Arflex Seating
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
Arflex Pecorelle Sofa in Denver Fabric with Black Metal Legs by Cini Boeri
By Cini Boeri, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The architect Cini Boeri tells that she was inspired by Christo Vladimirov Javasev's and Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon's works, masters in the art of landscape painting. Nature pr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Metal
1980s Burkhard Vogtherr T-Line Armchair for Arflex
By Arflex, Burkhard Vogtherr
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Produced in Italy
- Labeled.
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Leafo Armchair in Hero Fabric with Black Stained Wood Base by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With the Leafo lounger, Hayon set out to make something that uniquely brings softness and lightness together. A simple chair that can be placed in spaces both small and large. The sp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Cradle "Love Cushion" Armchair in Grey Boucle Fabric Neri & Hu
By Arflex, Neri & Hu
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Its characteristic is based on the structure: a classic triangular construction, which is repeated several times around the model, so that you can admire it from each point of view.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Cradle Two-Seater Sofa with Cushion Kit and Black Legs by Neri & Hu
By Neri & Hu, Arflex
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Butterfly Armchair in Grey and Black Etoile Fabric by Mauro Lipparini
By Arflex, Mauro Lipparini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The design of Butterfly armchair plays on the combination of the shapes and materials that compose it.
Additional information:
Materials: Uphols...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Cradle Two-Seater Sofa in Cherie Fabric with Black Legs by Neri & Hu
By Neri & Hu, Arflex
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Giulietta Armchair in Leather Giada with Oak Base by BBPR
By Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The 50-year design born at a time when Italy wanted redemption after the war. The design architects (not yet called designer) and the companies created products to inspire hope and g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Italian mid-century modern black leather armchair Cesare Casati for Arflex 1960s
By Cesare Casati, Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern black leather armchair Cesare Casati for Arflex 1960s
Swivel armchair in black leather. The seat and backrest are composed of a single curved and welcoming...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Metal
Arflex Gloria Armchair Low Backrest in Grey Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Gloria Low Version Chair in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune. She can look smart for when she goes to work, dressed up when going to a party, or put on something cosy when staying in. Dress her as you want her to be!
Additional Information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Color: Fabric Cabas 49, T2
Structure: Trademark low energy consumption material with recyclable technology and poplar multiply wood
Springing: Elstic straps
Seat Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Armrest and Backrest Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Base: Black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Cover: Fabric or leather. Not removable cover, except for version wih skirt
Cover in leather not available for armchair with skirt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Gloria Armchair High Backrest in Leather Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Gloria High Version Chair in Divina MD by Claesson Koivisto Rune. She can look smart for when she goes to work, dressed up when going to a party, or put on something cosy when staying in. Dress her as you want her to be!
Additional Information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Color: Fabric Outside Leather Giada 189 - Inside Divina MD Col 213, Cat Leather ""N""
Structure: Trademark low energy consumption material with recyclable technology and poplar multiply wood
Springing: Elstic straps
Seat Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Armrest and Backrest Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Base: Black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Cover: Fabric or leather. Not removable cover, except for version wih skirt
Cover in leather not available for armchair with skirt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Cloud Armchair in Black Straps by Carlo Colombo
By Arflex, Carlo Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cloud collection, developed to find a lifestyle more in line with nature and the visual cheerfulness, with soft and comfortable shapes.
Materials: Upholstered Fabric (Black Strap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Leafo Armchair in Grey Fabric with Black Stained Wood Base by Jaime Hayon
By Arflex, Jaime Hayon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With the Leafo lounger, Hayon set out to make something that uniquely brings softness and lightness together. A simple chair that can be placed in spaces both small and large. The sp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Ladle Armchair with High Backrest in Giada Leather by Luca Nichetto
By Luca Nichetto, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Ladle Armchair with High Backrest in Giada Leather by Luca Nichetto. It is possible to create a very large possibility of proposals with a person...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Leather
Privè Sofa by Paolo Nava for Arflex
By Arflex, Paolo Nava
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 Seating
Materials
Metal
Arflex Gloria Armchair High Backrest in Grey Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Gloria High Version Chair in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune. She can look smart for when she goes to work, dressed up when going to a party, or put on something cosy when staying in. Dress her as you want her to be!
