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 most celebrated design in one of its most enveloping and architecturally expressive forms.

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.

The high-back version extends this principle into a taller silhouette. Its elongated backrest provides additional support and creates a more enclosed sitting position, while the sweeping plywood structure remains completely visible. Comfort comes not from mass, but from the relationship between tension, flexibility and the natural position of the body.

In these examples, warm brown plywood is paired with cognac leather, creating a rich tonal relationship between structure and seating. The warmth of the leather emphasises the curves of the bentwood frames, while subtle variations developed through age give each chair its own individual character.

Presented as a pair, the repeated profiles create a particularly strong composition. The chairs have considerable presence, yet their open construction keeps them visually light, making them equally convincing in both spacious and more restrained interiors.

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

Both chairs are presented in very good vintage condition.

The cognac leather upholstery is beautifully preserved, retaining its rich tone and natural vintage character.

The brown bent plywood frames are equally well preserved, showing only light traces of age and use consistent with their vintage character.

Overall, the pair presents beautifully, preserving the warmth, authenticity and material character of the original design.

Dimensions

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 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 of two High-Back Siesta Lounge Chairs 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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