Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20

“Pele” Lounge Chair by Esko Pajamies for Lepokalusto, Finland 1970s

$5,500
£4,173.27
€4,771.77
CA$7,682.01
A$8,541.35
CHF 4,459.82
MX$103,969.01
NOK 56,905.37
SEK 53,317.61
DKK 35,612.56
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This rare “Pele” lounge chair by Finnish designer Esko Pajamies is, without a doubt, his most stunning chair design. It is seldom we see a chair model and immediately recognize it, but Pajamies managed to design such a piece. His unconventional design was strongly characterized by durability and functionality as well as insightful technical solutions. In Finland, the 1970s saw the use of new materials like plastic, synthetics, and fibreglass being combined with advances in manufacturing technologies, allowing designers in Finland to expand their range of colours and forms in mass production. However, this lounge chair model still gives preference to natural materials, primarily to its solid oak structure. The wooden frame provides a firm base with rounded edges. Undeniably, the most eye-catching and distinctive element of this Pele’s design is the way in which the seat and the back legs of the armchair are formed by one elongated piece of wood. The ergonomic design with the bent backrest, wide armrests, and upholstered cushions make this lounge chair an exceptionally comfortable piece. It therefore comes as no surprise, that this model first gained popularity as a TV chair for homes. Later it became a popular choice for fireplace rooms as well as public spaces, similarly to several other designs of Pajamies. This lounge chair was manufactured by the Finnish furniture company, Lahden Lepokalusto Oy in the 1970s. The Lahti-based company has been furnishing public spaces for almost 70 years, and gained worldwide recognition through the iconic furniture designs of Professor Yrjö Kukkapuro and later, Esko Pajamies. Condition: In good vintage condition. Some scratches and marks on the wood. This chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 35.24 in W x 37 in D x 34.65 in H, Seat Height 15.75 in 89.5 cm W x 94 cm D x 88 cm H, Seat Height 40 cm About the designer: Esko Lauri Alvari Pajamies (1931-1990) was a Finnish designer, primarily known for his upholstered furniture designs for both private and public spaces. Pajamies graduated as an interior architect in 1954 and established his own design studio in 1961. Pajamies designed his first series of furniture for Lepokalusto in 1965, and their fruitful collaboration lasted well into the 1970s. Pajamies designed for a handful of other manufacturers and his designs proved to be lucrative throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Interestingly, Esko Pajamies was the first to design a sofa (Bonanza for Asko 1965) that had an exposed wooden frame. The sofa was named after the 1960s television series and had extra wide armrests to accommodate glasses and plates. His “Polar 1001” and “1003” chairs could be found on luxury liners sailing the Black Sea, while some of his other designs furnished the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport's passenger terminal in 1975. The versatile designer also played trumpet in the jazz band Jaakko Salo Modern Band. He played with many famous singers in the 1960s. Pajamies was awarded the State Art Prize in 1979 and is still known as one of the leading interior architects of Finland. ~H.
  • Creator:
    Esko Pajamies (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 34.65 in (88 cm)Width: 35.24 in (89.5 cm)Depth: 37.01 in (94 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. This chair comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
  • Seller Location:
    Utrecht, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 202424041stDibs: LU2947341005992

More From This Seller

View All
"Pallas" Lounge Chair by Svante Skogh for Asko, Finland 1950s
By Svante Skogh, Asko
Located in Utrecht, NL
This spectacular “Pallas” chair by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh dates to 1954 and is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

