Pair of Wood and Sheepskin Lounge Chairs, Europe Mid-20th Century
Pair of Wood and Sheepskin Lounge Chairs, Europe Mid-20th Century
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The mid-20th century marked a golden era for interior design, amidst a booming economy and a newfound sense of optimism. Designers sought to create furniture that felt both modern and human, moving away from the stark metal and glass of the machine age toward objects that could bring warmth and comfort to domestic life.
This cultural moment celebrated furniture not just as a utilitarian object, but as a meaningful presence in the home. This pair of lounge chairs is a striking embodiment of that philosophy. Each chair features a solid wood frame with strong, sculptural lines. The X-shaped side-supports lend both structural stability and visual lightness, while highlighting the craftsmanship of this pair. Not only this, but the precise joinery and the gently splayed back legs which transition seamlessly into the armrests give the chairs a sense of balance and quiet confidence. Their seats and backs are upholstered in thick, natural sheepskin, a material prized for its softness, warmth, and inviting tactile quality. The creamy, textural surface of the upholstery contrasts beautifully with the robust wooden frame, highlighting the inherent character of both materials. They show how mid century designers achieved harmony between simplicity and luxury, function and expression.
Together, these chairs offer more than just a place to sit; they express the postwar European shift toward modern living. With their natural materials and inviting form, they feel as relevant and desirable today as when they were first made, all while reflecting an ideal blend of sculptural beauty, masterful craftsmanship, and timeless comfort.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These armchairs have recently been reconditioned. Minor marks and dents on wooden frame. This pair of armchairs has recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.19 in W x 31.88 in D x 33.26 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 23.22 in
64 cm W x 81 cm D x 84.5 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 59 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Grand Pedro” armchair shows the curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The “Grand Pedro” model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which is very representative of the designer’s beliefs. Hiort af Ornäs was very firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. “Pedro” fulfils these principles, for as even from the bottom, it showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. The body has a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and a slightly bent backrest. In service of utmost comfort, the sheepskin upholstery is extremely soft. The light colour and texture of the sheepskin complements the lacquered wood legs beautifully, highlighting their sculptural lines.
The craftsmanship and quality provided by Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in the “Pedro” collection that includes a sofa besides this chair. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. 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:
29.13 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
74 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 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’s furniture was exhibited and sold by the shop Nupponen who also distributed Olavi Hänninen’s designs, while Puunveisto’s furniture were also sold by Gösta Westerbergs Möbler in Stockholm, Sweden but, in spite of a good selection of chairs, tables and shelves, did not do too well. Since production costs were high, Hiort af Ornäs faced economic troubles. The company was later sold to Nupponen after which Hiort af Ornäs’s interest in the company waned.
Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed several 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.