High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Brown 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, peanut brown

Object

The high-back Siesta with its accompanying 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. 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 and more enveloping silhouette. Its elongated backrest provides additional support while emphasising the sweeping movement of the bentwood structure. Paired with the ottoman, the design creates a particularly relaxed sitting position while retaining the visual lightness fundamental to the Siesta family.

In this example, warm brown plywood is paired with peanut brown leather, creating an unusually rich tonal composition. Rather than relying on contrast, the materials sit within the same warm spectrum, allowing the curves and construction of the chair to become the dominant visual elements.

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. Decades later, its relevance remains rooted in the intelligence of the original idea: genuine comfort achieved with remarkably little material.

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.

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

Rather than concealing the engineering beneath upholstery, Relling made the structure itself fundamental to the chair's appearance. This combination of visible construction, material economy and comfort became one of the clearest expressions of his design philosophy.

The accompanying ottoman follows precisely the same principle, extending the chair's structural language into a second object and completing Relling's idea of relaxed, flexible seating.

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.

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.

This chair and ottoman retain their manufacturer's labelling, providing an additional mark of their original production and authenticity.

Condition

Both the chair and ottoman are presented in very good vintage condition.

The peanut brown leather remains beautifully preserved, retaining its warm colour and natural vintage character.

The bent plywood structures are equally well preserved, showing only slight traces of age and use while maintaining their warm brown finish and structural integrity.

The set retains its original manufacturer's labelling.

Overall, the chair and ottoman present beautifully as a complete vintage set.

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 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 High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair & Ottoman are 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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