Lilla Åland - Stolab

The Origin and Designer of Lilla Åland

Carl Malmsten is one of Sweden's most influential designers, who drew inspiration for Lilla Åland from traditional spindle-back chairs. In 1938, Malmsten visited an exhibition in Åland and saw traditional spindle-back chairs with a distinctly handmade character. This experience led to the creation of his own interpretation of a spindle-back chair, a more elaborate version with stricter lines, better ergonomics, and more controlled proportions. The goal was a chair that functions in everyday life while maintaining a consistent formal level, rooted in Swedish furniture craftsmanship and material knowledge. Lilla Åland was launched in 1942 and quickly became a cherished design chair.

Lilla Åland's Characteristic Form

The chair is characterized by a back with turned spindles that create a graphic rhythm. The seat is slightly scooped, providing support and relief during longer sitting periods. The legs and back details are turned, and the construction is built for stability, with a self-supporting feel in its entirety. The expression is stripped-down, yet features visible construction and design language. It is produced in its standard model intended as a dining chair, but also comes as an armchair and a children's chair. It is designed to withstand daily use and is well-suited for both traditional and modern interiors.

Materials and Finishes

Lilla Åland is manufactured in solid birch or solid oak. Birch provides a lighter base tone with subtle grain and works well with soap, oil, or lacquer. Soaped or oiled birch gives a matte surface where the wood's structure emerges and where a patina gradually builds up. Lacquered birch provides a more protective layer and simplifies cleaning for daily use.

Oak has a more pronounced grain and a deeper tone. Oiled oak highlights the structure and provides a warmer surface that changes over time. Lacquered oak offers a more sealed surface with high durability. The choice of surface treatment affects grip, luster, and maintenance level, and is a practical part of the decision, especially in kitchens and dining areas.

The Stolab Brand - Craftsmanship and Tradition

Stolab is a Swedish furniture manufacturer with deep roots in the craftsmanship tradition. The company was founded in 1907 in Smålandsstenar. Production takes place in Sweden and is based on meticulous processing, well-balanced joints, and control of wood movements over time. The company's focus is on robust construction, durability, and clear design, with Lilla Åland being a central part of its range. The series Pinnockio, Miss Holly, Prima Vista and the Arka lounge chair are characterized by the same turned back panel that has come to define Stolab's chairs. The brand demonstrates how traditional wood knowledge can be combined with modern production without losing precision.

Use in Interiors

Lilla Åland functions in many different contexts and is often used as a kitchen chair or as supplementary seating where a cohesive expression is desired. Its compact dimensions make it suitable for smaller spaces. The compact dimensions mean the chair takes up limited visual space, while still providing stable support. In a group, the spindle back becomes a graphic element, and in a single placement, the construction and material stand out as the chair's main point. It is adaptable to various interior styles and contributes a sense of Swedish design history.