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.
Set of six French chairs by Andre' Sornay with white leather seats
By Andre Sornay
Located in Milano, IT
This elegant set of six French chairs attributed to André Sornay is a striking example of the designer's rigorous and architectural approach to furniture design during the 1940s, a p...
Brass
André Sornay, Armchair, Wood, Leather, France, 1940s
By Andre Sornay
Located in High Point, NC
A red leather and wood armchair designed and produced by André Sornay, France, 1940s. Heavy wear on arm rests with natural dry cracking. Moderate wear to fabric (residue buildup an...
Leather, Wood
Rare André Sornay Curved Armchair in Mahogany and Warm Beige Suede
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay, armchair, mahogany, suede, France, circa 1930 This rare armchair by André Sornay exemplifies his architectural approach to furniture design, created during the height ...
Suede, Mahogany
$12,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Andre Sornay bridge chairs stained Oregon pine, ebonised wood
By Andre Sornay
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Pair of bridge chairs stained Oregon pine on the back side , lacquer olive green color wood, brass nail-heads and fabric upholstery, each underside stamped 'BREVETE SORNAY/FRANCE ETR...
Wood
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. ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
$3,074 / set
Set of 2 Low chairs by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 low chairs designed by French cabinetmaker: Andre Sornay during the 60s in France Structure with four feet in mahogany completed with white laminate panels (back)- connected...
Fabric, Foam, Mahogany
Rare Modernist Stool by Andre Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cowhide upholstered stool by Andre Sornay. Made in France circa 1930s. Literature: Thierry Roche, André Sornay 1902-2000, Paris, 2002
Metal
Chair by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A chair designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chair featur...
Wood
$18,000 / set
Pair of Armchairs by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of André Sornay armchairs with brass nail details and leather upholstery.
Oak
$4,000 / set
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...
Beech
Set of Six André Sornay Solid Beech Slatted Chairs, 1960 Lyon Mid-Century Modern
By Andre Sornay
Located in IT
This set of six solid beech wood slatted chairs, designed by André Sornay circa 1960, epitomizes the elegance of Mid-Century Modern style. Crafted in L...
Beech
$1,655 / item
André Sornay Armchair, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in PARIS, FR
Armchair by French designer André Sornay, 1950s. Wooden frame, gray leather seat and back. Very good condition. 2 availables. Lp1150-1151.
Leather, Wood
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.
Pine
Set of 2 Andre Sornay armchairs mahogany and velvet 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Pair of armchairs by Andre Sornay in the sixties Structure in mahogany with cushions in foam covered by velvet fabric Tigette system some traces of time on the structure Fabric is new
Velvet, Mahogany
An Armchair by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Simplicity and elegance for these armchairs by the Lyon cabinetmaker and designer André Sornay. Solid pine uprights assemble by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, c...
Wood
$5,321 / set
Pair of Andre Sornay Seats, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Andre Sornay seats, circa 1950 (original fabric in perfct condition).
Wood
Set of French Chairs by André Sornay, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Set of French Chairs by André Sornay, 1950s Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Yellow Design Period: 1950 to 1959 Year: 1950 Country of Manufacture: France Identifying M...
Wood
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...
Pine
$4,560 / item
H 31.5 in W 29.93 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Armchair Offered in Velvet with Back Curved Lines
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The front of this armchair is composed as a verse, with a smooth seat, backrest and legs. The scene is set for the explosion of the chorus, bursting from its quilted back, infused with detailed seaming and exuberant curved lines...
Velvet, Wood
Set of 4 Spanish Bobbin Chairs 1960s
Located in MILL, NL
Spanish chairs 1960 vintage. Set of 4 vintage dining chairs. Originating from Spain, c. 1960. With bobbin frame. Upholstery in style of Aubusson tapestries. Upholstery has some dam...
