Arne Norell’s enduring designs mixed leather and metal as well as turned wood and bentwood in pieces that allowed the natural beauty of these materials to shine. Simple and casual yet sophisticated, his vintage sofas, lounge chairs and other furniture epitomize the Scandinavian modern style that took post–World War II design by storm.
Although he created versatile furnishings that promoted comfort along with style, Norell is lesser known than many other mid-century designers, with some of his work produced only after his death. Born in Åsele, Sweden, Norell opened a furniture workshop in Solna, just north of Stockholm, in 1954. In 1958, he established Møbel AB Arne Norell on a farm in Småland. (This region is also the birthplace of IKEA, which opened its first store that same year.) The beauty and tranquility of this location were a source of inspiration.
In Småland, Norell created his most well-known designs, among them the Inca armchair with visible wooden dowels and plush leather, the Indra and Ilona sofas and the spare but elegant wood-framed Sirocco chair (1964). For many of his designs, Norell looked to the same military-style campaign furniture that had, decades prior, inspired the revered Safari chair (1933) crafted by Kaare Klint, a legendary Danish designer and Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts professor who taught the likes of Hans Wegner, Ole Wanscher and others.
Like these earlier furniture designers, Norell was committed to making comfortable and practical furniture. Using leather and warm woods as the building blocks of his work, he eschewed glue and screws, instead securing his designs with buckles and leather straps. In 1973, Norell earned posthumous recognition from the British Furniture Manufacturers Association for his sumptuous Ari chair, a luxurious lounge set on a chrome-plated steel frame with foam cushions covered in leather.
During his lifetime, Norell’s work was popular among European interior designers. However, it became more widely known after 1971, when many of his designs were finally put into production. Norell’s furnishings, as well as work by his daughter Marie Norell-Möller and other Swedish designers, are still crafted by hand in the Aneby, Sweden, factory operated by Norell Furniture, which has remained a family-run company.
Find a collection of authentic vintage Arne Norell furniture today on 1stDibs.
Pair of Arne Norell Sirocco Easy Chairs, Rosewood and Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Lutz, FL
Iconic Mid Century Modern Rosewood and Brown Leather ‘Sirocco’ Safari chair pair designed by Arne Norell, Sweden c.1960’s. Solid rosewood frames with interesting grain pattern and na...
Leather, Rosewood
1960s, Lounge Chair 'Mexico' by Arne Norell Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An original 1960s “Mexico” armchair designed by Arne Norell, Sweden. This striking piece reflects Norell’s signature blend of Scandinavian craftsmanship and South American-inspired d...
Leather
Arne Norell Scirocco 2 Safari Chairs by Norell AB Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A Pair of Scirocco Safari easy chairs by Arne Norell (1917-1971). They are made of solid rosewood mounted with patinated grain leather seat, backrest and armrests. Loose cushions of ...
Brass
$5,917 / item
Set of 2 Arne Norell "Ilona" sofas, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model "Ilona" designed by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s. Beautiful patinated leather and original fabric. Please note: 2 sofas available, listed price is for a single.
Brass
Pair Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Vintage Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low lounge chairs Swedish Design. Designer and maker - Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid century modern Vintage Rosewood and soft...
Brass
Arne Norell, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Green Leather, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting a beautiful pair of “Sirocco” armchairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. Crafted with stained ash wood frames and...
Leather, Ash
$15,149Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 1970s Green Leather 'Inca' Lounge Chairs With Ottoman By Arne Norell AB
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
These iconic Inca model lounge chairs with matching ottoman were designed in the 1970s by Swedish designer Arne Norell for Norell AB. A celebrated example of Scandinavian modern desi...
Leather, Canvas, Beech
Arne Norell Pair of 'Ari' Lounge Chairs in Steel and Patinated Leather 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Meer, VAN
Arne Norell Pair of 'Ari' Lounge Chairs in Steel and Patinated Leather, Sweden 1960s A very nice pair of Arne Norell ‘Ari’ lounge chairs in steel and patinated brown / green leather...
