Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Little Adam" Armchair for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1950s




























Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Little Adam" Armchair for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This armchair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist created the gentle, peculiar shape of this armchair that is only increasing in popularity even today. Thanks to her unique vision, this “Little Adam” has an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seat, the chair still has the impression of hugging the sitter. The fully upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with buttons arranged in a hill shape. This subtle form of decoration highlights the shape of the back by mirroring it, while also accentuating the light fabric by giving it extra depth. The stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the organic form of the body. Contrasting the front legs, the back ones are lightly splayed to provide great structural stability.
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, this “Little Adam” armchair has become iconic. Thanks to the upholstery’s soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design, this armchair is a perfect example of the gentle mid-century modernism Swedish design of the era is beloved for.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair 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:
27.95 in W x 29.13 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat Height 14.96 in; Arm height 20.87 in
71 cm W x 74 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 53 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful chair design was crafted by French duo Audoux-Minet. Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet worked together during the mid-20th century, and are known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. Their work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.
Like in Scandinavia, there was an early emphasis on wood in most French mid-century design - it connected everyday objects to nature. These chairs are a perfect example of this sentiment, and the visual benefits of an understated, organic design. The high quality woven papercord makes the pieces an outstanding example of woven furniture. They feature a fairly traditional shape with soft edges and an airy feel. The straightforward shape highlights the understated beauty of the materials, allowing the beautiful woven pattern and the grain of the wood to stand out. The interplay of a simple structure and refined detailing evokes a sense of harmony, aligning with the era’s focus on blending beauty with utility. The organic design makes these pieces stand out with an elemental edge. The colour palette further allows easy adaptation to almost any interior, functioning to either complement a space or to stand out as an accent.
Today, Audoux and Minet's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this pair of armchairs stand out through their unique textures, and their materials, as well as their classic charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration.
Dimensions:
17.51 in W x 20.86 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 17.51 in
44.5 cm W x 53 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 44.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Art Deco pieces, which emerged in the first half of the 20th century, reveal a unique era of craftsmanship and style that remains influential in design to the present day. Characterised by its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and luxurious aesthetics, Art Deco transformed the way we perceive interior spaces. This testament to the fusion of form and function, and this ethos of opulence, is beautifully exemplified in this armchair.
In the European design world of the 1930s, exceptional seating pieces were created that still embody the elegance of the Art Deco period. This armchair, with its distinctive features, exudes the spirit of the era and remains a stylish example of this influential design movement. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail this chair exudes luxury - the rich, warm wood tones of the overlays on the armrests contrast beautifully with the lighter fabric, enhancing the balanced and sophisticated visual quality of the chair. Moreover, the design aims to maximise comfort while putting an emphasis on elegance and function. This is most visible in the round, welcoming body, enhanced by the fabric and the chair's cushioning. The curved backrest provides ergonomic support and comfort, while the wooden components add structural integrity and reinforce its Art Deco character. Every detail works together, creating a chair that feels deliberate, balanced, and quietly strong.
As a piece, this armchair captures the lasting appeal of Art Deco furniture: comfort shaped by discipline and elegance rooted in form rather than ornament. It works equally well as a statement chair in a living room or as a refined accent in a bedroom or study. Its presence offers visual weight without heaviness and comfort without excess, in true Art Deco fashion.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the chair has some marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chair 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:
25.59 in W x 33.46 in D x 32.67 in H; 16.53 in Seat height; 23.22 in Seat depth; 23.42 in Arm height
65 cm W x 85 cm D x 83 cm H; 42 cm Seat height; 59cm Seat depth; 59.5 cm Arm height
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The 1950s and 1960s saw brilliant Italian designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. These designers experimented with new materials and construction methods but, crucially, they kept the elegance inherent in Italian design.
