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.
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
1960s Three Seater Chesterfield In Sturdy Leather By Norell AB Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A beautiful and highly collectible 1960s Chesterfield three-seater sofa, designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Norell AB, Sweden. This piece is a refined Scandinavian interpre...
Leather
1970s Green Leather 'Inca' Lounge Chair With Ottoman By Arne Norell AB , Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This iconic Inca model lounge chair with matching ottoman was designed in the 1970s by Swedish designer Arne Norell for Norell AB. A celebrated example of Scandinavian modern design,...
Leather, Canvas, Beech
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
$23,560 / set
Arne Norell Inca Easy Chairs, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of the very comfortable Inca chair in patinated brown original buffalo leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden. Signed. Very good vintag...
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
Pair of Indra Easy Chairs in Beech, Brass & Leather by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Indra easy chairs, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, is a compelling example of mid-century Swedish design where material ric...
Brass
Arne Norell 'Merkur' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather and Mahogany
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, lounge chair, model 'Merkur', leather, mahogany, Sweden, 1960s The Merkur easy chair, a design by Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-1971), epitomi...
Leather, Mahogany
$2,220Sale Price|25% Off
1960s Arne Norrell Safari Lounge Chair by Norell Möbel AB, Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Arne Norell “Sirocco” safari chair in beautifully aged brown leather with a solid dark wood frame. Designed in 1964, this is a classic piece of Scandinavian mid-century desig...
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 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
Arne Norell for Gösta Westerberg ‘Gary’ (‘The Thumb’) Easy Chair, 1950s
By Arne Norell, Gösta Westerberg Möbel AB
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
$4,412Sale Price / set|25% Off
1960s, Pair of Lounge Chairs 'Mexico' by Arne Norell Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A pair of original 1960s “Mexico” armchairs designed by Arne Norell, Sweden. These striking pieces reflects Norell’s signature blend of Scandinavian craftsmanship and South American-...
Leather
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
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 for Westbergs Möbler 'Divina' Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler, 'Divina' sofa, fabric, stained beech, Sweden, late 1950s This 'Divina' sofa is designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell. The seat is characterized ...
Fabric, Beech
$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
Set of two sofas model Indra by Arne Norell in Stained Beech, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Unusual pair of the Indra sofa designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Loose cushions upholstered in the original floral fabric with green leather supp...
Leather, Fabric, Beech
Arne Norell Mid Century Swedish Ilona Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Norell Mid Century Swedish Ilona Sofa This sofa measures: 89 wide x 32 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 30.5 inches Good Vintage Condition - A...
Upholstery, Wood
Arne Norell Sofa in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, sofa, brown leather, wood, Sweden, circa 1960s This sofa is refined, modern with a robust touch. A well-designed sofa by talented Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-197...
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
Arne Norell Scirocco Lounge Chairs with Ash Frame and Leather Cushions
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
Illona Loveseat in Patinated Green Leather by Are Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Arne Norell Manufacturer: Norell Møbler AB Era: 1960s Materials: Beech, leather Measurements: 58.75? wide x 31.5? deep Condition: In excellent origin...
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 in original leather, designed by Arne Norell. The back features thick buffalo leather...
Leather, Beech
Arne Norell Ilona Oak and Cognac Leather Campaign Safari Chair, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Ilona campaign safari chair rendered in a turned oak frame with cognac leather back, side, buckle straps and button removable loose cushions. Designed by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1...
Metal, Brass
$6,479 / item
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Ilona" by Arne Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
Set of 2 Arne Norell sofas model Kontiki, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of 2 Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in original brown leather. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Very good condition. Please note: listed price is for a single sofa. ...
Leather
Pair of Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model Sirocco, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of safari chairs model Sirocco in good condition with original black leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960s. Global front door ship...
Brass
Inca Easy Chair with Ottoman by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
The very comfortable "Inca chair" in patinated brown original buffalo leather with stool. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden. Signed. Very good v...
