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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century prioritised bold forms and geometry, while adapting to the changing cultural and economic period, ensuring functionality as well as aesthetics. Designers across Europe favoured strong silhouettes, subtle ornamentation, and a close dialogue between craftsmanship and modern living. In the Netherlands, where functionalist ideals and artisanal traditions often intersected, Art Deco interiors reflected a balance between elegance and practicality.

This upholstered three-seater sofa is a striking embodiment of that period of transition. Its angular armrests and wide, padded back project a sense of comfort, while the clean lines and low, elongated profile speak to Art Deco’s fascination with geometry and proportion. The tufted body introduces a rhythmic detail that enhances the visual depth without overwhelming the clarity of the design. The sofa rests on sharply angled wooden legs and sculptural side supports that contrast beautifully with the softness of the upholstery - grounding the piece while adding contrast. The interplay between the plush fabric and the warm, polished wood captures the essence of 1920s Dutch design: a commitment to fine materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and modest glamour.

As both a historical object and a practical piece of furniture, this sofa furnished the foyer of the Trianon cinema in Leiden, which is still in use. Today, this piece illustrates the enduring relevance of early 20th-century design, and will make a beautiful addition to a variety of interiors.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The sofa has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

80.70 in W x 34.44 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 18.50 in; Seat depth 24.40 in; Arm height 23.62 in

205 cm W x 87.5 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 47 cm; Seat depth 62 cm; Arm height 60 cm

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

Designed in the 1950s by Aake Anttila and manufactured by Lahti Lepokaulusto, this “Susanna” sofa is a wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design. While Finnish design is often associated with strict functionalism, many designers introduced a greater sense of comfort and informality into their work, particularly in upholstered furniture.

Aake Antilla was one of a group of people that established Lepokalusto in 1953. Antilla was in charge of designing all of the furniture in the first few years - including this sofa model - which immediately caught the attention of the press. This sofa combines a low, elongated profile and gently sculpted silhouette. The body is fully upholstered, with a continuous line running along the backrest, creating a soft form. The backrest features subtle button tufting, adding a layer of texture and rhythm without disrupting the overall simplicity. The seat is broad and padded, emphasizing comfort while maintaining a clean horizontal line. Gentle, rounded lines characterise the design with a solid wooden structure that is seemingly simple. In reality, the engineering is quite remarkable, from the way the legs are formed to how the back connects to them and supports the upholstered cushion. The legs lift the sofa just enough to prevent it from appearing heavy, a common technique in mid-century design to balance volume with visual clarity. The upholstery completes the model, with the brown tone perfectly complementing the colour of the wood.

The “Susanna” sofa appeared in Lahden Lepokalusto’s first catalogue and it quickly became beloved in Finland, foreshadowing the success the company would soon achieve. Its form encourages use, with a relaxed posture that feels natural. This kind of balance, between comfort and control, is what gives the design its lasting appeal, allowing it to sit comfortably within both period interiors and more contemporary settings without feeling out of place.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The sofa has recently been reupholstered. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

63.77 in W x 24.6 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 16.14 in

162 cm W x 62.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

Throughout the 20th century, Italian design managed to distinguish itself. The 1960s was a boom time in Italy especially, a decade of mass production and innovation that signaled the end of the post-war rebuilding programme. Still, one off designs and the overflow of creativity were just as present, giving birth to outstanding pieces such as this modular “Superonda” sofa.

The “Superonda” sofa, designed in 1967 by the radical Florentine design collective Archizoom Associati, and produced for Poltronova, is a pioneering piece that challenged the conventions of traditional furniture design. The Superonda blurs the line between object and artwork, inviting interaction rather than passive use. It can serve as a sofa, a bed, or a chaise, making it as versatile as it is visually striking. Composed of two interlocking, elements, the Superonda departs from the conventional frames, legs, and backs, instead offering a sculptural, modular form that can be arranged in multiple ways. Its bold, wave-like silhouette reflects the playfulness of the Italian Radical Design movement, a rebellion against bourgeois taste and rigid functionalism.

Produced by Poltronova, a manufacturer known for championing avant-garde Italian design, the Superonda remains an unforgettable piece in design history. Its enduring relevance lies in its conceptual boldness, embodying the ideals of a generation that sought to redefine the relationship between people and their environments. Today, the Superonda stands not only as a collectible design icon but as a symbol of radical creativity and the power of design to question societal norms.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

94.88 in W x 44.88 in D x 15.74 in H

241 cm W x 114 cm D X 40 cm H

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

This elegant sofa is the creation of Elna Kiljander, one of Finlands first female architects. Characterised by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, this sofa is a material expression of Nordic design ideals. It possesses mid-century elements representative of its era, but is also constructed according to Finnish design traditions.

