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.
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
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
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 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
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
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
$6,560 / 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
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, 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
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 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
$14,295 / item
Arne Norell Sofa Model Merkur, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell Möbel AB, Sweden, 1960s. All original, dark stained beech legs and brown buffalo leather. Great vintage condition with small sign...
Leather
Arne Norell Sirocco Easy Chair by Arne Norell AB in Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy chair model Sirocco designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Brass
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
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
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
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
Pair of Arne Norell "Ari" Ariet Lounge Chairs Cognac Leather & Chromed Steel
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This beautiful pair of lounge chairs were designed in the 1960s by Arne Norell for Norell Moebel. The frames are made of two curves of chrome-plated steel, and the single cushions ha...
Steel, Chrome
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 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
'Model 925' Three-Seater Sofa by Arne Norell for Coja Culemborg
By Arne Norell
Located in Zagreb, HR
Vintage 'Model 925' three-seater sofa designed by Arne Norell for Coja Culemborg, produced in the 1960s in Sweden. The model reflects Norell's approach to Scandinavian mid-century de...
Leather, Wood
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 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
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
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
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
$7,862 / 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
$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
$11,913 / 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
Leather Settee Model ‘Ilona’ by Arne Norell, 1960
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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
Arne Norell ARI Lounge Chair, Chrome Steel & Black Leather, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in LYON, FR
Lounge chair from the 1960s. Iconic ARI model by Swedish designer Arne Norell for Norell Möbel. The frame is made of chrome-plated steel of exceptional quality. The cushions are in...
Steel
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 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
1970s, Swedish highback armchair by Arne Norell.
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Swedish highback armchair by Arne Norell. Original multicolor furniture fabric, furniture mesh, dark beech wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable ...
Fabric, Rattan, 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 Scandinavian Leather Wood Armchairs Sirocco Model, Swedish 1960s
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Pair of Scandinavian midcentury modern design armchairs Sirocco model designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, with original black leather and dar...
Leather, Wood
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
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
A pair cream fabric «Lido» armchairs by Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler AB
By Arne Norell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
A pair of lacquered wood and cream fabric «Lido» armchairs by Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler AB – 1957 28.74 × 35.83 × 34.65 in. reupholster with bouclé fabric.
Bouclé, Bentwood
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
Inca Chair ottoman designed by Arne Norell for Norell Mobel AB Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
inca ottoman designed by Arne Norell Manufactured by Norell Möbel AB, Sweden. Characteristic for Arne Norell‘s Inca furniture series and done other ms...
Wood
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
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
Original Midcentury Sessel Arne Norell Armlehnstuhl Mexico Leder
By Arne Norell
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von insgesamt 2 wunderschönen Vintage Sesseln von Arne Norell aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Sessel wurde professionell gereinigt, die Lederfarbe aufgefri...
Leather, Wood
Arne Norell Buffalo Leather "Merkur" Easy Chair, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 'Merkur' designed by Arne Norell, 1960s. Produced by Arne Norell Möbel in Aneby, Sweden.
Leather
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
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
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
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
$17,869 / 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
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
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