Steel
Pair of Sirocco Safari Chairs by Arne Norell for Arne Norell AB, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of "Sirocco" safari chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Sweden during the 1960s. These chairs are iconic examples of Scandinavian Moder...
Leather, Ash
$14,202 / set
Pair of Arne Norell "Inca" Easy Chairs, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of the very comfortable Inca chair with patinated original black leather and original fabric. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Brass
Arne Norell Scirocco Lounge Chairs with Ash Frame and Leather Cushions
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of Arne Norell safari chairs. Original upholstered cushions with patinated leather. Frame of ash. Model Scirocco, made by Norell.
Leather, Ash
Lounge chair 'Inca' by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Exclusive lounge chair designed by renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell for his own company during the 1970s. The “Inca” model is spacious and exceptionally comfortable, featuring ...
Leather, Beech
Arne Norell 'Inca' Lounge Chair in original leather
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Norell, 'Inca' lounge chair, leather, beech, Sweden, 1965. The iconic 'Inca' lounge chair with ottoman in original red leather, designed by Arne Norell. The back features thick...
Leather, Beech
Ari lounge chairs by Arne Norell for Möbel AB Arne Norell, 1966
By Arne Norell
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
A set of Ari lounge chairs with a footstool, designed in 1966 by Arne Norell. Sculptural Scandinavian icons in white leather, with a robust look and sublime seating comfort, a timele...
Stainless Steel
Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Lounge Chairs in Black Leather and Ash, Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Pair of Sirocco Safari Lounge Chairs designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Norell Möbel AB in Sweden, 1970s. Solid Ash wood frames with the original cushions in beautiful black...
Leather, Rope, Ash
$11,835 / set
Arne Norell Easy Chairs, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Great pair of brown leather easy chairs model "Dickie" by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Good vintage condition, with minor signs of usage and patina. ...
Leather
$2,565Sale Price|22% Off
Ilona Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Debrecen, HU
The Ilona lounge chair, conceived by renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell, embodies timeless Scandinavian elegance. Designed in the 1970s, the chair showcases Norell’s masterful abi...
Leather, Wood, Fabric
Arne Norell Sofa Kontiki by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
3-Seater sofa model Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in original green leather and black frame. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Very good condition.
Leather
Arne Norell for Gösta Westerberg ‘Gary’ (‘The Thumb’) Easy Chair, 1950s
By Gösta Westerberg Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Prague, New Town
‘Gary’ (‘The Thumb’) easy chair, designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Gösta Westerberg in Sweden, 1952. Legs in beech, recently reupholstered in fabric with tufted buttons. Legs in g...
Fabric, Beech
$3,124Sale Price|20% Off
Arne Norell 'Mexico' Sofa in Moss Green Leather, 3 Seats, Denmark 1960s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Bochum, NRW
Arne Norell, 'Mexico' sofa, leather and teak, Sweden, 1960s. This comfortable three seats sofa is designed by Arne Norell and holds a robust, sturdy character. The base is made of a...
Leather, Wood, Upholstery, Teak
Vintage Ilona Lounge Sofa by Arne Norell for Norrell Mobel AB, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This iconic sofa, designed by Arne Norell in the 1960s and produced in Sweden, exemplifies the very best of Scandinavian mid-century design. The sturdy beech wood frame anchors the...
Brass
Vintage Scandinavian Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare “Gary” lounge chair by Arne Norell, also known as “The Thumb”, with two thumbs up instead of one. Generous form with curved lines. Upholstered in charcoal grey with a contrastin...
Wood
Sirocco Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Excellent safari chair / easy chair model Sirocco in green leather designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s....
Leather
Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair 1960's
By Arne Norell
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This is the ARI Chair, a design-rich piece by Scandinavian designer Arne Norell. Created in 1966 by the renowned Swedish designer, the ARI Chair stands as one of Norell’s most famous...
Steel
$4,400 / item
Arne Norell Sirocco Easy Chair 1960's
By Arne Norell
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Scirocco lounge chair, designed by Arne Norell (estimated 1960s). Known affectionately as the 'Safari Chair', it is globally acclaimed as one of the masterpieces representing Scandin...
