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

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

Object

Siesta is built around a remarkably simple idea: instead of placing the body on a chair, suspend it inside one. A continuous bentwood frame rises from the floor while leather hangs freely within it, turning structure and seating into two almost independent layers. The matching ottoman extends that same gesture outward, allowing the body to settle completely into the composition.

Designed by Ingmar Relling in 1965, Siesta feels less like conventional furniture and more like carefully balanced equipment for rest. The wood flexes, the leather gives, and gravity does much of the work. In warm brown plywood and original cognac leather, this set has acquired something impossible to manufacture new: surfaces softened by time, materials that have grown into one another, and the quiet familiarity of furniture already several decades into its life.

Designer

Ingmar Relling (1920–2002) grew up in Sykkylven, a small Norwegian community surrounded by mountains and furniture workshops. After beginning his career at Rastad & Relling, he returned home and established his own practice in 1950.

Relling became fascinated by achieving comfort with less material. Rather than building heavy upholstered furniture, he explored bent laminated wood and suspended surfaces that could respond naturally to the body. Siesta became the clearest expression of that thinking. Introduced in 1965, it transformed a handful of economical components into one of Norway's most recognisable contributions to modern furniture.

Manufacturer

Westnofa was created in the late 1950s as an alliance of furniture manufacturers from western Norway. Its name came directly from its purpose, WEST Norway FActories, bringing together regional craftsmanship and carrying it far beyond the country's borders.

Through Westnofa, Norwegian furniture entered homes across Europe, North America and other international markets. Few designs represented that moment more successfully than Siesta. Its light construction made sense both aesthetically and practically, allowing a distinctly Norwegian idea of comfort to travel around the world.

Condition

The bent plywood frames and cognac leather upholstery remain fully original and are preserved in great vintage condition. The leather retains the natural softness and character developed through age, while the wooden structures remain beautifully preserved. As with any authentic vintage pieces, subtle traces of age and previous use may be present, adding to the history and individual character of the chairs and ottoman.

Dimensions

Width · 64 cm / 25.0 in
Depth · 76 cm / 30.0 in
Height · 79 cm / 31.0 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 17.0 in

Included

The two lounge chairs and ottoman are 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 lounge chairs and ottoman can be ready to ship within 10-15 workdays.

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 piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

© Back to the Furniture