PK31 3-seater
Fritz Hansen
Inspiration
2024/3/22
Design icons - discover timeless sofas
A design icon is not just a beautiful piece of furniture - it also represents an essential chapter in design history. Sofas of different varieties that are the result of groundbreaking innovation and carefully considered aesthetic choices. Through the study of design icons, we get a good insight into the vision of designers, but also a broader understanding of the time period in which they were created. Apart from being historical artifacts, they are also sources of inspiration for contemporary designers who carry on the timeless legacy.
When it comes to interior design, the sofa is the hub of many homes. Beyond its practicality, it also plays a central role in creating the aesthetics and atmosphere of the home. In the world of furniture and design, you can find a wide variety of sofas that have become true icons - masterpieces of form, function and style that have become symbols of creativity. We will explore 10 iconic designer sofas that have not only influenced the perception of interior design - they have also become part of a cultural heritage.
1928: LC2 by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
A true style icon from 1928 that is still celebrated today, almost 100 years later, the LC2 is a timeless, high-quality design classic created by the trio of Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand. Its straight lines and polished chrome base create a contrasting element to its soft seat. The upholstery is offered in leather or fabric, with a number of shades to choose from, and can be combined with a base that is available in several variants. The armchair from the same series can be found in the permanent collection at MoMA, a clear indicator of the iconic status of the LC series.
1949: Chieftain Sofa by Finn Juhl for House of Finn Juhl
The Chieftain Sofa, inspired by 1940s modern art, is a tasteful sofa with soft shapes made from exclusive quality materials. Finn Juhl created the Chieftain Sofa and its sibling, the Chieftain Chair, as a modern contrast to traditional and functionalist Danish furniture design - making them symbols of the avant-garde. The original is housed at Designmuseum Danmark, the site of the Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition in 1949. The Chieftain Sofa is available with a base in walnut or oak, and upholstery in leather or sheepskin.
We showcase a limited selection online, but you are welcome to contact our interior designers online or in store to explore all designs.
1958: PK31 by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen
PK31 is an elegant two-seater sofa with minimalist style and high comfort. The soft down filling and elegant leather upholstery, combined with a base in chrome-plated matt spring steel - give this sofa a modern touch. The straight lines and square shapes contrast with the soft leather seat, making the sofa both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to sit on. PK31 is available in a wide range of colors, and can be complemented with an armchair or three-seater sofa from the same series.
1969: Soriana by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
Soriana has always been celebrated, since its launch in 1969. It is a sofa with a pioneering design where the soft body is held together by large metal staples, creating a draping effect. The softness of the sofa is said to be the reason for its name, named after the softness of the family's Siamese cat. Like many other Cassina sofas, Soriana has been awarded the Compasso D'Oro for its unique construction and visual expression, and has now been updated to a more sustainable version. There are different variations of finishes in both leather and textile, and to easily create a unified seating area, there is a complete range to discover online and in store.
1970: Camaleonda by Mario Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Create a luxurious atmosphere in your home with Camaleonda, a modular system created by Bellini at B&B Italia. Its ultimate comfort and style is largely thanks to a classic capitonné design made of polyurethane foam, polyethylene and nylon. With a system of hooks and cables, as well as rings and tension rods - the possibility of creating unique configurations opens up from simple corner sofas to a more sophisticated sofa group. Available in leather or fabric, Camaleonda's multi-dimensional nature makes it suitable for many environments - regardless of style. At Nordiska Galleriet, you will find a range of several variants of the furniture, with a varied selection of size or model to suit your needs.
1970: Marenco 3-Seater Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
Experience simple elegance with Marenco from Italian brand Arflex - a 3-seater sofa characterized by large cushions, creating an airy and inviting character. Named after its designer, Mario Marenco, this sofa has been a popular favorite in many homes since its launch in 1970. The construction consists of a strong plywood and metal frame and polyurethane cushions. Depending on your needs, you can choose between leather or removable fabric upholstery in earthy colors.
If you do not find the version you are looking for online, please contact our customer service.
1972: Le Bambole - Bibambola Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Le Bambole - Bibambola Sofa is a 2-seater sofa belonging to the Le Bambole series, whose design was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. The design is characterized by its lack of a supporting structure, where the focus is on organic shapes, high elasticity and comfortable softness. The original was designed in 1972 which consisted of a metal structure embedded in polyurethane, 50 years later it was updated to a fully recyclable version using recycled polyethylene material.
