Siesta Lounge Chairs in Peanut Brown Leather & Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s, Set of 2

Model · Siesta
Designer · Ingmar Relling
Manufacturer · Westnofa
Origin · Norway
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Norwegian Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Brown, peanut brown

Object

The Siesta Chair is Ingmar Relling's most celebrated design and one of the defining pieces of Norwegian modern furniture.

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 structure provides strength and flexibility, while the leather follows the body without adding unnecessary volume.

The result is a chair that feels simultaneously architectural and relaxed. Sweeping plywood curves establish the silhouette, while the suspended leather cushions create the deep, comfortable sitting position that gave the Siesta its name.

This pair has a particularly warm material character. Brown bentwood frames are combined with peanut brown leather, creating subtle tonal variation rather than strong contrast. Both the wood and leather have developed naturally with age, giving the chairs the depth that comes from decades of use.

As a pair, the repeated curved profiles create a strong but quiet composition. Almost sixty years after its introduction, the Siesta remains remarkably relevant because its identity comes from construction rather than decoration.

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 developed into 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 within the broader international Scandinavian Modern movement.

Condition

Both chairs retain their original bentwood structures and leather upholstery and are presented in good vintage condition.

The brown plywood frames remain structurally sound and retain their original character, with natural traces of age and use visible across the surfaces.

The original peanut brown leather is equally well preserved, showing subtle and even wear that has developed into an authentic vintage patina.

These signs of time are part of the character of the pieces and reflect their original, unrestored material history.

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 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 is 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.

© Back to the Furniture