Arne Norell sofa

This three-seat Kontiki sofa, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden during the 1960s, rests on a framework of solid beech that has been dark-stained to a deep reddish-brown. The cylindrical posts and rails form a clear, rectilinear skeleton whose rounded edges and pegged joinery reveal the piece’s honest construction. The legs rise straight from the floor, subtly tapering toward their bases to lend the sofa a sense of visual lightness despite its generous proportions.

Suspended within this frame are thick leather cushions in a dark chocolate tone that has mellowed over decades to a warm, patinated surface. Each cushion is secured by wide leather straps looping around the frame and fastened with brass buckles, their aged sheen harmonizing with the stain of the wood. This tensioned sling system not only supports the generously filled seat and back pads but also affords easy removal for maintenance, underscoring Norell’s practical approach to upholstery.

With an overall width of 230 cm, a depth of 90 cm, and a height of 75 cm (seat height 39 cm), the Kontiki sofa’s low, reclined profile invites leisurely repose. The seat cushions are broad and deep, their supple leather surfaces displaying characteristic creasing and softening at contact points. Minor surface marks and faint color variations attest to careful use over time without compromising the material’s integrity or comfort.

Arne Norell (1917–1971) was celebrated for his fusion of Scandinavian restraint and international influences, particularly British leatherwork traditions. The Kontiki model exemplifies his ethos: visible structural elements paired with tactile upholstery in a configuration that feels both robust and relaxed. Norell’s in-house workshop in Aneby enabled close collaboration between designer and craftspeople, ensuring that each buckle, strap and joint met his exacting standards.

This example remains in good vintage condition. The leather retains its suppleness and shows no splits, while the dark-stained beech frame presents only light wear—small scuffs at high-contact edges and gentle rounding where the wood meets the floor. The brass hardware has acquired a soft patina that underscores the sofa’s authenticity. As an embodiment of mid-century Swedish comfort and craftsmanship, the Kontiki sofa stands as one of Arne Norell’s most enduring and expressive seating designs.