1973: Togo Medium Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
The Togo Medium Sofa is a uniquely designed sofa from 1973 that promises the highest level of comfort, thanks to five different varieties of polyether foam that follow the body in a natural way. This soft, quilted sofa is ideal for creating character and an inviting atmosphere, and a wide range of leathers and fabrics are available. Togo comes in several different models that can be combined and adapted to the room - for example, you can easily create unique corner sofas by combining the Corner Seat with the Small Settee and Large Settee.
1973: 675 Maralunga 40 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Explore a 70s classic - the 675 Maralunga 40, an award-winning sofa designed by Vico Magistretti. With form and function in focus, this sofa is characterized by its innovative design with the adjustable backrest. The idea of putting a bicycle chain in the upholstery is what gives the sofa its unique flexibility and comfort. With a playful design language and skillful craftsmanship, it is not only comfortable, it also represents a piece of Italian design history. Nordiska Galleriet offers the sofa in several upholstery options: leather or fabric that comes in different colors.
2020: DS-707 Modular Sofa by Philippe Malouin for de Sede
Philippe Malouin reportedly experimented with folding foam to finally arrive at DS-707 - a modular sofa made from handmade leather that wants to be characterized by its soft, organic shapes. Inspired by Swiss postmodern furniture design and structures of brutalism, the sofa was designed with a comfortable seat that shows a good balance between traditional and contemporary elements. The possibility of combining this sofa in an infinite number of ways, as well as complementing it with the DS-707 Armchair - makes it possible to create unique rooms, regardless of style.
Nordiska Galleriet offers a varied range of furniture and not least sofas in different fabrics, variants and sizes - both online and in store. If you want information about specific products or are looking for sofas with specific designs, it is always possible to contact our customer service. We also have a free interior design service to help you find furniture that suits your needs and preferences.
Products featured in the post:
Similar articles
Bond from Fogia
In Scandinavia, we are used to the fact that there are several flexible shelving systems and storage solutions to choose from, where different parts can be used to customise something that covers all everyday needs. Many people have grown up with shelving systems such as String or Elfa, which have achieved their popularity thanks to an extremely well thought-out design, good choice and relatively easy assembly. However, it is all the more difficult to get a shelving system to suit everyone's needs in terms of different styles, which therefore leaves plenty of room for competition.
To article
2022/12/1
Modernist masterpiece: The Eames case study house no. 8
1940s design America belonged to the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, whose playful and experimental approach to design created a whole new topology of furniture in innovative materials. The couple also designed their home, a modernist gem in Pacific Palisades, with room for great personality.
To article
2024/7/8
Jean Prouvé, the Multi-artist
Designer, architect, engineer and entrepreneur - the multi-talented Jean Prouvé's design is as relevant today as it was when it was created. 20 years after Vitra started producing Prouvé's now iconic furniture designs, they are expanding his collection by reintroducing both new colours and four pieces of furniture.
To article
2022/9/20
Bright ideas
In their studio in Brooklyn, New York, American lighting masters Roll & Hill handcraft lamps that border on works of art. We spoke to founder Jason Miller about how he manages to create lighting that stands out, surprises and illuminates a room in more than one way.
To article
2019/12/3
Bond from Fogia
In Scandinavia, we are used to the fact that there are several flexible shelving systems and storage solutions to choose from, where different parts can be used to customise something that covers all everyday needs. Many people have grown up with shelving systems such as String or Elfa, which have achieved their popularity thanks to an extremely well thought-out design, good choice and relatively easy assembly. However, it is all the more difficult to get a shelving system to suit everyone's needs in terms of different styles, which therefore leaves plenty of room for competition.
To article
2022/12/1
Modernist masterpiece: The Eames case study house no. 8
1940s design America belonged to the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, whose playful and experimental approach to design created a whole new topology of furniture in innovative materials. The couple also designed their home, a modernist gem in Pacific Palisades, with room for great personality.
To article
2024/7/8
Jean Prouvé, the Multi-artist
Designer, architect, engineer and entrepreneur - the multi-talented Jean Prouvé's design is as relevant today as it was when it was created. 20 years after Vitra started producing Prouvé's now iconic furniture designs, they are expanding his collection by reintroducing both new colours and four pieces of furniture.
To article
2022/9/20
Bright ideas
In their studio in Brooklyn, New York, American lighting masters Roll & Hill handcraft lamps that border on works of art. We spoke to founder Jason Miller about how he manages to create lighting that stands out, surprises and illuminates a room in more than one way.
To article
2019/12/3