The Aluminum Armchair: Källemo’s Timeless Fusion of Art and Function

Källemo, a Swedish furniture company founded in the 1970s by Sven Lundh, has established itself as a unique entity in the design world. With deep roots in Småland and a rich history in both furniture and art, the company reflects Lundh’s visionary approach to quality—one that transcends mere technical durability. During the time of Källemo‘s founding, quality in furniture was typically measured by how well a piece could withstand physical stress, such as how many cycles a chair could endure in a test machine. However, Sven Lundh championed a different perspective, arguing that true quality is not something that mechanical tests can quantify. Instead, he believed that quality is determined by how well a design endures in the eyes of the beholder. A piece of furniture might remain functionally intact for years, but if its design becomes tiresome or outdated, it has failed the test of true quality.

Lundh’s philosophy was that good design should fulfill its practical purpose and engage the senses and emotions over time. Källemo’s furniture is thus created with an emphasis on timelessness—pieces are meant to “stand the wear of the eye,” remaining aesthetically pleasing and relevant long after they are made. This approach challenges conventional ideas of function by incorporating elements that provoke thought and elevate the furniture beyond the ordinary. Sometimes these design elements can be provocative, but they are always intended to add value, making Källemo’s creations enduring works of art as well as functional objects.

Today, under the leadership of Karin Lundh, Sven’s daughter, Källemo continues to uphold these values, focusing on long-term sustainability, aesthetic integrity, and a commitment to creating furniture that transcends fleeting trends.

One of the most iconic pieces in Källemo’s collection is the Aluminum armchair by Mats Theselius. This chair is a perfect embodiment of the company’s philosophy, blending the lines between functional furniture and sculptural art. Theselius, renowned for his attention to detail and innovative use of materials, designed the Aluminum armchair with a focus on visual impact and technical excellence. The chair is constructed with thin aluminum sheets, meticulously attached to a hidden wooden frame, creating an appearance of solidity and strength. The aluminum wraps seamlessly around the frame, while the solid legs contribute to the chair’s stability and enduring presence. The armrests, crafted from solid wood options like oak, walnut, or beech, provide a warm contrast to the sleek, cool metal, highlighting the blend of industrial design with traditional craftsmanship.

Theselius drew inspiration from various sources, including early 20th-century functionalism and the cylindrical forms found in vintage sportscars and the work of artists like Juan Gris and Giorgio Morandi. These influences are evident in the chair’s cylindrical body and the parallel lines of its design, which combine to create a piece that is as much about form as it is about function.