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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 Elettra Chair in Gamma Fabric with Black Metal Base by B.B.P.R
Arflex Elettra Chair in Gamma Fabric with Black Metal Base by B.B.P.R

Arflex Elettra Chair in Gamma Fabric with Black Metal Base by B.B.P.R

By Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A classic of the '50s office, Elettra is the seating you can't do without. Thanks to its timeless style and its elegant proportions, it adapts perfectly to...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Ladle Armchair with Low Backrest & Fabric and Metal Base by Luca Nichetto
Arflex Ladle Armchair with Low Backrest & Fabric and Metal Base by Luca Nichetto

Arflex Ladle Armchair with Low Backrest & Fabric and Metal Base by Luca Nichetto

By Luca Nichetto, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Ladle Armchair with Low Backrest in Lama Fabric by Luca Nichetto. It is possible to create a very large possibility of proposals with a personal ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Tellin Armchair in Beta Fabric with Metal Legs by Luca Nichetto
Arflex Tellin Armchair in Beta Fabric with Metal Legs by Luca Nichetto

Arflex Tellin Armchair in Beta Fabric with Metal Legs by Luca Nichetto

By Arflex, Luca Nichetto

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tellin armchair has the elegant appearance of a welcoming open seashell. Two “valves” meet and merge by overlapping so to compose the seat and the backrest. Additional information...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating

Materials

Metal

Arflex Jim Armchair in Fabric with Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Jim Armchair in Fabric with Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Jim Armchair in Fabric with Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Arflex, Claesson Koivisto Rune

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 Hug Armchair High Backrest in Giada Leather by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Hug Armchair High Backrest in Giada Leather by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Hug Armchair High Backrest in Giada Leather by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Arflex, Claesson Koivisto Rune

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Armchair is designed with a high level of seating comfort coupled with the very best quality upholstery solutions. In fact, each and every part of the Hug Armchair...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating

Materials

Leather

Arflex Ladle Swivel Armchair with Medium Backrest in Fabric by Luca Nichetto
Arflex Ladle Swivel Armchair with Medium Backrest in Fabric by Luca Nichetto

Arflex Ladle Swivel Armchair with Medium Backrest in Fabric by Luca Nichetto

By Arflex, Luca Nichetto

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Ladle Swivel Armchair with Medium Backrest in Lama Fabric by Luca Nichetto. It is possible to create a very large possibility of proposals with a personal character, maintaini...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Soft Beat Sofa SB03 in Red Lama Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Soft Beat Sofa SB03 in Red Lama Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Soft Beat Sofa SB03 in Red Lama Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Arflex, Claesson Koivisto Rune

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Slow waves. Rolling hills. Soothing pulse. Kind. Soft. Iconic – Soft Beat. Structure in wood covered with shaped polyurethane in differentiated density and polyester slip cover. Spri...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Seating

Materials

Metal

Arflex Gloria Quilted Armchair High Backrest in Blue by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Arflex Gloria Quilted Armchair High Backrest in Blue by Claesson Koivisto Rune

By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Arflex

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arflex Gloria Quilted High Version Chair in Mistral 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 Mistral 44, T4 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

Marcello Cuneo High Backrest Cross Armchair in Steel and Brown Fabric by Arflex
Marcello Cuneo High Backrest Cross Armchair in Steel and Brown Fabric by Arflex

Marcello Cuneo High Backrest Cross Armchair in Steel and Brown Fabric by Arflex

By Marcello Cuneo, Arflex

Located in Cascina, Pisa

High backrest Cross armchair designed by Marcello Cuneo in 1974 and produced by Arflex in the late 1970s. The Cross armchair presents a very simple structure in black lacquered metal...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating

Materials

Metal

Fiorenza by Albini for Arflex
Fiorenza by Albini for Arflex

Fiorenza by Albini for Arflex

By Arflex, Franco Albini

Located in Milano, IT

An authentic Fiorenza armchair, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Arflex, represents a high-quality production exemplar dating back to the early 2000s. The piece features...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Arflex Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Wood, Lacquer

Italian Mid-Century 'Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa in Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
Italian Mid-Century 'Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa in Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex

Italian Mid-Century 'Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa in Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex

By Arflex, Marco Zanuso

Located in New York, NY

An Important Italian Midcentury Modern 'Sleep-o-Matic" model sofa / couch in Tan Calf Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1951. The divan / canape is composed of a metal structure, s...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

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 Arflex, Erberto Carboni

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

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 Seating

Materials

Brass

Set Di 4 Sedie modello Calla di Antonio Ari Colombo per Arflex in pelle
Set Di 4 Sedie modello Calla di Antonio Ari Colombo per Arflex in pelle

Set Di 4 Sedie modello Calla di Antonio Ari Colombo per Arflex in pelle

By Arflex, Antonio Ari Colombo

Located in Ghedi, IT

La struttura in metallo, snella ma estremamente solida, è costituita da un telaio continuo che forma sia le gambe che lo schienale, donando un effetto cantilever che conferisce dinam...

Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Seating

Materials

Leather

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 Arflex, Marco Zanuso

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 Seating

Materials

Metal

"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 Arflex, Marco Zanuso

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 Seating

Materials

Leather

Three Piece Italian "Dolphin" Lounge Suite by Ernesto Carboni for Arflex
Three Piece Italian "Dolphin" Lounge Suite by Ernesto Carboni for Arflex

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

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 Seating

Materials

Metal

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 Arflex, Martin Grierson

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

lady Zanusi Arfkex armchair 1960s green velvet
lady Zanusi Arfkex armchair 1960s green velvet

lady Zanusi Arfkex armchair 1960s green velvet

$5,492Sale Price / item|20% Off

lady Zanusi Arfkex armchair 1960s green velvet

By Marco Zanuso, Arflex

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The Lady armchair was designed in 1951 by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Iconic in style and innovation, it was the first armchair made with foam rubber and elastic straps. Flowing and env...

Category

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

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric

Carlo Bartoli Bicia Lounge Chair For Arflex Italy 1969
Carlo Bartoli Bicia Lounge Chair For Arflex Italy 1969

Carlo Bartoli Bicia Lounge Chair For Arflex Italy 1969

By Carlo Bartoli, Arflex

Located in ABCOUDE, UT

Beautiful Bicia lounge chair designed by Carlo Bartoli for Arflex in 1969. A fine example of Italian design from the late 1960s, reflecting Bartoli’s experimental approach and use of...

Category

1960s Vintage Arflex Seating

Materials

Velvet, Plastic

Pair of Authentic ARFLEX Italy T-Line Lounge Chairs Postmodern 1980s
Pair of Authentic ARFLEX Italy T-Line Lounge Chairs Postmodern 1980s

Pair of Authentic ARFLEX Italy T-Line Lounge Chairs Postmodern 1980s

By Arflex

Located in Buxton, GB

RARE Pair of Authentic ARFLEX Italy Lounge Chairs Postmodern 1980s ​For the serious collector of Italian design: A stunning matching pair of Arflex lounge chairs. These pieces repr...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Space Age Arflex Seating

Materials

Aluminum

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 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 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 Seating

Materials

Ash

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 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 Jules Armchair in Leather & Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Arflex Jules Armchair in Leather & Gun Metal Grey Legs by Claesson Koivisto Rune

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

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 Seating

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric

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 Seating

Materials

Steel

T-Line Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr
T-Line Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr

T-Line Chairs by Burkhard Vogtherr

By Arflex, Burkhard Vogtherr

Located in Chicago, IL

for Arflex c. 1980s, fully restored with new fabric and foam - excellent condition

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Arflex Seating

Materials

Fabric

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 Arflex, Marco Zanuso

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 Seating

Materials

Cotton, Velvet

Italian mid-century modern Armchair Carmina by Carlo Santi for Arflex, 1970s
Italian mid-century modern Armchair Carmina by Carlo Santi for Arflex, 1970s

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

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.