The sterling reputation that Artifort enjoys isn’t limited to the innovative upholstery and fluid, organic shapes for which its products are widely known — the legendary Dutch brand’s vintage seating and other furniture is also celebrated for its embodiment of functionality, comfort and quality. These are among the principles that underpin the philosophy toward modern furniture design at Artifort, which has been at the crossroads of furniture and art for over 125 years.
Prior to 1928, the year Artifort officially became a brand, Jules Wagemans had a small upholstery business in Maastricht, the Netherlands. After setting up in 1890, his son, Henricus Wagemans, broadened the scope of the company to include furniture production. By the end of the 1920s, their showroom in Amsterdam had made them a recognizable brand across the Netherlands.
Then named H. Wagemans & Van Tuien, the company changed its name to Artifort after the economic recession. Artifort came from two Latin words meaning “art” and “strong” — a perfect description for the style of each design and the manufacturer’s intention to create sturdy furnishings. Artifort’s reputation for durable armchairs and sofas endures, and vintage editions of this seating are now family heirlooms in many homes.
Artifort became a magnet for high-profile and up-and-coming designers alike. Many furniture designers’ careers began thanks to collaborations with Artifort, such as Dutch industrial and jewelry designer Gijs Bakker and Indonesian-born designer Kho Liang Ie. Also known for designing the interiors at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Kho Liang Ie was an aesthetic consultant at Artifort and used his expertise to turn the company into a world-class brand. Perhaps his largest contribution, however, was attracting the talents of French furniture and interior designer Pierre Paulin and English furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt.
Paulin’s bright and colorful lounge chairs, such as his Orange Slice chair and Mushroom chair, are still central to the Artifort identity. The revered designer not only introduced new construction techniques to Artifort furniture, but contributed fresh materials, Pop art colors and dazzling shapes to the mid-century modern era as a whole, while Harcourt deserves credit for popularizing Artifort internationally and extending their reach into foreign markets.
Another talent boom in the 1990s at Artifort yielded collaborations with Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang Mezger and René Holten. Iranian designer Khodi Feiz was named art director in 2014 and has continued the tradition of recruiting top designers such as Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.
Find a collection of vintage Artifort lounge chairs, tables and more on 1stDibs.
Customizable Artifort Mushroom P Stool by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The Mushroom P. for Artifort is one of Pierre Paulin’s most famous designs. First there was the Mushroom armchair, that is now exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Then...
Textile
Customizable Artifort Little Apollo Chair by Patrick Norguet
By Patrick Norguet, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Little Apollo is the little brother of the ‘big’ Apollo. Just like its namesake and its bigger brother, the Little Apollo is praised for its attractiveness and its qualities. When you sit at the table or bar on its elegant round seat, every meal becomes a feast of the gods. The chair is available with different upholstery and with trumpet foot, sledge foot or four legs. Base: Disk: Ø 450mm. Finish disk: aluminum polished or powder coat. Tube Ø 32mm, finish chroom or powder coat. Felt strip (6mm thick) for floor protection. Swiveling. 4-legged: Metal rounded solid steel Ø 12mm. Finish chrome or powder coat. 4 plastic black caps. Sledge: Metal rounded solid steel Ø 12mm. Finish chrome or powdercoat. Bar stool always chrome. 4 plastic white gliders...
Textile
Customizable Artifort Track Modular Sofa by Norm Architects
By Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Track is a modular sofa concept with an iconic and sculptural approach. The floating rock-like formations create a comfortable landscape of small seating islands that will become the...
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Artifort Apollo Lounge Chair by Patrick Norguet
By Artifort, Patrick Norguet
Located in New York, NY
A sweeping stroke of elegant calligraphy. Poised. Open. Ergonomics at its best. Destined to be a Classic. Designed by Patrick Norguet, the Apollo radiates balance and harmony. Develo...
Textile
Customizable Artifort Moon Lounge by Patrick Norguet
By Artifort, Patrick Norguet
Located in New York, NY
Moon Comfort and art Moon, by designer Patrick Norguet, emphasises the notion of comfort, art and a progressive character. An inviting, high-backed armchair, Moon catches the eye in ...
Textile
Customizable Artifort Suit Chair by Monica Förster
By Monica Förster, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
There’s nothing better than making a good first impression that combines professional elegance with an individual personality. With the fully upholstered Suit chair, Monica Förster i...
Textile
Kartell - Lunam Pouf Orsetto by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Tulsa, OK
Lunam Pouf Orsetto Patricia Urquiola LUNAM is an enchanting living space furniture collection inspired by the dreamy atmosphere of a lunar landscape. An essential, painted metal stru...
Steel
MDF Italia Customizable Fuji Pouf by Francesco Rota
By MDF Italia
Located in New York, NY
Fuji is the small casual seating collection signed by Francesco Rota whose large, generous and sweet volumes and the trapezoidal silhouette evoke the conical shape of the Japanese vo...
Textile
Max Ottoman in Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric by Julien Lestrille
Located in Geneve, CH
Max Ottoman in Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric by Julien Lestrille. Dimensions: W 80 x D 80 x H 38 cm. Materials: Wood, Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric. The upholstery is available in several color choices of Kvadrat Hero 2, allowing for a personalized finish that perfectly complements your interior. Inspired by cartoon characters, the Max collection brings out the child within us. Its design reflects a bold spirit — one that explores volume, plays with balance, and transforms an everyday object into a showcase of craftsmanship. Its solidity, strong presence, and playful touch make it a unique piece that draws the eye while remaining fully functional. Composed of upholstered panels, Max celebrates the meticulous work of master upholsterers. It is designed to highlight textiles and showcase their texture and richness, turning the piece into a true stage for materials. Julien Lestrille is a designer. A graduate of the Strate School of Design, he has developed expertise in furniture design through collaborations with prestigious studios such as Gilles & Boissier, Bruno Moinard...
Upholstery, Wood
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 41 cm. Materials: Violet bouclé wool, lacquered wood. Available in different wool options. Please conta...
Upholstery, Wood
MDF and Upholstered Bitta Pouf by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
MDF and Upholstered Bitta Pouf by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 70 x D 36 x H 40 cm Materials: MDF structure, padded and upholstered in fabric or leather. Pouf with an MDF s...
Upholstery, Plywood
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 41 cm. Materials: Blue bouclé wool, lacquered wood. Available in different wool options. Please contact...
Upholstery, Wood
