Siesta Lounge Chairs in Black Leather & Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1960s, Set of 2

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

Object

The low-back Siesta is Ingmar Relling's celebrated design in one of its lightest and most architectural forms.

Designed in 1965, the Siesta was built around a remarkably economical idea. Instead of constructing a conventional upholstered armchair, Relling created a curved laminated wood structure 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 low-back version makes this structural clarity particularly visible. Its reduced silhouette sits lightly within a room, with sweeping plywood curves defining the profile and black leather introducing a precise contrast against the warm brown frame.

As a pair, the chairs create an especially strong composition. Their repeated curved profiles establish a quiet architectural rhythm without overwhelming the surrounding space.

Almost sixty years after its introduction, the Siesta still feels remarkably current. Its appeal comes not from decoration, but from the intelligence of its construction and the simplicity with which Relling turned a handful of materials into 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. It received first prize in the Norwegian Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing's chair competition and subsequently became an international commercial success.

Its combination of bentwood structure and suspended seating distilled Relling's philosophy into a design that was comfortable, lightweight, efficient to manufacture and visually unmistakable.

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.

The Siesta became one of the designs most closely associated with the Westnofa name and played an important role in establishing Norwegian furniture as part of the broader international Scandinavian Modern movement.

Condition

The black 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 · 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 Low-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 Low-Back Siesta Lounge Chairs are 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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