Brass
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
$2,316Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Arne Norell Rosewood Leather Sling Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Arne Norell, Scanform
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The Sirocco safari chair designed by Arne Norell in 1966. This example is in camel-colored leather; with two cushions and slings with brass fittings. Designed to breakdown for flat p...
Leather
$5,890 / 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
$16,500 / set
Arne Norell 'Inca' Leather Chairs and Ottoman, 1970
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful and very comfortable 'Inca' chairs and ottoman designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970, in chocolate brown buffalo leather on a dark sta...
Brass
Safari Chair by Arne Norell for Norell Möbler, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Rødding, DK
This safari chair was produced by Norell Möbler in Sweden, identified by the manufacturer's label to the underside of the frame. The design is attributed to Arne Norell. The frame is...
Leather, Rosewood
Midcentury "Ari" Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool and comfortable “Ari” lounge chair by Arne Norell, made from steel and leather. Striking and decorative belt closing on the back. Leather in a milk chocolate brown color.
Metal
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
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
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
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
$14,136 / 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
Pair 1970s Green Leather 'Inca' Lounge Chairs With Ottoman By Arne Norell AB
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
$4,990Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Leather Cromwell Sofa by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This Cromwell 3-seater leather sofa was designed by Arne Norell during the 1960s. It is a timeless design and as popular today as it was 60 years ago when it was launched. The sofa is upholstered with high-quality natural leather in shades of earthy brown. The slender form with slightly tilted sides has a modernist character. It has loose seat cushions, backrests and side cushions. The legs were made of oak wood. This Cromwell sofa...
Leather, Wood
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
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
$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
Arne Norell Three-Seat Sofa Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Three-seat. Original fabric, brown leather, brass, stained beech. Design by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell Möbel, Sweden.
Brass
ARNE NORELL & SVEN ELLEKAE armchair for Coja Sweden 1960
By Arne Norell
Located in Paris, IDF
Arne Norell and Sven Ellekaer for Coja, two armchairs/armchairs made by Coja in Sweden, 1960s, mahogany construction, brown leather upholstery, Dimensions of each approx.: h. 74 cm, ...
Leather, Wood
Midcentury Scandinavian Arne Norell High Back Lounge Chair in Worn Tan Leather
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super stylish and equally comfortable high back lounge chair designed by Swedish design icon, Arne Norell, circa 1970. Perfect for spending hours curled up reading a book or listenin...
Leather, Beech
Arne Norell Ottoman 'Merkur' in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell AB, 'Merkur' ottoman, leather, oak, Sweden, 1960s This rectangular shaped ottoman by Arne Norell features a comfortable cushion with tufted details. The brown...
Leather, Wood
Arne Norell Safari Two-Seat Leather Sofa for Norell, Sweden, 1970s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Rødding, DK
An iconic Safari two-seat sofa designed by Arne Norell and produced by Norell Möbel AB, Sweden, circa 1970s. This celebrated Scandinavian design combines a stained beechwood frame w...
Leather, Beech
Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Chairs Scandinavian Modern - a pair
By Arne Norell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Arne Norell Sirocco Armchairs. Original canvas. Made in Sweden. Sheepskin throws included. Inspired by safari expeditions and campaign furniture in the 60s. 27w 25.5d 28h 14.5s
Canvas
$2,257Sale Price|25% Off
3. Seater Sofa Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
By Arne Norell, Vatne Møbler
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
$6,479 / item
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Ilona" by Arne Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
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
$7,770 / 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
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.
Brass
Set of 2 Easy Chairs in Leather and Walnut by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of easy chairs, model Löven, was designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. The chairs exemplify the principles of Scan...
Leather, Walnut
Arne Norell Saturn Lounge Chair + Ottoman in Brown Leather
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Arne Norell Manufacturer: Norell Møbler Era: 1960s Materials: Leather, Pine Measurements: 35.5? wide Condition: In excellent original condition with...
Leather, Pine
Pair of Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model Sirocco, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of safari chairs model Sirocco in good condition with original leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
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