From its unorthodox beginnings, Italian manufacturer Arflex grew into one of the leaders of 20th-century furniture design. Its furniture came to be known for its integration of new materials and bold appeal, and today a variety of vintage Arflex chairs, sofas and tables are emblems of mid-century modernism.
Arflex was established in Milan in 1947 by Pirelli employees Carlo Barassi, Pio Reggiani, Renato Teani and Aldo Bai. Barassi, a Milan Polytechnic graduate and visionary engineer at the Italian tire manufacturer, explored innovative technology and new uses for synthetic materials in domestic products (for Kartell, he codeveloped a ski rack for automobiles). The four founders partnered with a young architect named Marco Zanuso, who also desired to create furniture that featured an application of novel materials such as elastic tape and polyurethane foam.
One of Arflex’s inaugural pieces was Zanuso’s Lady armchair, a seat made of polyurethane foam that was manufactured in pieces and assembled at the very end of the production process. It won a gold medal at the 1951 Milan Triennale. A couple of years later, Arflex collaborated with Studio BBPR to create the office-chic Elettra and Neptunia chairs. The flourishing furniture company quickly established a reputation for compelling products and attracting and working with up-and-coming designers such as Roberto Menghi, who created Hall, a luxurious line of seating that would earn the Compasso d’Oro – Honorable Mention in 1959.
In the 1960s, Arflex continued to welcome the use of new and cutting-edge materials. Popular designs from this decade include Carlo Bartoli's fiberglass and polyester resin Gaia lounge chair and Cini Boer’s Bobo Relax lounger, one of history’s first seating pieces made of polyurethane foam (it has no internal frame). Boer, a pioneer of furniture design in Italy, also created the Strips sofa for the brand in 1972. Part of a plush modular seating system, the Strips sofa became an Arflex icon and was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979.
Arflex continues to work with innovative designers to this day. Among their more recent collaborations is with Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune. The company's legendary creations are also on display at museums worldwide. The Lady chair, for example, is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of vintage Arflex lounge chairs, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture.
Arflex Marius&Marius Two-seater Sofa by Mario Marenco
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in 1970, the Marius&Marius sofa and armchair stem from a precise reflection on the balance between function and design. The generous shapes, ...
Metal
Arflex Faubourg Two-Seater Sofa in Fabric with Metal Structure by Carlo Colombo
By Arflex, Carlo Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An easy & chic piece, deep and with soft cushions, in which you can almost plunge into, suitable for any type of living. Additional information: Materials: Upholstered seat with ...
Fabric
Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marenco Sofa is designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex. This sofa features the system with making the armrest and seat as the base portion. There is a metal...
Metal
Arflex Marius&Marius Three-seater Sofa in Leather by Mario Marenco
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in 1970, the Marius&Marius sofa and armchair stem from a precise reflection on the balance between function and design. The generous shapes, ...
Metal
"Elisa" Indoor Two-Seat Sofa Designed by Enzo Mari for Driade
By Enzo Mari, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Elisa" is a two-seat sofa, designed by Enzo Mari and manufactured by Driade, featuring a structure made of steel finished in black-brown epoxy paint, cushions in polyurethane foam o...
Steel
Saba Vela Upholstered Sofa 220 by Zanellato Bortotto
By Saba Italia, Zanellato Bortotto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The sails, fixed to the boat mast, unfold urged by the breeze and then swell majestically, creating sophisticated lines that unravel the murmur of the winds. Since always, sails have...
Fabric
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex in fabric. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. This listing is for a sofa with fabric upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
Flexform Feel Good Ten Alto Three Seater Sofa by Antonio Citterio
By Antonio Citterio
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in luxury and comfort - the Feel Good Ten Alto Three Seater Sofa by Flexform. This stunning piece features a sleek and modern design, crafted with the highes...
Metal
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 3 Seater Sofa 255 for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 3 Seater Sofa 255 for Arflex. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 300 x H 63 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, polyurethane foam, and goose down. Cushions are not inc...
Other
Arflex Marenco 1 Arm 2-Seater Sofa by Mario Marenco, Newly Reupholstered
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Toronto, CA
Originally designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, the namesake sofa has reached cult status. The unique rounded design and the wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must of conte...
Velvet
Lievore + Altherr Désile Park 'Davos' Sofa 270 for Verzelloni Italy
By Jeannette Altherr , Alberto Lievore
Located in Tilburg, NL
Lievore + Altherr Désile Park 'Davos' Sofa 270 for Verzelloni, Italy. New, current production. Davos curved sofa has a rounded line and an elegant and rigorous design, it offers h...
Fabric
