Arne Norell Sofa Model Ilona, Sweden
About the Item
- Creator:Arne Norell (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 58 in (147.32 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:Reupholstered. Refinished. Completely refinished and reupholstered.
- Seller Location:St Louis Park, MN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7003236491452
Arne Norell
Arne Norell’s enduring designs mixed leather and metal as well as turned wood and bentwood in pieces that allowed the natural beauty of these materials to shine. Simple and casual yet sophisticated, his vintage sofas, lounge chairs and other furniture epitomize the Scandinavian modern style that took post–World War II design by storm.
Although he created versatile furnishings that promoted comfort along with style, Norell is lesser known than many other mid-century designers, with some of his work produced only after his death. Born in Åsele, Sweden, Norell opened a furniture workshop in Solna, just north of Stockholm, in 1954. In 1958, he established Møbel AB Arne Norell on a farm in Småland. (This region is also the birthplace of IKEA, which opened its first store that same year.) The beauty and tranquility of this location were a source of inspiration.
In Småland, Norell created his most well-known designs, among them the Inca armchair with visible wooden dowels and plush leather, the Indra and Ilona sofas and the spare but elegant wood-framed Sirocco chair (1964). For many of his designs, Norell looked to the same military-style campaign furniture that had, decades prior, inspired the revered Safari chair (1933) crafted by Kaare Klint, a legendary Danish designer and Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts professor who taught the likes of Hans Wegner, Ole Wanscher and others.
Like these earlier furniture designers, Norell was committed to making comfortable and practical furniture. Using leather and warm woods as the building blocks of his work, he eschewed glue and screws, instead securing his designs with buckles and leather straps. In 1973, Norell earned posthumous recognition from the British Furniture Manufacturers Association for his sumptuous Ari chair, a luxurious lounge set on a chrome-plated steel frame with foam cushions covered in leather.
During his lifetime, Norell’s work was popular among European interior designers. However, it became more widely known after 1971, when many of his designs were finally put into production. Norell’s furnishings, as well as work by his daughter Marie Norell-Möller and other Swedish designers, are still crafted by hand in the Aneby, Sweden, factory operated by Norell Furniture, which has remained a family-run company.
Find a collection of authentic vintage Arne Norell furniture today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: St Louis Park, MN
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Percival Lafer MP-79 SofaBy Percival LaferLocated in St Louis Park, MNC. 1970s Percival Lafer was one of the most prolific designers of the Brazilian midcentury period. The tufted camel leather cushion sits on sturdy leather straps, which are attache...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
- Vintage Channeled Sofa By A. Rudin In Italian BoucleBy A. RudinLocated in St Louis Park, MNBeautifully channeled sofa by A. Rudin recovered in Italian Boucle. The fabric and construction of this sofa is very high quality. It is a beautiful and...Category
Vintage 1980s American Sofas
MaterialsBouclé
- Cream Boucle Sofa in the Manner of Tobia Scarpa SorianaBy Tobia ScarpaLocated in St Louis Park, MNCream boucle sofa in the manner of Tobia Scarpa Soriana. This sofa is low and comfy - it’s like sitting on a cloud. Once you sit down you won’t w...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Post-Modern Sofas
MaterialsBouclé
- De Sede DS-600 “Non-Stop” Modular Sofa for Stendig, circa 1990By Ueli Berger, Heinz Ulrich, Klaus VogtLocated in St Louis Park, MNThe DS-600 "Non-stop" sofa was designed in collaboration by Ueli Bergere, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt at De Sede, Switzerland. In total there are 22 pieces t...Category
1990s Swiss Space Age Sectional Sofas
MaterialsTextile, Ultrasuede
- Pair of Percival Lafer MP-79 Lounge ChairsBy Percival LaferLocated in St Louis Park, MNC. 1970s Percival Lafer was one of the most prolific designers of the Brazilian midcentury period. The tufted camel leather cushion sits on sturdy leather straps, which are attache...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
- Large Live Edge Italian Travertine Dining Table, by Stone InternationalBy Stone InternationalLocated in St Louis Park, MNRare extra large live edge travertine dining table, made by Stone International Italy. This table is 7 feet long and is 5 inches wide...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsTravertine
- Arne Norell Ilona Sofa, Sweden, 1970sBy Arne Norell, Norell Möbel ABLocated in London, GBAn original two-seat Arne Norell Ilona sofa in patterned fabric. Made by Norell Mobler in Sweden. In very good vintage condition with minor sign...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
MaterialsBrass
- Rare Arne Norell Ilona Sofa in Original Green Leather, Sweden, 1970sBy Arne Norell, Norell Möbel ABLocated in London, GBAn original two-seat Arne Norell Ilona sofa in original patinated green leather. Made by Norell Mobler in Sweden. In very good vintage condition with minor signs of use and wear rela...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
MaterialsBrass
- "Divina" sofa by Arne Norell, Westbergs möbler, Sweden, 1950sBy Arne NorellLocated in Hägersten, SE"Divina" two seater sofa attributed to Arne Norell. Produced in Sweden by Westbergs Möbler during the 1950s. Stained beech legs and new upholstery in light beige "Hallingdal" wool fa...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Beech
- 'Ilona' Safari Style Leather Sling Loveseat by Arne Norell, circa 1970By Norell Möbel AB, Arne NorellLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis beautiful Arne Norell 'Ilona' loveseat features thick saddle leather slings with straps and buckles and groovy 70s Marimekko-style fabric cushions. Produced in the 1970s by ...Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
MaterialsLeather, Fabric, Wood
- Arne Norell Sofa Model Ilona Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, SwedenBy Arne NorellLocated in Limhamn, Skåne län3-seat sofa model Ilona designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsBrass
- Arne Norell Sofa Model Ilona Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, SwedenBy Arne NorellLocated in Limhamn, Skåne län2-seat sofa model Ilona designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsBrass