N. A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik Banana Sofa Model 96 in Tibetan Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s






























N. A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik Banana Sofa Model 96 in Tibetan Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This Danish two-seater sofa by N. A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik revolves around high-quality materials, comfort, and the mastery of the era’s cabinetmakers. The design in many ways transcend the word ‘modern’ thanks to its unique, flamboyant look.
The period halfway through the 1900s was perhaps the most fertile breeding ground for innovation since the industrial revolution. Danish design in particular encompasses the functional craftsmanship, the use of natural materials and the outstanding aesthetic dimension of the mid-century Golden Age. This gently curved “Model 96” banana sofa dates to 1954. It has an exquisite beech frame with the characteristic ‘open arm’ design that showcases the high level craftsmanship in the pronounced arches. Even under the lush sheepskin, the shape, and structure remains clearly outlined, which praises the Danish manufactory, N. A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik. The brilliant pairing of the upholstery with the design makes the solid wood structures’ smooth lines stand out against the textural, organic sheepskin while also accentuating the individuality of the upholstery. The soft fibres of the lightweight, feathery Tibetan sheepskin drape over the edges beautifully, while the warm brown colour adds depth. The desire to keep functionality and comfort at the core of the design is visible, especially in the gently tilted back and the short, tapered legs. Added to the quirky design elements are the brass caps on the legs that, despite their size, add a lot of visual interest to the sofa. N.A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik was located in Bramming in Jutland Denmark. Later known as Bramin Møbelfabrik, the company crafted some of Denmark's most coveted furniture during the mid 20th century. Like many other Danish firms, Bramin collaborated with some of the best Danish designers of the era.
Dating from a period of unbridled creation, this exceptional sofa upholstered in Tibetan sheepskin preserves the traditional ideals of Scandinavian mid-century design, while also utilizing the new techniques the 1950s brought by.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass leg caps have a beautiful patina. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in Tibetan 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:
59.05 in W x 30.31 in D x 27.95 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Arm height 26.96 in
150 cm W x 77 cm D x 71 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Arm height 68.5 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
In the years after the Second World War, Danish designers quietly transformed the language of modern furniture. Moving away from the austerity of early functionalism, they explored a softer, more organic approach to furniture making, balancing clean geometry with inviting tactility. Designers experimented with sculptural silhouettes that felt approachable yet sophisticated, often pairing fine craftsmanship with innovative upholstery techniques to achieve furniture that was elegant but deeply comfortable.
This three-seater sofa from the 1950s beautifully embodies that ethos. Its gently flared arms and subtly tilted backrest give the piece a graceful, almost embracing profile, while the deep seat promises true comfort. The upholstery, a textured, off-white fabric, adds warmth and tactile richness, complementing the restrained lines of the frame. Tufted button detailing across the backrest introduces a sense of rhythm and craftsmanship, elevating the sofa from purely functional seating to a thoughtfully composed piece. The proportions are carefully judged: generous enough for lounging yet visually light, with raised wooden legs that lift the form and prevent it from feeling heavy. It is a design that invites long hours of conversation or quiet rest without sacrificing visual elegance.
Timeless yet unmistakably mid-century, this Danish sofa carries a quiet sophistication that transcends trends. Both practical and poetic, it stands as a reminder that modernism at its best is deeply attuned to the rhythms of everyday living. Danish makers became masters at this balance, producing pieces that could be both understated and richly expressive.
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 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:
75.59 in W x 37.79 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 20.86 in; Seat depth 22.44 in; Arm height 25.19 in
192 cm W x 96 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 53 cm; Seat depth 57 cm; Arm height 64 cm
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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
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: 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
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.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eu
This spectacular two-seater sofa by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh, is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and masterfully crafted wooden structure and fully upholstered body, this model deserves the limelight in Swedish design history.
This sofa combines function and aesthetic in a striking manner, keeping the form in service of the user while keeping it elegant and modern. The union of the shell-shaped body and the back legs’ structure define this model. The round, welcoming lines of the body and the straight, smooth lines of the arms and legs complement each other, resulting in a harmonious appearance. The back legs not only support the bodies, but also rise to form the support for the armrests. The clear lined wooden frame of this sofa contrasts beautifully with the sheepskin covered body and gives it a very photographic appearance. The armrests’ peculiar concave angle is a small, but ingenious detail, that highlights their form and creates a focal point. Due to the well-chosen proportions, angled back, and the high-quality of the cabinetry and upholstery, this two-seater sofa is outstandingly comfortable. With determination and intensive marketing, the manufacturer, Seffle Möbelfabrik grew to become one of Western Sweden's largest furniture companies during the 1930s.
