lamino chair
whats the history of the iconic lamino chair?
The Lamino did not appear by chance it is the result of Yngve Ekström’s lifelong search for simplicity and the perfect sitting curve. Over many years, Ekström created both predecessors and successors to the design, refining the form repeatedly until the final version emerged.
In 1956 Yngve and Jerker Ekström arrived at the furniture fair with a chair that was as carefully crafted as it was cleverly engineered for efficient production. They chose to present it in natural-coloured saddle leather, and the reaction was immediate: it received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and orders flooded in.
Ekström summarised his design philosophy simply: “I designed Lamino with the human body as a starting point, making it as pleasant to look at as to sit in. ”
Today, Lamino is found in hundreds of thousands of homes and remains Swedese’s most well-known easy chair. It has been celebrated widely, including being named Furniture of the Century by Swedish magazine Sköna hem.
the design
Upholstery choices sheepskin, textile or leather ensure long-lasting comfort and a warm, inviting appearance. Despite its elegance and lightness, the Lamino competes with much bulkier chairs when it comes to comfort. Paired with the Lamino Footstool, it becomes a complete relaxation experience.
a design icon from Yngve Ekström
Yngve Ekström was a designer deeply influenced by both local crafts and international design culture. An autodidact from the countryside, he sought inspiration not only from traditional Swedish craftsmanship but also from broader global design movements. His visits to the Milan furniture fair left him “almost feverish with impressions,” and he ensured that the entire factory team experienced similar cultural exposure through trips across Europe to Athens, Venice, Cortina and Paris during the 60s, 70s and 80s.Two respected voices capture the Lamino’s cultural impact:“
Lamino is like a key it became synonymous with the home environment and coziness a very well-known, clear and visible part of Swedish modernism, a symbol.
”Cilla Robach, Formhistoriker, Nationalmuseum Stockholm
“Behind the image of a neat curve you can see something else, the traces of people who knew how to work with wood.”
Åke Axelsson**, Möbelformgivare i Vaxhol
Who was Yngve Ekström?
An autodidact from the countryside, he drew inspiration from local craft traditions while also seeking influence from international and urban design culture. His visits to the Milan furniture fair left him “almost feverish with impressions,” and he ensured that everyone at the Swedese factory shared in this wider world of ideas by taking the entire staff on cultural trips across Europe throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s to places such as Athens, Venice, Cortina and Paris.
This blend of local knowledge and global inspiration is at the heart of Ekström’s work, and the Lamino stands as his life’s masterpiece: a refined expression of simplicity, natural materials and the perfect sitting curve.
the combinations - what are they?
sheepskin
The Lamino chair is most popular in sheepskin upholstery, offered in a selection of 7 colours. There is also a very special curly Gotland Sheepskin which is natural and undyed.
Frame colour
Beech Natural Lacquer
Oak Natural Lacquer
Oak Oiled
Ash Wood Black Lazur
Ash Wood White Lazur
White Pigmented Oak
Walnut Oil
Walnut Lacquered
Sheepskin
Black
Charcoal(Dark Grey)
Espresso (Brown)
Off-White
Sahara (Pale Brown)
Moonlight
Scandinavian Grey
leather
The Lamino chair is available in leather upholstery, offered in a selection of 5 colours.
Frame
Beech
Natural Lacquer
Oak Natural Lacquer
Oak Oiled
Ash Wood Black Lazur
Ash Wood White Lazur
Leather
Beige
Black
Brown
Dark Brown
Grey
fabric
The Lamino chair is also available in fabric upholstery:-
Frame
Beech
Natural Lacquer
Oak Natural Lacquer
Oak Oiled
Ash Wood Black Lazur
Ash Wood White Lazur
Fabric
We recommend a range of Kvadrat Fabrics (other fabrics are available, please get in touch) listed below
Fabric 1 - Kvadrat Remix
Fabric 2 - Kvadrat Hallingdal
Fabric 3 - Steelcut Trio
Fabric 4 - Divina MD
Caring for Your Lamino Chair
To keep your Lamino looking great for years:
General care
Vacuum or dust regularly to prevent dirt build-up.
Protect from direct sunlight and strong heat to avoid fading and damage.
Leather
Keep at least 30 cm from radiators and out of direct sun.
Vacuum gently and dab spills immediately with a soft cloth.
Use a leather cleanser as needed; re-impregnate annually for best protection.
Sheepskin
Vacuum weekly and carefully dab stains with a damp cloth; avoid soaking, which can damage the backing.
Wood & frames
Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
Following these simple steps helps preserve both the comfort and beauty of your Lamino classic.
FAQS
What is the Swedese Lamino chair?
The Swedese Lamino is an iconic Scandinavian armchair designed by Yngve Ekström in 1956. It is crafted from moulded and layer-glued veneer and can be upholstered in sheepskin, leather or textile. It has become one of Swedese’s best-selling pieces thanks to its timeless form and exceptional comfort.
Why is the Lamino chair so famous?
The Lamino is celebrated for its perfect ergonomic curve and simple, organic silhouette. It represents Yngve Ekström’s lifelong pursuit of simplicity and has been named Furniture of the Century by Sköna hem. Its enduring popularity makes it a widely recognised symbol of Swedish modernism.
Is the Lamino chair comfortable?
Yes comfort was the starting point for its design. The Lamino follows the shape of the human body and features an extended back for excellent head support. When paired with the Lamino Footstool, it offers full-body relaxation without taking up excessive space.
What materials can you choose for the Lamino chair?
The Lamino is available in several wood types and surface treatments, combined with upholstery options including sheepskin, textile, and leather. The original 1956 version featured natural-coloured saddle leather.
Is the Lamino sheepskin version worth it?
Sheepskin is the most recognisable and popular Lamino upholstery. It offers softness, warmth and a luxurious look that highlights the chair’s organic shape, making it an excellent choice for comfort and style.
What wood options does the Lamino chair come in?
The Lamino is offered in a range of wood types and finishes, all crafted using moulded and layer-glued veneer techniques. This construction gives the chair its light yet strong structure and its signature flowing curve.
How does the Lamino compare to other Scandinavian lounge chairs?
Unlike many bulkier lounge chairs, the Lamino delivers exceptional comfort while maintaining a light, minimal profile. Its moulded veneer construction and ergonomic shape set it apart as a timeless Scandinavian design classic.
Is the Lamino chair suitable for small spaces?
Yes. The Lamino’s slim profile and elegant shape make it ideal for smaller rooms while still offering generous comfort and head support.
What is included in the Lamino furniture family?
The Lamino family includes the Lamino Footstool, Lamino Table, and the Lamini a children’s version of the iconic chair. All pieces follow the same design language and craftsmanship.
Who designed the Lamino chair?
The Lamino was designed by Swedish designer Yngve Ekström, co-founder of Swedese. His inspiration came from both local craftsmanship and international influences, particularly his experiences at design fairs in Europe.
Why is the Lamino considered a piece of Swedish modernism?
Experts like Cilla Robach describe the Lamino as a clear symbol of Swedish modernism thanks to its organic form, honest materials and association with the home environment rather than institutional settings.
How durable is the Lamino chair?
The Lamino’s layered veneer frame and expert craftsmanship ensure long-lasting durability. As designer Åke Axelsson notes, behind its elegant curve are “the traces of people who knew how to work with wood.”
