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.
$15,628 / set
Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model Inca, 1970s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Karlstad, SE
Pair of Arne Norell “Inca” Lounge Chairs, Sweden, 1970s Classic pair of “Inca” lounge chairs designed by Arne Norell in the 1970s. The chairs feature Norell’s signature combination ...
Leather, Beech
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 stained ash wood frames and...
Leather, Ash
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
Pair of Sirocco Safari Chairs by Arne Norell for Arne Norell AB, Sweden, 1960s
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
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
$14,426 / 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 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
$12,021 / 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 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
$21,639 / set
Arne Norell Inca Easy Chairs with Ottoman, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of 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 ...
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
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
$18,032 / 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
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchair By Ellekær & Norell For Coja
By Sven Ellekaer , Arne Norell
Located in High Point, NC
This 1960s Danish mid-century modern armchair by Ellekær & Norell for Coja exemplifies the era’s focus on comfort-driven design paired with refined craftsmanship. The chair features ...
Leather, Wood
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
$16,500 / set
Arne Norell 'Inca' Leather Chairs and Ottoman, 1970
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
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
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
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
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 & 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
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
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
$12,021 / 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
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
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 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
$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
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
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
$3,500 / set
Arne Norell Red Leather and Wood Safari Chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of safari chairs, Sirocco model in good condition with original red leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960s.
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
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
$7,092 / 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
Easy Chair Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
By Vatne Møbler, Arne Norell
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
$11,420 / 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
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
A pair of Ari Lounge chairs with ottomans by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in London, Lambeth
A pair of original Ari chairs and stools The frame is made of chrome-plated steel, and the seat and back cushions are upholstered in channel-stitched black leather. This gives the...
Leather
Midcentury Swedish Lounge Chairs "Löven" by Arne Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Karlstad, SE
A lounge chair model "Löven" by Arne Norell, 1960s. This chair has a timeless classic design and, as with all Norell furniture, the construction quality is extremely high. The frame...
Teak, 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 with new seat cushions. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
Arne Norell Mid Century Asymmetrical Armchair in Velvet Produced in Sweden 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare mid century asymmetrical free form armchair by Arne Norell in stained birch and newly upholstered brown velvet. Produced in Sweden and in great condition completely restore...
Velvet, Birch
$5,409 / set
Pair of "Pilot" by Arne Norell, 1980s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model "Pilot" by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell Möbel, Sweden, 1980s.
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
1970s Patinated Leather Wingback Krister Armchair by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in London, London
This is a 1970s "Krister" armchair designed by the renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell. The chair embodies the elegance and functionality typical of Scandinavian mid-century modern...
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
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 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
Original Midcentury Sessel Arne Norell Armlehnstuhl Mexico Leder2
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 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
'Divina' armchair by Arne Norell, Westbergs Möbler AB, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare armchair designed by Arne Norell and produced by Westbergs Möbler AB in Tranås, Sweden, during the late 1950s. Model is called 'Divina' and we have a great pair with lacquered b...
Cotton, Beech
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
ARNE NORELL armchair asymmetric made in Sweden around 1960
By Arne Norell
Located in Paris, IDF
Arne Norell asymmetrical free form model armchairn stained birch and newly upholstered off white boucle fabric . Produced in Sweden. Rare mod...
Fabric, Birch
Arne Norell Merkur Lounge Chair, Sweden, 1960
By Arne Norell
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice and comfortable Merkur lounge chair designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960. The chair has very nice olive green tufted leather cu...
Leather, Ash