Mid-Century Reclining Chair by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
About the Item
- Creator:Dux of Sweden (Manufacturer),Folke Ohlsson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 29 in (73.66 cm)Seat Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. age appropriate wear, some scratches on frame, some stains and wear to upholstery.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:
Folke Ohlsson
Folke Ohlsson pioneered the “knock-down” revolution of furniture, making the innovative flat-pack means of manufacturing and shipping common practice. Credited with playing a significant part in bringing Scandinavian modern forms to the United States, he was an international designer who created attractive pieces that are highly coveted by today’s collectors.
In Sweden, Studio Ljungs Industrier AB is the large family-owned parent company of Duxiana (in America, DUX). While leading the design team for Studio Ljungs Industrier in his native Malmö, Ohlsson visited the West Coast of the United States in 1950 and opened DUX Inc., to expand the company’s global footprint. DUX put into practice an idea that Ohlsson patented for the so-called “knock-down,” or “KD,” chair, a term referencing easy, flat-pack assembly. It saved DUX space in warehouses and money on transportation and was a concept that would inspire hundreds of subsequent companies — most notably fellow Swedish brand IKEA.
Integrating American upholstery with Swedish knock-down hardware and wooden frames, Ohlsson and DUX revolutionized the furniture industry. The manufacturer consistently worked with brilliant mid-century modern designers — among them Bruno Mathsson, Edward Wormley and Alf Svensson — expanding the brand’s portfolio and establishing credibility as a design source. Today vintage DUX sofas and dining chairs are valuable collector’s items, and the space-saving attributes and efficiency associated with the company’s modular designs continue to influence manufacturers all over the world.
Partly because of the affordability of DUX’s furniture — as well as an understandable affinity for the simplicity, warmth and coziness of Scandinavian modern design — postwar America embraced Ohlsson’s vision. One of Ohlsson’s best-known designs is the Profil lounge chair, built on a teak frame that can rock or recline with the push of a lever, while the wool bouclé upholstery is sumptuous and stylish. Another iconic collection is the clean, minimal Pasadena set of sofas, footstools and armchairs, fashioned from solid walnut with brass sabots.
The Milano Triennale and the “Good Design” exhibition series at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art distinguished Ohlsson with more than 30 awards. In 1964, he was honored with Sweden’s Royal Order of Vasa decoration by King Gustav VI Adolf because of his role in exporting modern Scandinavian aesthetics to America. Ohlsson’s designs were also produced by Bodafors and Fritz Hansen.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of Folke Ohlsson seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Dux of Sweden
Today, Swedish manufacturer DUX’s most popular furniture lines — as well as the furnishings created by its first president, Folke Ohlsson — are synonymous with the work that vintage mid-century modern design obsessives love. Also important, the brand is known for some of the most commonplace means of furniture shipping and production in the modern era.
In Sweden, Studio Ljungs Industrier AB is the large family-owned parent company of Duxiana (in America, DUX). Initially a purveyor of bedding that is today celebrated for its ergonomically guided designs, Ljungs Industrier was founded by entrepreneur (and chocolate maker) Efraim Ljung in 1926. In 1950, Folke Ohlsson, then leading Ljungs Industrier’s design team, decamped to the States to explore how he could expand DUX’s business, which at that point included a wide range of furniture. Ohlsson established a DUX office not long after he arrived in California, first in San Francisco and later in Burlingame.
On the West Coast, the booming postwar American market was eager to embrace DUX’s affordable and practical bedroom furnishings, tables, armchairs and other seating. Characterized by sleek walnut and teak frames and low-slung silhouettes, the brand’s designs were emblematic of a generation of Scandinavian modernism that had gained popularity owing to visionaries such as product designer and architect Greta Magnusson-Grossman, who arrived in California from Sweden a decade prior to Ohlsson, and Finn Juhl, who created a Danish modern line for Michigan’s Baker Furniture Company in 1951.
