A close-up of the headrest, and a view of the leather straps at the back.

The soft leather tufted seat of the lounge chair.

Close-up of the leather head cushion, patinated by time.

A top view of the steel and leather footrest.

A rear view of the armchair showing the steel frame with its retaining straps.

A low-angle close-up of the head cushion attachment system.

A close-up of one of the four curved thick steel blade legs.

The backrest without its head cushion, with a fawn/cognac leather patina.

The Ari armchair by Arne Norell in leather, its footrest with a magazine, a green plant, and a Lucitalia floor lamp.

The underside of the armchair, showing the Norell label.

Close-up of the Norell label, on the underside of the armchair.

The underside of the ottoman, showing the Norell label and the same robust leather straps as on the armchair.

The back of the armchair and footrest cushions.

The curved steel frame of the armchair without its cushion.

The steel ottoman seen from below, without its cushion.

A restoration mark on one of the footstool's corners (a 10-cent coin for scale).

Ari armchair with footstool – Arne Norell

€7800,00

Arne Norell (1917–1971) for Norell Möbel AB, Ari armchair with footstool in steel and tan leather, Sweden, early 1970s edition.
Very good condition. The leather has been cleaned and conditioned in several stages, presenting a deep and nuanced patina.
Dimensions: armchair: H 77 × D 90 × W 65 cm – seat height 34 cm. Footstool: W 65 × D 50 × H 39 cm.
Very discreet old restoration on the footstool (see photo, comparison with a coin).

1 available in store

Ref: 0009735 Categories: Chairs and Armchairs, Latest arrivals Tag: Armchairs

Arne Norell and the Ari armchair in 1970s Scandinavian design

Arne Norell (1917–1971) ranks among the leading figures of 20th-century Swedish design. A furniture designer and entrepreneur, he founded his own workshop in 1954 in Solna before relocating to Småland, where he established Möbel AB Arne Norell, now known as Norell Möbel AB. His work is distinguished by a masterful use of wood, leather, fabric, and metal, in service of furniture combining comfort, functionality, and quality of execution.

Deeply influenced by Danish design, Arne Norell developed a vocabulary based on structural clarity, generous proportions, and attention to use. The Ari armchair, like the Sirocco safari chair, exemplifies this approach. With its steel base and stretched leather seat, the Ari model offers an elegant interpretation of the lounge chair, where rigour of line balances with enveloping comfort.

In 1973, the Ari armchair received the highest distinction from the British Furniture Manufacturers Association, the “Masterpiece of the Year” award, consecrating the importance of this model in the history of post-war European furniture. This recognition came after Arne Norell’s death in 1971, with several of his creations continuing to be produced and distributed.

Today, Arne Norell’s models are still handcrafted by Norell Möbel AB, testifying to the enduring nature of his approach: a refined design, structurally legible and oriented towards comfort. The Ari armchair with footstool remains one of his most iconic models, sought after for its balance between sculptural presence, quality of materials, and everyday use.