Kroken Lounge Chairs in Black Leather & Plywood by Åke Fribytter for Nelo Möbel, 1970s, Set of 2

Model · Kroken
Designer · Åke Fribytter
Manufacturer · Nelo Möbel
Origin · Sweden
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Swedish Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Natural wood, black

Object

The Kroken Lounge Chair is a particularly sculptural expression of Swedish furniture design from the 1970s.

Designed by Åke Fribytter for Nelo Möbel, the chair is built around a sweeping laminated plywood structure that almost completely defines its character. Rather than separating legs, arms and back into conventional components, the frame moves continuously around the body, creating an expressive profile from a relatively simple construction.

Within this wooden architecture, generous black leather cushions provide the softness. The contrast is fundamental to the design: rigid plywood against relaxed upholstery, pale natural wood against deep black leather, structure against comfort.

The low seating position and broad proportions give the Kroken an unmistakably relaxed character, while the exposed frame keeps the composition visually open. From the side, the curved plywood becomes particularly prominent, giving the chair an almost graphic silhouette.

Presented as a pair, the repeated bentwood profiles create a strong architectural composition. They are substantial lounge chairs, but the openness of their construction prevents them from feeling visually heavy.

Designer

Åke Fribytter was a Swedish furniture designer active during the second half of the 20th century.

His work is most closely associated with Nelo Möbel and with the Kroken Lounge Chair, introduced during the 1970s.

The Kroken reflects a broader Scandinavian interest during the period in laminated wood and flexible seating systems. Rather than concealing the chair's engineering beneath upholstery, Fribytter made the bentwood structure one of its defining visual elements.

The result combines the comfort expected from a generous lounge chair with the structural clarity characteristic of Scandinavian modern furniture.

Manufacturer

Nelo Möbel is a Swedish furniture manufacturer particularly associated with Scandinavian lounge furniture and sophisticated bentwood construction.

The company developed furniture in which ergonomics and material engineering played a central role, frequently combining laminated wooden structures with leather upholstery.

Its collaboration with Åke Fribytter produced the Kroken, one of the designs most strongly associated with the Nelo name and a distinctive example of Swedish 1970s furniture.

Condition

Both chairs retain their original bent plywood structures and original black leather upholstery.

The wooden frames remain in good vintage condition, preserving their natural tone and visible grain while showing light traces of age and use.

The black leather cushions are equally well preserved, with subtle signs of wear consistent with their vintage character.

Overall, the pair is presented in good original vintage condition.

Dimensions

Width · 95 cm / 37.5 in
Depth · 78 cm / 30.7 in
Height · 85 cm / 33.5 in
Seat height · 35 cm / 13.8 in

Included

The set of two Kroken Lounge Chairs is accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.

Availability

The set is ready to ship within 10–15 business days.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Enquiries

For questions about the pieces, their condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

© Back to the Furniture