Arne Norell sofa

This three-seat Ilona sofa combines a natural beechwood framework with deep black leather slings, fusing structural clarity with tactile comfort. The frame’s rounded posts and horizontal rails are crafted from solid beech, their pale golden tone warmed by decades of patination. Visible tenon and dowel joinery reinforce the corners, while the frame’s modular construction allows each section to align precisely and bear weight efficiently.

The seat and backrest each consist of a single panel of thick vegetable-tanned leather, suspended within the frame by wide straps and secured with solid brass buckles. The leather is dyed a rich ebony hue that has mellowed over time to a softer, charcoal patina. Surface creasing at the seating areas and faint pull marks near the buckles attest to regular use; nonetheless, the hide remains supple and free of cracks, indicating both high-quality leather and careful stewardship.

Arne Norell (1917–1971) founded his workshop in Aneby, Sweden, in the 1950s, and the Ilona series exemplifies his belief in exposing the mechanisms of construction as part of a design’s aesthetic. Norell’s seating often paired leather and wood in a frame-and-sling format, reflecting influences from both Scandinavian modernism and English hunting-lodge furniture. His work prioritized comfort without sacrificing discipline in form or craftsmanship.

Arne Norell AB’s in-house production maintained rigorous standards of woodworking and upholstery. The beech elements show only minor wear—small scuffs at the extremities and gentle rounding on the top rails—while the brass buckles and fittings have developed a muted tarnish that harmonizes with the leather’s darkening tone. The sofa remains structurally sound, its joints tight and its leather straps properly tensioned.

With dimensions measuring 220 cm in width, 80 cm in depth, and 78 cm in height, and a seat height of 42 cm, the Ilona sofa strikes a balanced profile. Its open, skeletal frame lightens the visual mass, and the generous seating depth invites relaxed repose. As an example of Norell’s mature work, this sofa demonstrates how honest materials and exposed details can yield a piece both rustic and refined, rooted in Scandinavian modernism yet uniquely expressive.