Arne Norell sofa

This three-seat Merkur sofa, produced in the 1960s by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, presents a harmonious blend of robust construction and refined upholstery. Its frame is crafted from dark-stained beech wood, the straight lines of its base and legs conveying structural integrity. The wood’s finish has mellowed over the years to a deep espresso tone, revealing occasional lighter streaks in the grain where the original stain has worn, testifying to both age and the quality of the solid timber beneath.

The seating envelope is formed by thick, button-tufted cushions upholstered in cognac-brown buffalo leather. This hide, prized for its durability and pronounced grain texture, exhibits a rich patina that deepens in the areas of greatest contact. The seat cushions are expansive and generously padded, while the back cushions lean at a measured angle to support the lumbar region. The tufting creates a regular grid of depressions, lending sculptural rhythm and subtle depth to the sofa’s otherwise rectilinear silhouette.

Arne Norell (1917–1971) was a pillar of Swedish post-war design, celebrated for his commitment to accessible comfort and natural materials. With the Merkur model, he emphasized generous proportions and visible craftsmanship: the tufted leather both cushions the sitter and reveals the underlying construction, while the modestly padded armrests follow the frame’s side profile without extending beyond it, preserving the sofa’s clean, compact form.

Arne Norell AB’s workshop in Aneby combined machine-precision joinery with meticulous hand-finishing. The beech frame here is assembled with reinforced corner blocks and dowelled joints, ensuring stability over decades of use. The original leather cover remains intact, showing minor surface creases and darkened zones where the hide has adapted to the tension of its internal filling, yet without cracks or repairs. The wood shows only light scuffs along the edges, consistent with careful ownership.

In its current condition, the Merkur sofa retains both its functional soundness and its aesthetic character. The leather’s tactile grain and warm hue contrast with the deep wood tones, creating a balanced visual composition. Its generous dimensions—200 cm wide, 90 cm deep, and 73 cm high, with a seat height of 39 cm—offer spacious seating while maintaining proportions suited to a variety of interior settings.