These armchairs were crafted in the manner of Paolo Buffa, an impactful designer who made his mark in the Italian mid-century modern style alongside other renowned creators such as Gio Ponti. Gio Ponti and Paolo Buffa’s influence is clearly visible in these chairs. This pair with the upholstered bodies and polished wooden arms show the general mid-century modern characteristics with an ergonomic and functional design. The characteristic shape of the arms sets the tone of the overall look, creating dynamism. The seats are slightly raised, and the backs tilted, creating an angle that supports the sitter and the lounging experience. The overall design is focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the materials. From all angles, these chairs offer beautiful textures and eye-catching forms, combining Italian elegance and modern aesthetics to create a timeless look which is full of modern energy that will endure for generations. This is also thanks to the exceptional visual quality and uncompromising level of craftsmanship.
These chairs encapsulate the essence of Italian mid-century modern design, marrying uniting sophistication with artistry. They are a testament to the enduring allure of this design era, where form meets function, and beauty is eternally intertwined with utility. Whether placed in a contemporary, or a retro-inspired space, this pair is a timeless statement piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have 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:
22.44 in W x 32.67 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat Height 15.35 in; Seat Depth 21.06 in; Arm Height 23.81 in
57 cm W x 83 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat Height 39 cm; Seat Depth 53.5 cm; Arm Height 60.5 cm
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and famously, Utö.
These Utö chairs were designed in 1932 as part of the collection. Unlike the department store's interiors for floors and villas in the cities, the Utö designs had a simple character with robust and basic shapes in solid pine. Accordingly, the design of these chairs focuses on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, these chairs are strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles in which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions. As a result, the design of this set is completely timeless. Each chair demonstrates a conscious construction, where the joinery and fittings related to traditional craftsmanship are emphasized. Dominated by rounded, straight lines, the chairs have spindle backrests and ergonomically carved seats. The form alludes harmony and stability, fitting the summer cabin concept perfectly.
In an international perspective, Hjorth's “sportstugemöbler” series was the forerunner of later pioneering designers such as Charlotte Perriand. It is therefore no surprise that these Utö chairs became part of Swedish and international modernist design history. In their time, the Utö collection may have appeared as pioneering and radical, but today they are viewed as status symbols in interiors of international character.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and stains on the wood. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items may have scratches and discolouration.
Dimensions:
18.89 in W x 18.3 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
48 cm W x 46.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
Literature:
Christian Bjork, Thomas Ekstrom and Eric Ericson, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Mobelarkitekt', Stockholm, 2009, p.130
About the designer:
Axel Einar Hjorth was born in a small Swedish village named Krokek, just outside Norrköping, on March 7, 1888. At the age of 20, he moved to Stockholm to study architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan.
Although he never graduated, in the 1920s Hjorth started working as a furniture designer for various manufacturers, such as H. Joop & Co., Myrestedt & Stern, Jonssons, and Nordiska Kompaniet. Hjorth’s designs from this period had neoclassical features combined with Swedish Grace. This romantic national style of Sweden was elegant and refined, yet simple. The anniversary exhibition of 1923 in Gothenburg marked the breakthrough of Swedish decorative arts, and made Axel Einar Hjorth a well-respected artist. From October 1926, Hjorth became the chief designer and architect of Nordiska Kompaniet department store in Stockholm. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial production known as Sportstugemöbler (furniture for holiday houses).
Hjorth’s designs, from the luxury of neoclassicism to the severity of functionalism, are sharply distinctive in style, materials, and character. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hjorth did not conform to the socially oriented ideas produced by Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design). He played a significant role in the development of Swedish society as a whole, and particularly in Swedish industrial art
Today Hjorth is often viewed as a precursor to the modern designs popularized by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Royére, Pierre Chapo, or Josef Frank. Recently, there has been a revival of appreciation for his work, showing his genius in a new light. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Though most mid-20th century Italian designers may not have the same name recognition as their Scandinavian and American counterparts in the mass market, they were integral in developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The 1950s marked a particularly important period for Italian furniture design, as postwar modernism encouraged proportion, structure and comfort.
Italian designers combined the clarity of modernist furniture with the country’s strong tradition of craftsmanship, often giving seating a more expressive and elegant character through angled frames, carefully shaped wooden elements and generous upholstery. These armchairs encapsulate these features, bringing together an exposed wooden structure and a beautiful striped fabric. Slender wooden armrests project forward from the angled supports, leaving generous negative space around the upholstered sections and preventing the chairs from appearing heavy. Cream upholstery patterned with fine blue vertical stripes runs across both seat and back, emphasising their angles. Seen together, the chairs achieve much of their character through juxtaposition in terms of construction, materials, and colours.
