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Arflex Furniture

Italian

From its unorthodox beginnings, Italian manufacturer Arflex grew into one of the leaders of 20th-century furniture design. Its furniture came to be known for its integration of new materials and bold appeal, and today a variety of vintage Arflex chairs, sofas and tables are emblems of mid-century modernism.

Arflex was established in Milan in 1947 by Pirelli employees Carlo Barassi, Pio Reggiani, Renato Teani and Aldo Bai. Barassi, a Milan Polytechnic graduate and visionary engineer at the Italian tire manufacturer, explored innovative technology and new uses for synthetic materials in domestic products (for Kartell, he codeveloped a ski rack for automobiles). The four founders partnered with a young architect named Marco Zanuso, who also desired to create furniture that featured an application of novel materials such as elastic tape and polyurethane foam.

One of Arflex’s inaugural pieces was Zanuso’s Lady armchair, a seat made of polyurethane foam that was manufactured in pieces and assembled at the very end of the production process. It won a gold medal at the 1951 Milan Triennale. A couple of years later, Arflex collaborated with Studio BBPR to create the office-chic Elettra and Neptunia chairs. The flourishing furniture company quickly established a reputation for compelling products and attracting and working with up-and-coming designers such as Roberto Menghi, who created Hall, a luxurious line of seating that would earn the Compasso d’Oro – Honorable Mention in 1959.

In the 1960s, Arflex continued to welcome the use of new and cutting-edge materials. Popular designs from this decade include Carlo Bartoli's fiberglass and polyester resin Gaia lounge chair and Cini Boer’s Bobo Relax lounger, one of history’s first seating pieces made of polyurethane foam (it has no internal frame). Boer, a pioneer of furniture design in Italy, also created the Strips sofa for the brand in 1972. Part of a plush modular seating system, the Strips sofa became an Arflex icon and was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979.

Arflex continues to work with innovative designers to this day. Among their more recent collaborations is with Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune. The company's legendary creations are also on display at museums worldwide. The Lady chair, for example, is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of vintage Arflex lounge chairs, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture.

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Creator: Arflex
Mid Century Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1950s
Mid Century Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1950s

Mid Century Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1950s

By Marco Zanuso, Arflex

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

A very beautiful sofa model "Triennale", designed by Marco Zanuso and edited by Arflex, Italy 1950's. Made of a solid structure and polished legs. This stunning piece is just re...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 sofas and 1 armchair model "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
Set of 2 sofas and 1 armchair model "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex

Set of 2 sofas and 1 armchair model "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex

By Marco Zanuso, Arflex

Located in Correggio, IT

"Square" living room set, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1962. The set consists of a 3-seater sofa (193 cm x 90 cm x h 70 cm), a 2-seater sofa (142 cm x 90 cm x h 70 cm) and ...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Iron

"Nuovasquare" Cognal Leather Settee by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1970s
"Nuovasquare" Cognal Leather Settee by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1970s

"Nuovasquare" Cognal Leather Settee by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1970s

By Marco Zanuso, Arflex

Located in Milan, IT

"NuovaSquare" lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Fully cognac leather covered chair composed by padded blocks combination. Also available a matching lounge chair, pictured on t...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Leather

Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s
Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s

Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s

By Arflex, Burkhard Vogtherr

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s Armchair mod. Felix with squared seat and backrest, padded and covered in blue fabric with abstract fl...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of Three Lounge Chairs in Pink Velvet by Carlo Pagano for Arflex, Italy 1952
Set of Three Lounge Chairs in Pink Velvet by Carlo Pagano for Arflex, Italy 1952

Set of Three Lounge Chairs in Pink Velvet by Carlo Pagano for Arflex, Italy 1952

By Carlo Pagano, Arflex

Located in Uithoorn, NL

Set of three ‘Campanula’ lounge chairs in pink Velvet by Carlo Pagano for Arflex, Italy, 1952. Set of three ‘Campanula’ lounge chairs designed by Carlo Pagano and produced by Arflex...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century Baby Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s
Mid Century Baby Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s

Mid Century Baby Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s

By Marco Zanuso, Arflex

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very rare "Baby" chair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 50's. This lounge chair is very comfortable and classic elegant. This chair has been totally restored and reupholste...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal

Privè Sofa by Paolo Nava for Arflex
Privè Sofa by Paolo Nava for Arflex

Privè Sofa by Paolo Nava for Arflex

By Paolo Nava, Arflex

Located in Ravenna, IT

Privè sofa designed by Paolo Nava for Arflex in 1987. The structure of the sofa is an aluminum mesh and tube covered in black leather. The armrests are made of plastic material, whil...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mario Marenco Lounge Armchairs model Marius&Marius by Arflex, Italy – circa 1970
Mario Marenco Lounge Armchairs model Marius&Marius by Arflex, Italy – circa 1970

Mario Marenco Lounge Armchairs model Marius&Marius by Arflex, Italy – circa 1970

By Mario Marenco, Arflex

Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland

The Marius&Marius lounge chairs and sofa were designed by the Italian architect and designer Mario Marenco in 1970. He is known for distinctive and innovative designs, featuring larg...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Leather

Martin Grierson for Arflex. Pair of Oxford armchairs. Year 1963.
Martin Grierson for Arflex. Pair of Oxford armchairs. Year 1963.

Martin Grierson for Arflex. Pair of Oxford armchairs. Year 1963.

By Martin Grierson, Arflex

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Martin Grierson for Arflex. “Oxford” model armchair. Back in rosewood and openwork leather, seat in black natural leather. Chromed metal base in compass shape. Spanish work realize...

Category

1960s French Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe  Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s
Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe  Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s

Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s

By Arflex, Isao Hosoe

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s Coffee table in lacquered wood formed by four mobile circles resting on solid black wooden legs. The rim...

Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Wood

Sofa Two-Seat, Model 'Delfino' by Erberto Carboni, Arflex, 1954
Sofa Two-Seat, Model 'Delfino' by Erberto Carboni, Arflex, 1954

Sofa Two-Seat, Model 'Delfino' by Erberto Carboni, Arflex, 1954

By Erberto Carboni, Arflex

Located in Berlin, DE

Sofa two-seat, model 'Delfino' by Erberto Carboni, Arflex, 1954. Complete new upholstery true to the 1954's orginal. High quality woolen Danish fabric.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Steel

1988 Elasta Chair by Jesse Martin for Arflex Italy in Ebonized Wood and Steel
1988 Elasta Chair by Jesse Martin for Arflex Italy in Ebonized Wood and Steel

1988 Elasta Chair by Jesse Martin for Arflex Italy in Ebonized Wood and Steel

By Arflex

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Elasta side chair in ebonized bent wood and steel, designed by Jesse Martin for Arflex Italy in 1988. It has a solid, undoubtedly Italian Po-Mo silhouette, and offers ampl...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of Red Velvet "Urania" Chairs by BBPR for Arflex
Pair of Red Velvet "Urania" Chairs by BBPR for Arflex

Pair of Red Velvet "Urania" Chairs by BBPR for Arflex

By Arflex, Studio BBPR

Located in Milan, IT

Pair of "Urania" chairs by BBPR for Arflex. Lean black metal frame and red velvet seat and backrest.

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal

Italian postmodern padded blue and white cubes chaise longue by Arflex, 1990s
Italian postmodern padded blue and white cubes chaise longue by Arflex, 1990s

Italian postmodern padded blue and white cubes chaise longue by Arflex, 1990s

By Arflex

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian postmodern padded blue and white cubes chaise longue by Arflex, 1990s Padded chaise longue with rectangular seat. The backrest, armrest and seat are made up of eighteen padde...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto
Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto

Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto

By Luca Nichetto, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With Serena armchair and Doge pouf, Luca Nichetto has gone further, arriving to the archetype of the Venetian bergère and of its ottoman, both with wooden frame and textile cover, re...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Ash

Arflex Match Small Table in Quarzite Silver Marble by Bernhardt & Vella
Arflex Match Small Table in Quarzite Silver Marble by Bernhardt & Vella

Arflex Match Small Table in Quarzite Silver Marble by Bernhardt & Vella

By Bernhardt & Vella, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Match Small Table in Quarzite Silver Marble by Bernhardt & Vella. Match project is characterized by the brass joint, that joints the structure with the shelf, becoming a preci...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Marble

Arflex Serena Armchair in Gamma Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto
Arflex Serena Armchair in Gamma Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto

Arflex Serena Armchair in Gamma Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto

By Luca Nichetto, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With Serena armchair and Doge pouf, Luca Nichetto has gone further, arriving to the archetype of the Venetian bergère and of its ottoman, both with wooden frame and textile cover, re...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Ash

Arflex Tablet Square Table in Black Marquinia Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Tablet Square Table in Black Marquinia Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Tablet Square Table in Black Marquinia Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Tablet Square Table in Black Marquinia Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune. The inspiration for their form comes from the ornamental pendants fashioned and worn by the Maori peop...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Marble

Arflex Cradle Two-Seater Sofa in Cherie Fabric with Black Legs by Neri & Hu
Arflex Cradle Two-Seater Sofa in Cherie Fabric with Black Legs by Neri & Hu

Arflex Cradle Two-Seater Sofa in Cherie Fabric with Black Legs by Neri & Hu

By Arflex, Neri & Hu

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Cradle's characteristic is based on the structure: a classical triangular construction, that is repeated several times around the models. Additional information: Materials: Uphol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Tablet 50cm Small Low Table in White Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Tablet 50cm Small Low Table in White Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Tablet 50cm Small Low Table in White Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Tablet Small Low Table in White Carrara Marble by Claesson Koivisto Rune. The inspiration for their form comes from the ornamental pendants fas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Arflex Tablet High Table in White Carrara Marble Top by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Tablet High Table in White Carrara Marble Top by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Tablet High Table in White Carrara Marble Top by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Tablet High Table in White Carrara Marble Top by Claesson Koivisto Rune. The inspiration for their form comes from the ornamental pendants fashioned and worn by the Maori peop...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Marble

Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto
Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto

Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto

By Luca Nichetto, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With Serena armchair and Doge pouf, Luca Nichetto has gone further, arriving to the archetype of the Venetian bergère and of its ottoman, both with wooden frame and textile cover, re...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Ash

Arflex Brianza Chair with Armrest in Fabric and Metal by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Brianza Chair with Armrest in Fabric and Metal by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Brianza Chair with Armrest in Fabric and Metal by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Its feature is the extra width. In fact, it is slightly wider than most chairs, making it feel more luxurious than other chairs in this typology, without using more floor space than ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Penta Ottoman in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Penta Ottoman in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Penta Ottoman in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The pentagon is the best shape to combine a certain geometrical integrity without having to adapt to the surrounding order : in other words it has a distinct shape. For the version w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Match Console Table with Quarzite Silver Marble Top by Bernhardt & Vella
Arflex Match Console Table with Quarzite Silver Marble Top by Bernhardt & Vella

Arflex Match Console Table with Quarzite Silver Marble Top by Bernhardt & Vella

By Bernhardt & Vella, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Match project is characterized by the brass joint, that joints the structure with the shelf, becoming a precious and decorative element. The stackable system allows to create, with t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Metal

Brown Leather & Brass "Campanula" Chairs by C. Pagani for Arflex, 1952, Set of 2
Brown Leather & Brass "Campanula" Chairs by C. Pagani for Arflex, 1952, Set of 2

Brown Leather & Brass "Campanula" Chairs by C. Pagani for Arflex, 1952, Set of 2

By Carlo Pagani, Arflex

Located in Varese, Lombardia

Rare Campanula chairs designed by Carlo Pagani and produced by Arflex in the 1952. The 2 chairs are made from a brass leg frame with their original plastic foam stuffing and leather ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lady Marco Zanuso by Arflex Cotton Velvet and Hermes Fabric Italian Armchair
Lady Marco Zanuso by Arflex Cotton Velvet and Hermes Fabric Italian Armchair

Lady Marco Zanuso by Arflex Cotton Velvet and Hermes Fabric Italian Armchair

By Marco Zanuso, Arflex

Located in Madrid, ES

Armchair model «Lady» designed by Marco Zanuso edited by Arflex. Structure made of solid wood, and metal legs. Seat and back upholstered in cotton velvet designed by India Mahdavi an...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arflex Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Arflex furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Arflex furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Arflex furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 207 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 101 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Arflex 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 Cappellini, Fratelli Boffi, and Franco Albini. Prices for Arflex furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $377 and can go as high as $58,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,101.