Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, model Rialto, was designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs and produced in Finland during the 1960s. They exemplify the refined sculptural balance and craftsmanship that define Hiort af Ornäs’s work within the Finnish modernist movement.

Each chair features a solid walnut frame with softly curved lines and precise joinery that emphasize the material’s natural warmth and structure. The backrests are defined by an intricate lattice of interwoven leather straps, providing both elasticity and visual rhythm. The armrests are wrapped in leather, adding tactile contrast and subtle refinement.

The cushions have been newly reupholstered in a high-quality grey wool fabric, which complements the tone of the walnut and enhances the modernist clarity of the design. The proportions are generous yet visually light, with a slight backward inclination that ensures comfort and an elegant silhouette from all angles.

Hiort af Ornäs was one of Finland’s most distinctive postwar designers, known for uniting sculptural form with functional precision. The Rialto model represents his interest in human-centered ergonomics and artisanal detailing, typical of Finnish design in the 1950s and 1960s.

The chairs remain in excellent vintage condition with only minimal traces of use.

Dimensions: 66 × 70 × 70 cm (26 × 27.6 × 27.6 inches), seat height 35 cm (13.8 inches).