Siesta Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Cognac Leather & Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s

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

Object

The high-back Siesta with its matching ottoman presents Ingmar Relling's most celebrated design as a complete 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 matching ottoman continues the same structural language, extending the relaxed sitting position into a complete environment for rest.

In this example, the brown bentwood structure is paired with rich cognac leather. The warmth of the leather emphasises the curves of the plywood frame, while the open construction prevents the chair from becoming visually heavy.

Together, the chair and ottoman reveal what makes the Siesta so enduring. Comfort comes from tension, proportion and flexibility rather than mass, resulting in furniture that feels generous to sit in while remaining remarkably light in the room.

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 Siesta ultimately became an icon of 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, 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 chair and ottoman are presented in very good vintage condition.

The cognac leather remains beautifully preserved, retaining its rich colour, softness and natural vintage character.

The brown bent plywood structures show slight traces of age and use consistent with their vintage character while remaining structurally sound and well preserved.

The set retains its manufacturer's label, providing an additional mark of authenticity.

Overall, the chair and ottoman present beautifully together and preserve the material warmth and character of the original design.

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 High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair & 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 High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair & Ottoman 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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