Behind the Designer: Krogenäs
There are designers who leave their mark through radical innovation, and there are those whose influence is quieter – carried forward through well-made furniture that simply stands the test of time. Krogenäs belongs to the latter group. A lesser-known but respected name in Swedish furniture history, Krogenäs is more than a single designer – it’s a family-run workshop and design house that, for decades, produced some of the most enduring examples of solid wood Scandinavian furniture. Their work is a study in restraint, functionality, and the Swedish commitment to quality materials and construction.
Founded in southern Sweden, Krogenäs Möbler came to prominence in the post-war period, producing furniture for both public institutions and private homes. The name “Krogenäs” became synonymous with well-built pieces made from locally sourced oak, beech, and pine – materials chosen for their durability and character. What set Krogenäs apart was not flamboyance or experimentation, but their complete dedication to making furniture that was honest, humble, and made to last.
The design language of Krogenäs is immediately recognisable: clean lines, gently tapered legs, solid wood construction, and a warm, tactile finish. Many of their pieces – particularly dining sets, benches, and armchairs – reflect a deep connection to Swedish folk design traditions, subtly modernised for mid-century sensibilities. Their forms are generous but never oversized, practical but never generic. These were pieces meant to be used every day – by families, schools, churches, and offices – without ever feeling institutional.
Though Krogenäs operated primarily as a manufacturer, their in-house designers and craftsmen deserve recognition alongside better-known Scandinavian names. Their focus on quality over authorship means that many Krogenäs pieces were unsigned – an anonymity that, paradoxically, strengthens their legacy. These were not ego-driven designs. They were democratic, accessible, and built around the idea that furniture should quietly serve its space, not dominate it.
A standout example of Krogenäs design is their line of solid wood dining chairs and matching tables, which often feature dowel joinery, exposed tenons, and hand-finished surfaces. These pieces age beautifully – gaining patina rather than wear – and are prized today for their robust simplicity. Similarly, their benches and daybeds, often found in Swedish schools and public halls, are now being rediscovered as minimalist classics: unfussy, honest, and deeply livable.
At a time when much of the furniture industry shifted toward veneers, laminates, and short-term production cycles, Krogenäs held firm. Their pieces weren’t cheap – but they were fair. They embodied the Scandinavian idea of lagom – not too much, not too little, just right. And that’s precisely what makes their work so appealing to today’s buyers, who are looking for alternatives to mass-market disposability.
At Design Preowned, Krogenäs represents a certain kind of design integrity – one that aligns seamlessly with our mission. Their furniture is ideal for restoration, not only because of the quality of materials, but because of the clarity of the craftsmanship. Every joint, every surface, every proportion was made with longevity in mind. In many cases, a gentle sanding and re-oiling is all it takes to bring a 50-year-old Krogenäs piece back to life – ready for another half-century of use.
We’ve worked with numerous Krogenäs originals in recent years – often salvaged from institutions or country homes – and what strikes us every time is how contemporary they feel. Not in a trendy sense, but in their honesty. There’s no visual clutter, no unnecessary detail – just proportion, material, and care. Whether we’re re-strapping a chair, repairing a loose leg, or refinishing a tabletop, the restoration process becomes a tribute to the original maker’s quiet excellence.
The rediscovery of Krogenäs furniture also speaks to a wider cultural shift: a move toward substance over surface, quality over quantity, and legacy over branding. In a world saturated with throwaway furniture, Krogenäs reminds us of another way – one where furniture is part of a life, not just a space. Where a table tells stories. Where a bench has memory.
While they never sought the spotlight, the legacy of Krogenäs continues – not through museums or monographs, but through the objects themselves. Through the pieces still in use, still standing, still admired for their restraint and resilience.
At Design Preowned, we’re proud to keep that legacy alive – not only by restoring Krogenäs furniture, but by sharing their story with a new generation of buyers who value the real over the disposable. Their work proves that great design doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it just lasts.