While Norway comprises something of an unsung chapter in the history of Scandinavian modernism, an export company called Westnofa shouldn’t be overlooked. It represented a collective of the country’s leading manufacturers to promote and export their furniture worldwide. Westnofa was key to the success of Norway’s mid-century designers and furniture brands, and fostered the growth of entities that might otherwise be unknown to today’s design aficionados.
Norway’s furniture factories were largely destroyed during World War II, and while the country’s sophisticated works — designed in teak, pine and other prized woods — had earned a place in Scandinavian modernism, its output was overshadowed by big names such as Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen who’d earned icon status in Finland and Denmark, respectively. Westnofa, a name derived from “West Norway Factories,” took shape in the late 1950s in order to circumvent the limitations that the country’s furniture industry had faced in the areas of marketing and production. Some of the manufacturers connected to Westnofa were P.I. Langlo Møbelfabrikk, Ekornes, Stokke and Vestlandske.
Westnofa took great pains to devise the most cost-effective and efficient method of packing and shipping worldwide. Flat-pack assembly for lightweight shipping was the result. In neighboring Sweden during the late 1940s, DUX president and furniture designer Folke Ohlsson put the same idea into practice. Flat-pack assembly saved space in warehouses and money on transportation. It’s a breakthrough that survives today — namely at popular Swedish brand IKEA.
While it’s unclear if Westnofa also produced furniture in addition to exporting the goods of a group of manufacturers, some of the more well-known designers that are today mentioned alongside the company include Ingmar Relling, Torstein Nilsen and Jens Nielsen. Relling is best known for seating and his most famous piece associated with Westnofa is his high-backed Siesta chair, which features supple leather cushions atop a bentwood frame. Torstein Nilsen designed an elegant glass-topped bentwood dining table that is also commonly linked with Westnofa. Jens Nielsen created minimalist, sculptural lounge chairs in birch and plywood that are connected with the Westnofa name.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Westnofa seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Poltrona Frau Viking Leather Lounge Chair by Sigurd Resell, 1970
By Poltrona Frau, Sigurd Resell
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The Poltrona Frau Viking is one of the most impressive lounge chairs of its time, combining Scandinavian design tradition with Italian craftsmansh...
Leather
Westnofa Wing Leather Armchair by Harald Relling, 1970
By Westnofa Furniture, Harald Relling
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
With its striking silhouette, its seemingly floating seat, and the characteristic combination of leather, canvas, and chrome-plated steel, this rare Westnofa "Wing" lounge chair embo...
Chrome
Ib Kofod-Larsen Leather Armchair by Fröscher, Light Wood Frame, 1960
By Fröscher Sitform, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather armchair by Kofod-Larsen, based on the design of the Elisabeth chair, is in excellent condition. The light wood frame harmonizes beautifully with the dark, tobacco-brown...
Leather
ESA 802 Lounge Chair by Werner Langenfeld, Black Leather, 1970
By ESA, Werner Langenfeld
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The armchair ESA 802 is an outstanding example of Scandinavian Mid-Century design and was manufactured by the Danish manufacturer ESA Møbelværk. Designed by the German designer Werne...
Leather
Carl Straub Leather Mid Century - Space Age Lounge Chair, 1970
By Carl Straub
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This exceptional designer armchair from Carl Straub is an impressive example of the fusion of sculptural form, innovative material use, and high seating comfort. With its powerful, c...
Leather
Kaufeld Siesta 62 lounge chair with ottoman by Jacques Brule, 1960
By Hans Kaufeld, Brûle
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The Siesta 62 lounge chair with matching ottoman is one of the most exceptional German lounge designs of the 1960s. Designed by Jacques Brule for the renowned Kaufeld Möbelwerkstätte...
Fabric
Midcentury "Siesta" Lounge Chair by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, Norway, 1970s
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Praha, CZ
- iconic model - very confortable
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Siesta Lounge Chair attributed to Ingmar Relling for Westnofa
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Rødekro, DK
A masterpiece of mid-century Scandinavian design, the iconic "Siesta" lounge chair was designed in 1965 by acclaimed Norwegian designer Ingmar Relling (1920–2002) for Westnofa — one ...
Leather, Bentwood, Plywood
1970s, Norwegian design by Ingmar Relling, lounge chair, model "Siesta".
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Norwegian design by Ingmar Relling. Lounge chair model "Siesta". Original brown furniture leather with very nice patina. Bent beech wood, canvas. Original good condition: no s...
Leather, Canvas, Beech
Wood and leather Siesta armchair by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa Vestlandske 1970
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in MIlano, IT
German modern wood and leather Siesta armchair by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa Vestlandske 1970. Siesta model armchair with curved wooden structure without armrests with padded seat c...
Leather, Wood
1970s, Norwegian design by Ingmar Relling, model "Siesta", furniture leather.
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Norwegian design by Ingmar Relling, model "Siesta". Original brown furniture leather, bent beech wood, canvas. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constru...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Siesta Fiora Loungechair, Hight Back by Ingmar Relling. New
By Ingmar Relling
Located in Courbevoie, FR
SIESTA FIORA was launched in 2005 to celebrate Siesta’s 40th anniversary. SIESTA FIORA stands out as an icon where simplicity, minimalism and functionality are all represented in one...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
