Gemla’s Sunfeather table descends from Sonna Rosén’s 1948 design, originating from the same bentwood tradition that has defined Sweden’s oldest furniture manufacturer since 1861.
The Sunfeather family began as an armchair—Rosén’s elegantly proportioned solution for elderly users, requiring ease of both sitting and rising—and the accompanying side table inherits this philosophy of functional grace.
The table embodies the characteristic Gemla approach: lightweight solid beech construction using steam-bent techniques refined across 120+ years of craftspeople learning the language of wood grain and structural potential.
What distinguishes the Sunfeather table from contemporary furniture is its visual clarity. The design’s open construction means it occupies physical space without dominating visual volume, making it suited to layered interiors and compact rooms. Gemla offers multiple finish options—natural oil, white lacquer, dark stain, and hand-applied leather surfaces—allowing the table to integrate with either spare Scandinavian minimalism or richer, more textured environments. The original Sunfeather armchair achieved the rare distinction of Museum of Modern Art recognition in 1952, awarded for “Good Design,” and remains in MoMA’s permanent collection. This institutional validation reflects what users discovered immediately: the design solves practical problems without aesthetic compromise.
Gemla’s workshop in Diö, nestled among the beech forests of Småland, maintains restoration services ensuring Sunfeather pieces survive generations of use. The company’s commitment to FSC-certified wood, vegetable-tanned leather, and natural textiles represents a material philosophy aligned with contemporary sustainability concerns while remaining rooted in historical craft practices. For designers and collectors seeking furniture that references Swedish design heritage while functioning effectively in modern interiors, the Sunfeather table exemplifies how restraint and technical mastery create objects that transcend fashion.
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