominantly red brick as the facade material. Some had brick in combination with dark-glazed wood panels.
As many of his contemporary Scandinavian architects, Karlén also designed furniture, mostly seating models. His designs however, remain very rare to this day.
Shipping:
This chair will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.
Seat Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)
Condition report:
Good. Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric.
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Free collection available
Yes
Similar Lounge Chairs
Similar Lounge Chairs
You may also like
You may also like
More from this seller
More from this seller
Choose a Wishlist
Create Wishlist
- Ships from Utrecht, Netherlands
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 24th March 2025
We want everybody’s Vinterior experience to be seamless, so both buyers and sellers can fall in love with pre-loved. We designed our Terms of sale to treat everybody fairly.
However, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and you may need to cancel or return an order.
To prevent this, we encourage you to check listings, photos and descriptions carefully before you buy. If you aren’t sure about a piece’s condition, size, provenance or shipping, just ask; click Contact seller to get in touch. Always contact your seller first if you have any queries, at any point in your purchase.
Our buyers receive the same protection when buying from all our sellers, both professional and verified.
Can I cancel an order?
There are many reasons why you might need to cancel an order, and you'll often be entitled to a refund. To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
If you cancel your order before it has been dispatched, you will receive a full refund - including delivery costs. However, if your item has been shipped, delivery costs will not be included in your refund.
Please note: orders of bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
Can I return an order?
We understand that sometimes a piece isn’t the perfect fit. So if you no longer want your order, our returns process will ensure it finds a new home fast.
The Vinterior Guarantee included with your purchase entitles you to 14-day returns - allowing you to return any item within 14 days of the delivery date (except in specific circumstances, detailed below).
You can return your order if...
It isn't what you expected
If what arrives isn’t what you ordered, you can open a return. Just send us some photo evidence that the listing was inaccurate, misleading or misrepresented your purchased piece, and you’ll receive a refund.
You change your mind
If you don’t feel a piece is right for your space, you can return it. Once you request a change of mind return, you’ll be responsible for shipping the piece back to your seller as soon as possible. Delivery costs are non-refundable.
It's damaged in transit
In the rare event that an item arrives damaged or defective, you have a full 30 days from the date of delivery to return it for a full refund.
If your purchase arrives broken, always let us know. If Proovia delivered the piece, we can raise an insurance claim on the seller’s behalf. Or, the seller can raise a claim with their chosen courier.
What can't I return?
Just as there are some orders you can’t cancel, there are some you cant return, too. Personalised, bespoke or made-to-order pieces are non-returnable, and non-refundable. Sellers may also reject your return if the item has been altered in any way.
Please note: pieces on our site are pre-loved, not new. They may show some wear and tear; this is not sufficient grounds for a refund, unless the seller has misrepresented the item’s condition.
Lastly, neither Vinterior nor our sellers are liable for any damages or loss sustained in transit via third parties.
I'm eligible for a return. Now what?
To initiate a return, log into your Vinterior account, then go to the relevant order page and click Create a return. In the return request, be sure to include all the details: the reason for your return, an in-depth description, and photos of any issues or damage.
How will I receive my refund?
Once the seller confirms they’ve received the item (in the same condition it was sent), we will send your refund to your original payment method.
All items are inspected on return. If the seller receives the return with damage they don’t recognise, we will not be able to process your refund and the seller may need to send the piece back to you. You will be required to cover these delivery costs.