Set of Upholstered Solid Wood Mid-Century Armchairs, Europe 1960s
Set of Upholstered Solid Wood Mid-Century Armchairs, Europe 1960s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Mid-Century Modern, a design movement devoted to timeless functionalism, established itself in the post-war period with furniture that appealed to the senses. Furniture design was guided by the famous maxim: “Form follows function.”
Mid-century European designers and cabinetmakers were very firm about two things regarding seating designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every angle. These armchairs fulfill these principles with their geometric bodies and soft-curved arms, upholstered in a light-coloured fabric.
The combination of solid wood and high-quality upholstery is traditional in mid-century design for good reason; the two materials complement each other by highlighting their unique qualities. It is also evident that the designer of these chairs has followed the guiding Mid-Century Modern principles of function, durability, timelessness, and comfort. This traditional yet playful pair combines all of these characteristics, which makes them ideal as the focal point of any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been recently re-upholstered 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:
27.36 in W x 31.30 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 18.90 in; Arm height 20.47 in
69.5 cm W x 79.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 48 cm; Arm height 52 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.
This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are 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. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin 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. These chairs were 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 present Laila armchairs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently 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:
32.87 in W x 32.87 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
83.5 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm
Literature:
Riitta Miestamo "The Form and Substance of Finnish Furniture", Askon Säätiö, Esan Kirjapaino oy, Lahti 1981.p 65.
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.