Siesta Lounge Chairs & Ottoman in Black Leather & Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s, Set of 3

Model · Siesta, High-Back
Designer · Ingmar Relling
Manufacturer · Westnofa
Origin · Norway
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Norwegian Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Black

Object

The high-back Siesta with its accompanying ottoman presents Ingmar Relling's most celebrated design as a complete three-piece lounge composition.

Designed in 1965, the Siesta was based on a remarkably economical structural idea. Rather than constructing a conventional upholstered armchair, Relling created a curved laminated wood frame from which the seating surface could be suspended. The structure provides strength and flexibility, while the leather follows the body without adding unnecessary volume.

The high-back version extends this principle into a taller and more enveloping silhouette. Its elongated backrest provides additional support while emphasising the sweeping movement of the bentwood frame. The accompanying ottoman continues exactly the same structural language, extending the relaxed sitting position without introducing a visually separate object.

Finished entirely in black, this set has an unusually graphic and architectural presence. The dark bentwood structures and black leather surfaces visually merge, allowing the curved profiles and suspended construction to become the defining elements of the composition.

Presented as two chairs with a matching ottoman, the repeated bentwood profiles create a particularly strong group. Despite their generous proportions, the exposed frames and suspended seating keep the pieces visually open and remarkably light.

Designer

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

He began his career at Rastad & Relling in 1947 before establishing his own studio in Sykkylven in 1950. Working within one of Norway's most important furniture-producing regions, Relling developed an approach characterised by economical construction, ergonomic thinking and a sophisticated understanding of laminated wood.

His breakthrough came in 1965 with the Siesta Chair. The design won first prize in the Norwegian Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing's chair competition that same year and subsequently became Relling's most internationally recognised work.

Rather than hiding the engineering of the chair beneath upholstery, Relling made its construction fundamental to its appearance. The exposed bentwood frame and suspended leather seat became a particularly clear expression of the Scandinavian principle of achieving more with less.

The accompanying ottoman follows precisely the same philosophy, completing Relling's idea of lightweight, flexible and genuinely comfortable seating.

Manufacturer

Westnofa, a name derived from West Norway Factories, was established in the late 1950s to bring Norwegian furniture to the international market.

Rather than functioning simply as a conventional furniture factory, Westnofa brought together manufacturers from western Norway and helped introduce their work to buyers around the world.

This coordinated approach played an important role in establishing Norwegian furniture internationally during the postwar period, placing its designers within the broader Scandinavian Modern movement.

Ingmar Relling's Siesta became one of the designs most closely associated with the Westnofa name. Its international success made the chair an important ambassador for Norwegian furniture and one of the country's most recognisable modern designs.

Condition

The black leather upholstery remains in excellent vintage condition, retaining its softness, clean appearance and natural patina.

The bent plywood structures are equally well preserved, showing only minor traces of age and use while maintaining their dark finish and structural integrity.

The chairs and ottoman remain visually consistent as a complete set and present beautifully together.

Overall, the three pieces are presented in excellent vintage condition.

Dimensions

Chair
Width · 66 cm / 26 in
Depth · 76 cm / 30 in
Height · 95 cm / 37.4 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 17 in

Included

The set of two High-Back Siesta Lounge Chairs and matching Ottoman 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 complete three-piece set 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 pieces, their condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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