A pair of occasional tables 'Oktober'

Designed by Carl Malmsten

Sweden, 1950s

The “Oktober” occasional tables were designed by Malmsten as compact, versatile furnishings suitable for informal domestic use. Their proportions were intended to accommodate tea service, reading light or lamp placement during the autumn months—hence the name “Oktober”, chosen to reflect the seasonal gathering indoors.

Executed in warm‑toned hardwood with clean lines and modest detailing, the tables display Malmsten’s commitment to craftsmanship and to a human‑centred approach to furniture design. The design retains a sense of simplicity while offering practical mobility and flexibility.

Carl Malmsten’s work is rooted in Swedish craft tradition and he was critical of the austerity of functionalism. The “Oktober” table series reflects his philosophy of furniture as a part of everyday life—furniture designed for presence rather than spectacle.

The surfaces show natural signs of age and use, consistent with well-preserved examples from the period. Joints, veneers, and top finishes retain the clarity of their original construction while reflecting the passage of time through subtle shifts in tone and patina.