Bruno Mathsson International bookends & magazine racks

Bruno Mathsson International - A Swedish Design Heritage

Bruno Mathsson International was founded in 1974 to continue the production of Bruno Mathsson's furniture. Bruno Mathsson himself was born in 1907 in Värnamo, where he also began his career as a furniture designer in the 1930s. His philosophy revolved around creating furniture that adapts to the human body, rather than the other way around. This resulted in a series of furniture with organic forms and a clear functionalist character. He strived to achieve maximum comfort through minimal means, which made his design both innovative and groundbreaking.

The Core of the Design and Material Choices

Bruno Mathsson's design is characterized by meticulous material handling. The furniture is often made with bent beech wood, providing both strength and visual lightness. The ability of beech wood to bend allows for the characteristic curved forms, while also contributing to the furniture's stability. The surface is treated to highlight the wood's natural structure, which also contributes to its long lifespan and ability to age with patina. For seating surfaces, woven webbing in linen or cotton is often used. This material is known for its durability and breathability, providing a cool and comfortable seating experience. Alternatively, leather or sheepskin is used, materials that offer a softer feel and a warmer surface, while developing a distinct character over time. These material choices are crucial for the furniture's function and aesthetics.

Selected Furniture for Various Environments

The range from Bruno Mathsson International includes several well-known pieces of furniture. The armchair Pernilla is an example of a lounge chair designed for deep relaxation, while the armchair Jetson offers a more upright sitting position with a distinct rotating base. The chairs Eva and Karin represent Mathsson's ability to create seating furniture that functions well at a dining table or as standalone pieces in a room. These pieces are designed to complement each other and create a harmonious interior environment. They fit equally well in a living room as in a work environment, where they contribute with both comfort and thoughtful design. The furniture can be combined with various tables from the assortment, creating flexible solutions for both social gatherings and individual activities.

A Design That Meets Needs

Bruno Mathsson's furniture is created to meet specific everyday needs. They offer ergonomic support for long sitting periods, making them suitable for both work and leisure. The lightweight construction and visually open forms ensure that the furniture fits well in both small and large rooms, including open-plan layouts. They are not merely functional objects, but also design elements that contribute to the room's character. The furniture is easy to maintain, as materials like webbing and leather are robust and easy to clean. This combination of form, function, and durability ensures that furniture from Bruno Mathsson International continues to be relevant in modern homes and public environments.