The pair offers generous seating without creating the visual weight of a club chair, making them an especially attractive expression of 1950s Italian modernism. They embody quality craftsmanship and design tradition in their best form.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have 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:
24.02 in W x 31.69 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height: 13.98 in; Seat depth: 27.76 in; Arm height: 20.28 in
61 cm W x 80.5 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 35.5 cm; Seat depth 70.5 cm; Arm height 51.5 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The mid-20th century saw brilliant European designers working to create furniture that explored modern shapes and forms with innovative techniques, while still maintaining the highest level of quality. Designers experimented with new materials and construction methods, resulting in a harmonious blend of minimalism, organic shapes, and understated elegance. This sculptural wingback armchair is a prime example of European designers' emphasis on beauty and simplicity.
The wingback style is one of the most recognizable forms in European upholstered furniture, with a history dating back to seventeenth-century England. Its characteristic high back and projecting side wings were originally developed to shelter the sitter from drafts and retain warmth near a fireplace. In the case of this piece, the tall back rises from the deep seat, gently widening toward the top before terminating in two rounded wings that curve forward around the sitter. This gives the upper section an enveloping quality, echoed below by the padded armrests that project outward on either side. The seat is generous and cushioned, with softly rounded edges. The entire body is covered in brown upholstery, emphasising the tactile quality of the chair with the soft, cosy material. To complete the design, under this substantial upholstered volume, four short tapered wooden legs provide a simple foundation and lift the body just above the floor, splayed to ensure the stability of the armchair.
The generous seat, high back and embracing wings give the chair a sense of comfort and privacy. Its warm brown upholstery makes the design feel inviting, while the strong silhouette allows it to stand confidently in a space. Positioned beside a fireplace, in a reading corner or alongside a floor lamp, it creates an intimate place to sit while bringing the unmistakable tradition into the twentieth century.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. The wood has some stains and discolouration. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the chair may have marks and scratches. The chair 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:
33.27 in W x 37.40 in D x 36.61 in H; 18.11 in Seat height; 22.05 in Seat depth; 22.44 in Arm height
84.5 cm W x 95 cm D x 93 cm H; 46 cm Seat height; 56 cm Seat depth; 57 cm Arm height
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The principle of Functionalism, or Funkis, by its Swedish name, can be summed up in Louis Sullivan's famous 1893 definition; "form follows function". Its key feature is that practical considerations, such as use, material and structure should determine the shape and look of a piece. Functionalism as an architectural movement can be traced back to the 1920s, a time when movements like Nordic Classicism, the Scandinavian equivalent of the European Art Deco movement, were leaving their mark on the design world.
This pair of armchairs represents a reflection of the Scandinavian design landscape of the 1930s, gracefully combining aesthetic elements into a timelessly elegant look. This transitional piece marries a practical Functionalist silhouette, formed by clean lines and simple decorations, with elements of Nordic Classicism. Each chair features a subtly reclined rectangular back over a deep seat along with elegantly curved armrests framed by the birch wood. The legs allow the cosy design to stand out, enhancing the lounging experience. The thick seat cushions and gently bent backs further contribute to the comfort. Still, the arms are in the focus of the design, with a highly distinctive shape and form in the front. The dark-toned upholstery complements the structure’s individuality. The wood is especially appealing, which is why it is also showcased on the arms; its grain and colour makes it a coveted, yet still rare material in Scandinavian seating.
These chairs illustrate the perfect alliance of geometry and function combined with expert craftsmanship. Perfectly suited for a vintage or contemporary interior, this pair combines artistry and comfort, and is sure to become the focal point of any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the wood has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. There is a visible crack on the wood. The chairs have 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:
23.82 in W × 29.53 in D × 29.53 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 19.29 in; Arm height 24.41 in
60.5 cm W x 75 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 49 cm; Arm height 62 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This set was crafted during the early 20th century, a time when the Art Deco and Modernist movements were reshaping the design world. These dining chairs reflect a period rooted in the beauty of geometry, high-quality materials, and elegant aesthetics. An emphasis on clean lines, unique adornments, and fine craftsmanship was paramount and can be observed in this set.
