André Sornay Furniture
French, 1902-2000
Although he is among the least known of the like-minded French Art Deco furniture designers of his era, André Sornay introduced innovative fabrication techniques and a unique decorative style to his modernist seating, case pieces and other creations.
Sornay was born in Lyon in 1902, and graduated from École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Lyon in 1918. His career as a furniture designer began in 1919 when he was appointed head of his family’s furniture company after his father’s death.
In the early 1920s — inspired by the Bauhaus and De Stijl as well as his friends and fellow French avant-garde designers Francis Jourdain and Pierre Chareau — Sornay shifted the company’s focus from manufacturing period reproductions to creating contemporary designs.
Sornay’s work fused tradition with modernism. He preferred to work with metals, exotic woods such as mahogany and rosewood, rubber and Duco lacquer for a range of cabinets, desks, chairs and mirrors. Sornay’s pieces featured sleek brass drawer pulls and sharply geometric lines, and the distinctive mode that he worked in was known throughout Lyon as “Le Style Sornay.”
Sornay was also recognized for his inventive design methods that were not only decorative but functional. In 1932, he patented the cloudage technique — studding the perimeter of veneered furniture panels with uniform brass nails. Sornay integrated this technique into his wardrobes, side tables and the armchairs he designed, which were frequently defined by clean lines and sharp angles. In the early 1950s, he also patented a technique called the “Tigette,” which allowed for quick and easy assembly or disassembly of modular furniture — a forerunner to IKEA’s flat-packed furniture.
While Sornay isn’t as well known as other European modernists like Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, he attracted modest attention at exhibitions of the day, such as the 1923 Salon d’Automne and the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the design fair that brought the Art Deco style to the world. He was awarded the bronze medal at Paris’s Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne in 1937.
In the late 1950s, Sornay ceded control of his furniture design company to his children, remaining as an advisor until production ceased in 1999. He died the following year.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage André Sornay case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and tables.
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Creator: André Sornay
Daybed by Andre Sornay in Mahogany and Black Linen, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Daybed designed by Andre Sornay in the sixties
Structure with four feet in mahogany, mattress in foam covered with black linen
Nice patina of the wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Linen, Mahogany
Dining Table by André Sornay, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
André Sornay, cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon, was also an inventor. In the 1950s, he patented the so-called "tigettes" assembly system, which he used on many furniture such as...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Dining Table
By Andre Sornay
Located in lyon, FR
André Sornay dining table
Circa 1950.
The structure is in walnut and the nails are in brass, aligned, taking up all the contours of the furniture.
Good general condition, wear due t...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Cabinet by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Storage unit made by Andre Sornay, French cabinet maker, in the 40s
(signature on the top, see picture)
Four-legged structure in beech, zebrano veneer panels
In front, 2 sliding d...
Category
Late 20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech, Zebra Wood
André Sornay Cabinets in Mahogany
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, cabinet, mahogany, wood, metal, France, 1960s
Iconic midcentury cabinets by French designer Andre Sornay...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Andre Sornay Set of 2 Chairs in Solid Wood and Grey Lacquer, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 chairs designed by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in 1960.
Composed of a 4 legs base, completed by a lacquered seat and backrest, structure in wood
All assem...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of André Sornay Armchairs in Sapele Mahogany and Bouclé, France, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by André Sornay and produced by his workshop in Lyon in the early 1950s. High, angled backrest in sapele mahogany with upholstered cushions. ...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Andre Sornay French Midcentury Mahogany Bedside / End Table
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
French midcentury mahogany bedside / end table with an upper open compartment / gallery over a rectangular base with a single drawer with a faceted front and central sage green leath...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Wood
Pair of Armchairs by André Sornay, France, circa 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A pair of armchairs by André Sornay, designed in the 1960s.
Typical of the "tigette" furniture, an assembly system patented by the designer, they are characterized by their high b...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
Set of Four Chairs by André Sornay, France 1960sSet of Four Chairs by André Sorn
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Set of 4 chairs by the cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon André Sornay, inventor of numerous patented systems, in particular the mounting with rods, of which these chairs are a fine...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Cabinet by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Cabinet made by Andre Sornay in the 1960.
Structure in mahogany, panels in lacquer (from origin)
2 sliding doors in front
6 shelves inside.
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Redwood Armchair by Andre Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Long Island City, NY
Armchair by Andre Sornay newly reupholstered in striped cotton fabric with a redwood structure. Impressed mark "Brevete France Sornay Etranger" with brass inlay on the underside of c...
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Set of 2 Chairs by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 chairs designed by Andre Sornay in France in the 1950s
Structure with 4 feet in mahogany, seat and back in wood covered with a black lacquer
...
