Sittmöbel

Sittmöbel is the Swedish term for seating furniture, a category that includes chairs, stools, benches, sofas and similar pieces designed for sitting. These furnishings are used in homes, offices and public spaces, and may be intended for indoor or outdoor use depending on materials and design.

The concept reflects a broader Scandinavian design tradition that values functionality, ergonomic comfort and simple, durable forms. Swedish seating has evolved from carved wooden chairs in the 18th and 19th centuries to lighter, upholstered and modular pieces in the 20th century, influenced by Scandinavian modernism. Prominent Swedish designers associated with seating include Bruno Mathsson and Carl Malmsten, whose work emphasized ergonomic form and craftsmanship. In recent decades, mass-produced and affordable options from retailers such as IKEA have made seating furniture widespread worldwide.

Types and examples common in Swedish usage include dining chairs and armchairs, sofas and settees, benches used in entryways or hallways, stools and ottomans, and outdoor lounge chairs. Materials typically include wood (such as pine, birch, and oak), upholstery fabrics or leather, and, for outdoor pieces, weather-resistant finishes and metals. Construction often combines traditional joinery with modern manufacturing methods, balancing durability, comfort, and ease of production.

Care and maintenance depend on the material: wood requires cleaning and occasional oiling or varnish; fabric upholstery needs vacuuming and spot cleaning; outdoor pieces require protection from the elements.