Wood
$4,395 / set
H 33.5 in W 17.2 in D 17.6 in
Set Of Six 1950s French Dining Chairs With Upholstered Seat
Located in High Point, NC
This set of six 1950s French dining chairs captures the clean lines and understated elegance characteristic of mid-century design. Crafted from solid wood, each chair features a gent...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French Oak Armchairs, France, 1950s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This refined pair of French armchairs from the 1950s showcases the understated elegance of mid-century design. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs feature beautifully sculpted armrest...
Straw, Oak
Pair of French Art Deco Armchairs attributed to Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of French Art Deco Oak arm chairs, attributed to Andre Arbus, French, circa 1940s. They retain their original naugahyde upholstery. Measurements: 39"H x 24"W x 22"D x 19"Seat H ...
Upholstery, Oak
1940s French Cocktail Upholstered Armchair
Located in High Point, NC
This 1940s French cocktail upholstered armchair embodies the relaxed sophistication of mid-century lounge design. The gently curved wooden arms, crafted from warmly toned hardwood, i...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,650
H 30.13 in W 21.75 in D 16.25 in
French Art Deco Cerused Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Andre Sornay
By Charles Dudouyt, Francisque Chaleyssin, Andre Sornay, Jules Leleu, Jacques Adnet
Located in Houston, TX
French Art Deco Cerused Oak Desk Chair Attributed To Andre Sornay. Handsome French Art Deco cerused or limed oak desk chair attributed to Andre Sornay. This stunning desk chair or of...
Leather, Oak
French Reconstruction Armchair, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
One of a kind French Reconstruction Armchair, 1940, post-war modernist design. Structure in solid oak. Condition report : the chair show si...
Cane, Mahogany
$3,500 / item
H 32 in W 23.5 in D 27.5 in
Sornay Attr. Art Deco Rosewood Lounge Chairs, France 1930s-1940s, Mid-Century
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Sornay attributed deco Animal print rosewood lounge chairs, France, 1930s-1940s Mid-Century. Incredible rosewood chairs with beautiful Patina throughout. Modernist square arms and t...
Cowhide, Rosewood
$3,350 / set
H 31.11 in W 15.83 in D 18.19 in
Set of Six French Dining Chairs with Red Wooden Frame and Straw Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, straw, France, 1960s. Stunning set of French chairs with red beech frames and classic organic straw seats. This set of six dining chairs features a ...
Straw, Beech
French Armchair, 1940s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This Colonial-style armchair was designed in the 1950s. They are made up of a solid mahogany structure and a cane seat and backrest.
Cane
Rare Modernist Stool by Andre Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cowhide upholstered stool by Andre Sornay. Made in France circa 1930s. Literature: Thierry Roche, André Sornay 1902-2000, Paris, 2002
Metal
Pair of Chairs by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of chairs designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chair...
Wood
Pair of Armchairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Simplicity and elegance for these armchairs by the Lyon cabinetmaker and designer André Sornay. Solid pine uprights assemble by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, c...
Wood
Pair of Chairs by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of chairs designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chairs...
Wood
Chair by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A chair designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chair featur...
Wood
Chair by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A chair designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chair featur...
Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by André Sornay, France, 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by André Sornay, France, 1950 Introducing a visually striking pair of vintage lounge chairs designed by the esteemed French furniture designer Andr...
Upholstery, Beech
Chair by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A chair designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chair featur...
Wood
Pair of Chairs by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of chairs designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chairs...
Wood
Pair of Chairs by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of chairs designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s. These elegant chairs...
Wood
Pair of Armchairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Simplicity and elegance for these armchairs by the Lyon cabinetmaker and designer André Sornay. Solid pine uprights assemble by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, b...
Wood
Set of Four Chairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare set of four chairs by the cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon André Sornay. Solid pine uprights assembled by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, with anthracite...
Wood
Set of Four Chairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare set of four chairs by the cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon André Sornay. Solid pine uprights assembled by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, with anthracite...
Wood