Leather, Ash
Pair of Ari Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, 1966
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in New York, NY
This is the design-rich ARI Chairs by Scandinavian designer Arne Norell. Norell's significance in design history is evidenced by his 1973 award of 'Showpiece of the Year' from the Br...
Steel
$7,811 / item
Set of 2 Arne Norell Sofas Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ilona sofas designed by Arne Norell 1960s, produced by Norell Möbel AB, Sweden. Dark stained beech, original black leather and brass details. Please note: Listed price is f...
Brass
Arne Norell Armchair "Inca" and foot stool by Norell Möbel AB Sweden 1970
By Arne Norell
Located in Paris, IDF
Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971) Arne Norell, a pair of 'Inka' armchairs with a footstool, Norell Möbel AB, 1970's. Frame of dark-stained beech. Upholstered cushion in the back and se...
Leather, Wood
Arne Norell "Ilona" Sofa, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model "Ilona" two-seat designed by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s. Beautiful patinated leather and original fabric, very good condition.
Brass
Arne Norell 'Inca' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in original leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Norell, 'Inca' lounge chair with ottoman, leather, beech, Sweden, 1965. The iconic 'Inca' lounge chair with ottoman in original red leather, designed by Arne Norell. The back f...
Leather, Beech
$5,491Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Arne Norell Brown Leather and Steel Ari Lounge Chairs
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Madrid, ES
Arne Norell designed the "Ari" lounge chair in 1966. The design won the British Furniture Manufacturer's "Showpiece of the Year" award in 1973. This pair of easy chairs is manufactur...
Steel
Arne Norell Three-Seat Sofa Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Three-seat. Leather, brass, stained ash wood. Design by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell Möbel, Sweden. Global front door shipping, flat-packed...
Brass
Rare Arne Norell Ilona Sofa in Original Green Leather, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original two-seat Arne Norell Ilona sofa in original patinated green leather. Made by Norell Mobler in Sweden. In very good vintage condition with minor signs of use and wear rela...
Brass
$17,753 / set
Pair of Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ilona easy chairs with original leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Leather, Ash
Kontiki Chair from Arne Norell Ab
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Rīga, LV
Very comfortable armchair Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in camel color leather. Wood parts were refinished (cleaned and re-lacquered), leather belts were steamed and tighten, leath...
Leather, Wood
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Arne Norell Ari Chair + Ottoman in Chocolate Mongolian Sheepskin, 1970's, Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Culver City, CA
Oh hey, have you met The Ari Chair? She’s the effortlessly cool Scandinavian cousin everyone envies at family reunions. Designed by Arne Norell and radiating peak 1970's swagger, thi...
Chrome
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa By Ellekær & Norell For Coja
By Sven Ellekaer , Arne Norell
Located in High Point, NC
This 1960s Danish mid-century modern sofa by Ellekær & Norell for Coja exemplifies Scandinavian design at its most refined, combining generous comfort with clean architectural lines....
Leather, Wood
Inca Easy Chair by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
The very comfortable "Inca" chair in original buffalo leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden. Very good condition.
Brass
Arne Norell & Sven Ellekaer Armchair for Coja Sweden 1960
By Arne Norell
Located in Paris, IDF
Comfortable armchair designed by Arne Norell for Coja, made in the 1960s. in Sweden. Black leather padded cushions draped in a dark stained wooden frame. Good original condition
Leather, Wood
Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair in Rosewood and Black Leather, Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Norell Möbel AB in Sweden. Frame of solid rosewood with beautifully aged black patinated leather upholstery. All ...
Leather, Rope, Wood
Pair of Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model Sirocco, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Excellent pair of safari chairs model Sirocco in good condition with new seat cushions. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
$11,700Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low sofa Swedish Design Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid-century modern Teak and soft black leather. Norell Sweden label. Very little wear and c...
Brass
$5,326Sale Price|25% Off
1960s, Scandinavian design by Arne Norell, sofa, model "Kontiki", original.
