Sweden’s furniture industry is defined by a lasting dedication to craftsmanship, durable natural materials and design that transcends current fads. From the family workshops of the 19th century to today’s tech-savvy manufacturers, Swedish producers have always favored longevity over disposability, designing products to be repaired, reconditioned and passed down through generations rather than discarded.
What sets Swedish furniture makers apart is a balance between old ways of making things and new ideas. For over 160 years, companies like Gemla have been perfecting the art of steam-bending wood, but Exakt MFG combines the latest machinery with traditional carpentry to create “artisanry at scale.” Many manufacturers don’t compete in all categories but rather focus on niches: outdoor steel furniture, modular public seating and office interiors. The following five manufacturers are the most extreme expressions of this diversity.
Top 5 Furniture Manufacturing Companies in Sweden
- Gemla
- Grythyttan Stålmöbler
- Kinnarps AB
- Lammhults Design Group
- Exakt MFG
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Swedish Furniture Manufacturers
1. Gemla
Gemla is Sweden’s oldest furniture manufacturer, established in 1861 in Diö, Småland. The company is known for its expertise in bentwood furniture, a technique that involves steaming solid wood, bending it by hand and shaping it into strong, light chairs. The last furniture manufacturer in Sweden who masters this traditional handcraft, which was inspired by techniques that the company brought from Bohemia in the late 19th century, is Gemla. Gemla has produced over 2,000 different models of chairs throughout its long history, including cinema seats, hockey sticks, wheelchairs and iconic mid-century designs.
Key Products
- Handmade bentwood chairs, armchairs and sofas: The Lamino armchair (1956, designed by Yngve Ekström) was voted the best Swedish furniture design of the twentieth century.
- Tables and custom furniture for public spaces: Developed in close cooperation with demanding partners such as hotels and restaurants.
- Tailor-made versions The rich archive of historical products offers opportunities for unique, tailor-made pieces.
What They Produce
Gemla’s unique bentwood technique allows for the production of light, incredibly strong and extremely durable furniture. Every product that leaves Gemla has been worked on by dedicated craftspeople for hours, days and sometimes even weeks and is labeled with the Gemla name and its production date. The company only uses certified beech and ash, vegetable-tanned leather, eco-friendly textiles, horsehair padding and water-based lacquers.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.gemla.se
2. Grythyttan Stålmöbler
Grythyttan Stålmöbler was founded in 1895 as a forge in the small town of Grythyttan, initially manufacturing axes, horseshoes and other fine steel products. In 1930 the company designed and produced its first chair, the A2, which was much noticed at the Stockholm Design Exhibition. Today it is a fourth-generation family business, known for its timeless, durable outdoor furniture, much of it handmade in its own factory. All steel is recycled from neighboring Norway and wood is responsibly sourced with FSC and PEFC certificates.
Key Products
- A2 Chair: The iconic rocking chair with a sprung steel base lined with small teak planks—the brand’s first and most recognized piece.
- Chair 1: A minimalist version of the A2 with the same level of comfort and craftsmanship.
- Outdoor tables, stools and benches: Complete outdoor furniture collections for gardens, terraces and public outdoor spaces.
What They Produce
Grythyttan is a specialist in outdoor furniture where every steel frame begins life as a single piece of steel, pre-cut and carefully folded like metal origami. The furniture is made to last for generations. The steel lasts forever and you can order replacement wood parts directly from the company. No two pieces from the factory are alike, as it is a handmade process. The product range includes chairs, tables, benches, stools and complete dining sets for outdoor use.
Contact Information
Website: https://grythyttanstalmobler.com/global/
3. Kinnarps AB
Kinnarps is Sweden’s second-largest furniture company, with annual sales of $407.9 million. The company focuses on office, public space and educational furniture, providing complete interior solutions with a focus on functionality, ergonomics and sustainable production. Kinnarps is well established in Europe, serving customers in the corporate, healthcare, school and public sectors. Alongside its product ranges, Kinnarps offers complete interior design solutions.
Key Products
- Office Desks, Chairs and Storage Systems Ergonomic Workstations – Fully Adjustable for the Modern Office Environment
- Public space seating: Lounge seating, waiting area furniture and modular sofas for airports, hospitals and reception areas.
- Educational furniture: desks, chairs and collaborative learning environments for schools and universities.
