Sustainable furnishings in Stockholm's Old Library

To mark the occasion, the institution asked five Swedish designers to work alongside 21 local manufacturers to produce furnishings that could decorate the museum's new rooms.

Among the contributions are woven hemp chairs and pine reading tables from Emma Olbers Design for the renovation of the Old Library in the National Museum.

"My brief was to make a room for rest and reflection," explained Emma Olbers, founder of the studio, "and environmental issues are of high priority for me."

The room is now centred by a slim table made from a single Swedish pine tree. Its counter has been stained forest-green, in a nod to the green chairs, leather-bound books and tabletop writing mats seen in traditional public libraries.

Report by Natasha Levy, Dezeen. Full text and photos via link on right >