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, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Green Leather, 1960s
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
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 ash wood frames and upholst...
Leather, Ash
Arne Norell, Pair of Sirocco Lounge Chairs, Leather & Ash, AB Aneby, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of safari chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. The chairs are crafted with a solid frame in ash and a wa...
Brass
$22,846 / 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
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 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
Arne Norell Sirocco Brown Safari Lounge Chair in Rosewood, Sweden 1970s.
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
Located in Asaa, DK
Arne Norell Sirocco Brown Safari Lounge Chair in Rosewood, Sweden 1970s. Swedish Safari easy chair model Sirocco with original chocolate colored leather. Designed by Arne Norell 196...
Leather, Santos Rosewood
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
$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
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
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
Pair of Arne Norell "Sirocco" Safari Chairs, Ash and Leather, Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Rødding, DK
This pair of Sirocco safari chairs was designed by Arne Norell and produced in Sweden, confirmed by the manufacturer's label to the leg. The frames are built in solid ash, with turn...
Brass
Arne Norell, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Off-White Leather, 1960s
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
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 ash wood frames and upholst...
Leather, Ash
$22,846 / 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
Safari Chair by Arne Norell for Norell Möbler, Sweden, 1960s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
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
Arne Norell Sofa model Kontiki, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
3-Seater sofa model Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in original brown leather. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Cushions newly lubricated with leather conditioner. Very ...
Leather
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
Midcentury "Ari" Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Sofa in Beech, Brass, Fabric & Leather by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The 3-seat sofa model Ilona, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, exemplifies the designer’s celebrated approach to modular construction, high-qua...
Brass
$13,707 / 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
1960s Arne Norell Ari lounge chair by Norell Möbel AB
By Arne Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome example of Swedish modern design, the "Ari" lounge chair was designed by Arne Norell and produced by Norell Möbel AB in the 1960s. The Ari is one of Norell's most recogniz...
Steel
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
$11,423 / set
Pair of Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model "Löven", 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Easy chairs model Loven designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960s. Original cognac buffalo leather.
Leather
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 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
Three-seater "Ilona" Safari Sofa in Leather by Arne Norell, Sweden. 1970s.
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Asaa, DK
Three-seater "Ilona" Safari Sofa in Leather by Arne Norell, Sweden. 1970s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 3 seat sofa by Arne Norell for Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden 1970s. Th...
Leather, Beech
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
Arne Norell 'Inca' Lounge Chair in original leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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
Rare Beige Leather Arne Norell Easy Chair Model Sirocco, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The original 'Sirocco' chair from 1964 designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell. Handmade in Sweden in the same factory that Arne Norell established in the 1960s. All according to hi...
Leather
Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair in stained Ash and Brown Leather, 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, 1960s. Solid stained Ash wood frame with the original cushions in beautiful brown p...
Brass
$11,488 / 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
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
Midcentury Scandinavian Arne Norell High Back Lounge Chair in Worn Tan Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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 & 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 pair of ‘Ari’ Lounge Chair in Original Black Leather Sweden, 60s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Pair of comfortable lounge chair designed by Arne Norell. This award winning lounge chair is made of high quality matt polished steel and original black leather. The set is in nice v...
Steel
1960s Three Seater Chesterfield In Sturdy Leather By Norell AB Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
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
$6,318 / 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
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 'Divina' Two Seat Sofa, Westbergs Möbler AB, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare two seat sofa was designed by Arne Norell in the late 1950s. The model is called 'Divina' and it was produced by Westbergs Möbler AB in Tranås, Swe...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa By Ellekær & Norell For Coja
By Arne Norell, Sven Ellekaer
Located in High Point, NC
This 1960s Danish mid-century modern sofa by Ellekær & Norell for Coja is a striking example of Scandinavian design that prioritizes comfort, craftsmanship, and enduring style. The s...
Leather, Wood
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 black leather. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Very good condition!.
Leather
Early Swedish Mid Century "Thumb" Chair in Brown Velvet by Arne Norell, 1950s
By Gösta Westerberg Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare Swedish mid century modern "Gary / Thumb" armchair in stained beech wood with an asymmetrical and sculptural shape designed by Arne Norell and produced by Gösta Westerber...
Velvet, Beech
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
1970s Green Leather 'Inca' Lounge Chair With Ottoman By Arne Norell AB , Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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
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
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
Pair of Ari Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, 1966
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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
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
$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
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
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
Midcentury Modern "Ari" Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cool and comfortable pair of “Ari” lounge chairs by Arne Norell, made from chrome-plated steel and leather. Striking and decorative belt closing on the back. Leather in a milk c...
Steel
Easy Chair Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
By Arne Norell, Vatne Møbler
Located in Lejre, DK
This armchair in patinated brown leather and metal frame is a timeless piece of furniture designed by the renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell and manufactured by Vatne Møbler in th...
Metal
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
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
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. Original leather and canvas. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
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
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