Curved sofas in general are considered statement pieces in any space, with their generously rounded and flowing back and arms, and materials of the highest quality. The design of this piece directs the eyes to the voluptuous, fully upholstered body that is the result of the exquisite craftsmanship and smart design. Free from unnecessary decoration, the aesthetic of this sofa is sleek, elegant, and modern. With its curvy shape, it is perfect to break the rigour of any space, keeping an elegant appearance elevated by the earthy-toned upholstery. The slim wood legs add a modern, organic feel, balancing out the profile of the body. The tapered legs’ angle is adjusted to provide perfect stability, while the masterful sense of proportions and the soft upholstery guarantee functionality and comfort. Finnish design is appreciated around the world for its minimalistic appearance and strict functionalism. This sofa is the visual definition of these characteristics with it’s architectural precision and unmistakeable stylishness.

In Nordic design things are made to last rather than to be replaced, while the home enhances an unburdened lifestyle. Living well is in itself an art form, and furniture design is meant to complement it. This sofa is ideal to serve these purposes in an elegant, comfortable, and stylish manner.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

63 in W x 32.28 in D x 28.34 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 21.65 in

160 cm W x 82 cm D x 72 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 55 cm

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

This elegant three-seater sofa is a quintessential example of mid-century Italian design. Visually, it represents modernism by rejecting the common design choices of the past, such as heavy ornamentation and the prioritisation of form over function.

The design elements of this sofa - from the curved lines, to the dark wood and luxurious upholstery - not only create an intimate gathering place, but also define the look of a room whilst keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century design. The piece aims to maximise comfort while putting an emphasis on elegance and refinement. With its high winged-backrest the sofa combines both form and function. Originally intended to shield the sitters from drafts, the wingback design also contributes to the stately silhouette. The understated tone of the upholstery allows the sculptural lines of the sofa to stand out, while still offering a neutral look that will integrate seamlessly into both contemporary and vintage interiors. The seat cushion is generously padded, providing a balance of comfort and support. Further adding to the stability are the tapered wooden legs that the piece rests on, the dark tone of the wood subtly elevates the design and reflects the minimalist aesthetic of the era. Free from unnecessary decoration, the aesthetic of this sofa is sleek, elegant, and modern. With its interesting shape, it is perfect to break the rigour of any space, keeping an elegant appearance elevated by the light upholstery.

Though many mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian counterparts, they were integral to developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The appreciation for their contribution is still growing today making outstanding Italian pieces like this sofa highly sought after.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

77.55 in W x 36.22 in D x 36.41 in H; Seat height 20.07 in; Seat depth 20.66 in; Arm height 22.44 in

197 cm W x 92 cm D x 92.5 cm H; Seat height 51 cm; Seat depth 52.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm

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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur

This eye-catching daybed was designed by Theo Ruth in 1947 and manufactured in a limited series. The keywords around this model are quality, comfort and understated elegance.

The slender, slightly conical wooden legs are made from patinated beech. The legs balance out the body well, creating a light look. The elegant shape is formed by the raised back and the round, soft edges. This daybed is an exceptional piece of Dutch design that was exclusively produced by Eugen Schmidt Soloform (later Eugen Schmidt GmbH in Darmstadt) and Artifort. While many daybeds have been “inspired” by Ruth’s present design, this original model remains very limited in numbers.

This daybed has been reupholstered in a premium alpaca-wool blend fabric, which guarantees outstanding comfort and softness. The light colour of the upholstery brings out the beautiful shade and grain of the beech legs.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item has recently been reupholstered in a premium alpaca wool blend fabric.

Dimensions:

32.67 in W x 77.16 in D x 24.80 in H; Seat height 14.56 in

83 cm W x 196 cm D x 63 cm H; Seat height 37 cm

About the Designer:

Dutch designer Theo Ruth was born in 1915 in Maastricht. He trained as a furniture designer and interior designer at the Middelbare Kunstnijverheidsschool in Maastricht (which later became the Maastricht Academy of Arts). In 1936, he joined Artifort in Maastricht, where he specialized in designing living room furniture. Just three years later, in 1939, he became head of design and development, a position he maintained until his death in 1971.

Ruth was Artifort’s first permanent designer, and had a major impact on its design legacy. His most famous pieces include the 1952 Congo Chair and the 1953 Penguin Chair, both of which were constructed from two interlocking pieces that fit together without locks or screws (the latter’s original version featured a black back and a white cushion to mimic its namesake). Theo Ruth’s designs are famous around the world as highlights of Dutch design. ~H.

