The sterling reputation that Artifort enjoys isn’t limited to the innovative upholstery and fluid, organic shapes for which its products are widely known — the legendary Dutch brand’s vintage seating and other furniture is also celebrated for its embodiment of functionality, comfort and quality. These are among the principles that underpin the philosophy toward modern furniture design at Artifort, which has been at the crossroads of furniture and art for over 125 years.
Prior to 1928, the year Artifort officially became a brand, Jules Wagemans had a small upholstery business in Maastricht, the Netherlands. After setting up in 1890, his son, Henricus Wagemans, broadened the scope of the company to include furniture production. By the end of the 1920s, their showroom in Amsterdam had made them a recognizable brand across the Netherlands.
Then named H. Wagemans & Van Tuien, the company changed its name to Artifort after the economic recession. Artifort came from two Latin words meaning “art” and “strong” — a perfect description for the style of each design and the manufacturer’s intention to create sturdy furnishings. Artifort’s reputation for durable armchairs and sofas endures, and vintage editions of this seating are now family heirlooms in many homes.
Artifort became a magnet for high-profile and up-and-coming designers alike. Many furniture designers’ careers began thanks to collaborations with Artifort, such as Dutch industrial and jewelry designer Gijs Bakker and Indonesian-born designer Kho Liang Ie. Also known for designing the interiors at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Kho Liang Ie was an aesthetic consultant at Artifort and used his expertise to turn the company into a world-class brand. Perhaps his largest contribution, however, was attracting the talents of French furniture and interior designer Pierre Paulin and English furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt.
Paulin’s bright and colorful lounge chairs, such as his Orange Slice chair and Mushroom chair, are still central to the Artifort identity. The revered designer not only introduced new construction techniques to Artifort furniture, but contributed fresh materials, Pop art colors and dazzling shapes to the mid-century modern era as a whole, while Harcourt deserves credit for popularizing Artifort internationally and extending their reach into foreign markets.
Another talent boom in the 1990s at Artifort yielded collaborations with Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang Mezger and René Holten. Iranian designer Khodi Feiz was named art director in 2014 and has continued the tradition of recruiting top designers such as Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.
Find a collection of vintage Artifort lounge chairs, tables and more on 1stDibs.
$7,179Sale Price|20% Off
Reupholstered in Bouclé Theo Ruth “115” Sofa for Artifort, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Renens, CH
Reupholstered 115 sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort (The Netherlands). The Sofa has been reupholstered with new foam and a soft bouclé/sheep wool style fabric. The material used is v...
Metal
1965, Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Set Early Original Base and Red Blue Fabric
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Set of four Tulip chairs in red with red bleu upholstery. All chairs are rotatable. This unique set off four consist of 2 chairs in a fairly good condition (pictures 1st chair...
Metal
Forrest Green Leather "F141" lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort 1978
By Artifort, Geoffrey Harcourt
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing the Timeless Elegance of the Forrest Green Leather Swivel Lounge Chair Model F141 by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort Netherlands 1978 Step into a world of sophisticatio...
Aluminum
Mushroom Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and cosy Artifort Mushroom Chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in the 60’s. Covered with stunning and high quality wool fabric. The chair is just completely restore...
Bouclé
Artifort Theo Ruth Cocktail Sofa, Netherlands, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Voorburg, NL
Beautiful Artifort cocktail sofa, designed by Theo Ruth in the early fifties. The sofa is in unique condition with beautiful snow-white alcantara uphols...
Upholstery, Beech
Perfect Original Artifort Swivel Lounge Chair F141 by Geoffrey Harcourt
By Geoffrey D. Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Voorburg, NL
Unique and original Artifort F141 Swivel lounge chair designed by Geoffrey Harcourt, mid-1970s. In beautiful black coloured leather upholstery with matching black swivel base. Uphols...
Steel
$1,290Sale Price|39% Off
Artifort 691 Blue Fabric Sofa, 1980s
By Artifort
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by the Artifort design group in 1987, the 691 sofa has been in production ever since making it a true classic of the collection. Fully upholstered in a blue-grey...
Fabric
Rare table lamp by H. Fillekes for Artiforte, The Netherlands
By Artifort, H. Fillekes
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A top quality manufactured desk lamp by Dutch designer H. Fillekes who worked for Rotterdam based lighting company Artiforte A nickel plated sculptured tripod base holds a grey e...
Nickel, Brass
Alky Chair, Dark Green Bouclé, 1980s
By Artifort, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Renens, CH
Beautifully restored “Alky” lounge chair produced by Artifort and designed by Giancarlo Piretti (also known for the Plia and Plona chairs). The Alky chair was conceptualized in 1968...
Aluminum
2010s Lilla 2.0 Low Stool in Royal Blue Fabric by Patrick Norguet for Artifort
By Patrick Norguet, Artifort
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Lilla Stool, Edition 2.0, originally designed by Patrick Norguet in 2006. The piece was designed in Paris and manufactured by Artifort in the Netherlands. These examples da...
Upholstery
$804 / item
Artifort Coffee Table
By Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice round coffee table, manufactured by Artifort. This solid and high quality table is made with the best materials. The wooden laminated plate is in good condition with t...
Metal
Bengt Ruda Lounge Chair in Cream/Beige Fabric for Artifort, Circa 1960
By Artifort, Bengt Ruda
Located in Beirut, LB
This stunning lounge chair, designed by Bengt Ruda for Artifort around 1960, is a beautiful example of Mid-Century Modern design. The chair features a sculptural form with a high, wi...
Fabric, Wood
Elegant Artifort C 070 Lounge Chair by Kho Liang Ie in Black Leather and Chrome
By Kho Liang Ie, Artifort
Located in Voorburg, NL
Very elegant C 070 lounge chair designed by Kho Liang Ie in 1964 for Artifort. The chair comes in black leather in perfect condition constructed on a very heavy chromed base. Manufac...
Chrome