While origin stories behind the world’s timeless designs vary widely, the story of the Maralunga sofa is one of the best in design lore: As legend has it, when Cassina founder Cesare Cassina first saw the prototype for the piece in the mid-1970s by Italian furniture designer Vico Magistretti (1920–2006), he was so disgusted by it that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumbled over itself . . . into the shape the piece would eventually take. (“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” Magistretti allegedly responded.)
Whether it was his accidental adjustment or further consideration of the design, Cassina clearly came around: His company debuted Magistretti’s design in 1973. The Maralunga is characterized by what looks like a slumped backrest but is really an adjustable-height headrest, moved by way of a bicycle chain that runs underneath its plush foam cushions.
The effect is a sofa that serves two functions: It’s both a backdrop for social conversation and a setting for solo relaxation. “My intention with Maralunga was to design an object that represented a whole range of interior architecture with a familiar feel,” Magistretti said of the design. “Two positions, two possible uses, two different ways to create your own personal space inside a room.”
While the Maralunga’s boxy shape is pure ’70s, the sofa holds its own in a range of interiors and remains popular today. Cassina now produces it in a variety of upholstery options and, in 2014, enlisted a slew of designers to reinterpret it in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
$3,912 / item
Maralunga Sofa Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This nice and comfortable two-seat sofa “Maralunga” was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. Maralunga is one of the most famous Italian design sofas, a landmark that ha...
Leather
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By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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"Maralunga" Lounge Chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
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Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Leather
Maralunga armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga armchair for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, featuring enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy upholstery th...
Velvet
Maralunga armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 2 armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973. Tubular steel frame structure, polyurethane, leather. Excellent condition, restored. The project won the Compasso ...
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Maralunga lounge chairs in purple velvet by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in amstelveen, NL
Maralunga lounge chairs, original dark velvet upholstery. Vico Magistretti, Cassina, 1973. The backrest can be raised or lowered for total comfort. It won the Compasso d'Oro award ...
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Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
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Italian modern sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
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Vintage Maralunga Blue Leather Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Leather Armchar model "Maralunga", realized by Vico Magistretti in 1970s for Cassina. Indigo blue indigo leather uphostery, in excellent condition. Adjustabe backrest.
Metal
$4,797Sale Price|25% Off
"Maralunga" Two Seater Blue Leather Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roma, IT
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Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 166cm or 190cm width. The three-seater is available in 238cm or 274cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. Cassin...
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$8,908Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roma, IT
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Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Budapest, HU
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Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater and footstool re-upholstered For Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in The Hague, NL
If it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...
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1970s 2-Seater Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
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Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
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Vico Magistretti Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina, Italy, 80s
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Located in Basel, BS
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Fabric
Maralunga 2-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Features original knitted wool upholstery in chocolate brown. Head / backrests are adju...
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$3,765Sale Price / set|20% Off
Maralunga Armchair and Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Matte Black
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This black and white textile leather armchair and ottoman, the Maralunga model designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, are iconic examples of mid-20th century Italian design. Both pie...
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Cognac Leathered Maralunga Armchair and Pouf by Vico Magistretti, Cassina, 1970s
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Set of Cognac Leathered Maralunga Armchair and Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
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Maralunga sofa Cassina 70's leather
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Located in Milano, MI
Il divano Maralunga di Cassina, disegnato da Vico Magistretti, è ormai un simbolo nella collezione del design Cassina Vincitore del Compasso d’Oro nel 1979, Maralunga è la materializ...
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Pair Italian Gaudi Chairs Designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy 70s
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This pair of Italian armchairs model Gaudi was designed by Vico Magistretti and produce by Artemide Milano in 1968 It is made from fiberglass. SPA Artemide Milano Modello Gaudi Desig...
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Maralunga armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973
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Located in Arezzo, Italy
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Maralunga armchair and footstool by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
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Located in Firenze, FI
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Italian modern sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
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Italian modern green velvet sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s Three-seater sofa model Maralunga in light aqua green velvet fabric. The backrest features independe...
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Pair of Maralunga leather armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1974.
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
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A pair of brown leather armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1974. This is an old version that was probably reupholstered 25 to 30 years ago. As a result, there are some minor ...
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Italian modern burgundy fabric sofa Maralunga Vico Magistretti Cassina 1970s
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Located in MIlano, IT
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Two Cassina Maralunga two-seat sofas in blue leather by Vico Magistretti, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Iconic set of two Maralunga two-seat sofas designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, one of the most celebrated Italian seating designs of the late 20th century. Introduced in 1973, ...
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Italian modern brown fabric sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s
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Italian modern armchair Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
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Located in MIlano, IT
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Maralunga divano 3 posti e 2 poltrone in velluto blu notte di vico magistretti
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Located in Ghedi, IT
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Vico Magistretti three-seater sofa in lacquered wood
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Located in Milano, IT
COD-2421 Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Three-seater sofa in lacquered wood with wavy backrest. Perfect original condition, cushions in progress. Model Carimate, Italy, 1959. 190 x...
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Mid-Century Red Carimate Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 60s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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Italian modern pouf Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
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Pair of Vico Magistretti Cassina black leather Veranda sofas
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Steel
