Rare Impala chair by Gillis Lundgren

Rare “Impala” armchair, designed by Gillis Lundgren (1929-2016) for IKEA in 1972.

• • Padded foam cushion, upholstered in buttercup yellow velvet. Chrome plated tubular steel structure.
  • H 74 CM X D 114 CM X W 80 CM.
  • H sitting 25 CM.
  • Gillis Lundgren was the fourth employee of the IKEA company, he is also the author of the famous “Billy” shelf.
  • Superb condition, a very slight wear mark on the bottom of the cushion.

Impala Armchair by Gillis Lundgren for IKEA

The Impala armchair, designed by Gillis Lundgren for IKEA in the 1970s, is among the boldest creations of Scandinavian design. With its low chrome-plated metal structure and organically shaped cushions, it fully embodies the futuristic aesthetic of its era.

A major IKEA designer, Gillis Lundgren (1929-2016) largely contributed to defining the brand’s identity. His approach, based on functionality and accessibility, is here accompanied by a rare formal experimentation, breaking with the more traditional codes of Nordic furniture.

Upon its release, the Impala model surprised with its avant-garde character. Although its commercial success exceeded initial expectations, its complex manufacturing quickly limited its production, which today explains the rarity of original examples.

Having become emblematic of 1970s design, the Impala armchair is now sought after for the singularity of its lines and its place in the history of furniture published by IKEA.

• Referenced in the 1972 IKEA catalog:
  see catalog