Furniture designer Guglielmo Ulrich was born in Milan to a family with Danish origins. After completing his studies at the Brera Academy, the Scuola Speciale di Architettura and the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1927, Ulrich’s status quickly rose in high-society circles, as he’d gained a reputation for creating elegant interiors for a range of commercial and private clients. Architecture and furniture design in Milan was evolving during the era owing to industrialization, and Ulrich’s modernist work was seen as fresh and forward-looking.
In 1930, Ulrich established the furniture company ARCA — which was short for Arredamento Casa — with colleagues Attilio Scaglia and Renato Wild. Together they created a platform for Ulrich’s designs, which were quite different from the typical furnishings found in Europe at the time.
Ulrich favored simple lines — tapered table and chair legs, lean silhouettes — and the graceful contours of his console tables and dining chairs are representative of an endeavor to streamline neoclassical forms. He created luxurious but practical furniture and home accessories that featured an emphasis on craftsmanship as well as an integration of exotic materials such as ebonized wood, opaline glass and green marble. Ulrich’s designs were very much in line with what we now know as the Art Deco style, which was officially introduced to the world in 1925 at Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. He collaborated with legendary architect and designer Gio Ponti on designs for a hotel property in the late 1930s and co-edited Ponti’s revered Domus magazine with Milanese architect Melchiorre Bega.
By the 1950s, Ulrich was firmly established as one of the most influential Milanese designers, having a hand in designing homes, commercial properties and more. In 1961, he won the Fiera di Trieste award for his lightweight Trieste chair, a seat that shared common ground with Ponti’s iconic Superleggera chair and was produced by Saffa.
Find vintage Guglielmo Ulrich seating, tables,and cabinets on 1stDibs.
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Sofa in Original Velvet Fabric, Italy 1930s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Almelo, NL
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco sofa in original Velvet fabric, Italy 1930s A particular three-seater sofa was designed by the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich. Production of the 1930s ...
Fabric, Beech
$9,595Sale Price|30% Off
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Velvet Sofa, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A large Italian sculptural sofa designed by Guglielmo Ulrich, very comfortable. Recently upholstered in light blue velvet with a light gray velvet border, in a minimalist way, which ...
Velvet, Beech
$4,800
H 31.5 in W 59 in D 29 in
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
1930s Restored Art Deco Sofa, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carrefully refurbished - Newly upholstered- walnut finish - can be used with or without pillows - Seat height with pillows is 48cm
Fabric, Wood
Italian 1940s Lounge Chairs Attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in CA, CA
Italian 1940s pair of armchairs attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich. These chairs are an exceptional example of Ulrich's architectural skill where line becomes form and back again. The ch...
Fabric, Wood
Gugliemo Ulrich Attributed Art Deco Sofa
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An art deco sofa attributed to Gugliemo Ulrich. Rounded back and aviator style silhouette with wood plinth feet. Upholstery as found. Sourced in Northern Italy.
Upholstery
$10,395Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.14 in W 69.69 in D 26.78 in
Swedish Art Deco Velvet Sofa Curved Design, 1940s
By OPE Möbler
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This Sofa is gifted with wonderful, curved lines and new velvet upholstery. The golden yellow velvet gives a modern and sophisticated look. New upholstery with signs of use. The le...
Velvet, Birch
$11,988 / set
H 28.75 in W 39.77 in D 19.69 in
Pair of 1940s Guglielmo Ulrich Chairs in Burgundy Velvet
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Florence, Tuscany
These 1940s Italian armchairs by Guglielmo Ulrich, demonstrate the restrained sculptural language associated with post-war Italian furniture design. Their curved wooden frames and op...
Wood, Velvet
$6,415 / set
H 32.29 in W 41.34 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Large 1940s Italian Armchairs attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in London, London
A pair of Italian lounge chairs attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich, dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s. These elegant armchairs capture the transition from the decorative sophisti...
Fabric, Beech
Guglielmo Ulrich Attribution, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in High Point, NC
A silk fabric and dark-stained wood sofa attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich, Italy, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (in...
Fabric, Wood
$4,099
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote ca...
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
Guglielmo Pecorini, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1954
By Guglielmo Pecorini
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa designed and produced by Guglielmo Pecorini, Italy, 1954. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Dimensions: 35.75” H x 81.5” W x 33.75“ D Seat height: 20...
Fabric, Wood
Jules Leleu, Art Deco Sofa with Rounded Back, French, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
A lush, upholstered sofa with rounded arms, back, and feet. These last, executed in French polished beech, serve as a charming, subtle accent. A 1930s de...
