Swedish Dux Leather Sofa by Folke Ohlsson
About the Item
- Creator:Dux of Sweden (Manufacturer),Folke Ohlsson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 96 in (243.84 cm)Depth: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Seat Height: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Pasadena, TX
- 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: Pasadena, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Florence Knoll Black Leather SofaBy Florence KnollLocated in Pasadena, TXA midcentury Knoll classic designed by Florence Knoll. This three person sofa features tufted black leather upholstery with chrome plated steel legs. Measures: 90". Recently restored.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsChrome
- Ward Bennett Tufted Leather SofaBy Ward BennettLocated in Pasadena, TXStunning 7ft Ward Bennett tufted sofa on walnut plinth base. Ward Bennett created everything from interiors and furniture to textiles and flatware. The unsung New York City-born modernist designer drew on the work of Le Corbusier and Auguste Rodin, studied art with the likes of Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann and counted legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. among his clients. For decades, Bennett created and filled spaces that were elegant, minimalist and deeply appealed to everyone who laid eyes on them Rare restored Ward Bennett sofa in a rich white leather, by GARRETT...Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Dunbar Tuxedo Sofa Restored in LeatherLocated in Pasadena, TXDunbar Tuxedo Sofa Restored in Leather Well made, low profile sofa from an established furniture maker in the Midwest. Recently restored in rich ca...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- DS94 DeSede Leather Sofa 1980sBy De SedeLocated in Pasadena, TXDS94 leather sofa by DeSede 1980s Leather model DS-94, manufactured by De Sede Switzerland 1970s. The sofa is upholstered with very nice high quality natural/tan leather. Superb com...Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Vintage Midcentury Sofa by Jack CartwrightBy Jack CartwrightLocated in Pasadena, TXMay 1963, an ambitious graduate of the Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, decided he wanted to design contemporary seating. That young man was Jack Cartwright. His name also became the name of the company he started with just one other employee, a production specialist. Together they pursued a clear vision: “To provide the market with upholstered furniture of modern design, produced with exceptionally high quality and priced within reach of many” Vintage midcentury sofa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWood
- Chiclet Modular 4-Seat Sofa by Ray WilkesBy Ray WilkesLocated in Pasadena, TXBeautiful "Chiclet" style sofa by Designer Ray Wilkes. Manufactured in the 1970s, seats four. Would recommend re-upholstery. Measures: Arm height 21".Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery
- Folke Ohlsson Designed Sofa for DuxBy Folke Ohlsson, Dux of SwedenLocated 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
- Folke Ohlsson Sofa Model USA-75 Produced by Dux in SwedenBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in Göteborg, SEElegant and stylish sofa model "USA 75" or "Aveny" designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX. The sofa is in fine vintage condition. We have changed to new Fagas bands at the bottom, which ...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Teak
- 20th Century Swedish Dux Three Seater Teak Sofa, Vintage Settee by Folke OhlssonBy Dux of Sweden, Folke OhlssonLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish three seater sofa with two pillows made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by Folke Ohlsson and produced by DUX, in good con...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsFabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Teak
- Wonderful Swedish Mid-Century Sofa Folke Ohlsson DUX Style, circa 60'sBy Folke OhlssonLocated in Pemberton, NJWonderful Swedish modern Folke Ohlsson Dux style sofa. This sofa retains its original heavy-weight textured zig-zag fabric in presentable condition-cleaning is recommended. The fabri...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Two-Seat DUX Sofa by Folke Ohlsson and Fritz Hansen, 1960sBy Fritz Hansen, Folke OhlssonLocated in Lejre, DKThe two-seat DUX sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson and manufactured by Fritz Hansen in 1968 is a beautiful representation of mid-century modern design. Folke Ohlsson's work often combin...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Teak
- Danish Mid Century Modern teak Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Dux Model 72-SBy Folke OhlssonLocated in Las Vegas, NVMonterey /5-161 Sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Dux in the 1960’s. Sofa has profiled armrests, representing high craftsmanship, characteristic of...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsTeak