Arne Norell’s enduring designs mixed leather and metal as well as turned wood and bentwood in pieces that allowed the natural beauty of these materials to shine. Simple and casual yet sophisticated, his vintage sofas, lounge chairs and other furniture epitomize the Scandinavian modern style that took post–World War II design by storm.
Although he created versatile furnishings that promoted comfort along with style, Norell is lesser known than many other mid-century designers, with some of his work produced only after his death. Born in Åsele, Sweden, Norell opened a furniture workshop in Solna, just north of Stockholm, in 1954. In 1958, he established Møbel AB Arne Norell on a farm in Småland. (This region is also the birthplace of IKEA, which opened its first store that same year.) The beauty and tranquility of this location were a source of inspiration.
In Småland, Norell created his most well-known designs, among them the Inca armchair with visible wooden dowels and plush leather, the Indra and Ilona sofas and the spare but elegant wood-framed Sirocco chair (1964). For many of his designs, Norell looked to the same military-style campaign furniture that had, decades prior, inspired the revered Safari chair (1933) crafted by Kaare Klint, a legendary Danish designer and Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts professor who taught the likes of Hans Wegner, Ole Wanscher and others.
Like these earlier furniture designers, Norell was committed to making comfortable and practical furniture. Using leather and warm woods as the building blocks of his work, he eschewed glue and screws, instead securing his designs with buckles and leather straps. In 1973, Norell earned posthumous recognition from the British Furniture Manufacturers Association for his sumptuous Ari chair, a luxurious lounge set on a chrome-plated steel frame with foam cushions covered in leather.
During his lifetime, Norell’s work was popular among European interior designers. However, it became more widely known after 1971, when many of his designs were finally put into production. Norell’s furnishings, as well as work by his daughter Marie Norell-Möller and other Swedish designers, are still crafted by hand in the Aneby, Sweden, factory operated by Norell Furniture, which has remained a family-run company.
Find a collection of authentic vintage Arne Norell furniture today on 1stDibs.
Seagull Chair by Gosta Berg & Stenerik Eriksson for Fritz Hansen, 1968
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
The Seagull Chair, a masterpiece by Gosta Berg & Stenerik Eriksson, embodies the essence of timeless design and craftsmanship. Introduced in 1968, this lounge chair represents the ch...
Stainless Steel
PK24 designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1965
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
In 1965, Danish designer Poul Kjærholm designed the iconic PK24 lounge chair, produced by renowned furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen. The PK24 quickly became a symbol of Da...
Stainless Steel
Sphere dining set by Boris Tabacoff for Mobilier Modulaire Moderne, 1970's
By Boris Tabacoff, Mobilier Modulair Moderne
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
The rare dining set designed by Boris Tabacoff is one of the most sought after space-age chairs, highly sought after by interior architects at home and abroad. Boris Tabacoff, a ren...
Chrome
Marsala sofa set by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1970s
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
Beautiful vintage cognac leather Ligne Roset Marsala set in its original leather and in completely original top condition. WOW. How beautiful leather can be. This authentic Ligne Ro...
Leather, Plexiglass
Exclusive Space Age “Boomerang” executive desk, 1980s
By Ebeniste Straure , Paris
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
WOW. If you are looking for a desk that truly no one else has and that you never tire of looking at, then this “Boomerang” executive desk is without a doubt a piece you must see. Th...
Oak
Abstract vilten art van André Bogaert
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
Bogaert's felt assemblages have a particularly soft and accessible appearance, which no other material he uses can match. At first glance they appear to be wooden objects, but the woolly surface makes it clear that they are felt. To date, only a few works of this format have been released. Bogaert's felt assemblies offer a special insight into the possibilities of this material. While felt is often seen as something functional and mundane, Bogaert managed to elevate it into a medium for artistic expression. The softness and accessibility of the felt contrast with the solid and sometimes robust shapes he created, creating an intriguing tension that invites the viewer to think more deeply about material and form. In summary, André Bogaert...
Felt
Arne Norell Easy Chairs and Stools Model Ari by Arne Norell AB in Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs with foot stools model Ari designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Steel
Pair of Ari Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, 1966
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in New York, NY
This is the design-rich ARI Chairs by Scandinavian designer Arne Norell. Norell's significance in design history is evidenced by his 1973 award of 'Showpiece of the Year' from the Br...
Steel
Midcentury Modern "Ari" Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cool and comfortable pair of “Ari” lounge chairs by Arne Norell, made from chrome-plated steel and leather. Striking and decorative belt closing on the back. Leather in a milk c...
Steel
1960s Arne Norell Ari lounge chair by Norell Möbel AB
By Arne Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome example of Swedish modern design, the "Ari" lounge chair was designed by Arne Norell and produced by Norell Möbel AB in the 1960s. The Ari is one of Norell's most recogniz...
Steel
"Ari" Chairs by Arne Norell Scandinavian Mid Century Modern - a pair
By Arne Norell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Scandinavian Modern "Ari" Chairs by Arne Norell. Made in Sweden. Original leather and steel base. Leather shows wear throughout. Can sell separately. Price for pair.
Steel
Set of Safari Chairs by Arne Norell for Arne Norell Ab Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Exceptional pair of safari chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Sweden during the 1960s. Crafted from solid ash and upholstered in original black leather,...
Leather, Ash