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
1940s Oregon Pine Coat Rack with Pegs by André Sornay French Art Deco Modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
1940s Wall coat rack by French designer André Sornay. Structure in solid Oregon wood and veneer highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned underlining the sober and pur...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 Chairs by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 chairs designed by Andre Sornay in France in the 1950s
Structure with 4 feet in mahogany, seat and back in wood covered with a off white lacq...
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
1930s Modernist Wardrobe by André Sornay, Stamped and Documented
By Andre Sornay
Located in London, GB
This masterful and exceptionally proportioned Modernist wardrobe by André Sornay shows why his stature as one of the most important designers ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Stools by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 stools by Andre Sornay in the sixties.
Compas feet and rectangular seat, all in wood.
From a private family in Lyon.
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Square Coffee Table by French Andre Sornay Beech and Beige Laminate Top 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Square coffee table by the famous French designer and manufacturer Andre Sornay produced in the 1960s.
Composed of a structure in solid Beechwood and a beige laminate top in perfec...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Beech
Andre Sornay Kids Desk or Armchair Solid Wood and Laminate, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
kids desk or armchair designed and manufacture by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay for an administration in France in the 60s.
Composed of a soli...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Andre Sornay Rare Solid Pine Armchair, France, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Armchair designed and manufactured by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 60s.
Composed of a solid pine structure, with brown finish varnish assembled by the tigette...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
Andre Sornay Rare Beech Chairs Tigette System, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Chair designed and manufactured by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 1960s.
Composed of a solid beech structure assembled by the tigette system patented by the des...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
Square Coffee Table by French Andre Sornay Beech and Oak Top 1960,
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Square coffee table by the famous French Designer and manufacturer Andre Sornay produced in the 60s.
Composed of a solid beech structure and a oak veneer top. All in very good cond...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech, Oak
6 Andre Sornay Chairs in Wood and White bouclé Fabric, France, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 6 Andre Sornay chairs designed in France (Lyon) in the 1960s.
Composed of solid wood structure and a back and seat in foam cover in white b...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Andre Sornay Shelf in Solid Wood France 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Shelf designed and manufactured by the famous french cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 1960s.
Composed of a solid wood structure assembled with the tigette system patented by the de...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Square Coffee Table by French Andre Sornay Beech and Black Laminate Top, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Square coffee table by the famous French designer and cabinetmaker Andre Sornay produced in the 60s.
Composed of a solid beech structure and a black laminate top.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Beech
6 Andre Sornay Chairs in Pine, 1960, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 6 chairs designed and manufactured by the famous cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 60s.
Composed of a solid pine structure, assembled with the tigette system patented by the ...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pine Andre Sornay armchair, France, 1950's
By Andre Sornay
Located in Austin, TX
Pine armchair by Andre Sornay, French designer known for his sublime simplicity. France, 1950's.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
André Sornay Walnut Bedside Table
By Andre Sornay
Located in lyon, FR
André Sornay walnut bedside table.
Very good condition, circa 1940
The bedside table is in walnut. The nails are in brass, aligned, followin...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pine Stool by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Stool by Andre Sornay in the 60s.
Pine structure with rod system.
Nice patina of the wood.
Category
Late 20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
André Sornay Mid-Century Modern French Cabinet, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cabinet designed by André Sornay.
Manufactured in France in 1950s.
In original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
The metal ba...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Stunning Chest of Drawers by André Sornay, Art Déco, France, circa 1932
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
Rare veneer varnished chest of drawers by André Sornay (1902-2000). Black lacquered wood base and handles with gilded brass nailing. Six drawers. Trace of signature on the base.
And...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
André Sornay Walnut Mirror
By Andre Sornay
Located in lyon, FR
André Sornay walnut mirror.
Very good condition, circa 1950
The mirror is in walnut. The nails are in brass and are visible on the back of the mirror.
Dimensions : W32 cm x D...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Andre Sornay Beech Slatted Wood Dining Chairs, France, circa 1960 mid century
By Andre Sornay
Located in Milano, IT
Set of six Andre Sornay solid beech wood slatted chairs circa 1960 Lyon, France. Mid-Century Modern style. Note the curve in the seat makes these very ...
Category
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
André Sornay Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in lyon, FR
André Sornay walnut chest of drawers.
Very good condition, circa 1950
The chest of drawers is in walnut. The nails are in brass, aligned, following all the outlines of the furni...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Andre Sornay Room Divider Cabinet, France, 1955
By Andre Sornay
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning minimalistic room divider wardrobe designed by cabinet maker Andre Sornay, France 1955. This rare room divider cabinet was designed with his 'tigette system' which was basic...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Teak
André Sornay Armchair, circa 1920
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay (1902-2000).
Furniture designer from Lyon (France) of the 20th century. He owes his recognition to his modernist vision of the furniture, including in particular, the u...
