Designer

Knut Sæter

1922–1989

Knut Sæter, as the founder of Vatne Møbler, created a legacy of quality and timeless elegance that continues to inspire today. In collaboration with the country’s leading designers, he put Vatne on the map with iconic furniture pieces that have become cultural treasures.

The Early Years

Knut Sæter (1922–1989), founder of Vatne Lenestolfabrikk (now Vatne Møbler AS), was born and raised in Vatne, a small village in the Sunnmøre region of Norway. He began his journey at the Bergen School of Arts and Crafts, where he received a solid foundation in interior design and interior architecture. It was here that his creative talents and aesthetic sensibilities were nurtured, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

After completing his studies, Sæter was given the opportunity to work at LK Hjelle, a renowned furniture manufacturer known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This experience proved pivotal, as he gained valuable insight into furniture production and learned how to merge functionality with aesthetics.

In 1946, at just 24 years old, Sæter made a bold decision to establish Vatne Lenestolfabrikk in his hometown of Vatne, near Ålesund. Despite a challenging financial start, with only a few thousand kroner in savings, he built the company from the ground up: first in his own basement, then in rented space in the basement of the local prayer house, and finally in Vatne’s first dedicated factory, completed in 1950.

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Vatne Lenestolfabrikk

With his innovative spirit and unwavering work ethic, Knut Sæter built Vatne Lenestolfabrikk into one of Norway’s leading furniture manufacturers. In post-war Norway, marked by material shortages and economic challenges;- he still managed to put his company on the map through an uncompromising commitment to quality and design.

Sæter’s vision for Vatne Lenestolfabrikk was not merely to produce furniture, but to create a legacy of Norwegian design that could stand the test of time. His work helped establish Vatne as a key player in the furniture industry and laid the foundation for a family business that remains well-known today. His passion and dedication to quality and design have left a lasting impact on Norwegian furniture history.

Under Sæter’s leadership, Vatne Lenestolfabrikk became known for its commitment to quality in both design and craftsmanship. He engaged young and promising designers such as Gerhard Berg and Swedish designer Torsten Johansson, but Vatne’s major breakthrough came through its collaboration with Fredrik Kayser. Beginning in the 1950s, Kayser designed a series of pieces for Vatne that appealed to an international audience both aesthetically and functionally, especially following the launch of his iconic lounge chair, Model 711.

The Legacy of Knut Sæter: A Family Tradition in Norwegian Furniture Design

Despite Knut Sæter’s passing in 1989, his legacy lives on through his family, most notably his son, Per Arne Sæter, who continues to run the factory to this day. Together with others, Per Arne has relaunched several of the classic designs, renewing interest in Vatne’s timeless aesthetic. Today, Vatne Møbler AS stands as a monument to Knut Sæter’s vision, a testament to how a simple idea—when pursued with enough passion;- can become, and remain, a cornerstone of Norwegian furniture history and heritage.

As far as is known, there is little documented evidence of personal awards or official honors received by Knut Sæter himself. His contributions came primarily through his work with Vatne Møbler, where he built a company that became a strong platform for Norwegian designers. Through Vatne Møbler, he played a crucial role in bringing Norwegian design to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally.

It is possible that there are local or industry-specific recognitions that have not received widespread attention, but in general, Sæter remained somewhat behind the scenes, while the pieces produced by Vatne, and designers such as Fredrik Kayser and Sigurd Resell;- received the spotlight and acclaim.

Norsk Håndverksutstilling (The Norwegian Craft Exhibition):
Sæter took part in this exhibition during the 1960s. Held biennially, it was a key platform for showcasing the quality of Norwegian craftsmanship and design.

Salone del Mobile, Milano (The Milan Furniture Fair):
From the late 1960s through the 1970s and 1980s, Sæter represented Vatne Lenestolfabrikk at this prestigious international furniture fair. These events attracted designers from around the world and provided a stage for presenting Vatne’s innovative furniture designs.

Norsk Møbelfabrikkers Forening (Norwegian Furniture Manufacturers Association):
Sæter was an active member of this association, and his work was frequently featured in its exhibitions during the 1970s, a period when Norwegian furniture design began gaining international recognition.

Formland-messen, Danmark (Formland Fair, Denmark):
In the 1980s, Sæter also participated in the Formland Fair, a major Scandinavian trade fair for design and interiors held in Denmark.

Museum and Retrospective Exhibitions:
Following his death in 1989, several retrospective exhibitions have celebrated Sæter’s life’s work. These include displays at Norges Håndverksmuseum (The Norwegian Museum of Handicrafts) and anniversary exhibitions for Vatne Møbler AS, honoring his enduring legacy in Norwegian design.

Sæter, Amund (2015). Møbeleventyret Vatne, Self-Publishing.

Linder, Mats (2011). Norske Designmøbler 1940-1975, Samler & Antikkbørsen. 

Rydland, Ragnhild (2016). Norsk møbeldesign: En historie om form og funksjon, Gyldendal Norsk Publishing House.

Mæland, Randi (2017). Design fra Norge: En reise gjennom tidene, Universitetsforlaget.