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 Rare Bookcase with Sliding-Doors
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay, library bookcase, mahogany, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s This rare bookcase is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tige...
Glass, Wood, Mahogany
French Modernist Sideboard by André Sornay, Cloutage Technique, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A refined French modernist sideboard designed by Andre Sornay in Lyon, France, circa 1950s. Crafted using Sornay’s signature cloutage technique, the cabinet reveals delicate nail-he...
Wood
Andre Sornay Modernist Wardrobe Stamped and Documented circa 1940
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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
André Sornay Vintage Cabinet, Beech Wood, Modernist Design, 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 beech structur...
Metal
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
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 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
André Sornay Cabinet, Circa 1960, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: André Sornay Cabinet, Circa 1960, France. This piece is a sapele wood and Isorel sideboard designed by the renowned French modernist André Sornay around 1960 . André Sor...
Formica, Sapele Wood
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
André Sornay (1902–2000) Pair of chests of drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
André Sornay (1902–2000) Pair of chests of drawers Beechwood and laminate 3 drawers Dimensions: W 104 × D 54 × H 75 cm Date: circa 1965 A beautiful pair of chests of drawers attribu...
Wood
$3,606
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, Ico & Luisa Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi, Melchiorre Bega
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
Sold|$3,349
H 70.48 in W 48.04 in D 24.02 in
Czechoslovakian Art Deco Curved Walnut Veneer Wardrobe, 1940s
Located in Żory, PL
Beautiful two-door wardrobe dating from the 1930s/1940s, originating from Czechoslovakia. This elegant piece showcases rich walnut veneer with a highly figured, symmetrical book-matc...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Mid Century Modern Credenza / Sideboard by Ercol
By Ercol
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century modern teak credenza / sideboard / console / cabinet. "Windsor" series by Ercol. Model 468 In solid elm wood. Maker's label inside door. This piece...
Elm
$2,891Sale Price|60% Off
H 41.74 in W 120.08 in D 19.69 in
French Midcentury Extra Large Modernist Oak Sideboard, 1950s
Located in Paris, IDF
This attractive sideboard features a smooth oak build and bright copper accents. Monumental in size. The eye-catching coral and black decorative knobs...
Copper
Modernist wardrobe 40's 50's solid wood
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French armoire from the 40's/50's. Structure in solid wood and veneered. The two large hinged doors open onto a series of shelves with a central drawer. Can also be used as a closet....
Wood
$11,700
H 35.44 in W 70.87 in D 18.31 in
André Sornay Rare Sideboard with Double-Sliding Doors in Blue and Black
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay, sideboard, teak, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s This rare cabinet is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tigette system: ...
Wood, Teak
Italian Art Deco 1940s Wardrobe
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1940s Art Deco wardrobe.
Wood
Grand Scale Mahogany Custom Bookcase with Leaded Glass Sliding Doors
Located in Milford, NH
A fine large two-door bookcase with sliding leaded glass doors and adjustable shelves, originally a built-in floor to ceiling piece, with a cut-in on the left side, built around heat...
Glass, Mahogany
Sideboard by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Budapest, HU
Sideboard by Umberto Mascagni. Four doors and four-drawer and the mirror. We have the complete dining suite: Table and six chairs and bar cabinet.
Aluminum
$3,849
H 31.11 in W 83.08 in D 20.28 in
Danish Design Credenza / Sideboard by Bernhard Pedersen in Teak 1950 Brown Beige
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Danish design credenza/sideboard in teak designed and produced by Bernhard Pedersen. Bernhard Pedersen is known for very high quality Danish furniture and this piece perfect...
Teak
$817
H 40.16 in W 60.24 in D 10.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Sliding Glass Door Bookcase Cabinet Robert Heritage
By Robert Heritage
Located in Leicester, GB
We can ship directly to you - please contact us with your country & postcode for an accurate delivery price. Shipping to the US £450 in a custom made crate A beautiful long slim gla...
Hardwood
$2,409Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.13 in W 51.19 in D 17.72 in
Vintage 1960s teak wood sideboard of Italian design
Located in None, IT
Tall teak wood sideboard with gilt brass inserts, the two central sliding doors are black painted wood, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear due ...
Brass
Andre Sornay Bicolored Sideboard with Sliding Doors
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay, sideboard, oak, metal, France, 1960s. This sideboard is designed by the French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay. The sideboard is executed in blue and gray sliding doors th...
Metal
André Sornay Cabinet in Mahogany
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, cabinet, honduras mahogany, wood, metal, France, 1960s Iconic midcentury cabinet by French designer Andr...
Wood, Mahogany
André Sornay Olive Green and Teak Cabinet
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet with two sliding doors, plywood and teak, France, 1950s Large cabinet with two doors that can opened on both levels. Thus creating a playful and versatile piece of furnitu...
Teak, Plywood
Andre Sornay Early Mahogany Cabinet with Blue Interior
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay, cabinet with two sliding doors, mahogany and metal, France, ca. 1958 Small cabinet with two doors that slide open. The design forms a playful and versatile piece of ...
Steel
Sold
H 82.68 in W 41.34 in D 17.72 in
André Sornay Vintage Cabinet, Beech Wood, Modernist Design, 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 beech structur...
Metal
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