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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur

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The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words for ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through five decades of design history as a true icon.

The elements that made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The four separate segments of this “Camaleonda” were manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks, and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is specifically this unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The four modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”

The modules of this sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. Considering the inherently modern and innovative design, this shall comes as no surprise.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules are upholstered in a brown velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

Large segments:

147.63 in W x 37.79 in D x 26.37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 19.68 in

375 cm W x 96 cm D x 67 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 50 cm

Literature:

Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.

About the designer:

Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.

He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.

His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs for Yamaha. Bellini was also the editor of Domus magazine between 1985 and 1991.

Since the 1980s, Bellini has been dedicating himself to architecture almost exclusively, designing a wide range of buildings all around the world, including the Portello Trade Fair district in Milan, the Tokyo Design Centre in Japan, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the Deutsche Bank Headquarters in Frankfurt, and the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre in Paris to just name a few. In 2015 the Milan Triennale awarded him the Gold Medal for his career in architecture and in 2017 dedicated a retrospective exhibition to him. Contemporary Italian design has been synonymous with Mario Bellini’s name ever since the 1960s. ~H.

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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur

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The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually,Soriana brings sophisticated and leisurely comfort to any home.

This post-modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous line that reached the coveted ‘iconic’ title soon after its launch. The award-winning design features three front metal clamps by which all soft curves and loose leather upholstery are held together, a particularly original detail that creates a sense of barely contained softness. The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric held by chrome-plated steel clamps. The defining upholstered body features tufted buttons all over it, which visually sections the sofa, while also adding depth to accentuate the softness. The interesting pairing of the metal clamps with the luxurious dark leather creates the nowadays especially coveted post-modern look. For all its casual overtures, this sofa model remains a statement piece — an icon of contemporary design

The “Soriana Chair” was the first piece designed in the collection, and for its design in 1970, it won the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most important design awards of that time. The design has been reissued by Cassina recently, with the aim of recovering and safeguarding the works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa.

Condition:

In very good condition. The sofa is upholstered in premium leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

96.06 in W x 35.43 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat Height 21.65 in

244 cm W x 90 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 55 cm

Literature:

G. Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per l’Arredamento Domestico. Turin: Allemandi 2003, p. 318

G. Bosoni, Made in Cassina. Milan: Skira, 2008, pp. 200-201.

About the designers:

Afra and Tobia Scarpa graduated at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. Their works can be found in museums across the USA and Europe such as the MoMA and the Louvre. Their designs like the Soriana sofa exhibit a decidedly modernist aesthetic, prioritizing pared-back elegance and comfort. At the same time, the Scarpas are admired for the ease with which their designs complement both classical and cutting-edge interiors.

The Soriana was created for the Italian manufacturing company Cassina, which is often credited with introducing industrial design to Italy and has built an international reputation for collaborating with some of the world’s most respected designers, including Afra and Tobia Scarpa.

The husband-and-wife duo’s products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian design destined to increase in value with the time. A piece of true Italian Modernism. ~H.

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

Oy Boman AB was a prominent Finnish furniture manufacturer in the early to mid 20th century. The company was known for producing finely crafted seating that balanced traditional Nordic sensibilities with modernist lines. Finnish furniture makers of the first half of the 20th century sought to create pieces that embodied simplicity and comfort while showcasing the natural beauty of materials.

This elegant sofa is crafted with a solid, sculpted wooden body, showcasing gentle curves and expertly finished lines that reflect Boman’s dedication to detail. The structure features open slatted sides and backrest, creating a visually light and airy silhouette while maintaining strength and durability. The structure is highlighted by the use of four round, tufted back cushions upholstered in a creamy, textured fabric. These circular cushions bring a playful character to the design, softening the geometry of the frame and enhancing the sofa’s welcoming presence. Not only is comfort added through this detail, but the padded seat cushions further enhance the sitting experience. The light tones of the wooden frame harmonise beautifully with the upholstery, underscoring the Nordic preference for natural palettes and organic textures.

Combining clear functionality and comfort with aesthetic charm, this sofa embodies the spirit of Finnish modernist design. It invites relaxation and adds a focal point to any space, making it an ideal choice for seekers of understated elegance and fine craftsmanship.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been recently reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

67.71 in W x 31.8898 in D x 34.64 in H; Seat height 20.07 in; Arm height 19.68 in

172 cm W x 81 cm D x 88 cm H; Seat height 51 cm; Arm height 50 cm

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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur

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The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually,Soriana brings sophisticated and leisurely comfort to any home.