DUX frequently collaborated with top-tier furniture design talent — among them Bruno Mathsson, Edward Wormley and Alf Svensson, a chief designer in the Malmö, Sweden, office of Ljungs Industrier — expanding the brand’s portfolio and establishing credibility as a design source. Ohlsson’s own designs, such as his comfortable leather lounges and wool-upholstered reclining rocking chairs, continue to be among the brand’s most desirable — and most imitated — however.
In 1949, DUX put into practice an idea that Ohlsson patented for the so-called “knock-down,” or “KD,” chair, a term referencing easy, flat-pack assembly. It saved DUX space in warehouses and money on transportation and was a concept that would provide inspiration to hundreds of subsequent companies — most notably fellow Swedish brand IKEA.
Today, vintage DUX sofas and dining chairs are valuable collector’s items. Find this coveted seating and other authentic DUX furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Folke Ohlsson Designed Sofa for DuxBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in Brooklyn, NYLong mid-century sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Dux with three wide seats, set on teak wood base. Attractive modern design features a slopping back that flows down ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Mid-Century Modern Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair and Ottoman by DUXBy Dux of Sweden, Bruno MathssonLocated in Brooklyn, NYA stunning vintage modern lounge and ottoman covered in tufted black leather with a tubular chrome plated frame. This sleek lounge chair boasts thick cushioned arm rests, a sculpted ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Mid-century Barrel Chairs by Lawrence Peabody for Craft AssociatesLocated in Brooklyn, NYTwo gorgeous golden tufted barrel lounge chairs, designed by Lawrence Peabody for Adrian Pearsall's Craft Associates of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. An understated vintage pair sure ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Reclining Leather Chair and Ottoman By EkornesBy Ekornes StresslessLocated in Brooklyn, NYChair and ottoman by Ekornes for their stressless line. This piece features subtle leather seating, armrests and ottoman sitting on a ornate wood and metal base. If you are in need o...Category
20th Century Norwegian Modern Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- Mid-Century Modern Lounge ChairsLocated in Brooklyn, NYUnique vintage modern lounge chairs. These plush lounge chairs are upholstered in a comfy fabric with tapered wooden legs. The uniquely shaped chair...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Royal Metal CompanyBy Royal Metal Co.Located in Brooklyn, NYElegant pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature a two-tone frame with heavy chrome and wood laminate. Unique design offers plenty of comfort with its high backrest, wide seating...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Mid-Century Modern Recliner by Folke Ohlsson for Dux in TeakBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in Belmont, MAThis mid-century modern easy chair / recliner by Folke Olsson is upholstered with the original faux leather and was manufactured by Dux of Sweden in the 1...Category
Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsWood
- 1960s Mid Century Walnut Recliner by Folke Ohlsson for DuxBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in North Hollywood, CAThis mid-century walnut recliner was designed by Folke Ohlsson and manufactured by Dux in Sweden circa 1960s. This fantastic recliner features a walnut frame with gray upholstery. Th...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Mid-Century Chair by Folke Ohlsson for DUXBy Folke Ohlsson, Dux of SwedenLocated in Nashville, TNLounge chair with a high backrest and thick padded cushions. Features sculpted arm rests and angled legs. Some light discoloration and staining consistent with age. Minor wear on woo...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Folke Ohlsson for Dux Scissor ChairsBy Folke Ohlsson, Dux of SwedenLocated in Philadelphia, PAFolke Ohlsson for DUX of Sweden Pair of Scissor Chairs. Oak frames with slat backs and removable Upholstered Cushions. Chairs were reupholstered about 15 years ago. Fabric still l...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Oak
- Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chair by DUXBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in Highland, INClassic Scandinavian Modern by the founder of DUX in the United States– Folke Ohlsson. This lovely lounge chair has a beech frame with sculpted arms that supports loose cushions newl...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Birch
- Folke Ohlsson Lounge Chair by DUXBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in Highland, INThis generous lounge chair designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX is strikingly handsome and remarkably comfortable. The walnut base supports the body upholstered in black leatherette. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut