Arne Norell easy chairs
This rare pair of Sirocco easy chairs with matching side table was designed by Arne Norell in 1964 and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. The Sirocco model exemplifies Scandinavian modernist safari-style seating, drawing inspiration from campaign furniture and emphasizing structural clarity through tension and disassembly.
The frames of both the chairs and the side table are constructed from solid rosewood, showcasing a warm reddish-brown tone with prominent grain patterns. The leather components are crafted from cognac brown natural hide, which has developed a rich patina and expressive surface wear, especially visible on the seat cushions and armrest slings. The chairs feature a self-supporting design where the leather seat, backrest, and arm straps are tensioned within the frame, held in place without screws or adhesives. Brass fittings secure the leather elements while adding a subtle decorative contrast.
The integrated side table shares the same rosewood material and structural language as the chairs. It is joined directly between the two chair frames, forming a compact and cohesive seating arrangement. The tabletop is rosewood-veneered with a continuous grain pattern and rounded edges.
Arne Norell was a Swedish designer celebrated for his relaxed yet elegant furniture that combined international influences with Scandinavian material traditions. The Sirocco chair remains one of his most renowned designs and a canonical example of modernist safari seating. Its flat-pack construction and versatility marked an innovative contribution to mid-century furniture design.
Each chair measures 67 cm wide, 66 cm deep, and 71 cm high, with a seat height of 36 cm (approximately 26.4 x 26 x 28 inches, seat height 14.2 inches). The side table measures 45 cm wide, 65 cm deep, and 40 cm high (approximately 17.7 x 25.6 x 15.7 inches). The condition is good, showing surface wear and creasing on the original leather consistent with use. The rosewood frames are stable with a uniform finish, and all brass hardware is present, exhibiting a natural aged patina.
Dimensions (cm) | Chair: W: 67 / D: 66 / H: 71 / Seat H: 36 Table: W: 45 / D: 65 / H: 40 |
Producer | Arne Norell AB |
Decade | 1960s |
Country | Sweden |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Leather, Rosewood |
Designed in | 1964 |
Item Number | 132415 |
Arne Norell
Arne Norell (1917–1971) was a Swedish furniture designer renowned for his work in mid-20th-century Scandinavian modernism, particularly for his elegant and comfortable seating furniture. His style combined classic Scandinavian craftsmanship with...
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