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.
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...
Wood
Large André Sornay chest of drawers in limed oak from the 1940s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large chest of drawers from the 1940s by French designer André Sornay. Solid oak and veneered structure with a limed finish. The piece is highlighted by a system of perfectly aligned...
Oak
André Sornay Sideboard, Vintage Wood Credenza, Functional Design, 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Really scarce sideboard by André Sornay with amazing construction and many details. Very functionnal
Brass
rare André Sornay sideboard in Oregon pine and studded 40s art deco modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sideboard of the Lyon designer André Sornay dating from the 40s. Structure in veneered and solid Oregon pine, stained on the bottom of the base in black. The sideboard is composed of...
Brass
1930s Modernist Wardrobe by André Sornay, Stamped and Documented
By Andre Sornay
Located in CA, CA
This exceptionally proportioned Modernist wardrobe by André Sornay shows why his stature as one of the most important designers of the Art Dec...
Wood
Scarce and big Andre Sornay sideboard
By Andre Sornay
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très jolie enfilade par André Sornay en acajou et placage de palmier. Les trois portes sont coulissantes. Ce meuble est profondément interessant dans l’oeuvre de Sornay car il peut...
Brass
Andre Sornay French Mid-Century Mahogany Veneer Faceted Front Highboy Chest
By Andre Sornay
Located in Queens, NY
"French Mid-Century highboy dresser / chest finished in mahogany veneer, containing 5 drawers, the topmost shallow, the lower four with faceted fronts containing sage green leather i...
Leather
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...
Wood
Rare André Sornay French Wardrobes Armoires Art Deco Modernist 40s - F613
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
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...
Brass, Copper
Andre Sornay cabinet, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Storage unit by Andre Sornay in the sixties Rare model Beech structure and melamine panels 3 doors and 3 drawers Some traces of time on the top and some lack of wood on the door Nice...
Beech
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...
Brass
André SORNAY (1902-2000), varnished plywood chest of drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
André Sornay (1902-2000) was a French furniture designer who transformed his family's business after taking over in 1919. Influenced by Bauhaus and De Stijl, he created modern, funct...
Brass
$15,000 / set
André Sornay Cabinet, Circa 1960, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: André Sornay Cabinet, Circa 1960, France. This piece is a rare mahogany and Isorel sideboard designed by the renowned French modernist André Sornay around 1960 . André S...
Formica, Walnut
1930's French Wooden Buffet by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
An elegant collectible buffet from the 1930s, designed by french designer André Sornay, crafted with meticulous attention to quality, featuring a sturdy wooden frame, complemented by...
Marble, Brass
Chest of drawers André Sornay, 1970’s
By Andre Sornay
Located in LYON, FR
André Sornay chest of drawers Large chest of drawers from the 1970s by designer and manufacturer André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon and master of Art Deco furniture, famous for his studded...
Beech
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A vintage Oak Art Deco compactum / compact wardrobe circa 1930's Inside is fitted out with a pull out hanging rail and shelves
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An Art Deco walnut wardrobe - circa 1930's - Fitted out with two pull out clothes rails, coat hooks and a shelf Featuring decorative metal latch The wardrobe separates into two halves
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressive quality Art Deco burr walnut compactum, circa 1930s Featuring a pull out hanging rail, shelves and a drawer The original key is missing but the latch works
Wood, Walnut
British Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, circa 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An Art Deco walnut compact wardrobe featuring a skyscraper style front Complete with unique red bakelite and brass handles - circa 1930's Fitted out with a clothes and shoe rail
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A stylish 1930s Art Deco compact wardrobe by Palatal Furniture, featuring beautifully figured burr walnut veneer to the doors with bookmatched patterning and original stepped handles...
Wood, Walnut
$3,596
H 30.71 in W 72.05 in D 20.87 in
1950s Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern Wood Glass Brass Credenza Sideboard
By Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Melchiorre Bega, Paolo Buffa, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian 1950s sideboard, credenza, buffet with very elegant shapes and classic wood worked according its natural light graining. This great piece has 6 frontal drawers and ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern 1950s Italian Cabinet in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, mahogany, mirrored glass, glass, brass, Italy, 1950s This charming cabinet stands out with its graphical door panels, featuring carved horizontal lines that add character ...