In Sweden, “svensk design” (Swedish design) in particular operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” Thanks to this sentiment, cabinetmakers, like at Seffle Möbelfabrik, put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making this sofa model timeless in every sense of the word.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
52.95 in W x 31.5 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 23.23 in
134.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the designer:
Swedish furniture designer Svante Skogh is best known for his mid-century designs produced by Seffle (sometimes spelled as Säffle) Möbelfabrik. Throughout his career in the 1950s and 1960s, he worked with a number of furniture producers. Despite his famous designs, not a lot is known about the designer. His designs ranged from coffee tables to seating, such as his famous Bodö Series from 1957. Many of Skogh’s designs have survived and are highly sought after on the vintage market today. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This lovely “Duetto” loveseat was designed back in the 1950s to bring the sitters closer together. This intention is clearly traceable in Ottelin’s drawings, where the back was drawn as hands embracing the users.
A loveseat derives its name from holding two people close to one another. First invented in the 17th century, this two-person chair was originally intended for women wearing large dresses with hoops to sit comfortably. In the Nordic countries, loveseats, such as this model, were typically made of quality woods with fully upholstered bodies to enhance the cosiness. This rare “Duetto” is unquestionably Ottelin’s most distinctive sofa model. This is primarily due to the peculiar back that has a heart shape and envelopes towards the front to form the arms as well. At the top, the edge curves outward creating a welcoming and open look. The homely curviness and precision clearly show the influence of Werner West, Ottelin’s teacher. The body, upholstered in honey-coloured sheepskin, is paired with tapered, lacquered wood legs. This combination is a true Nordic characteristic, keeping the tradition of using organic materials at its core.
As this “Duetto” sofa shows, the shapes and forms of Nordic minimalism of the mid-century are infinitely interesting. Additionally, the stylish look is always paired with the highest quality craftsmanship, here provided by the Finnish furniture company, Kervo Snickerifabrik, Oy Stockmann. The Kerava cabinetmaking company was founded on February 1, 1862 and Ottelin served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
60.23 in W x 29.52 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
153 cm W x 75 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
About the designer:
Karl Olof Ottelin (Helsinki, 3 May 1917 - Helsinki, 9 February 1971) was a Finnish interior designer and furniture designer who, in the 1950s, was the director and chief designer of Stockmann's furniture department.
Ottelin began his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in 1939, but had to suspend his studies for 1941–1944 due to conscription. He graduated as an interior designer in 1946 and started at Stockmann's drawing office in 1948. He served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971.
Ottelin's best-known products are modern wooden chairs, but he also designed cabinet and shelving systems and extensive interior design for a variety of properties. In 1952, Olof Ottelin designed the furniture for the Swedish School of Economics in Helsinki together with Lisa Johansson-Pape (lamps), Yki Nummi (coloring) and Dora Jung (textiles). Ottelin also did design work for the wallpaper factory Pihlgren & Ritola and the television manufacturer Helvar.
The versatile designer was also known as a cartoonist, whose drawings were published in the interior magazine Kaunis Koti, in live TV programs on YLE, and in the Swedish-language publications' Nya Pressen, Lucifer, Astra and Nordisk Medicin. He also wrote articles for the journal Architect, among others. In January-February 1989, the Amos Anderson Art Museum organized an exhibition of Olof Ottel's furniture and drawings.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
By the middle of the 20th century, design and handicrafts from Sweden had caught the eye of the outside world. Since the 1910s, the modern movement had worked for a modern and functional form. Functionalism had a major public breakthrough during the Stockholm Exhibition in 1930, however, as this peculiar sofa shows, the objective, square and stripped-down functionalist style was short-lived.
The term ‘Swedish Modern’ was quickly established as a reinterpretation of modernity during the 1940s, and the early and square functionalism was replaced by the new Swedish Modern style’s freer and more artistic ideal. These qualities perfectly describe this amazing sofa, standing on four club-shaped legs. This two-seater sofa has a lot of character with a welcoming presence that exudes high quality craftsmanship and design. The rounded edges and curves create flowing lines, which is further enhanced by the upholstery’s rich texture and softness. The many tufted buttons on the backrest are arranged symmetrically and adds even more character to the body. The splayed legs’ shape is in accordance with the rounded edges of the body, and together with the armrests -where the wood is exposed - showcases the wood’s beauty. With a careful combination of organic shapes, master craftsmanship, and luxurious materials, both Swedish modernity, crafts history and tradition were combined in this sofa.
