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
$18,047 / 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
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
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
$2,095
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
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
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 25.75 in D 29 in
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
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 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
$4,075 / item
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
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
$23,287 / set
H 29.93 in W 25.6 in D 36.23 in
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 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