Siesta Lounge Chair in Black Leather & Bent Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s

Model · Siesta
Designer · Ingmar Relling
Manufacturer · Westnofa
Origin · Norway
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Brown, black

Object

The Siesta is one of those designs where almost everything unnecessary has disappeared.

Designed by Ingmar Relling in 1965, the chair replaces the conventional upholstered armchair with a remarkably economical structure. Two sweeping laminated wooden elements form the frame, while the leather seating is suspended within it rather than built around a heavy internal construction.

The result is a chair that feels simultaneously architectural and relaxed. Its bentwood frame carries the load, the suspended seat responds naturally to the body, and the space between the two gives the entire object its characteristic visual lightness.

In this example, the combination of a rich brown frame and original black leather gives the Siesta a particularly grounded character. The materials have aged together rather than being separated from their history, allowing subtle traces of use to become part of the chair rather than imperfections to disguise.

It is furniture reduced to a few intelligent decisions, which is perhaps why the Siesta still feels so contemporary decades after it was designed.

Designer

Ingmar Relling (1920–2002) was one of the defining figures of Norwegian modern furniture design.

After beginning his career with Rastad & Relling in 1947, he established his own practice in Sykkylven in 1950. Working within Norway's strong furniture-making tradition, Relling developed an approach based on structural economy, comfort and an unusually disciplined use of materials.

The Siesta became the defining work of his career. Designed in 1965, it received first prize in the Norwegian Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing competition and subsequently became one of Norway's most internationally recognised furniture designs.

Manufacturer

Westnofa played an important role in bringing Norwegian modern furniture to an international audience.

Established as an export collaboration representing furniture manufacturers from western Norway, Westnofa helped introduce Norwegian design to markets throughout Europe and overseas. Relling's Siesta became one of the pieces most closely associated with this international success and remains an enduring symbol of Norwegian modernism.

Condition

The bentwood structure and black leather upholstery remain fully original and are preserved in good vintage condition.

Both materials display subtle traces of age and use. The leather has developed natural character, while the wooden structure retains its rich brown tone and structural integrity.

These signs form part of the chair's authentic vintage presence rather than detracting from it.

Dimensions

Width · 64 cm / 25 in
Depth · 43 cm / 17 in
Height · 79 cm / 31 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 17 in

Included

The lounge chair is accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.

Availability

The lounge chair is ready to ship.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Enquiries

For questions about the piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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