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.
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.
“Being tapped by Svenskt Tenn to collaborate on their summer 2023 in-store exhibition was very humbling, because I’ve been a longtime fan. When I decorated my house, they were the only brand that I bought more than one piece, including wallpaper, fabrics, placemats, and especially the Josef Frank chair—that is still a treasured piece.” —Margherita Maccapani Missoni, founder of Maccapani
“Elin and I have long admired the decorative objects designed for Svenskt Tenn. At the company’s beautiful store in Stockholm, they tend to get overlooked among all the expressive floral patterns and Josef Frank furniture. When we opened our Toteme store on Mercer Street, we wanted to showcase a curated selection of pewter pieces, but doing it our way—in the context of Toteme. We designed a minimal wall display in stainless steel, to mimic the pewter, and carefully placed each piece ourselves, with the Peruvian urn by Estrid Ericson in the center. The result is both timeless and very modern.” —Karl Lindman, co-founder of Toteme
“Svenskt Tenn is not just a brand; it’s a legacy of timeless design and artistic innovation rooted in Swedish craftsmanship. Estrid Ericson’s vision was to create a unique aesthetic that would blend classic Scandinavian simplicity with bold, colorful patterns inspired by global traditions. The hallmark of Svenskt Tenn’s products lies in their ability to feel both contemporary and nostalgic, making them equally suited for modern and classic interiors. Collaborating with Josef Frank allowed the brand to develop a visual language that broke away from the strict functionalism of the time, embracing a more playful and expressive style.” —Bastien Daguzan, CEO of Fear of God
“Josef Frank’s textile ‘Delhi’ covers a Svenskt Tenn rattan sofa and chairs set in our bedroom. It’s so beautifully old world, delicate and wild at the same time that it forms a perfect connection between the lush garden outside and the serenity of the bedroom inside.” —Inez van Lamsweerde, photographer
“It was my sister Victoire [de Castellane] who first discovered Svenskt Tenn and introduced me to them. My most beautiful memory is when I got to experience it in person while I was in Sweden last year. I was astonished! The store is magnificent and Josef Frank was extraordinarily talented.” —Mathilde Favier, PR manager at Dior Couture
“Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank have inspired me in in my work and I see them both as guiding stars. Ericson’s enterprising spirit, along with her assured yet imaginative style, is certainly something to strive towards, but Frank is perhaps my biggest hero. He found a highly individual expression without it being centered around his own ego, which is so often the case when you look at his contemporary modernist peers. His thoughts around design derive from a deeply humanist point of view, and that is perhaps why many of his creations still feel exciting and relevant a century later.” —Beata Heuman, interior designer
“When designing our English country house, Svenskt Tenn was an important part of our selection—from the smallest pewter items to our deep and cozy sofa for the TV room. While at times over-exposed in Sweden, we have found that in England and the US, where we are based, Svenskt Tenn feels unexpected and also gives my Swedish roots satisfaction. We love that our guests have no idea where these amazing items come from and often ask. In a globalized world, buying from a company with just one store is refreshing.” —Erik Torstensson, co-founder and creative director of Frame
