1950s Swedish Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Axel Larsson

Ref.: GA010041

This mahogany chest of drawers was designed by Axel Larsson in the 1950s for the Swedish furniture company Bodafors. Expertly restored, this piece showcases a functional design with a solid wood frame and flush-fitted drawers, featuring keyhole escutcheons as the sole decorative element. This refined and minimalist design is typical of Axel Larsson’s mature style from the 1950s, reflecting the transition from modernism to a more industrial aesthetic in Swedish design.

With its compact proportions and ample storage capacity, this versatile chest of drawers is perfect for any space, from a bedroom to a small living room.

Condition:

Very good vintage condition. This chest of drawers has been carefully restored but may show signs of use and aging, adding unique character to the piece.

Dimensions:

Height: 47.2 inches
Width: 31.5 inches
Depth: 17.7 inches

About the Designer:

Born in 1898 in Torp socken, Sweden, Axel Larsson worked for over 50 years, spanning several design styles. He was part of a diverse yet select group of furniture and interior designers who significantly influenced mid-20th-century Nordic design.

Growing up in Medelpad, Larsson apprenticed as a carpenter and received a scholarship to study furniture design in Stockholm from 1916 to 1920. While at the School of Arts and Crafts, he worked under Carl Malmsten, contributing to furniture designs for Stockholm City Hall. In the 1920s, Larsson traveled across Europe, including a visit to the 1925 Paris Exposition. He started his own business in 1956 but continued designing for Swedish furniture factories like Bodafors and companies such as Balzar Beskow AB.

Larsson worked for 30 years at Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, focusing on furniture functionality over flashy form. Though not a strict functionalist, functionality always took precedence in his designs. His first major furniture series was exhibited at the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition. He created numerous significant furniture and interior designs for public spaces, including the Gothenburg Concert Hall, Hotel Park Avenue in Gothenburg, and Folksamhuset building in Skanstull, Stockholm.

His works are featured in collections and design museums worldwide, notably the Stockholm Design Museum.