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 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
$2,178Sale 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 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
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
Rare Asymmetrical Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An unusual low lounge chair designed by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s. Featuring an asymmetrical, curved backrest, a fully upholstered body with button tufting, decorative piping and t...
Fabric, Beech
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 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
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
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
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
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
1970s Vintage Leather Inca Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Arne Norell for Möbel AB
By Arne Norell
Located in Wesseling, DE
Beautiful vintage lounge chair and ottoman set designed by Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB Aneby in the 1970s. Crafted in Sweden with a solid wooden frame and soft, thick buffalo le...
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. Very good condition.
Brass
$5,116 / set
"Scirocco" Safari Chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Scirocco" Safari Chairs by Arne Norell, 1960s Introducing a pair of iconic "Scirocco" safari chairs, designed by the esteemed Swedish designer Arne Norell in the 1960s. These chairs...
Leather, Linen, Ash
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
Arne Norell Easy Chairs and Stools Model Ari by Arne Norell AB in Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs with foot stools model Ari designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Steel
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
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
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
Vintage Rosewood and Leather "Sirocco" Lounge Chair by Arne Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing a stunning vintage leather lounge chair designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. This exquisite piece, known as the Sirocco, embodies the tim...
Brass
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
$6,253 / 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
$10,800 / 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
$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
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
Arne Norell, Sofa, Fabric, Birch, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and birch sofa, model Divina, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Westbergs Möbler AB, Sweden, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Fabric, Birch
Easy Chair in Leather and Steel with Stool by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare easy chair with matching stool, model Ari, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden during the 1970s, stands as one of Norell’s most iconic a...
Steel
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
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
Arne Norell Inca Easy Chairs with Stools Produced by Arne Norell AB in Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of easy chairs and stools model Inca designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Sweden.
Brass
1960s Arne Norell Leather “Mexico” Lounge Chair
By Arne Norell
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1960’s Arne Norell “Mexico” lounge chair. Button tufted high quality original Red Buffalo leather. Very comfortable and beautifully designed. Produced by Norell Mobel AB, Sweden.
Leather
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, 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
Inca Easy Chair by Arne Norell 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Inca" Lounge Chair. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$6,707 / item
Arne Norell Model Inca Caramel Leather Lounge Chair
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This brown caramel leather Inca lounge chair was designed by Arne Norell and produced from Norell Mobler AB in Sweden. It is made from beech and stained in a teak colour with origin...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Arne Norell 'Inca' Leather Chair & Footstool, 1970
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful and very comfortable 'Inca' chair & footstool, designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970, in chocolate brown buffalo leather on a dark sta...
Brass
Arne Norell, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Birch, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and birch lounge chair, model Divina, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Westbergs Möbler AB, Sweden, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric id...
Fabric, Birch
$1,723Sale Price|22% Off
Two Seater Sofa Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
By Vatne Møbler, Arne Norell
Located in Lejre, DK
This two-seater sofa is a distinctive example of Arne Norell's design from the 1970s. With its upholstery of patinated leather and metal frame, the sofa exudes a stylish and modern a...
Metal
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
$991Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish design 70s, Arne Norell loungechair, original upholstery, leather, chrom
By Arne Norell
Located in Tarm, 82
Swedish desiged lounge chair by Arne Norell. Made in about 1970. Refreshed by furniture craftsman at Retro Møbler Galleri. Original upholstery. Brown naturally patinated leather. Loo...
Steel
Arne Norell safari swedish armchair from the 60's in linen
By Arne Norell
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sirocco” safari armchair from the 60s by Swedish designer Arne Noel. Solid wood frame, gray/beige linen seat and back, light leather armrests. Very nice vintage condition with a beau...
Linen, Wood
Arne Norell Ilona 2 Seater Sofa 1970's
By Arne Norell
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Leather sofa by Swedish master craftsman Arne Norell, 1960s. The structure, combining thick leather and beach wood, is the essence of Scandinavian design, combining beauty and functi...
Leather, Beech
$7,503 / 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
1970s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Arne Norell.
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Arne Norell. Original multicolor furniture fabric, furniture mesh, dark beech wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable cons...
Fabric, Rattan, Beech
"Ari" Chairs by Arne Norell Scandinavian Mid Century Modern - a pair
By Arne Norell
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Scandinavian Modern "Ari" Chairs by Arne Norell. Made in Sweden. Original leather and steel base. Leather shows wear throughout. Can sell separately. Price for pair.
Steel
Arne Norell Safari Sofa Tropical Swedish 1960 Leather Bench
By Arne Norell
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Unique sofa of the 1960s of the designer Arne Norell in massive mahogany and black leather. New Tropical cotton fabric remakes.
Leather, Mahogany
Arne Norell Mid Century Asymmetrical Armchair in Velvet Produced in Sweden 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Swedish mid century modern asymmetrical free form armchair by Arne Norell fully restored and newly upholstered in brown / green velvet fabric with four birch w...
Velvet, Birch
Arne Norell Scirocco Lounge Chairs with table, Ash Frame and Leather Cushions
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of Arne Norell safari chairs with attachabel table. Rarely seen option. Original upholstered cushions with patinated leather. Frame of ash. Model Scirocco, made by Norell.
Leather, Ash
Arne Norell Ari Easy Chairs in Cognac Brown Leather, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Great pair of 'Ari' chairs designed in 1966 by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960s. Very good original condition with signs of usage and patina.
Leather
Arne Norell Black Leather Safari Easy Chair, Sweden ca. 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage teak and black leather Safari chair by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB, Sweden ca. 1960's Good condition except ...
Leather, Teak
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
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
Illona Loveseat in Patinated Green Leather by Are Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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 Leather Sofa, Model Indra, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Arne Norell Aneby Möbler, Sweden, 1960s. Rusty brown original leather. Good condition and signs of usage. Small damage on one of the leather straps on the back, see pict...
Leather
Set of Safari Chairs by Arne Norell for Arne Norell Ab Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Exceptional pair of safari chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Sweden during the 1960s. Crafted from solid ash and upholstered in original black leather,...
Leather, Ash
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
"Divina" sofa by Arne Norell, Westbergs möbler, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Hägersten, SE
"Divina" two seater sofa attributed to Arne Norell. Produced in Sweden by Westbergs Möbler during the 1950s. Stained beech legs and new upholstery in light beige "Hallingdal" wool fa...
Wool, Beech
$17,054 / 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
Original Midcentury Dreisitzer Sofa Couch Arne Norell Mexico Leder
By Arne Norell
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Dreisitzer Sofa von Arne Norell aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa wurde professionell gereinigt und aufgearbeitet. In unseren anderen Anzeig...
Leather, Wood
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