Design house Vitra has garnered international recognition for more than 70 years — the Swiss family-owned furniture company has outfitted public spaces as well as residential properties and offices worldwide. It has been a proponent of modernist design since the 1950s. While the brand is heralded for its collaborations with mid-century modern icons such as Verner Panton, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard and others, Vitra’s German campus is also home to buildings designed by legendary architects Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. Among them is the Vitra Design Museum, an independent cultural institution that displays two centuries of design today.
Vitra was established in Weil Am Rhein, Germany, in 1950 by husband and wife team Willi and Erika Fehlbaum. On a trip to New York several years later, Willi Fehlbaum encountered the work of design polymaths Ray and Charles Eames in a furniture store and immediately knew that he had found his bliss.
In 1957, Vitra entered into a licensing agreement with Herman Miller, which saw the company producing designs by George Nelson, the Eameses and others. Later, Vitra partnered with Verner Panton and created the Panton chair, which was the first chair ever crafted from a single piece of molded plastic (it was also the first piece to be independently developed by Vitra). After 27 years of establishing the Vitra brand, the Fehlbaums passed control to their two sons, Rolf and Raymond Fehlbaum.
When a fire destroyed the factory in 1981, the brothers developed the Vitra Factory Campus, subsequently taking the opportunity to redirect the architectural landscape of the company. They created a masterplan with Nicholas Grimshaw, and together they erected four buildings in just a few short years.
In 1988, with the passing of Ray Eames and the disbandment of the Los Angeles Eames office, Rolf and Raymond acquired the furniture design portion of her estate, including the Eames prototypes and experimental models, housed today in the Vitra Design Museum.
Rolf and Roy opened the Vitra Design Museum in 1989. This began a period rich with design relationships, including collaborations with Antonio Citterio, Jasper Morrison, Maarten van Severen, Philippe Starck, Alberto Meda and others.
In 2012, leadership passed to Nora, the third generation of the Fehlbaums. Nora Fehlbaum has, like her grandparents, expanded the company and brought it into the 21st century with the acquisition of Finnish furniture manufacturer Artek. Nora has turned the company’s focus to sustainability yet still maintains its international and cultural relevance legacy.
Find a collection of Vitra lounge chairs, tables, side chairs, sofas and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Jasper Morrison for Vitra Chocolate Brown Leather Soft Sectional Modular Sofa
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in Chicago, IL
Jasper Morrison for Vitra Chocolate Brown Leather Soft Sectional Modular Sofa (2016) Designed by Jasper Morrison, this low-slung modular sofa features balanced proportions, exception...
Steel
$5,850 / set
H 27.5 in W 124.5 in D 63.25 in
1970s De Sede Style Green Tufted Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A truly fun and inviting 1970s De Sede style green tufted leather modular sectional sofa. This versatile piece offers exceptional flexibility in arranging a lounge space, composed of...
Leather
Carsons 5 Piece Post Modern Modular Sectional Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Lutz, FL
Being offered AS-IS for reupholstery. 5 piece Carsons of High Point post modern modular sectional in white wave upholstery. Frames are solid and in great condition, upholster to your...
Fabric, Wood
$2,600 / set
H 31 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
Modern Italy Jasper Morrison for Vitra HAL Tube Stackable Dining Chairs Set of 8
By Jasper Morrison, Vitra
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The HAL Tube stackable chair by Vitra is very sleek with clean contemporary look. The shape of the seat shell provides great freedom of movement in a variety of sitting positions. T...
Steel, Chrome
1970s Olive Green Modular Sectional Sofa by Doimo Salotti
By Doimo Salotti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Doimo Salotti attributed sectional sofa commands attention with its rich olive green faux suede upholstery and distinctive modular design. Four-piece L-shaped configuration features ...
Fabric, Foam
$9,095
H 24.75 in W 132 in D 99.5 in
Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs Modular Pencil Reed Sectional Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Comfort Designs, Inc.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs Modular Pencil Reed Mid Century Sectional Sofa This sectional sofa measures: 132 wide x 99.5 deep x 24.75 inches high, with a seat height of 11.5...
Brass
$18,240 / set
H 26.38 in W 212.6 in D 37.41 in
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Krefeld, DE
This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and exemplifies Morrison’s philosophy of understated, intelligent design. Composed of ...
Cotton
$5,001 / set
H 31.89 in W 114.18 in D 106.3 in
Postmodern 'Sity' Modular Sectional Sofa, Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1972
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Zagreb, HR
An amazing, rare and early production, three-piece modular Sity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Original upholstery, leather pole armrests, loose back and seat cushions, pink upholstered frames. Original B&B Italia labels. This sculptural Memphis sofa...
Leather, Fabric
$6,040Sale Price / set|28% Off
H 29 in W 131 in D 29 in
Vintage 70s Burnt Orange Stripe Sectional Sofa Modular Sofa
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage 1970s Sectional Sofa. The sofa comes in 4 sections. You can arrange it in many ways. Newly upholstered with a burnt orange velvet stripe. The fabric is very soft. Color: ...
Velvet
$5,296
H 25.2 in W 137.8 in D 33.47 in
Modular Tan Leather "Jeep' Sectional Sofa by Anita Schmidt for Durlet, 1970s
By Durlet
Located in amstelveen, NL
Stunning modular Jeep sofa designed by Anita Schmidt for Durlet in Belgium during the 1970s. This piece showcases the dedication to form, function, and ergonomics. This sofa featu...
Leather
Vitra Hal Sledge Chairs by Jasper Morrison, Set of Five
By Jasper Morrison, Vitra
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Hal Sledge Chair by renowned designer Jasper Morrison for Vitra. This sleek and modern chair features a minimalist design with a comfortable sled base, making it the ...
Plastic
$14,122
H 24.81 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
COR Trio Sectional Sofa in Chocolate Brown Velvet 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet. The velvet can be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in the image...
Fabric, Velvet
$10,474
H 25.6 in W 112.21 in D 31.5 in
Oblong sectional sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Oblong sectional Sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy. Jasper Morrison creates his furniture with a light touch and yet perfectionally functional. He counts they’...
Fabric, Polystyrene, Foam, Plywood