Skip to main content

Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

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.

to
3
2
3
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
3
3
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
3
1
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
1
5
5
5
2
2
228
92
85
64
56
Creator: Arflex
Pair of Marco Zanuso 'Senior' Chairs Mohair Velvet + Ottoman Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
These rare, very early examples ,of Zanuso's 'Senior' chair are identified by their artisan crafted wood frames which were soon replaced by a more cost effective pressed steel constr...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mario Marenco for Arflex Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Arflex, 'Marius&Marius' ottoman, leather, metal, lacquered wood, Italy, 1970s Lovely cushion shaped ottoman, designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in the 1970s, is ...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Arflex Penta Ottoman in Divina Vega 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 Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Arflex Cousy Pouf in Grey Oxford Fabric & Beech Wood by Vincent Van Duysen
By Vincent Van Duysen, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Cousy pouf in oxford fabric with beech wood structure by Vincent Van Duysen Additional information: Materials: Upholstered seat with Beech Wood...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

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 Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Related Items
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" Chairs for Mobil Girgi, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Marenco, Mobil Girgi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" chairs for Mobil Girgi, patinated cognac leather and beech, Italy, 1970, set of four. The iconic "Sapporo" chair consists of an individual backrest, conceive...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marenco Sofa is designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex. This sofa features the system with making the armrest and seat as the base portion. There is a metal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
$15,897 / item
H 27.56 in W 100.4 in D 37.8 in
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex in fabric. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. This listing is for a sofa with fabric upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
$8,780 / item
H 27.56 in W 100.01 in D 37.8 in
Arflex Marenco Two Seater Large Sofa by Mario Marenco
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Marenco Two Seater Large Sofa by Arflex, a stunning addition to any modern living space. This luxurious sofa features a sleek design with clean lines and a spacious t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Arflex Marenco Two Seater Large Sofa by Mario Marenco
Arflex Marenco Two Seater Large Sofa by Mario Marenco
$6,826
H 27.96 in W 100.79 in D 39.38 in
Mario Marenco sofa and poof Arflex Italy 1971
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super cosy lounge sofa designed by Mario Marenco and manufactured by Arflex in Italy in 1970s. The Marenco sofa from Arflex is all about top-notch comfort and quality and is stil rel...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Mario Marenco sofa and poof Arflex Italy 1971
Mario Marenco sofa and poof Arflex Italy 1971
$10,243
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 141.74 in
Art Deco Vintage Beech Pouf Stool Tabouret Josef Frank Fabric 1930s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage pouf or stool or ottoman with three beech wood feet designed and manufactured 1930s Austria. An amazing stool covered with fresh and colorful textile fabric designed...
Category

1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Beech

Mario Marenco first edition pair of leather lounge chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1970s
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The first edition pair of Marenco leather lounge chairs by Arflex, originating from the 1970s, epitomize the ingenuity of Mario Marenco's design. Debuting in 1970, these lounge chai...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Mario Marenco “Sapporo” Dining Chair for Mobil Girgi, Cognac Leather, 1970
By Mario Marenco, Mobil Girgi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Marenco “Sapporo” dining chair for Mobil Girgi, beech and patinated cognac leather, Italy, 1970 A rare variant of the iconic Marenco’s “Sapporo” chair, this version shows a st...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Beech

1950's Italian Lady Armchair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Paris, FR
The Iconic 20th-century collectible vintage Lady chair was designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Italy in 1951. The very comfortable design features splayed expertly polished brass ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

1950's Italian Lady Armchair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex
1950's Italian Lady Armchair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex
$4,425
H 30.32 in W 30.71 in D 33.86 in
Forsyth Ottoman in Pierre Frey Wokabi Fabric
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
The Forsyth Ottoman is designed and handcrafted in a beautiful Pierre Frey Wokabi fabric. This is a versatile piece for any room. The perfect coffee ta...
Category

2010s American Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric

Ottoman pouf Drova 6 Wool fabric by Woo
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman Pouf Drova: A Perfect Blend of Design and Functionality Introducing the Ottoman Pouf Drova, a versatile and stylish addition to any living space. Handcrafted with precision ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood, Foam

Ottoman pouf Drova 6 Wool fabric by Woo
Ottoman pouf Drova 6 Wool fabric by Woo
$2,403 / item
H 15.95 in W 26.78 in D 26.78 in
Customizable Tacchini Isola Lounge Chair by Claesson Koivisto Rune
By Tacchini, Claesson Koivisto Rune
Located in New York, NY
In waiting spaces, people naturally tend to assume a relaxed posture, particularly while using their computer, laptop or smartphone for work or to pass the time. This consideration w...
Category

2010s Italian Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Customizable Tacchini Isola Lounge Chair by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Customizable Tacchini Isola Lounge Chair by Claesson Koivisto Rune
$3,497 / item
H 33.46 in W 46.45 in D 34.05 in
Previously Available Items
Marco Zanuso Brown Ottoman Model Regent for Arflex Italy 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional ottoman designed by Marco Zanuso made by Arflex, Italy. Original brown leather ottoman on casters. Ottoman: 22 inches x 22 inche...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Marco Zanuso Brown Leather Lounge Chair Model Regent for Arflex Italy 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional chair designed by Marco Zanuso made by Arflex, Italy. Original brown leather, chair on casters. Measures: Chair 33.25 H, 33 W, 33 D,15.5 seat height, 21 W seat interio...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Delfino Armchairs with Ottoman by Erberto Carboni for Arflex
By Erberto Carboni, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of delfino armchairs with ottoman by Erberto Carboni for Arflex. Located in NY.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Rare Marco Zanuso Regent Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Arflex, Italy, 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A rare Regent Lounge Chair with the super rare original ottoman on castors by Marco Zanuso for Arflex Italy. This set comes in original vintage ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arflex Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Arflex ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.

Arflex ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 2 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 3 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original ottomans and poufs by Arflex were created in the modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider ottomans and poufs by B&B Italia, Gufram Furniture, and Driade. Prices for Arflex ottomans and poufs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,844 and can go as high as $22,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,850.

Recently Viewed

View All