Since its inception, luxury retailer Nordiska Kompaniet, known affectionately to its customers as “NK,” has offered an influential platform for innovators in furniture design. Its department stores in Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden, have been home to many of the top names in mid-century modern design and in Scandinavian modernism. Admired for its production of high-quality pieces, it continues to support forward-looking designers.
Nordiska Kompaniet was founded in 1902 through the merger of the companies K.M. Lundberg and Joseph Leja. Its founder, Josef Sachs, envisioned a department store as a cultural arena that would rival the luxury stores of Paris. He opened a flagship store in Stockholm in 1915. Early on, the brand set its sights on quality furniture making, bringing on master cabinetmaker Axel Einar Hjorth, who headed its production from 1927 to 1938.
The Stockholm Exhibition of 1930 was pivotal for both Nordiska Kompaniet and the world of design as a whole. NK’s installation, designed by Sven Markelius, positioned the artist as a key influencer and force majeure of Swedish functionalism.
Nordiska Kompaniet has continued to hire renowned designers throughout its operations, including such luminaries as Carl Bergsten, David Rosen and Gio Ponti. Many iconic sofas, lounge chairs, bookcases and dining room tables from the mid-century modern period originated in its furniture shop. The brand has also been at the forefront of textile, ceramic and wallpaper design, with artists Berndt Friberg, Josef Frank, Stig Lindberg and Elsa Gullberg among those who have contributed to NK’s brand legacy.
To cater to its growing customer base, Nordiska Kompaniet opened a second store in Gothenburg in 1971. Today, NK continues to provide patronage to top designers, remaining a leader in high-end furniture production.
Find antique and vintage Nordiska Kompaniet tables, seating, mirrors, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Axel Einar Hjorth Swedish Grace Bookshelf, 1930
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Uccle, BE
"Funkis" Bookshelf made of Bonad birch with removable shelves. Metal plaque on back with the following information NK R 35389- C 25 1 32. Dimensions: H100.5 x W116 x D25cm H39" x W46...
Birch
$58,717
H 64.57 in W 37.8 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Modern Unique Cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Unique bar cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, in a strikingly decorative design with elegant details. Made from mahogany with floral motif inlays in birch and rosewood. Lighting inside. M...
Mahogany
$18,416
H 45.28 in W 33.86 in D 15.56 in
Swedish Grace Fall-front Cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1925
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning fall-front desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from mahogany with sculpted, darker wood details. Generously decorated with inlays, beautifully executed. Multiple small drawers a...
Mahogany
Cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Very rare if not unique cabinet designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, from the "Caesar" series. Circa 1933. Stained birch. Rich decorated hand carved flamed birch doors panels. Original finish. Marked underneath with pencil on Swedish "Cabinet Lion". Presumably produced by AB Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden. Cabinet dimensions : 51"W x 20"D x 63"H' The cabinet base : 58"W x 24"D. A similar example of the present model was included in the International Exposition, Barcelona, 1929. Designer authenticity was proved by Thomas Ekstrom...
Birch
Axel-Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' cabinet, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovo cabinet by Axel-Einar Hjorth, produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s.
Iron
$6,341
H 27.96 in W 31.89 in D 16.15 in
Swedish Pine Chest of Drawers in the Style of Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Ystad, SE
Swedish Pine Chest of Drawers in the Style of Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden 1930s Elegant Swedish chest of drawers crafted in solid pine and executed in the style of Axel Einar Hjorth’s...
Pine
Bookshelf, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Larsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Freestanding bookshelf produced in Sweden, 1930s. Good vintage condition with signs of usage.
Pine
$6,573
H 25.6 in W 42.92 in D 17.72 in
Functionalist Entryway bench by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Functionalist entryway bench with drawers and small cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth. Made from beech, partially stained black. Clean lines wit...
Birch
$9,981
H 33.47 in W 66.15 in D 19.69 in
Sideboard 'Borgholm' attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth for Bodafors, Sweden, 1920s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard attributed to the Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjorth. Produced by Bodafors as part of the series 'Borgholm' during the 1920s. Elegant design in stained birch.
Birch
$70,460
H 61.42 in W 39.38 in D 17.72 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Wooden "Lovö" Pine Cabinet for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare "Lovö" cabinet in stained pine wood by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm Sweden, 1930s. In good original condition. Key is included. Dimensions: H: 156 c...
Wrought Iron
Bookshelf, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Larsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Modern bookshelf produced, 1930s. Good vintage condition with small signs of usage.
Birch
$16,464
H 56.89 in W 64.38 in D 18.51 in
An Axel Einar Hjorth Swedish Grace "Roma" Cabinet in Birch, 1920's
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in London, GB
A Swedish Grace stained flamed birch cabinet "Roma" for Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, SMF. Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth. The cabinet opens by three doors to reveal and interior w...
Birch
$7,022
H 34.65 in W 55.12 in D 18.9 in
Elm sideboard 'OK' by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful sideboard by the renowned designer Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet during the 1930s and 1940s. Model is called 'OK' and was a part of a series of furn...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern "Lovö" bookcase, NK, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Low pine bookcase with cabinet part, made at NK in a rustic functionalist design. Rounded corners combined with traditional design elements including a cast iron keyhole plate. The ...
Pine
Sold
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 13.78 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Wooden Lovö Shelf in Pine for Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish early mid century wooden "lovö" bookcase / cabinet in pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1930s. In good original condition aquired from the ori...
Pine
Sold
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 13.78 in
Axel Einar Hjorth "Lovö" Shelf in Pine for Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Scandinavian modern bookcase / shelf model "Lovö" by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1930s. In good original condition aquired from the original owne...
Pine
Sold
H 25.6 in W 55.12 in D 13.39 in
Axel Einar Hjorth Bookcase in Pine Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare bookcase in solid stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth produced for Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm ca 1932. This model is identically to the more common "Typenko" in stained ...
Pine
Carl Malmsten "Ulriksdal" Bookcase, circa 1924
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in New York, NY
A Carl Malmsten birchwood and ebonized open bookcase, Model name "Ulriksdal" Circa 1924, with metal retailers tag Nordiska Kompaniet, NK. Adjustable shelves.
Birch
Sold
H 56.3 in W 31.5 in D 14.18 in
1920, Art Deco Secrétaire or Dry Bar by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1920s, unique secrétaire designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and manufactured in 1924 by Nordiska Kompaniet, numbered L228. This unique Art Deco secrétaire is designed as a come-in to the...
Glass, Beech, Walnut
Sold
H 79.53 in W 86.62 in L 79.53 in
"Futura" Bookshelf by David Rosén for Nordiska Kompaniet, NK, 1950s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), David Rosén
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare bookshelf made for the "Futura" series designed by David Rosén. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet during the 1950s. Made from teak and black lacquered oak with brass details. Insid...
Brass
Axel Einar Hjorth Bookcase for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1937
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in London, GB
Axel Einar Hjorth was major contributor to the burgeoning Swedish design culture that was recognized internationally in the 1920s. He effectively introduced Swedish decorative arts and architecture to the United States. His minimal and unique style heralded the Swedish modern movement. This beautifully simple wooden bookshelf...
Wood