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

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

Object

The low-back Siesta with its accompanying ottoman presents Ingmar Relling's most celebrated design as a complete three-piece 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 low-back version brings this idea into a particularly compact and visually open form. Its gently inclined seat and suspended leather support the body naturally, while the sweeping plywood structure remains completely exposed. The matching ottoman continues the same construction, extending the sitting position while preserving the lightness of the original chair.

In this set, warm brown bentwood is paired with rich red leather, giving the Siesta a more expressive character while allowing its structural clarity to remain intact. The red seating surfaces appear almost suspended within the darker wooden frames, making the relationship between structure and comfort especially visible.

Presented as two lounge chairs with a matching ottoman, the repeated curves create a strong and coherent composition. The pieces feel relaxed and generous without becoming visually heavy, an approach that captures the essence of Relling's design philosophy.

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

The red leather upholstery remains in excellent vintage condition, retaining its rich colour, texture and natural character.

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

The two chairs and matching ottoman remain visually coherent as a complete set, with the leather and wooden structures presenting beautifully together.

Overall, the three pieces are presented in excellent vintage condition while preserving their authentic material character.

Dimensions

Chair
Width · 66 cm / 26 in
Depth · 80 cm / 31.5 in
Height · 80 cm / 31.5 in
Seat height · 44.5 cm / 17.5 in

Included

The set of two Low-Back Siesta Lounge Chairs and matching Ottoman 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 complete three-piece set 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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