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Scandinavian design by Arne Norell. 3 seater sofa, model "Kontiki" in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Camel brown leather, beech wood, brass straps buck...
Brass
Arne Norell ‘Merkur’ Sofa in Brown Leather and Wood
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Arne Norell Möbel AB, sofa model ‘Merkur’, leather, wood, Sweden, 1970s. This high-quality sofa is designed by the talented Swedish designer Arne Norell. Characteris...
Leather, Wood
Arne Norell Ilona Safari Loveseat Danish Modern
By Arne Norell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Safari Loveseat by Arne Norell. Model “Ilona”. Original leather shows patina. 59w 30d 28.5h 15.5s
Leather
Mid century black leather Sirocco Safari sling lounge chair Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Swedish modern Sirocco safari lounge chair by Arne Norell. Lovely soft black leather sling seat with brass hardware. Has sturdy dark rosewood hardwood frame with woven black leather ...
Leather, Rosewood
Arne Norell Easy Chair Model Sirocco, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Safari chair model Sirocco in good condition. Original cognac leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
Safari Chair by Arne Norell Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Beautiful safari chair designed by Arne Norell and produced in Sweden during the 1960s. Crafted from solid ash with original leather seat, backrest, and arm straps, the chair embodie...
Leather, Ash
$6,509 / item
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Ilona" by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Karlstad, SE
This striking "Ilona" sofa was designed by renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell and produced during the 1970s. Constructed from stained beech wood, the frame features Norell’s hallm...
Leather, Beech
Arne Norell Three-Seat Sofa Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Three-seat. Leather, brass, stained ash wood. Design by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell Möbel, Sweden. Global front door shipping, flat-packed: €800 Please note: cushions in ...
Brass
Arne Norell Sofa Model Indra Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Indra designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Brass
Arne Norell Easy Chair Model "Löven", 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Easy chair model Löven designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960s. Original buffalo leather. Excellent condition.
Leather
Pair of Easy Chairs with Side Table in Beech and Leather by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of easy chairs with side table in beech, leather and brass by Arne Norell, 1960s. Additional Information: Material: beech, leather, brass. Style: Midcentury, Scandinavia. ...
Brass
Model Kontiki Ottoman from Arne Norell AB, Aneby, Sweden, 1970s
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
Located in KUTNO, PL
Kontiki is an iconic pouf designed by Arne Norell in the 1970s, clearly referring to the aesthetics of safari furniture – a style combining solid construction, natural materials, and...
Leather, Wood
$6,509 / item
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Ilona" by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Karlstad, SE
This striking "Ilona" sofa was designed by renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell and produced during the 1970s. Constructed from stained beech wood, the frame features Norell’s hallm...
Leather, Beech
Leather Settee Model ‘Ilona’ by Arne Norell, 1960
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful leather settee designed by Arne Norell in the early 1960s and produced by Aneby Møbler, Sweden, with thick, dark leather cushions on saddle leather sling supports with bras...
Brass
$2,267Sale Price|25% Off
3. Seater Sofa Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
By Vatne Møbler, Arne Norell
Located in Lejre, DK
The three-seater sofa in brown patinated leather with a metal frame, designed by Arne Norell in 1970, is a distinctive example of Scandinavian furniture design from the 20th century....
Metal
Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair in Black Leather / Stained Ash, Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Norell Möbel AB in Sweden, 2000s. Solid black stained Ash wood frames with the black leather cushions. All in ...
Leather, Rope, Ash
Arne Norell Sofa in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, sofa, brown leather and wood, Sweden, 1960s Three seater sofa by Arne Norell. This sofa is refined, modern and with a classical touch. A true Swedish and Norell design....
Leather, Wood
Pair of Arne Norell “Safari” Rosewood Lounge Chairs Model Scirocco Sweden 1960's
By Arne Norell
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic Scandinavian modern lounge chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden during the 1960s. This matching pair features beautiful rosewood fram...
Leather, Rosewood