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.
Mario Marenco for Arflex Marius&Marius Sofa in Brownish Red Leather
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Arflex, 'Marius&Marius' sofa, leather, plastic, lacquered wood, Italy, 1970s The Marius&Marius sofa, designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in the 1970s, is ...
Leather, Plastic, Wood
Modular Strips Sofa in brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips 5-piece modular sofa by Cini Boeri for Arflex, Italy, 1970s An iconic modular design by Cini Boeri, defined by its soft, quilted construction and low, horizontal profile. Ove...
Velvet
Arflex Strips Modular Sofa S3 in White Fabric and Aluminium Feet by Cini Boeri
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
At the end of the 60s, the architect Cini Boeri revolutionizes the furniture market with her model, that is now an ""evergreen"": the seat system Strips. Additional information: ...
Aluminum
Mario Marenco for Arflex Four-Seater Sofa in Blue Woolen Upholstery
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Arflex, modular four-seater sofa model 'Marechiaro', wool, plastic, metal, Italy, circa 1976. This well-designed sofa by Mario Ma...
Metal
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, Modular Sofa Model '9000', in Teddy Re-Upholstery 1970s
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Almelo, NL
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, modular sofa model '9000', in teddy fabric re-upholstery, Italy 1970s. This model is marked by showing infinite possibilities to customize its use accordi...
Fabric, Beech
Quattro Sedute modulari '9000' di Tito Agnoli per Arflex anni 70
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Set di quattro sedute compatte che permettono di creare diverse configurazioni. Disegnate da Tito Agnoli nel 1969, presentano imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in tessuto origina...
Fabric
Arflex Strips Sofa By Cini Boeri In Velvet, Italy 1968
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Cini Boeri for Arflex, modular strips sofa in mustard/golden velvet, Italy 1968 The iconic Strips sofa, a comfortable and versatile design. This modular sofa features four seating e...
Velvet
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...
Metal
Arflex Soft Beat Sofa SB03 in Blue 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...
Metal
Strips Long Lounger by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1960s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Very rare strips lounger by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1960s, It is reupholstered in a sand color recycled fabric. The upholstery can be zipped off so you can snuggle under a blanket. On...
Fabric
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...
Fabric
$10,820 / set
H 25.6 in W 42.52 in D 39.38 in
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...
Leather
$19,500 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna Velvet, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Velvet, Plastic
$2,890
H 28.74 in W 31.5 in D 33.85 in
Boborelax Chair Cini Boeri For Arflex Red Velvet, Italy, circa 1955
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Vienna, AT
Boborelax lounge chair, designed by Cini Boeri, Italy circa 1965 Measures: 33.85" x 21.5" x 28.74" - seat height is circa 16.5". Very stylish chaise-lounge Boborelax upholstered in alcantara faux leather fabric, which resembles suede leather but is more durable and resilient. It has been designed by Cini Boeri and is a modern take on traditional seating...
Steel
$15,897 / item
H 27.56 in W 100.4 in D 37.8 in
Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
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...
Metal
Cini Boeri for Arflex Strips Sofa in velvet, Italy 1968
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Cini Boeri for Arflex, two seater strips sofa in aubergine velvet, Italy 1968 The iconic Strips sofa, a comfortable and versatile design. Reupholstered in a beautiful high quality b...
Velvet
$7,500
H 26.38 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Four Seats in Fabric Italy 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa/ Five Seats, Italy 1970s Looking for a grand and comfortable sofa that can accommodate your entire family? Look no further than the "Ama...
Fabric, Fiberglass
$20,438 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
1970s Marius & Marius Leather Sofa and Pouf Set by Mario Marenco for Arflex
Located in Manzano, IT
1970s Marius & Marius Leather Sofa and Pouf Set by Mario Marenco for Arflex - Set of 3 A rare vintage seating set designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in the 1970s, featuring two lux...
Metal
$9,125 / set
H 23.63 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Italian modern red living room Marenco by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red living room Marenco by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s Living room composed of two two-seater sofas and an armchair mod. Ma...
Metal
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...
Steel
$24,045 / set
H 28.75 in W 26.78 in D 34.26 in
COR LÜBKE & ROLF Vintage Modular limegreen Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This absolute unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured by LÜBKE & ROLF from Rheda in Germany ( later was the Name LÜBKE KG). From the same fa...
Mohair, Foam, Latex, Wood, Beech
Sold
H 23.63 in W 184.26 in D 110.63 in
Cini Boeri for Arflex Modular Strips Sofa with Ottomans in Beige Upholstery
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cini Boeri for Arflex, modular 'strips' sofa with ottomans, fabric, chrome, Italy, 1968 The iconic Strips sofa, designed by Italian designer Cini Boeri for Arflex, offers both versa...
Chrome
Sold
H 23.63 in W 53.55 in D 37.8 in
Mario Marenco for Arflex Pair of Sectional Two Seat Sofas in Cognac Leather
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Arflex, pair of sectional sofa's model 'Marenco', Italy, design 1970. These luscious and utterly comfortable sectional sofas are the work from Italian designer M...
Leather
Sold
H 25.6 in W 118.12 in D 37.41 in
Strips Sofa in caramel brown cotton velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Modular Strips sofa, Cini Boeri, caramel brown cotton velvet, 1960s. One of the most famous products of Arflex. Designed in 1968, it was awarded the price Compasso d’Oro and it is d...
Velvet
Arflex Novemila 9000 sofa by Tito Agnoli 1969
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful ‘Novemila 9000’ modular sofa in original wool cream fabric, designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex Italy in 1969. The elements come in their original textured wool fabric, whi...
Leather
Arflex Novemila 9000 sofa in leather by Tito Agnoli 1969
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic ‘Novemila 9000’ modular sofa in cognac leather, designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex Italy in 1969. The elements come in their original cognac leather, which is in perfect c...
Leather
Blue velvet modular sofa Novamila by Tito Agnoli for Artflex
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Brussel, BE
Blue velvet modular sofa Novamila by Tito Agnoli for Artflex in 6 modular elements. Of course the dimensions are for one element. Quite perfect !
Velvet
Sold
H 23.63 in W 49.22 in D 35.44 in
Cini Boeri for Arflex Modular Strips Sofa in Ocre velvet, Italy 1968
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Cini Boeri for Arflex, modular strips sofa in ocre/golden velvet, Italy 1968 The iconic Strips sofa, a comfortable and verstatile design. This modular sofa features five seating ele...
Velvet
Tito Agnoli for Arflex 9000 Sofa - 4 Pieces
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A four piece modular 9000 Sofa by Tito Agnoli for Arflex. Original chocolate brown textured upholstery with beige trim. Sourced in Northen Italy. The 9000 S...
Upholstery
Sold
H 25.6 in W 122.05 in D 112.21 in
Strips Sofa in brown cotton velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips sofa, Cini Boeri, brown cotton velvet, 1960s. One of the most famous products of Arflex. Designed in 1968, it was awarded the price Compasso d’Oro and it is displayed in seve...
Velvet
1970s Arflex 'Model 9000' Leather Sectional Sofa by Tito Agnoli
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Toronto, CA
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, modular sofa 'Model '9000', in beautifully patinated grey leather and vertical stitching. Agnoli shows infinite possibilities to customize the sofa according...
Leather
Sold
H 24.41 in W 129.93 in D 37.41 in
Strips Sofa in caramel brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Strips sofa designed by Cini Boeri for Arflex in the late 1960s. One of the most famous products of Arflex. Designed in 1968, it was awarded the price Compasso d’Oro and it is displa...
Velvet
Modular set of 5 Marechiara chairs by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in PARIS, FR
Created in 1976 by Mario Marenco, the model Marechiara is totally modular: seatings, backrests and armrests are fixed on metal bases that are attached together and can be rearranged ...
Metal