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 "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
$4,977 / set
H 32.68 in W 33.08 in D 31.5 in
Two Swedish 1960s "Ilona" Lounge Chairs Attr. Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Two imposing 1960s "Ilona" lounge chairs attributed to Swedish designer Arne Norell. In cognac leather, they are in excellent structural and visual condition. The deep cushions are...
Leather, Beech
$18,542 / set
H 29.14 in W 25.6 in D 37.41 in
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 Scirocco 2 Safari Chairs by Norell AB Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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, 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
$2,153
H 37.41 in W 27.56 in D 63 in
Midcentury Danish Modern Brown Leather Chaise Lounge Chair by Tord Björklund
By Tord Bjorklund
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The "Skye" chaise lounge chair designed by Tord Björklund. It features a steel frame with soft brown leather after full professional renovation. Produced in Sweden in the 1980s/late ...
Steel
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
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Kontiki" by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Karlstad, SE
This two-seater sofa was designed by Arne Norell in the 1970s. The "Kontiki" model reflects Norell's mastery of Scandinavian design, combining both comfort and craftsmanship. It feat...
Leather, Beech
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
1960s Arne Norell Ari lounge chair by Norell Möbel AB
By Arne Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960's Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair for Norell Möbel AB Sweden. In good vintage condition with a beautiful patina throughout.
Steel
Midcentury Swedish Lounge Chairs "Löven" by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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
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
$8,800 / set
H 31.3 in W 30.12 in D 31.11 in
'Pilot’ Easy Chairs by Arne Norell for Norell möbel AB, Sweden 1960s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish designer, Arne Norell’s conceptual designs, gained recognition for their use of traditional materials and forms like fabrics and wood combined with simple and vanguard lines....
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 26.78 in D 25.99 in
Arne Norell, Pair of Sirocco Lounge Chairs, Leather and Ash, AB Aneby, 1970s
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of safari chairs in a cream colored leather and wooden ash frame. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, in the 1960s. These appealin...
Leather, Ash
Ari Lounge Chair & Footstool by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Brussel, BE
Iconic Danish Arne Norell 'Ari' lounge chair with footstool.
Chrome
Sold
H 28.35 in W 25.99 in D 25.99 in
Arne Norell, Pair of Sirocco Lounge Chairs, Leather and Oak, AB Aneby, 1970s
By Aneby Mobler, Arne Norell
Located in Odense, DK
Nice pair of safari chairs in leather and stained oak in a really good vintage condition. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, in 1960s. These are ...
Leather, Oak
Arne Norell - “Ari” Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“ARI” lounge chair and ottoman by Swedish designer Arne Norell circa 1950s. This chair has original suede upholstery with brown leather straps on chro...
Chrome
Arne Norell ARI Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Utrecht, NL
Low slung steel framed leather 'Ari' Lounge chair by Swedish designer Arne Norell from 1966. This vintage lounge chair comes with new upholstery (priced accordingly), executed in a...
Steel, Chrome
Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair & Ottoman, New Cognac Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Utrecht, NL
Vintage Ari lounge chair and ottoman with high gloss chrome steel frame designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell in 1966. One of the most timeless iconic and most comfortable designs...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 25.6 in L 30.32 in
Arne Norell Lounge Chairs 'Ari' Produced by Arne Norell AB in Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scandinavian Modern easy chairs by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s. The 'Ari' is Norells most well-known piece, designed in 1966. Loose cushions upholstered in camel-colored leather with...
Chrome
Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Sweden, 1966
By Arne Norell
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful and very comfortable lounge chair with ottoman designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Norell Mobler AB, Sweden, 1966. This lounge chair set has a solid steel chrome pl...
Stainless Steel
Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Bronze Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Utrecht, NL
Vintage Ari lounge chair and ottoman with beautiful high gloss chrome steel frame designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell in 1966. One of the most timeless iconic and most comfortab...
Chrome
Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Cognac Brown Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Utrecht, NL
Iconic low slung steel framed leather 'Ari' Lounge chair and ottoman by Swedish designer Arne Norell, originally designed in 1966. This vintage lounge chair and ottoman are executed with a new upholstery, executed in the best quality butter soft Aniline leather in a beautiful cognac brown colour. The leather comes with a soft sheer shine that provides a vintage look and matches the original leather belts and buckles that have been retained to keep the chair it's unique vintage character and value. This high end type of quality leather will age quickly and turn into one of those unique vintage objects...
Chrome
Brown Leather Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Utrecht, NL
Iconic low slung steel framed leather 'Ari' Lounge chair and ottoman by Swedish designer Arne Norell, originally designed in 1966. This vintage lounge chair and ottoman are executed ...
Chrome
Bronze Leather Arne Norell ARI Lounge Chair
By Arne Norell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Low slung steel framed leather 'Ari' Lounge chair by Swedish designer Arne Norell, originally designed in 1966. This vintage lounge chair comes with new upholstery, executed in a ref...
Steel, Chrome