This post-modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous line that reached the coveted ‘iconic’ title soon after its launch. The award-winning design features three front metal clamps by which all soft curves and loose leather upholstery are held together, a particularly original detail that creates a sense of barely contained softness. The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric held by chrome-plated steel clamps. The defining upholstered body features tufted buttons all over it, which visually sections the sofa, while also adding depth to accentuate the softness. The interesting pairing of the metal clamps with the luxurious dark fabric creates the nowadays especially coveted post-modern look. For all its casual overtures, this sofa model remains a statement piece — a true icon of contemporary, or just simply, design.

The “Soriana Chair” was the first piece designed in the collection, and for its design in 1970, it won the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most important design awards of that time. The design has been reissued by Cassina recently, with the aim of recovering and safeguarding the works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa.

Condition:

In very good condition. The sofa is upholstered in premium grey fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

98.81 in W x 39.76 in D x 26.96 in H; Seat Height 14.96 in

251 cm W x 101 cm D x 68.5 cm H; Seat height 38 cm

Literature:

G. Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per l’Arredamento Domestico. Turin: Allemandi 2003, p. 318

G. Bosoni, Made in Cassina. Milan: Skira, 2008, pp. 200-201.

About the designers:

Afra and Tobia Scarpa graduated at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. Their works can be found in museums across the USA and Europe, such as the MoMA and the Louvre. Their designs like the Soriana sofa exhibit a decidedly modernist aesthetic, prioritizing pared-back elegance and comfort. At the same time, the Scarpas are admired for the ease with which their designs complement both classical and cutting-edge interiors.

The Soriana was created for the Italian manufacturing company Cassina, which is often credited with introducing industrial design to Italy and has built an international reputation for collaborating with some of the world’s most respected designers, including Afra and Tobia Scarpa.

The husband-and-wife duo’s products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian design, destined to increase in value with the time. A piece of true Italian Modernism. ~H.

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

At the Tenth Milan Triennial in 1954, Finland received the largest relative proportion of available prizes. The amount was even more than those eight prizes the country collected at a previous Triennial in 1951, when it made its initial break-through in the international exhibitions of design. A new era had begun: the 1950s and 1960s became known as the golden age of Finnish design, and also of designer Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs.

His designs, including this sofa, are defined by the elegance and simplicity that defined mid-century design. With a clear preoccupation with geometry, this sofa model’s outstanding architectural frame speaks of the mastery of the designer and of the producer. The clearly lined wooden frame contrasts beautifully with the black leather upholstery, and the decorative elements of the backrest are in service of functionality, support, and comfort. The refined linearity defines the overall aesthetic, with crisp, architectural lines evidence of Hiort af Ornäs’s background in architecture.

The craftsmanship of Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in this model. The Finnish designer was very firm about two things regarding his seating designs: the sitting comfort, and that the model must look good from every single angle. This sofa fulfils these principles - the back of the sofa is beautifully woven and the frame showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. Crafted with precision from solid wood, finished with a clear attention to detail and care for the aesthetic dimension as well, this sofa is sure to stand the test of time thanks to both visual quality and construction.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

59.45 in W x 30.32 in D x 28.74 in H; Seat height 17.52 in

151 cm W x 77 cm D x 73 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm

About the designer:

Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.

Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.

In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom, and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop.

Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed numerous buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.

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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur‎

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The “Laila” models from the series by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. Designed in the halcyon phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Finnish craftsmanship was brought into modernism.

This sofa is from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. As an essentially Finnish modern piece, this sofa is built around the core characteristics of the era: gently rounded edges, tapered wooden legs, and a generous, fully upholstered body. The style was modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion and back with three large tufted buttons. In the absence of ornamentation, the three large tufted buttons on the back stand out, creating depth as they sink into the textured green fabric. The design has the “classic Nordic look”, which explains the contemporary popularity of this sofa both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.

Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. This sofa was created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s Laila series, including this stylish sofa.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

61.02 in W x 31.88 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 22.04 in

155 cm W x 81 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 56 cm

About the Designer:

Ilmari Lappalainen (1918-2006) was a great Finnish designer whose most active working years were from the end of the 1940s until the end of the 1970s.

Lappalainen first graduated as a teacher of woodworking in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. By the end of the school of interior design, he was already working as an intern in Asko and after graduating he got a permanent design position at the company. Lappalainen worked as a teacher and as an interior designer for Asko's department stores, public spaces and hotels.

Lappalainen's most popular products / series are the Laila sofa set, the Seija rocking chair, the lazy castle Rex and the Pulkka armchair. Interestingly, the chairs from the Columna series were sold as health chairs for a long time, because they had such a good ergonomic design, that it prevented back problems. The chairs eventually received medical approval as well. ~H.