Swedish Modern made the Swedish form widely known. This second generation of 'functionalists' affirmed craftsmanship, tradition and history. The new style thus signalled both status, unassuming and sensitive awareness right up to the 1960s. The country had a second international breakthrough at the end of the 1930s - under the term Swedish Modern, and a third one that is happening right now, and looking at this sofa, is unlikely to end anytime soon.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
86.6 in W x 34.3 in D x 33.5 in H; Seat height 21.7 in
124 cm W x 83 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Mid-Century Modernism is a recognized term around the world, standing for the characteristic style of the furniture designs created during the mid-20th century. As this sofa shows, furniture created in this period is characterized by functionality, clarity in design, and extremely high-quality craftsmanship and choice of materials.
Thanks to its crescent shape, this sofa style is referred to as the “banana” sofa. It is designed to bring people closer together to create a cosy atmosphere, which is a core concept of the era’s design. The visual appearance of this sofa however, is not the only thing that echoes the era’s design, but also the exquisite craftsmanship under the upholstered body. Many of the well-known European architects of the era felt the urge to try their hand at three-seater sofas, adhering to the period’s streamlined modernism. In combination with the unadorned styles of mid-century design, this sofa brings together the best attributes of the era. The slim wood legs add a modern, organic feel, balancing out the voluptuous 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. The tufting on the backseat is a stylish addition that highlights the sofa’s beautiful curvature and the rich texture of the sheepskin.
This three-seater sofa has been reupholstered in dark-coloured sheepskin, accentuating the wooden legs and the luxurious feel and look and pairs incredibly with curvilinear shapes, as evidenced by this sofa. Sheepskin is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The artisanal production quality is evident throughout this pair and takes the mid-century idea of “furniture that last for generations” seriously.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
59.06 in H x 35.43 in D x 30.71 in H; Seat height 17.72 in
150 cm W x 90 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 45 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
As new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionised the production process in the postwar period, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialisation. This sculptural sofa is a beautiful evidence of this heritage and the mastery of Danish cabinetmakers.
Many of the most renowned Danish designers were trained architects as well. This knowledge and training can be clearly traced in the structure of this stunning sofa. Many elements emblematic of mid-century design are also apparent: sleek lines, simple geometries, an open layout, and the impeccable quality of the materials and craftsmanship. The design is defined by its angles, starting with the tilted back and the raised seat towards the front. The sculptural wooden arms and legs follow these lines, creating visual balance. The mostly rounded edges are broken by the pair of straight stretchers set between the front and the back legs. The button tufting on the backrest rhymes greatly with the long horizontal lines, and is a stylish feature in itself as well. Though mid-century Danish manufacturers may not have the name recognition as designers do in the mass market, they were evidently just as integral in developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The sleek and stylish look of this sofa, from the unique wooden frame to the upholstered body and the visible joinery, embodies this aesthetic.
The designer of this model clearly prized the marriage of form and function. To this day, young Scandinavian designers still look to the mid-century masters for inspiration, which should come as no surprise looking at this sofa.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The sofa has 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:
72.44 in W x 33.85 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 13,77 in
184 cm W x 86 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 35 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna sofa created by Lahti Lepokaulusto and designed in the 1950s by Aake Anttila. Famous for its suspension and structure, this model quickly became beloved in Finland.
Due to a shortage of material, the interior design in the 1950s was plain, even spartan. The typical features of furniture of the era were tapered legs and the use of hardwood materials, with an overall restrained aesthetic. 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 - that included this chair - which immediately caught the attention of the press. With its attention grabbing colour and shape and exceptional comfort, it is no wonder why. Gentle, rounded lines characterize the design with a solid wooden structure that is seemingly quite 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 back cushion. It is very precise work that praises Lepo’s craftsmen and shows just how important prerequisites a well-researched structure and the anatomical proportions were for Anttila.
Lahden Lepokalusto, which began to manufacture upholstered furniture using the “world-renowned Epeda method.” The Susanna sofa already appeared in the company’s first printed catalogue, foreshadowing the success the company would soon achieve.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé 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:
62.99 in W x 31.49 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
160 cm W x 80 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 43 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