If Sweden’s long-held philosophy of lagom (a respect for balance) was manifested into a physical, furnished space, it might look a little like Svenskt Tenn—the Stockholm-based interior design studio and store. Located on Strandvägen 5, the now-100-year-old institution is filled with Joseph Frank’s sumptuously carved tables of elm burl, walnut, and mahogany with elegantly splayed legs in rich natural timber hues and upholstery that dances with color and design. It’s a balance between restrained and inhibited, high yet welcoming design, and good taste that’s never haughty—so, yes, lagom.
To honor Svenskt Tenn’s centenary—the exact birthday is this week—the brand has staged a sweeping retrospective, “Svenskt Tenn: A Philosophy of Home,” at Stockholm’s Liljevalchs art gallery. The exhibition, open through January 12, 2025, celebrates 100 years of the brand’s contribution to Swedish and global design, focusing on the legacy of founder Estrid Ericson and her famous collaborations with designer Josef Frank.
Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank at Strandvägen 5 store c. 1950Photo: Lennart Nilsson, Svenskt Tenn Archive
Curated by Jane Withers and Karin Södergren, the exhibition features historical pieces such as the iconic Liljevalchs sofa—one of Frank’s first designs for Svenskt Tenn—which exemplifies the brand’s departure from rigid functionalism and embrace of warmth and aesthetic whimsy. Other areas showcase rarely exhibited archives, including Frank’s original textile designs. The exhibition also illuminates the brand’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, showcasing techniques like cane bending and fabric printing that underscore the brand’s focus on quality and sustainability.
Owned since 1975 by the Kjell and Märta Beijer Foundation, Svenskt Tenn continues to uphold Ericson and Frank’s legacy—and also continues to count the most esteemed tastemakers of our time among its loyal fans. In honor of the centennial, Vogue has asked a few of these notables to wax poetic on Svenskt Tenn.