What They Produce
Kinnarps develops not only individual furniture items but also complete interior solutions—from desks and chairs to acoustic panels and lighting. The company is very focused on circular economy principles, offering refurbishment services and take-back programs for used furniture. The products are flexible so that the spaces can be adapted according to the needs. The portfolio includes storage systems, partitions, meeting pods and complete office landscapes.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.kinnarps.com
4. Lammhults Design Group
Founded in 1945, it has been part of the Lammhults Design Group since 1994 and had net sales of 90.8 MSEK in 2024. The company creates inspiring interiors for work and meeting spaces, producing high-quality furniture with timeless contemporary design that is built to last. Lammhults has a strong position in the Scandinavian and European market and is growing through close collaboration with dealers, leading designers and architects.
Key Products
- Chairs, armchairs and easy chairs for office, meeting and public use.
- Sofas and modular sofas: Flexible seating systems that can be adapted to different spatial configurations.
- Stools, Bar Stools and Tables: Collaborative and Hospitality Furniture
What They Produce
Lammhults manufactures furniture for work and meeting places—offices, conference centers, lounges and public spaces. The company’s three major strengths are the strong brand, innovative design and sustainability. Products are developed in close cooperation with leading Scandinavian and international designers; therefore, each piece balances aesthetic appeal with functional durability. The portfolio includes complete interior solutions for professional environments.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.lammhults.se/
5. Exakt MFG
Exakt MFG is a new furniture brand by designer Christoffer Söderqvist, who has more than three decades of experience making kitchens, shop fittings and furniture in his factory in Skurup, southern Sweden. The brand launched at Stockholm Design Days in March 2026 and operates on a vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer model that aims to produce high-quality furniture at lower prices than competitors by eliminating external suppliers and intermediaries. It’s a combination of cutting-edge manufacturing technology and old-school carpentry skill, described as “artisanry at scale, enabled by cutting-edge technology.”
Key Products
- Assprint stool: A humorous, sculptural seating piece designed by Söderqvist himself.
- Sofa with painted-wood base: Entirely manufactured in the Exakt factory, then upholstered with recycled polyester fabric by a specialist partner in Älmhult.
- Echo modular shelving system A flexible geometry grid of Nordic pine veneer and particle board.
- Solid oak chest of drawers: Featuring traditional dovetail joints.
- Sideboard and matching speakers: A set to use with premium HiFi equipment.
What They Produce
Exakt MFG has a limited selection of modern furniture that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques. The brand’s vertical integration—with control over everything from raw materials to final assembly in‑house—enables a circular, sustainable approach where products are designed for longevity and repairability. The debut collection features seating, shelving, storage and audio furniture, all made at the Skurup factory.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.exaktmfg.com/
FAQ
What is the oldest furniture manufacturer in Sweden?
Gemla, Sweden’s oldest furniture maker, was founded in 1861 in Diö, Småland. The company is the only Swedish producer still using the old-fashioned bentwood method – steaming and hand-shaping solid wood into chairs and tables.
Which Swedish company is known for outdoor steel furniture?
Grythyttan Stålmöbler was established in 1895 and produces handmade outdoor steel furniture. The company’s famous A2 rocking chair, created in 1930, is still available today. The furniture is made to last for generations and all steel used is recycled.
What types of furniture does Kinnarps produce?
Kinnarps produces office, public space and educational furniture including desks, chairs, storage systems, lounge seating and complete interior solutions. The company is Sweden’s second-largest furniture manufacturer by revenue ($407.9 million).
Is Exakt MFG a traditional or modern furniture manufacturer?
Exakt MFG showcases a new model of Swedish furniture production: vertically integrated, technology-driven and direct to consumer. The brand pairs traditional carpentry techniques (think dovetail joints, solid oak construction) with modern production techniques, to achieve “artisanry at scale.”
Which Swedish furniture manufacturer focuses on work and meeting spaces?
Lammhults Design Group is a specialist in interior solutions for work and meeting spaces and produces chairs, sofas, modular seating and tables for offices, conference centers and public areas. The company has net sales of 90.8 MSEK.
Do Swedish furniture manufacturers prioritize sustainability?
Yes, sustainability is a fundamental tenet across the industry. Gemla only uses FSC-certified wood, natural materials and water-based lacquers. Grythyttan Stålmöbler arbetar med återvunnet stål och FSC/PEFC-certifierat trä och deras möbler är byggda för att hålla i generationer. Kinnarps has programs for a circular economy, such as refurbishment and take-back services.
What is bentwood furniture?
Bentwood furniture is made by steaming solid wood until it is flexible, then shaping it by hand into curved forms and allowing it to dry for days in metal forms. Gemla are the only Swedish manufacturers who still master this technique, producing light and strong chairs that are extremely durable.
