Vintage Extendable Dining Suite by Elias Svedberg for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden

This refined dining suite reflects the quiet sophistication and craftsmanship of Swedish modern design during the mid-20th century. Designed by Elias Svedberg for Nordiska Kompaniet’s Triva series, circa 1940s–50s. The set captures the understated harmony and practicality that defined the Scandinavian approach to modern living.

 

The oval extendable dining table features a beautifully grained beechwood top with warm honey tones and softly rounded edges, supported by tapering cylindrical legs joined with precise NK workmanship. The table expands from circular to oval form, balancing functionality with graceful proportion.

 

The five matching dining chairs, display sculpted beech frames with gently curved backrests that offer exceptional comfort. Their refined silhouettes and thoughtful detailing embody the craftsmanship and design sensibility associated with NK’s Nyköping workshops.

 

A notable creation within the Triva series, this suite represents one of Sweden’s early ventures into modular, modern furniture production—conceived under the creative direction of Elias Svedberg and Lena Larsson during the 1940s–50s. It remains a hallmark of Nordiska Kompaniet’s contribution to Swedish modernism, where timeless design met high-quality craftsmanship.

 

Designer: Elias Svedberg (1903–1987)
Manufacturer: Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), Nyköping, Sweden
Date: circa 1940–1955
Condition: Presented in very good vintage condition. The set has been carefully restored and refinished to preserve its character while enhancing the warmth and depth of the wood. Minor veneer loss has been professionally repaired, and the surface display only light marks consistent with age and use, as shown in the accompanying photographs. The chairs have been newly reupholstered in high-quality FibreGuard fabric by Stuart Graham Fabrics, offering excellent durability and stain resistance suitable for everyday use.

One chair has undergone a professional stretcher repair, which has been carefully executed and reinforced. The chair remains structurally sound, and the repair does not detract from its overall presentation. It is included at no additional cost.

As with all authentic mid-century pieces, gentle signs of age remain and are considered part of their character.

Stamped: “NK Made in Sweden” and numbered “561-003.”
Dimensions: Table closed Diameter 115cm, extended 175cm, height 75cm

Chairs: H 77, W 46, D 49, Seat H 43 cm.

 

 

Elias Svedberg (1903–1987)

Elias Svedberg was a pioneering Swedish architect and designer whose work helped shape the principles of modern Scandinavian interior design. Trained at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Svedberg became a leading figure at Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), where he served as head architect for the interior design department from the 1930s onward.

In 1944, he launched the Triva series — a groundbreaking concept for modular, affordable, and well-crafted furniture that could be shipped flat-packed and easily assembled at home. Decades before IKEA popularised the idea, Svedberg and NK were already championing democratic design: furniture that combined quality craftsmanship, honest materials, and functional elegance.

His designs balanced technical innovation with warm simplicity, often using light woods like beech and birch, and featuring soft organic lines typical of Swedish modernism. Collaborating with designer Lena Larsson, he later developed the Triva-bo concept — complete room settings showcasing accessible modern living for postwar homes.

Svedberg’s contribution to design extended beyond furniture; he was instrumental in shaping Swedish exhibition design and interiors that reflected social progress and modern values. Today, his NK and Triva pieces are regarded as icons of early Scandinavian modern design — celebrated for their balance of craftsmanship, proportion, and enduring usability.

 

Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden

Since its founding, Nordiska Kompaniet—endearingly known as "NK"—has been a powerful platform for pioneering furniture designers. Its celebrated department stores in Stockholm and Gothenburg have featured the work of renowned mid-century modern and Scandinavian designers, establishing NK as a benchmark for quality and innovation. Founded in 1902 through the merger of K.M. Lundberg and Joseph Leja, NK was brought to life by Josef Sachs, who envisioned it as a cultural institution to rival Paris's luxury stores. This vision materialized in 1915 with the opening of its iconic Stockholm flagship.

NK's commitment to excellence in furniture design became evident early on, with Axel Einar Hjorth, a master cabinetmaker, leading its production from 1927 to 1938. A defining moment for NK and Scandinavian modernism came with the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition, where architect Sven Markelius's installation for NK showcased Swedish functionalism on an international stage.

Over the decades, NK collaborated with eminent designers such as Carl Bergsten, David Rosen, and Gio Ponti, producing iconic pieces—sofas, lounge chairs, bookcases, and dining tables—that have left an indelible mark on mid-century modern design. To this day, NK remains dedicated to championing progressive design and craftsmanship.

 

Photographed in natural light in our studio.

 

As with many quality Mid-Century pieces, this design thoughtfully pairs solid wood construction with a premium wood veneer—an approach widely used at the time to highlight beautiful grain patterns while ensuring lasting stability.

 

We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.

Prices do not include delivery.

Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.

We deliver locally within Cape Town for a small fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person.  Collections must be made within two weeks of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods. 

 

Delivery is outsourced and priced as accurately as possible based on current courier rates, distance, and fuel costs. Final quotes may vary slightly depending on item size and location.

 

Working with vintage pieces means celebrating the character and history each item holds. While we maintain high standards, our pieces are not new — gentle wear and age-related patina are part of their story. 

 

Although we carefully clean and lightly restored each item to honour its original state, most of our furniture dates from the pre-1980s era, and subtle signs of age may still be visible. We make every effort to highlight any notable details or concerns.

We provide detailed photographs, including overall views and close-ups of notable details, which form part of the condition report. We encourage you to review these images carefully, and if you have any questions or would like further clarity, we’re always happy to assist, viewings are welcome by appointment.

 

Photographed in natural light in our studio.

 

VINTAGE CONDITIONS:

excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips. 
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marks

Unfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf. 

Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.

Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).

After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier. 

Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R250 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.

 

For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town. 

 

For peace of mind, we recommend arranging cover for your shipment with your own insurance provider during transit.

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

Our site uses a Secure 3D payment gateway provided by Peach Payments.
We accept all major credit cards and most debit cards. We also have an Instant EFT option, Mobicred and Payflex - Buy Now Pay Later payment solution.

Restoration Process:

In our studio workshop, every item undergoes an inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.

 

Our Approach Includes:

• Examining and reinforcing the joints
• Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
• Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
• Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance