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.
Arflex Sigmund Writing Desk in White Carrara Top with Metal Base by Studio Asai
By Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Sigmund Writing Desk in White Carrara Top with Metal Base by Studio Asai. To remain faithful to this search for interior honesty, the design of t...
Marble
$1,643
H 29.53 in W 48.23 in D 24.41 in
Lovely Vintage Writing Table Desk in Hardwood with Silk Embroidered Glass Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage writing table with silk embroidered top and glass protector A very good looking and well made p...
Silk, Glass, Hardwood
$325
H 29 in W 34 in D 18 in
Vintage Industrial Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Industrial Modern Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate T...
Metal
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
Wood, Walnut
$4,950
H 31 in W 40 in D 24 in
Modern White Blossom Glass Mosaic Desk with Modern Metal Base by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pavia Blossom desk/vanity by Ercole Home has a 2-drawer, with a painted white wood finish on oak. Handcut glass mosaics in white and silver decorate the drawer fronts in blossom...
Metal
Parsons Metal Wrapped Desk Writing Table Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a parsons metal wrapped desk / writing table. Modern design. :legs can be removed for safe and easy shipping. Dimensions: 47.5" W x 23.88" D x 30.13" H Del...
Aluminum
$2,014
H 31.89 in W 47.25 in D 28.35 in
Bagutta writing desk by Annig Sarian for Arflex - Italy - 1960s
By Annig Sarian
Located in Milano, IT
Small desk with three drawers, wooden frame and chromed and curved tubular metal supports. The desk has a slight defect on one side, as shown in the photo. Manufactured by Arlex, It...
Steel, Chrome
Studio Craft Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A nicely crafted studio desk with pencil drawer. Signed by the artist.
Wood
$9,640
H 30 in W 48.5 in D 24.5 in
Custom Farmhouse Style Writing Desk with Pencil Drawer by Dos Gallos Studio
By Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom farm house style writing desk with pencil drawer. Can be made in any size and finish. As shown here in a light walnut with light to medi...
Walnut, Oak
Oslo Writing Desk in Ash by Studio Moe
Located in Portland, OR
Look to the clean lines and natural keep-it-simple design of the Oslo Writing Desk, to bring inspiration to your next idea or project. A single spacious dovetailed drawer provides ut...
Ash
Warren Platner Writing Desk in Oak with Black Leather Top
By Warren Platner, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll International, writing desk from the Executive Collection, leather, chromed metal, oak, United States, design 1973, production 1974-1980. In 1973, Warren Platner designed a collection of executive office furniture...
Metal, Chrome
Small Wooden Writing Desk with Metal Structure, Italy, 1960s
Located in Madrid, ES
Small writing desk of wood and metal, Formica table top. Front of the two drawers painted in black and white. Made in Italy in the 1960s. Please note some marks on the top and wear o...
Metal
$10,900 / item
H 33 in W 42 in D 18 in
Custom Hand-Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Pencil Drawer by Dos Gallos Studio
By Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small scale, petite writing desk with barley twist legs, carved edge and apron detail as well as hand forged iron stretchers. As shown, in Walnut with a medium distress. Can be made ...
Walnut