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.
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 (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
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
André Sornay Mid-Century Highboy Dresser, Mahogany, Circa 1955
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 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
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
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
Wardrobe by André Sornay, beech and lacquer, France, 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Designed in France during the 1960s by the celebrated Lyon cabinetmaker André Sornay, this wardrobe exemplifies the designer's pioneering vision of modern furniture. Combining archit...
Beech
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
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
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
1930s French Buffet by André Sornay, Wood and Marble, Art Deco Style
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
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 71 in W 54 in D 20 in
Rare Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Burl Chrome Armoire Wardrobe Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin burl and chrome armoire/wardrobe. This piece is very rare and hard to find, this is the 1st time we have ever had one. It is in wonderful vintage...
Chrome
Italian Art Deco 1940s Wardrobe
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1940s Art Deco wardrobe.
Wood
$3,526
H 37.8 in W 59.06 in D 16.93 in
French Modernist Sideboard in Oak and Raffia, 1950s, Two Sliding Doors
By Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Elegant French modernist sideboard from the 1950s, crafted in oak and oak veneer, embodying the restrained sophistication of postwar French design. Clean architectural lines are soft...
Raffia, Oak
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
$2,366Sale 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 Torino, Piemonte
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
$3,700
H 73 in W 32.5 in D 19.5 in
Antique French Breton Armoire Wardrobe Linen Cabinet Double Doors Drawer c. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautifully Carved Antique French Oak Breton Double Door Armoire Bonnetiere, Linen Cabinet, Bookcase with Drawer~~c. 1900 Highly requested classic French Breton design~~Bre...
Oak
$4,674
H 88.59 in W 55.12 in D 20.67 in
French Art Nouveau Style Dressing Armoire Beveled Mirror, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French two doors cabinet. A bevelled mirror on the central door. An elegant storage cabinet made of solid ash and burl ash veneer, dating from the early 20th century. Its refined des...
Brass
$3,313Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 92.13 in D 17.33 in
Vintage 60's sideboard sideboard in wood and glass Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Teak wood sideboard with black wood details and glass top, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Height 74 cm, width 2...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Highboy Dresser, 5-Drawer Chest
Located in Seattle, WA
A Mid-Century Modern highboy dresser featuring clean lines and timeless design.This chest of drawers is crafted with a warm medium finish, highlighting the natural wood grain through...
Wood
$2,307Sale Price|19% Off
H 26.78 in W 94.49 in D 15.36 in
Vintage 60's sideboard sideboard in Teak wood Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Large Teak wood sideboard, with a hinged door a shelf and two sliding doors, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Hei...
Wood
$3,895
H 45.75 in W 38 in D 19 in
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 45.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Areas of Minor Sta...
Mahogany
Art Deco Wardrobe Armoire Cabinet, Circa 1940's France
Located in North York, ON
This stunning Art Deco wardrobe armoire, made in France circa 1940s, is crafted from rich Macassar wood and finished in a polished high-gloss that highlights its luxurious grain. Bol...
Brass
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
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
Wardrobe by Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, tigette system.
By Andre Sornay
Located in London, GB
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinets or wardrobes, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960. These tall cabinets, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, are exemp...
Beech, Paint
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
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
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
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