Category
1920s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
French Art Deco / Early Modern Cerused Oak Console by Andre Sornay, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
A sleek, narrow profile double level console by Andre Sornay, France, circa 1930 in faint green cerused oak. A sober, elegant, French Modernist statement. The piece is ideal for smal...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Oak
Andre Sornay Mahogany Cabinet
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany cabinet by Andre Sornay.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
André Sornay Highboard in Mahogany and Ash
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, wardrobe or armoire, ash, mahogany, France, 1950s
Iconic midcentury wardrobe by French designer André Sornay. With its geometric design and the com...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Ash
Rare André Sornay French Wardrobes Armoires Art Deco Modernist 40s - F613
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
Armoire, bookcase from the 50's by the french designer André Sornay. Structure in solid mahogany and veneer highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned around the furniture (see photos). The large sliding door opens on a series of solid wood shelves...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Pair of Andre Sornay Armchairs, circa 1960, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in Girona, Spain
Pair of Andre Sornay armchairs.
This armchair will warm up your interior with the color of its wood, a perfect piece for a chalet-type interior...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
40's Cabinet by French Designer Andre Sornay Mahogany and Copper Art Deco
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
1940s cabinet by French designer André Sornay. The structure is made of solid mahogany and veneered wood, highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned around the edges of...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Beech chairs by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Vintage dining chair by French designer André Sornay. It is manufactured with a design that is assembled by tightening bolts from one side. Manufacturer is his own workshop, Sornay M...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
André Sornay Cabinet in Mahogany
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, cabinet, honduras mahogany, metal, France, 1960s
Iconic midcentury cabinet by French designer André Sornay...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Six of Mid Century Andre Sornay Chairs
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Six chairs pine and black lacquered chairs by Andre Sornay, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
Adjustable Desk
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
This extendable/adjustable desk is by André Sornay made with an exotic wood circa 1930. Its structure and design with the circular table top is very re...
Category
1930s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Andre Sornay Frosted Glass Top and Exotic Wood Accent Table
By Andre Sornay
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is all original, acquired from an amazing estate (former dealer, Amy Perlin in Bridgehampton, NY), in its as-found condition. It is very chic and a perfect example of French Art...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass, Macassar, Oak
Andre Sornay Oregon Pine, Glass and Copper Bar Cart, France, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Andre Sornay bar cart in darkened Oregon pine on steel and rubber casters, each tray has an inset glass piece protecting the wood for use. The sides have a discreet line of e...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Copper, Steel
Pair of Mid-Century André Sornay Armchairs, France, circa 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Vintage pair of mid-century André Sornay pine and black lacquered armchairs from France, c. 1960s. Part of the makers patented "tigette" system.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
André Sornay: Important Set of Six Walnut & Leather Dining Chairs, France 1930s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
André Sornay (1902-2000)
A beautiful set of six minimalist, pure-lined dining chairs by André Sornay, with subtly curved and tapered backs and elegant sabre legs. In French walnut u...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
André Sornay Bookcase Art Deco, circa 1935
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay bookcase, circa 1935, satin varnich, with inclusion of brass nails.
André Sornay (1902-2000) French creator from Lyon, who owes his celebrity to his modernist vision of...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Dressing Table with Large Mirror, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exceptional dressing table by André Sornay.
Restored
“Certificate of Authenticity” from Thierry Roche, French expert for André Sornay.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Fabulous Andre Sornay Art Deco Canape, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay - Sofa
André Sornay (1902-2000) Lyonnais creator, who owes his celebrity to his modernist vision of furniture, including the use of nails on his achievements.
Asymmet...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Andre Sornay Wood Umbrella Stand
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Andre Sornay (1902-2000).
Umbrella and cane stand.
Wood, bronze tray.
France, 1930s.
Measures: 18.5 x 9.5 x 23 H.
Reference: Thier...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Signed Andre Sornay Chest in Ribbon Mahogany and Brass
By Andre Sornay
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally polished and completely installation ready.
An...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Andre Sornay Cabinet
By Andre Sornay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Deco modernist cabinet by Andre Sornay in African mahogany. Detailed with storage shelving interior. Measures: 32" wide x 15" deep x...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Pair of Andre Sornay Seats, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Andre Sornay seats, circa 1950 (original fabric).
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Secretaire, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Andre´ Sornay secretaire, circa 1930
Signed.
Restored.
Certificate of authenticity from Thierry Roche, French expert for Andre´ Sornay.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
André Sornay furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
André Sornay furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of André Sornay furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by André Sornay were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Jean Claude Mahey, Joseph-André Motte, and Olivier Mourgue. Prices for André Sornay furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £449 and can go as high as £34,783, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £5,343.
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