Additional Information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Color: Fabric Outside Leather Giada 189 - Inside Cabas 44
Structure: Trademark low energy consumption material with recyclable technology and poplar multiply wood
Springing: Elstic straps
Seat Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Armrest and Backrest Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Base: Black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Cover: Fabric or leather. Not removable cover, except for version wih skirt
Cover in leather not available for armchair with skirt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Jim Armchair in Fabric with Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jules & Jim are two simple armchairs, with a high seating comfort. Jules is the small version and Jim the larger version.
Additional Information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Mojo Armchair in Aqua Green Fabric Swivel Base by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Mojo" is a type of magic charm, the word originates from Africa, where it means "soul" or "life-force", on which the design of this armchair is based.
Additional information:
Ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Metal
Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Oak 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 Seating
Materials
Ash
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 Seating
Materials
Ash
Arflex Mojo Armchair in Brown Fabric and Swivel Base by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Mojo" is a type of magic charm, the word originates from Africa, where it means "soul" or "life-force", on which the design of this armchair is based.
Additional information:
Ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Metal
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 Seating
Materials
Ash
Arflex Jules Armchair in Leather & Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jules & Jim are two simple armchairs, with a high seating comfort. Jules is the small version and Jim the larger version.
Additional Information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian mid-century modern Armchair Carmina by Carlo Santi for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wood and fabric armchair Carmina by Carlo Santi for Arflex, 1970s
Armchair mod. Carmina in wood and original fabric of the period. The seat and backrest ar...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
"Urania" White Frame and Green Velvet Chair by BBPR for Arflex. Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Studio BBPR
Located in Milan, IT
"Urania" chair by BBPR for Arflex.
Iconic 50s chair featuring white metal frame and velvet seat and backrest.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Metal
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 Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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 Seating
Materials
Steel
Italian mid-century modern Armchair Carmina by Carlo Santi for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wood and fabric armchair Carmina by Carlo Santi for Arflex, 1970s
Armchair mod. Carmina in wood and original fabric of the period. The seat and backrest ar...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, leather and chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1964.
This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is not ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Green Fabric Chair Elettra by Studio BBPR for Arflex, 1960s
By Studio BBPR, Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century green fabric chair mod. Elettra by Studio BBPR for Arflex, 1960s
Chair mod. Elettra with squared seat and curved rectangular back in forest green fabric...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, lounge chair, black leather, steel, Italy, 1964
This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is no...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Steel
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric
Three Piece Italian "Dolphin" Lounge Suite by Ernesto Carboni for Arflex
By Arflex
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning lounge suite. "Dolphin" featuring matching pair of original black leather lounge chairs and ottoman, seldom seen arm-less version. Brass bases have been painted (white) stun...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating
Materials
Brass
Arflex Algon Low Back Armchair in Brown Perla Leather by Luca Nichetto
By Arflex, Luca Nichetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Algon lounge Chair was developed together with the Algon Chair, melding Scandinavian simplicity with a patterned quilted upholstery. Contrary to the Algon Chair, that has a strict formality, the Algon lounge chair has high sides, that allow for a sense of privacy, perfect for hushed late-night conversations or a solitary moment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Leather
Arflex Serena Armchair in Lama Fabric with Wenge Stained Legs by Luca Nichetto
By Arflex, Luca Nichetto
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 Seating
Materials
Ash
Arflex Hug Love Seat high back and armrest in Perla Leather by Roberto Menghi
By Roberto Menghi, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Arflex has had the audacity and the farsightedness, in the course of the years, to cooperate with some of the greatest and prize-awarded architects and designers. Some icons are sti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Leather
Arflex Leafo Chair in Hero Fabric with Black Stained Wood Base by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With the Leafo lounger, Hayon set out to make something that uniquely brings softness and lightness together. A simple chair that can be placed in spaces both small and large. The sp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex Penta Ottoman in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Arflex, Claesson Koivisto Rune
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric
Arflex seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Arflex seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 196 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 75 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Gio Ponti, Marco Zanuso, and Vico Magistretti. Prices for Arflex seating 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 $6,326.