High-Back Siesta Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather & Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1960s, Set of 2

Model · Siesta, High-Back
Designer · Ingmar Relling
Manufacturer · Westnofa
Origin · Norway
Period · 1960s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Norwegian Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Brown, cognac

Object

The high-back Siesta is Ingmar Relling's celebrated lounge chair in one of its most expressive and enveloping forms.

Designed in 1965, the Siesta was built around 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 frame provides strength and flexibility, while the leather follows the body without adding unnecessary volume.

The high-back version extends this principle into a taller, more generous silhouette. Its elongated backrest supports the body and head while emphasising the sweeping movement of the plywood structure. Despite its proportions, the chair retains the visual lightness that defines the entire Siesta family.

In this pair, warm brown bentwood is combined with cognac leather, creating a rich but natural relationship between the two materials. The repeated curved profiles make the chairs particularly effective as a pair, establishing a strong architectural rhythm without becoming visually heavy.

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. Nearly six decades later, its construction still feels remarkably intelligent: very little material, carefully controlled tension and genuine comfort.

Designer

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

After beginning his career at Rastad & Relling in 1947, he established 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 an unusually sophisticated use of laminated wood.

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

The design went on to become one of Norway's most internationally recognised pieces of furniture and remains the clearest expression of Relling's ability to turn structural simplicity into comfort.

Manufacturer

Westnofa, 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.

Ingmar Relling's Siesta became one of the designs most closely associated with the Westnofa name. Its international success played an important role in establishing Norwegian furniture within the broader Scandinavian Modern movement.

Condition

The cognac leather upholstery is beautifully preserved, remaining supple, clean and rich in tone.

The original bent plywood structures are equally well preserved, retaining their warm brown finish with only minimal traces of age and use.

Overall, both chairs are presented in excellent, nearly new vintage condition while retaining their authentic character.

Dimensions

Width · 73 cm / 28.7 in
Depth · 84 cm / 33.1 in
Height · 97 cm / 38.2 in
Seat height · 36 cm / 14.2 in

Included

The set of two High-Back 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 High-Back Siesta Lounge Chairs are ready to ship within 5–10 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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