Scandinavia Design specializes in top-of-the-range Scandinavian chairs, manufactured by leading Danish (Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen, Finn Juhl, Hay, Muuto, Ferm Living, Gubi, AndTradition, Normann Copenhagen, Verpan, Audo, PP Møbler, FDB Møbler, ...), Swedish (Fogia, Swedese, Dux) and Finnish (Artek) manufacturers.
To these major Scandinavian brands, we have added a number of Swiss (Vitra), American (Cherner), German (Thonet) and Italian (Karakter) manufacturers.
Some of these chairs, often with a vintage aesthetic, are the work of the great names of Nordic design, both past (Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Alvar Aalto, Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl, Poul Kjærholm, Charles and Ray Eames, Nana Ditzel, Bruno Mathsson, etc.) and present (Space Copenhagen, GamFratesi, Jaime Hayon, Sebastian Herkner, Jasper Morrison, Simon Legald, etc.).
This page presents a wide range of Scandinavian-style armchairs for relaxing, perfect for a room dedicated to reading, with or without footrests, upholstered in fabric or leather, wood or metal, with vintage or contemporary aesthetics. Some are rocking chairs, others swivel armchairs, some are chaise longues, and so on. There's plenty of variety to equip every corner of the home.
For ease of exploration, we've grouped recliners into four broad categories:
It's worth noting that, in the furniture typology, it's the armchair that's most linked to pleasure: that of the user, who settles down comfortably to enjoy the present moment, and that of the designer, who frees himself from functional constraints to design tables, chairs or sideboards.
This status allows the Scandinavian armchair to concentrate the greatest creativity, but also the greatest luxury, since it often takes only one or two to furnish a living room.
It's hardly surprising, then, that Scandinavian design is so rich in exceptional armchairs, in “pieces” that we dream of treating ourselves to, in icons of spectacular form, such as Arne Jacobsen's famous Egg armchair, Alvar Aalto's Tank armchair, Finn Juhl's Pelican armchair, Hans Wegner's Flag Halyard Chair, Børge Mogensen's Spanish Chair - and so many other masterpieces that we'd all like to have in our own homes.
These Scandinavian armchairs, which left their mark on the history of design, have a long lineage, from the famous Eames Lounge armchair by the Americans Charles and Ray Eames, based on the molded plywood principle developed by Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen, to contemporary works by Hay, Gubi, Muuto and Ferm Living, which are openly inspired by them.
What's the most comfortable chair in the world?
The most comfortable armchair in the world is often considered to be the Karuseli lounge chair by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro, published by Artek. This distinction was awarded to him by the prestigious American newspaper New York Times, in 1974.
What are the world's most famous armchairs?
Some armchairs have made such a mark on their era that they have become design icons, recognized by everyone without ever knowing their name or the name of their designer. You'll find them in movies, in luxury boutiques and in the windows of the most exclusive stores.
Many of these stars can be found on the Scandinavia Design website. They include
- The Egg Chair - Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen.
- The Eames Lounge Chair - Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956.
- The Swan Chair - Also designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958.
- The Papa Bear Chair (or Teddy Bear Chair) - Designed by Dane Hans Wegner in 1951.
- The Shell CH07 Chair - Created by Danish designer Hans Wegner in 1963.
- The Corona Chair - Designed by Dane Poul Volther in 1961.
- The Paimio Armchair - Created by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto in 1931-1932.
- The Lamino Armchair - Designed by Swedish designer Yngve Ekström in 1956.
- The PK22 Lounge Chair - Created by Danish designer Poul Kjærholm in 1956.
What type of chair should I choose?
The choice of armchair depends essentially on the size of the room and the use to which it will be put.
- Which armchair to choose when chatting with friends: Choose lightweight, easy-to-move side chairs that are easy to sit in, and easy to get up from, to facilitate movement and spontaneity. Avoid chairs that are too low or too deep.
- Which armchair to choose for a reading corner? Opt for a wraparound armchair with a high back, such as a wing chair that protects from noise, complemented by an ottoman for added comfort. Include a small side table for a book or glass, and a floor lamp or reading light.
- Which armchair should I choose to watch a film? We recommend choosing a deep seat, for the most relaxed seating possible, with a footrest and wide armrests for placing the remote control or a snack.
- Which chair to choose for a large, open room? Make sure you select an armchair that looks good from all angles, even when viewed from the rear. Opt for large armchairs, possibly swiveling, and don't hesitate to choose bright colors to liven up the space.
- Which chair to choose for a small room? Favors compactness, clean lines that don't visually overload the space, calm shapes, light colors and discreet materials.