Brass
$11,388
H 77.96 in W 102.37 in D 23.63 in
1930s Venetian Baroque Wardrobe, by Testolini Freres in Walnut decored and Briar
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious 1930s Venetian Baroque cupboard wardrobe, by Testolini Freres Venice, in hand-carved walnut yellow decored and burl walnut, with central mirror . Interior upholstered in ora...
Velvet, Mirror, Burl, Walnut
$4,795
H 28.75 in W 68.9 in D 20.48 in
1950s Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Walnut Wood White Marble Credenza Sideboard
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Carimate, Como
Important and elegantly shaped Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern sideboard or credenza, greatly designed with white marble top, six drawers highlighted by the white lacquered handl...
Marble, Brass
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A beautiful quality Art Deco 1930's burr walnut compact wardrobe. Inside is beautifully fitted out with a pull out clothes rail, shelves and drawers
Wood, Walnut
$2,697
H 52.37 in W 50.4 in D 22.05 in
Restored Art Deco Wardrobe, by J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Maple, Czech, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by Jindrich Halabala, a renowned designer credited with ushering in the mass market production of furniture in his native Czechoslovakia. Made by UP Zavody, a well-known Cz...
Wood, Lacquer, Maple
Mid-Century Modern Double Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak grain vintage modern cabinet with adjustable shelves. Double door cabinets, sleek lines, great as an office sideboard. (Please confirm item lo...
Teak
Andre Sorney Architectural Cabinet, France 1967
By Andre Sornay
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Andrey Sorney cabinet with a strong architectural presence and beautifully balanced proportions. This striking storage piece is defined by its clean wooden frame and contrasting slid...
Wood
André Sornay sideboard in wood, 1930s, Art Deco
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
1930s Art Deco sideboard by French designer André Sornay. Frame in wood veneer and beige stone top. The cabinet features three hinged doors opening onto shelves; the three keys are i...
Wood
Cabinet in wood and glass, 1930s Art Deco by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Art Deco display cabinet from the 1930s by French designer André Sornay. Frame made of solid wood and veneer. A large glass door opens onto two glass shelves and one wooden one. Simp...
Wood
André Sornay Vintage Cabinet, France circa 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Wardrobe designed by André Sornay, cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon, a key figure of French modernism and inventor of the "tigette" rod-assembly system developed in the 1930s. Pr...
Metal
Sold
H 35.5 in W 12.5 in D 10.25 in
André Sornay, Modernist Display Stand in Walnut, For a Window Frame
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
André Sornay, who went into the family business in Lyon, and worked and exhibited there throughout his life, was an early proponent of modernity — placing as much emphasis on new mat...
Walnut
A Unique Cabinet by André Sornay, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A cabinet by André Sornay, inventor of the "tigette" assembly system. This storage unit with a rectangular solid mahogany frame features sliding doors, one lacquered in black and t...
Glass, Wood
1950s André Sornay Cabinet, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in Aartselaar, BE
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, cabinet, oak, wood, France, 1960s This midcentury cabinet, crafted by the renowned French designer André Sornay, is a true testament to his innovati...
Wood, Oak
Cabinet by Andre Sornay blue door, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Large cabinet made by French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the sixties Structure in mahogany with a tigette system Panels in beige and blue lacquer Shelves inside
Mahogany, Lacquer
Mid-Century André Sornay Wardrobe, circa 1955, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Mid-Century André Sornay Wardrobe. It's a very decorative piece made with mahogany and metal base. CONDITION: Good vintage conditio...
Metal
André Sornay Vintage Cabinet, France circa 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Vintage cabinet with a modernist and minimalist touch by André Sornay, cabinetmaker and designer, produced in Lyon by Meubles Sornay circa 1960. An iconic design, the mahogany str...
Metal
Rosewood Sideboard by André Sornay, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A sideboard designed by André Sornay, the inventor of the "à tigettes" assembly system, in the 1950s. This rosewood-framed storage piece features three sliding doors with handles, r...
Wood
Sold
H 41.74 in W 90.56 in D 19.69 in
Modernist Sideboard In Studded Rosewood By Andre Sornay, France 1940s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Hellouw, NL
Modernist sideboard in studded rosewood by Andre Sornay.Andre Sornay was an extremely gifted furniture designer who belonged to the absolute avant-garde both conceptually and artisti...
Travertine