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 Ottoman 'Merkur' in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell AB, 'Merkur' ottoman, leather, oak, Sweden, 1960s This rectangular shaped ottoman by Arne Norell features a comfortable cushion with tufted details. The brown...
Leather, Wood
Moroccan Brown Leather Pouf, Embroidered Ottoman, Vintage Style
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan handcrafted brown camel leather ottoman, with embroideries.Could be used a foot stool, or side table or ottoman.The Moroccan leather poufs are hand-tooled and embroidered wi...
Leather
Mushroom Ottoman in Chestnut Brown Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a chestnut brown colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned...
Fabric
$1,216
H 28.75 in W 28.75 in D 22.45 in
Easy Chair Made In Patinated Brown Leather By Arne Norell From 1970s
By Arne Norell, Vatne Møbler
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
Ndidi Ottoman in Black Leather
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with a seamless blend of three layers of leather fringe, the Ndidi Ottoman boasts a sophisticated and fluid design, reminiscent of the popular Ndidi Sconce. The Ndidi Ottoman is part of the NeKeia Collection for Ngala Trading...
Leather
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 26.25 in D 38.25 in
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
$2,274Sale Price|25% Off
H 28.75 in W 73.23 in D 23.63 in
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 'Inca' Leather Chairs and Ottoman, 1970
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
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
$1,186
H 13.78 in W 26.38 in D 26.38 in
Mid-century De Sede DS‑11 Ottoman in Brown Leather, Switzerland 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully crafted mid‑century ottoman by De Sede, model DS‑11, and, optionally, the matching DS‑66 relax chair. Produced in Switzerland and upholstered in the brand’s signature p...
Leather
Arne Norell Saturn Lounge Chair + Ottoman in Brown Leather
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Arne Norell Manufacturer: Norell Møbler Era: 1960s Materials: Leather, Pine Measurements: 35.5? wide Condition: In excellent original condition with...
Leather, Pine
Nutmeg Brown Leather & Polished Nickel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the Inheritance Seating options, the Ottoman is a great addition to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement. This variation is a custom sized 36" x 36" x 17" ottoman, which is upholstered in a nutmeg brown leather...
Steel
Banded Round Ball Ottoman in Chocolate Brown Leather by Moses Nadel
By Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Functionality combined with elegance, the Banded Ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture. Sculptural with its round shape and playfully engaging, this leather ottoman is commonly u...
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
Sold
H 35.04 in W 36.23 in D 39.38 in
Arne Norell Pair of 'Inca' Lounge Chairs with Ottomans in Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, pair of 'Inca' lounge chairs with ottomans, leather, stained beech, Sweden, 1960s A pair of iconic 'Inca' lounge chairs with ottomans executed in ...
Leather, Beech
Pair of 'Ari' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell Møbel AB, pair 'Ari' lounge chairs with ottoman, brown leather, chrome-plated steel, Sweden, 1966. This pair of lounge chairs with pouf are designed by Arn...
Steel
Sold
H 35.44 in W 30.71 in D 34.65 in
Pair of 'Inca' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Corduroy by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, 'Inca' lounge chair with ottoman, fabric, beech and leather, Sweden, 1965. The iconic 'Inca' lounge chairs with ottoman in a sand color corduroy, designed by Arne Nor...
Leather, Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 35.04 in W 36.23 in D 39.77 in
Arne Norell 'Inca' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Patinated Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, 'Inca' lounge chair with ottoman, leather, beech, Sweden, 1965. The iconic 'Inca' lounge chair with ottoman in beautiful aged leather, designed by Arne Norell. The ba...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 15.75 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in
1960s Camel Colored Padded Leather Ottoman Model 'Merkur' by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Square ottoman in sturdy camel / brown colored leather designed by Arne Norell for Norell AB in Sweden. Allover in good condition.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 23.23 in
Midcentury Arne Norell Inca Footstool Ottoman Beech Green Leather Swedish 1960s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A beautiful example of a 1960s “Inca” ottoman by Arne Norell in stained beech and original green leather, manufactured by Möbel AB Arne Norel...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 35.44 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
1970s Brown Buffalo Leather Chair "Inca" and Ottoman by Arne Norell Möbler AB. !
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This beautiful "Inca" lounge or easy chair in brown Buffalo leather is in original condition and has a beautiful patina. It's designed by Arne Norell and made by Norell Möbel AB in S...
Leather, Beech
Pair of Leather Ottomans by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of cool leather ottomans or footstools by Arne Norell, upholstered in tan leather. Decorative buttons and checkered seam pattern.
Leather, Oak
Arne Norell "Ari" Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Arne Norell
Located in Stamford, CT
Chrome-plated steel and leather channeled cushion. Ari lounge chair with ottoman by Arne Norell, circa 1966.
Leather
Arne Norell Inca Ottoman
By Arne Norell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rosewood and leather ottoman by Swedish designer Arne Norell, part of the Safari chair series he created in which the piece is designed to break down completely.
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Leather Ottomans by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful patinated cognac brown buffalo leather. Model "Inca" by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s.
Leather, Ash
Pair of "Inca" Easy Chair Footstools by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of "Inca" easy chair footstools by Arne Norell. Rosewood and leather. Produced by Arne Norell in Aneby, Sweden.
Leather, Rosewood