Scandinavian designs made up a large part of the whole industry of home furnishings in the 20th century, and there are several stand out designers that contributed to this. Some of these names are Bruno Mathsson, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobson, and Alvar Aalto. One of the most prominent, though, is the memorable Yngve Ekström, who was born in 1913 in the city of Hagafors, Sweden.



Yngve Ekström was a young Scandinavian man in Hagafors, a city in Sweden with the longest history of furniture (möbler) making. He was drawn into that very popular and well regarded historical business as well. Like many in the town, he applied his own style to his work. He studied wood crafting and design along with courses in art history, drawing, and sculpture allowing him to incorporate stylistic elements he learned in those classes into his work.

Together with his brother Jerker, he founded a globally recognized furniture (möbler) company named Swedese. From its inception in 1945, he continued to work at the company until he passed away some four decades later. Swedes produces furnishings that are well suited for both the home and office due to their fine blend of simplicity and artistic flair.

One of the most famous pieces of Ekström's was the Lamino fåtölj which was first produced in the 1950's. It is still in production and remains popular today. Named the best Swedish chair of the Twentieth Century by a Swedish magazine in 1999, it also received another important. as well as significant, award in 2003. This was the Design Innovation, by the I.M.M. in Cologne in 2003.

Sometimes sold with a matching ottoman, this chair has very attractive curves when seen from the side or front. Made in a variety of wood framework, the upholstery can also be picked from a myriad of desires and tastes. From woven cloth, all the way to sheepskin. Selling in the two to three thousand dollar range on new models, sometimes more on the older models, the simple elegant looks and durability have long contributed to the chairs popularity.

Yngve Ekström remained active not only in design, but also in leading his company, until his death in 1988. His ability to continue working and designing only added to the legend that is Ekström. His chairs are exceptionally nice with hardwood floors, but add well to many different styles. When his designs were introduced, many of them were breakthroughs, now they have become classics.