The chairs are made from solid wood in a rich, dark stain that accentuates the natural grain to create subtle warmth and depth. Adding to their appeal are the geometric backrests, which provide firm support and a subtle architectural detail to the design. The backrests’ clean, symmetrical lines reflect the simple, yet timeless aesthetics of the time. The carved elements further showcase the Art Deco interest in geometric adornments and sophisticaton, reminding of a folding fan. While dining chairs are generally more utilitarian types of seating, this set of six still manages to look cosy and warm thanks to the upholstered seats. The fabric is not only elegant, it also accentuates the luxurious look of the wood. The choice of materials highlights the attention given to both function and form, by creating visual and textural interest. The rectangular, slim legs are connected by thin stretchers, to create a sleek structure while not abandoning sturdiness.
This set exemplifies the Art Deco commitment to balancing utility with grace. The sculptural form and enduring materiality allow the chairs to serve as both practical furniture and a statement of design history. Nearly a century after their creation, they remain a timeless expression of European craftsmanship and the enduring modernity of the Art Deco movement.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor scratches, marks and discolouration. The seats have 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:
18.89 in W x 17.71 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 18.70 in; Seat depth 15.94 in
48 cm W x 45 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 47.5 cm; Seat depth 40.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The mid-20th century saw brilliant Danish designers and cabinetmakers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored modern shapes and forms. Skilled cabinetmakers produced quality furniture in relatively small quantities, while architects and designers increasingly worked with them to refine established furniture types and give greater attention to construction.
This Danish armchair is built from a clearly exposed wooden frame, with upholstered elements forming the seat and backrest. The sides are particularly distinctive: beneath each armrest, three horizontal rails span the distance of the sides, creating an open, ladder-like structure. The construction uses both wood and negative space to create the appearance of enveloping arms that contribute to the chair’s unique look. At the same time, this horizontal arrangement keeps the sides considerably lighter than they would appear as solid panels. Four straight legs support the body, continuing upward to form the supports for the armrests. While the sides create the visual impact, the upholstered seat and back ensure comfort. The muted upholstery contrasts with the warm wood without obscuring any of the chair’s structural elements. Each element of this piece comes together to give a simple chair a surprisingly substantial framework.
The exposed joints, repeated side rails and separation marriage of materials make the chair immediately charming. Rather than hiding its frame, the design uses the frame itself as its principal visual feature - an approach consistent with the attention to workmanship and material construction found within the Danish cabinetmaking tradition.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has minor marks, scratches, dents, and discolouration. The chair 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:
23.03 in W x 19.68 in D x 25.59 in H; Seat height 4.96 in; Seat depth 14.57 in; Arm height 24.80 in
58.5 cm W x 50 cm D x 65 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Seat depth 37 cm; Arm height 63 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Denmark has had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern technology and design, creating many of the most memorable pieces of Danish design history. This pair of chairs is a great representation of the quality and craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers and the immediately recognisable characteristics of Scandinavian design.
These armchairs combine compact upholstered bodies with exposed stained beech elements that give the design its distinctive look. The plush seats rise into gently inclined backrests, with the upholstery creating soft volume. The light-coloured, finely textured fabric emphasises the simple shapes and contrasts with the deep chestnut tone of the beech. Most striking are the armrests, flow from the front legs and sweep upward in a continuous curve before extending toward the backrests. Their pronounced arcs frame the upholstered bodies while leaving the sides open, giving a light appearance to the form, from both the front and side profile. The rear legs remain straight and slender, reinforcing the contrast between the restrained wooden structure and the padded back and seat. The relationship between the soft fabric, stained wood and carefully controlled curves gives the chairs their visual character. These 1930s armchairs capture the craftsmanship and simplified forms that characterised an important moment in furniture history.
