Siesta Lounge Chairs in Peanut Brown Leather & Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s, Set of 2

Model · Siesta
Designer · Ingmar Relling
Manufacturer · Westnofa
Origin · Norway
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Norwegian Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Beige, peanut brown

Object

The Siesta Chair is Ingmar Relling's most celebrated design and one of the defining objects of postwar Norwegian furniture.

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

This pair has a particularly warm and unusual material character. The light beige bentwood structures are combined with peanut brown leather, creating a softer tonal relationship than the darker versions of the Siesta more commonly encountered. The pale frames also make the sweeping geometry of Relling's construction especially visible.

The low seating position and suspended leather cushions give the chairs their characteristic relaxed comfort, while the open sides and slender plywood profiles keep them visually light. Structure and upholstery remain clearly separated, allowing the construction itself to become part of the design.

Presented as a pair, the repeated curved profiles create a strong but understated composition. The Siesta received first prize in the Norwegian Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing's chair competition in 1965 and subsequently became an international success, yet its continued relevance comes from something much simpler: an exceptionally intelligent relationship between material, structure and the human body.

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.

The Siesta Chair, designed in 1965, became his breakthrough. Its bentwood structure and suspended seating offered a lightweight alternative to the heavier upholstered lounge chairs common during the period.

Rather than concealing the chair's engineering beneath upholstery, Relling made its construction fundamental to its appearance. Every structural element remains visible, resulting in a chair that feels both technically rational and remarkably relaxed.

The Siesta became an internationally recognised Norwegian design and remains the piece most closely associated with Relling's career.

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 and 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

Both chairs retain their fully original bent plywood structures, finished in a light beige tone.

The peanut brown leather upholstery has been carefully refreshed to extend its life while preserving the character of the chairs.

The wooden frames remain well preserved, showing only minimal traces of age and use consistent with their vintage character.

Overall, the pair is presented in excellent, refreshed vintage condition while retaining its original structures.

Dimensions

Width · 64 cm / 25 in
Depth · 76 cm / 30 in
Height · 79 cm / 31 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 17 in

Included

The set of two Siesta Lounge Chairs 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 set is ready to ship within 10 business days.

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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