Upholstery, Beech
1940s Curved Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa
By Märta Blomstedt, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb curved 1940s Danish sofa, reupholstered in the recent past in red and white striped fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Alpaca, Wood
Guglielmo Ulrich, Art Deco 3-Seater Sofa in Fabric and Walnut, 1930s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A matching three-seater sofa to the above pair, crafted in walnut and upholstered in coordinating striped coral-orange fabric. The scrolled arms and streamlined silhouette exemplify ...
Walnut
Swedish Art Moderne Settee Sofa, Cherry Red Velvet, 1940s Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully stylized Art Moderne Settee Sofa Loveseat from 1940's Sweden. Upholstered in original cherry red velvet. Price includes reupholstery in COM fa...
Velvet
$7,515
H 30.71 in W 65.75 in D 26.78 in
Rare Gio Ponti Attributed Sofa by Casa E Giardino, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Gio Ponti attributed sofa for Casa e Giardino, Italy, 1940s. Structurally sound but reupholstery required. We can assist with reupholstery in customers choice of fabric if requi...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 90.56 in D 41.34 in
Reupholstered Art Deco sofa in 'Moonlight' lambskin by Guglielmo Ulrich
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered Art Deco sofa in 'Moonlight' lambskin and stained oak legs. Designed and made in the 1940s. Guglielmo Ulrich
Oak
Gugliemo Ulrich Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa, 1950s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular three-seater sofa attributed to the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich, produced in the 1950s. Feet in lacquered iron with brass tips. The upholstery is original from the...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 90.56 in D 38.59 in
Guglielmo Ulrich, Unique Daybed in Cherry Wood with Seat and Cushion, Italy
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Milano, IT
Guglielmo Ulrich (1904-1977) Unique daybed in cherry wood with seat and cushions covered in velvet. High cabinet-making manufacture produced as a one-of...
Rattan
Sold
H 25.99 in W 100.4 in D 35.44 in
Guglielmo Ulrich Sofa in Walnut, Fabric Upholstery, and Brass, Italy 1930s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Almelo, NL
Guglielmo Ulrich sofa in Walnut, Fabric Upholstery, and Brass, Italy 1930s The renowned architect Guglielmo Ulrich designed a sofa in Italian classicism, a Production of the 1930s....
Brass
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Sofa in Original Fabric, Italy 1930s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Almelo, NL
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco sofa in original fabric, Italy 1930s A particular three-seater sofa was designed by the famous architect Guglie...
Fabric, Beech
Velvet Living Room Set by Guglielmo Ulrich, 1950s, Set of 5
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Living room from the 50's in ivory velvet, attributable to Guglielmo Ulrich. Dimension: Sofa: H 85 x 215 x 95, seat height - 43; Armchair: H 85 x 1oox95, seat height - 43; Armch...
Velvet
Sold
H 30.71 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Italian Mid-Century Sofà Grey Jab Velvet Guglielmo Ulrich Attributed 1950s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian style and design very particular and of great quality, Guglielmo Ulrich probable manufacture.
Velvet, Walnut
Large Sculptural Sofa by Ulrich
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Kent, Dover
A large Italian sculptural sofa by Ulrich which is very comfortable. Newly upholstered in grey fabric and in a Minimalist fashion without piping or buttons, which accentuates the cur...
Beech
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Sofa, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular three-seater sofa, designed by the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich. Production of the 1940s in Art Deco style. The upholstery is original from the time but it is recomm...
Fabric, Beech
Gugliemo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Sofa and Two Armchairs, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular pair of armchairs and three-seater sofa, designed by the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich. Production of the 1940s in Art Deco style. The upholstery is original from the...
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Gugliemo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Armchairs, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular pair of armchairs designed by the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich, production of the 40s in Art Déco style. The upholstery is original from the time but it is recommende...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 21.26 in D 21.66 in
Pair of Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Small Armchairs, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular pair of small armchairs attributed to the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich, the upholstery is original from the time but replacement is recommended. Production from the 1...
Velvet, Beech
Gugliemo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Sofa and Two Armchairs, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Italian Art Deco sofa and two armchairs Guglielmo Ulrich, 1940s The armchairs measure: cm W 110 x D 87 x H 82 x S 42.
Fabric, Beech
Gugliemo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular sofa attributed to the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich, the upholstery is original of the time but replacement is recommended. 1940s production in Art Deco style.
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 32.29 in W 82.68 in D 39.38 in
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Velvet Curved Sofa and Two Armchairs, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Particular sofa and pair of armchairs attributed to the famous architect Guglielmo Ulrich, the upholstery is original of the time but replacement is recommended. 1940s production in ...
Velvet, Beech