“Caravelle” Lounge Chair by Carl-Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland 1962
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Puunveisto OY
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carl-Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs (1911–1996) was a Finnish interior architect and designer. In 1945 Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he designed this ‘...
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Johannes Andersen "Excellent" Lounge Chair, Sweden 1960s
By Johannes Andersen, AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the annals of mid-century Swedish furniture design, Johannes Andersen stands as a luminary whose creations have left an ineradicable mark on the world of interior aesthetics. Amon...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"Susanna" Lounge Chair by Aake Anttila for Lahden Lepokalusto, Finland 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna lounge chair created by Lahden Lepokalusto and designed in the 1950s by Aake Antilla. Famous for its suspens...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sculptural Lounge Chair by Bas Van Pelt 'Attr.', The Netherlands, ca 1950s
By Bas Van Pelt
Located in Utrecht, NL
This chair is full of exceptional features and details that make it a unique example of the creative overflow that defined mid-century modernism in Europe. The sculptural design is paired with the organicity of the material and various forms. While the design is no short of exceptional solutions, they are also in service of functionality and comfort. This is a chair of extreme comfort, with multiple joinery and construction techniques. It is a little lower than the standard lounge chair, and that is exactly what provides great ergonomics and aesthetics. The seat and back form an obtuse angle which assures the perfect lounging position. The removable cushions upholstered in brown cow hide add even more comfort, while the fabric’s texture stands out nicely against the smooth wooden surfaces. The flowing structure displays beautifully curved lines and rounded edges that are broken by the straight wooden slats on the back. The perfect balance between the fluid and straight lines is typical of Bas van Pelt’s seating designs. The subtle swirl carvings in the front are playful details that further show off the high level of design and craftsmanship. While the second half of the 20th century saw the takeover of mass production and many - now iconic - futuristic designs, this chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair’s cushions have been reupholstered recently in premium cow hide. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 25.19 in W x 313.46 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.81 in 64 cm W x 85 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 60.5 cm About the designer: Bas Van Pelt (1900 Dordrecht (NL) - 1945 Sandbostel (DE)) was a well-known Dutch interior and furniture designer, known for the clarity and quality of his designs. His works created in the 1930s and 1940s are regarded for their progressive design and quality. While he is most well-known for his chair designs, van Pelt was also active as an interior designer. He also designed fabrics for window...
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cowhide, Wood

Svend Skipper “Model 91” Lounge Chair for Skippers Møbler, Denmark 1960s
By Svend Skipper
Located in Utrecht, NL
This chair is the most recognizable model of Danish designer and manufacturer, Svend Skipper, and a great example of the mid-century design era. Skipper only created commissioned pie...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Wood

You May Also Like

Esko Pajamies, 1970's lounge chair Pele for Lepokalustokalusto
By Esko Pajamies
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the Esko Pajamies lounge chair Pele, an iconic piece of 1970's design for the Lepokalustokalusto collection. This stylish and comfortable lounge chair features a sleek an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Lounge Chair Esko Pajamies “Pele” for Lepokalusto, Finland, 1970s
By Esko Pajamies
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This lounge chair was manufactured by the Finnish furniture company, Lahden Lepokalusto Oy in the 1970s. The “Pele” lounge chair by Finnish designe...
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Suede, Oak

Esko Pajamies 'Pele' armchair for Lepofinn Finland 1970
By Esko Pajamies
Located in Paris, FR
Pele Chair by Esko Pajamies, This lounge chair was manufactured by the Finnish furniture company, Lahden Lepo Finn in the 1970s. The “Pele” lounge chair by...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Esko Pajamies armchair model 'Pele' for Lepofinn Finland 1960 Signed
By Esko Pajamies
Located in Paris, FR
Esko Pajamies 'Pele' armchair for Lepofinn Finland around 1960 Signed Wear due to age and use. Minor stains oak structure in good condition , original fabric worn need to be changed....
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Finnish Design Classic: Pulkka Lounge Chair by Ilmari Laippainen for Asko, 1960s
By Asko, Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Renens, CH
Bentwood Pulkka Lounge Chair by Ilmari Laippainen for Asko, Finland from the 1960s. Ilmari Laippainen (1922-2004) was a renowned Finnish architect and designer known for his funct...
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Vintage Danish Lounge Chair by Aage Pedersen for Getama, 1960s
By GETAMA
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish lounge chair GE-88 by Aage Pedersen for GETAMA Denmark 1960s. Danish modern lounge chair model GE88 designed by the owner of the GETAMA f...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak