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Bruno Mathsson was a Swedish designer who was born in Varnamo in 1907 into a woodworking tradition. His father a well known cabinetmaker and furniture maker was well known as well as having four generations of Mathsson wood workers before him. The things he learned growing up were the feel and nature of wood, the tradition of excellence, and the technical skills that are essential when making furniture.

After Mathsson became interested in the technical aspects of making furniture, he began to absorb all the information that he could about furniture making. He borrowed books from designers and museums, and contacted people who would become long-term associates and mentors. He became intrigued by functionalism as a result of his self-education in technical issues and design. He earned a scholarship with a functionalist chair design.

Feeling that traditional flat board furniture had too many limitations, Mathsson decided to try designing chairs with no springs at all and with light upholstery. He wanted the chairs to have clean, elegant lines and to be able to change positions. This was actually so controversial an idea at the time that some of his designs were hidden away until he became a well-known and respected designer.

Mathsson was so interested in what he termed "the mechanics of sitting", that he decide to attempt experiments to learn which pattern a human made when they sat down, even going to the extent of sitting in the snow to observe the result. Mathsson received a Grand Prix design award in 1937. By that time, his chairs were being displayed to the world again.

The Pernilla chair is one of his classic designs. It comes in both easy chair and lounge chair formats that use bentwood and lamination techniques in part of the design and can be made with either webbing or upholstery. Due to shortages of material during the war, Mathsson used jute, hemp, or anything else he could find. This design can be adapted to almost any wood or material. Pernilla chairs usually come with an attached pillow as well.

A historical Bruno Mathsson design that captures a contemporary feel is the modular Fällbord table. It is a well known Bruno Mathsson creation that came about in 1935 and can be configured in multiple different ways. His designs have held their popularity well into the 21st century by providing everlasting appeal. This appeal has proved consistent through his Jetson, Miranda, Eva and Pernilla chair designs as well.

Yet another piece of Mathsson furniture (Mathsson mobler) that MUST be mentioned here is another of his tables. The Mathsson superellips is also considered a classic and it seems like it will increase in value for many years to come. Mathsson passed away in 1988 leaving an amazing legacy of family heritage made great by his insight.