In Danish design, things are made to last rather than to be replaced, while the home enhances an unburdened lifestyle. Living well is in itself a form of art, and furniture design is meant to complement it. This pair 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 armchairs have recently been reconditioned. The wood has some stains. Due to the age and nature of the beech, the chairs may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have 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:
23.82 in W x 31.29 in D x 31.89 in H; 19.68 in Seat height; 20.87 in Seat depth; 24.80 in Arm height
60.5 cm W x 79.5 cm D x 81 cm H; 50 cm Seat height; 53 cm Seat depth; 63 cm Arm height
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Rosello Paris was a French furniture house active through much of the twentieth century, starting in 1928. Their models draw on geometry and style associated with Art Deco furniture. This pair from the 1970s draws inspiration from the Art Deco period in an expressive direction, with large circular armrests becoming the central architectural element of the chairs.
The armchairs feature tall upholstered backs that rise in a gentle curve above deep, generously cushioned seats. Their off-white mohair gives the broad surface a soft, elegant appearance, with restrained piping following the outer edges and emphasising the height of the backrests. Against this pale upholstery, the dark wooden frames are particularly striking. Each armrest takes the form of a circle, sweeping upward from the front leg, around the side of the seat and back toward the rear structure. The generous diameter of these loops give the chairs their unmistakable profile, while the open centres keep the wooden elements visually light. At floor level, the circular forms continue into short curved feet and connecting members, creating arcs around the upholstered body. Seen from the side, the contrast is evident: the seat is almost enclosed by the curve of the dark wood, while the high, softly shaped back projects upward. The fabric allows the form to remain the main focus, while enduring lasting quality and beauty over generations to come.
The dramatic armrests give this pair a presence that goes well beyond conventional lounge seating. Placed together in a living room, library or conversation area, this pair can bring softness and light to the interior. With the sculptural elements, the pair is a particularly distinctive example of Rosello Paris seating from the 1970s.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The armchairs have recently been reupholstered in premium mohair. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
23.6 in W × 29.9 in D × 39.8 in H; Seat height: 17.7 in; Seat depth: 18.9 in; Arm height: 23.6 in
60 cm W x 76 cm D x 101 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, precise execution and a strong relationship with Italy’s tradition of craftsmanship. This pair of “Bergamo” lounge chairs with matching ottomans by Paolo Buffa is a testament to the distinctive character of mid-century modernism in Italy. Buffa’s design language remains coherent with contemporary developments while retaining a clear connection to traditional furniture making, combining measured proportions, refined decorative details and carefully worked wooden structures.
This pair is focused on elegant proportions, balanced compositions and a rich interplay between geometric and flowing lines. The solid wooden frames are shaped with curved upper edges, slender tapered legs and open sides. The front legs rise effortlessly to form the sweeping armrests, creating a continuous line around the upholstered seats. Two crosses on each side introduce a sharper geometric rhythm, while the backs are formed from a sequence of slender vertical and diagonal wooden elements that give the chairs a striking open appearance both when viewed from behind and from the side. Thick upholstered seat cushions are paired with distinctive round back pillows, leaving much of the wooden back structure visible and enhancing the airy character of the design. The warm, light fabric contrasts with the darker wood and softens the architectural quality of the frames. Each chair is accompanied by a matching ottoman, constructed with the same tapered legs, shaped wooden frame and generously upholstered cushion. Placed together, the ottomans extend the composition of the chairs and reinforce the dialogue between solid upholstery and finely worked wood. The crossed panels, curved armrests, slender back elements and rounded cushions gives the set a dynamic appearance while retaining the elegance inherent in Buffa’s work.
Paolo Buffa was passionate about furniture and product design, an area in which he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire rooted in classicism while embracing impulses of modernity. He was highly active within the Milanese design scene, where traditional craftsmanship and modern ideas were continually brought into dialogue. The “Bergamo” chairs capture that combination particularly well, and the presence of their matching ottomans makes the pair especially complete, creating two inviting lounge settings with a strong decorative presence from every angle.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The set has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chair and ottoman have been reupholstered recently in premium lambswool. 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:
Chair
25.59 in W x 33.66 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 18.11 in; Arm height 22.83 in
65 cm W x 85.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 46 cm; Arm height 58 cm
Footstool
20.66 in W x 16.92 in D x 16.53 in H
52.5 cm W x 43 cm D x 42 cm H