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Few lounge chairs from the golden age of Scandinavian modern design have the immediate presence of the Sälen, or “Seal” Chair, designed by celebrated Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE of Sweden in the late 1950s. Sculptural yet remarkably restrained, the Seal Chair is one of Kofod-Larsen’s most recognizable designs and a superb example of the organic forms and exceptional craftsmanship that defined postwar Scandinavian furniture.
The chair is distinguished by its deeply reclined, upholstered shell, suspended within an exceptionally refined Afromosia frame. Kofod-Larsen creates a striking tension between the substantial upholstered body and the lightness of the exposed wood structure. From the side, the chair’s construction is especially beautiful: long tapered legs, slender side rails, and sculpted arms frame the upholstered seat and back without visually overwhelming them. The result is a lounge chair that feels generous and comfortable while retaining the elegance and visual lightness characteristic of Kofod-Larsen’s finest work.
The Sälen chair takes its name from Sälen, the well-known ski resort area in Sweden, rather than from the English word “seal.” Designed by Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for Swedish manufacturer OPE, the chair represents an important intersection of Danish design sensibility and Swedish furniture production during the late 1950s.
This example is crafted in Afromosia, also known as African teak, a richly toned hardwood prized by Scandinavian cabinetmakers for its strength, fine grain, and warm coloration. The sculptural frame showcases Kofod-Larsen’s mastery of wood from every angle. Slender splayed legs flow upward into beautifully shaped arms, while the subtly pointed, outward-sweeping armrests give the chair its unmistakable silhouette. The transitions are soft and organic, with virtually no visual heaviness despite the chair’s generous proportions.
The chair has been upholstered in a deep olive green leather, a particularly handsome complement to the warm brown tones of the Afromosia frame. Rather than relying on a rigid platform, the seat incorporates Danish suspension straps and a spring-loaded seat construction, providing additional give beneath the cushion. The result is the kind of deep, forgiving comfort suggested by the chair’s enveloping form: supportive, relaxed, and intended for genuine lounging.
An especially desirable detail is the original Illums Bolighus, København retailer’s plaque beneath the chair. Illums Bolighus was an important Copenhagen destination for Scandinavian modern furnishings, and the surviving plaque provides an appealing period connection to the chair’s original Scandinavian retail history.
Viewed from the front, side, or rear, the Sälen is exceptionally resolved. The dramatic sweep of the arms, exposed Afromosia side rails, deeply reclined shell, tapered legs, and uninterrupted leather back make this a chair that was clearly intended to be appreciated in the round. It works equally well as a statement lounge chair in a living room, study, library, or alongside other important examples of Danish and Scandinavian modern design.
Designer: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Model: Sälen / Seal Chair
Manufacturer: OPE, Sweden
Period: Late 1950s / Mid-Century Modern
Materials: Afromosia (African teak), leather, suspension straps and spring-supported seat
Upholstery: Olive green leather
Retailer: Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen
Dimensions: 31 in. W × 29 in. D × 29.5 in. H
Few lounge chairs from the golden age of Scandinavian modern design have the immediate presence of the Sälen, or “Seal” Chair, designed by celebrated Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE of Sweden in the late 1950s. Sculptural yet remarkably restrained, the Seal Chair is one of Kofod-Larsen’s most recognizable designs and a superb example of the organic forms and exceptional craftsmanship that defined postwar Scandinavian furniture.
The chair is distinguished by its deeply reclined, upholstered shell, suspended within an exceptionally refined Afromosia frame. Kofod-Larsen creates a striking tension between the substantial upholstered body and the lightness of the exposed wood structure. From the side, the chair’s construction is especially beautiful: long tapered legs, slender side rails, and sculpted arms frame the upholstered seat and back without visually overwhelming them. The result is a lounge chair that feels generous and comfortable while retaining the elegance and visual lightness characteristic of Kofod-Larsen’s finest work.
The Sälen chair takes its name from Sälen, the well-known ski resort area in Sweden, rather than from the English word “seal.” Designed by Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for Swedish manufacturer OPE, the chair represents an important intersection of Danish design sensibility and Swedish furniture production during the late 1950s.
This example is crafted in Afromosia, also known as African teak, a richly toned hardwood prized by Scandinavian cabinetmakers for its strength, fine grain, and warm coloration. The sculptural frame showcases Kofod-Larsen’s mastery of wood from every angle. Slender splayed legs flow upward into beautifully shaped arms, while the subtly pointed, outward-sweeping armrests give the chair its unmistakable silhouette. The transitions are soft and organic, with virtually no visual heaviness despite the chair’s generous proportions.
The chair has been upholstered in a deep olive green leather, a particularly handsome complement to the warm brown tones of the Afromosia frame. Rather than relying on a rigid platform, the seat incorporates Danish suspension straps and a spring-loaded seat construction, providing additional give beneath the cushion. The result is the kind of deep, forgiving comfort suggested by the chair’s enveloping form: supportive, relaxed, and intended for genuine lounging.
An especially desirable detail is the original Illums Bolighus, København retailer’s plaque beneath the chair. Illums Bolighus was an important Copenhagen destination for Scandinavian modern furnishings, and the surviving plaque provides an appealing period connection to the chair’s original Scandinavian retail history.
Viewed from the front, side, or rear, the Sälen is exceptionally resolved. The dramatic sweep of the arms, exposed Afromosia side rails, deeply reclined shell, tapered legs, and uninterrupted leather back make this a chair that was clearly intended to be appreciated in the round. It works equally well as a statement lounge chair in a living room, study, library, or alongside other important examples of Danish and Scandinavian modern design.
Designer: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Model: Sälen / Seal Chair
Manufacturer: OPE, Sweden
Period: Late 1950s / Mid-Century Modern
Materials: Afromosia (African teak), leather, suspension straps and spring-supported seat
Upholstery: Olive green leather
Retailer: Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen
Dimensions: 31 in. W × 29 in. D × 29.5 in. H
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Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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