Acking studied at Stockholm Technical College, where he specialized in industrial design. After graduating, he worked briefly for the lighting company Belysnings AB before founding his own design agency in 1954.
During his career, Acking created many iconic objects, including furniture, lighting and household accessories. He was renowned for his ability to combine simplicity of line and form with practical functionality, and his designs were often characterized by their timeless elegance.
Among his most famous creations are the "Jetson" armchair (1959), the "Margareta" stool (1960) and the "Mushroom" table lamp (1964). His creations were often made from natural materials such as wood and leather, and reflected the influence of the Scandinavian design movement, which emphasized simplicity, functionality and natural beauty.
Acking received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, testifying to his outstanding contribution to the world of design. His work continues to be admired and collected by design enthusiasts around the world, and he is considered one of the most influential designers of his time.
Carl-Axel Acking has left a lasting legacy in the field of design, and his visionary approach continues to inspire many contemporary designers.