Bruno Mathsson

Bruno Mathsson 1907–1988

Born in 1907 in Värnamo, Bruno Mathsson grew up in a family of skilled cabinetmakers. As a young man, he mastered the craft in depth but soon chose to explore new methods. In 1931, he designed a chair for the local hospital in Värnamo that would go on to define his career. Legend has it he worked quietly in the hospital attic, developing his ideas in peace.

His breakthrough came with a solo exhibition at the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft in 1936. The following year, he presented his furniture at the World Exhibition in Paris, where he was awarded for his bed design “Paris.” This launched a productive period of export to countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal—laying the foundation for an international career.

At the same time, he was active in architecture. His patented window system, Brunopane, made it possible to build modern glass houses in Sweden and Denmark, with large open wall surfaces. These buildings became important examples of Swedish modernism.

Fritz Hansen

To truly understand the greatness of Bruno Mathsson, it helps to place him in context with other Nordic designers. Danish brand Fritz Hansen, much like Mathsson, has made a lasting impact on international design history. While Fritz Hansen is known for Arne Jacobsen’s iconic pieces, Mathsson took a different route—focusing deeply on ergonomics and “the mechanics of sitting, both in practice and theory.” What they share is a dedication to consistent quality and a vision of furniture that is both functional and aesthetically enduring.

At NO GA, you’ll find a wide selection of armchairs from both Bruno Mathsson and Fritz Hansen – two names that together represent the breadth of Scandinavian modernism.

Jetson 66

In the 1960s, Bruno Mathsson introduced Jetson 66, a lounge chair that quickly became an international success. With a seat made of webbing and a chromed steel frame, the model combines lightness with strength. The high backrest, head cushion, and rotating base made it both practical and iconic.

The Jetson 66 is a refined version of earlier Jetson models and showcases Mathsson’s ability to evolve his designs in response to new lifestyles. The chair remains in production and is a natural part of Sweden’s design heritage.

Discover more design classics in our collection of coffee tables and dining tables, where Bruno Mathsson’s collaboration with Piet Hein resulted in the famous Superellipse table – a piece that balances the practical with the sculptural.

Pernilla 3

Another central part of Mathsson’s work is his chair series, including the Eva series and the series of Pernilla chairs. Among them, the Pernilla 3 is particularly notable. It combines a laminated wooden frame with woven webbing and is designed to offer optimal support for the body.

Unlike the Pernilla 2, which has a more reclined seating angle, the Pernilla 3 offers a more upright position. It's a perfect example of how Mathsson continuously adapted his models based on user needs. The chair is both a resting point and a sculptural object, appreciated in both classic and contemporary interiors.

In addition to chairs, armchairs, and tables, Mathsson also designed workspaces for computer users as early as the 1980s – well ahead of his time. His final piece, the Minister armchair, was completed in 1986.

A Living Legacy

Bruno Mathsson spent most of his life working in the small family business in Värnamo, yet his work achieved global reach. His furniture is part of permanent museum collections, including at MoMA in New York, and is still used in everyday life.

Mathsson had the rare ability to combine practical, foldable solutions with a refined sense of form. His furniture shows that what is made to be functional can also become timeless design.

At NO GA, you can explore chairs, armchairs, and tables that represent the very best of his work. His legacy lives on here—not as historical relics, but as meaningful, modern choices for today’s homes.