Göte Möbler Carmen: a Swedish armchair classic

Few vintage armchairs find a new home as quickly as the Carmen. It is one of the pieces we are asked about most often, so here is what we know about the chair and its maker.

A maker known for wood and leather

Göte Möbler is a Swedish furniture maker known for solid-wood frames and leather armchairs. We regularly restore its Carmen, Lagoon and Nässjö models.

The Carmen model appeared in 1976. The story goes that the company's founder bought the remains of a bankrupt workshop and started making furniture himself, with no famous names behind him. The company grew into a producer of iconic pieces.

How the Carmen is built

The frame is solid wood, left in a natural dark tone, standing on slim round legs set at a slight angle. The reclined back, deep seat and wide leather-covered armrests give an anatomical, relaxed sit.

Many Carmens come in leather in warm tones such as terracotta, caramel or olive. The leather softens and creases with use, which is part of the charm.

What we do to a Carmen

Where the original leather is still soft and lovely we keep it and restore only the wood. Where it is beyond saving we upholster the chair in new natural leather and renew the filling.

In every case the wood is sanded and lacquered carefully, without erasing the marks that tell the chair's story.

What to look for in a vintage Carmen

Check that the frame is solid and the joints are tight, that the legs are not cracked and that the leather is supple, not dry. Ask whether the leather is original or new, and what was done to the wood.

Each of our listings states the maker, period, materials, condition and the restoration carried out. You can see the Carmen chairs currently in the showroom below.