Ilmari Lappalainen "Laila" Sofa for Asko, Finland 1950s

The “Laila” models from the series by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. Designed in the halcyon phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Finnish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. This sofa is from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. As an essentially Finnish modern piece, this sofa is built around the core characteristics of the era: gently rounded edges, tapered wooden legs, and a generous, fully upholstered body. The style was modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion and back with three large tufted buttons. In the absence of ornamentation, the three large tufted buttons on the back stand out, creating depth as they sink into the textured green fabric. The design has the “classic Nordic look”, which explains the contemporary popularity of this sofa both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. This sofa was created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s Laila...

The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection. This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion and back with tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well. Sheepskin is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It elevates the sheer size and shape of the chair, especially its back. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. After the war, the damage it caused and the new homes of Karelian migrants concentrated production on essential furniture, which the Finnish Ministry of Public Affairs ordered to sell at an affordable price. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s Laila...

Like the “Laila” model, this chair was designed by Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko in 1948, and become a beloved model. So much so, tha...

Like the “Laila” model, these chairs were designed by Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko in 1948, and become a beloved model. So much so, that during the 1990s, it was put back into production by Asko. With Ilmari Tapiovaara, who was the artistic director of Asko from 1938 to 1941, the modernization of the company’s range began, and the wooden designs were joined by modern, upholstered furniture pieces, including “Rex”. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges, the generous back with tufted buttons, and the tapered, wooden legs. The body has the classic Nordic look, which explains its contemporary popularity both among the public and institutions. The cosy open design is dominated by the gently enveloping back and arms that appear to welcome the sitter. Thanks to the large seat cushion, the armchairs’ comfort lives up to Lappalainen’s famous standards. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the small lacquered legs as well. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s “Laila...

This lovely “Duetto” loveseat was designed back in the 1950s to bring the sitters closer together. This intention is clearly traceable in Ottelin’s drawings, where the back was drawn as hands embracing the users. A loveseat derives its name from holding two people close to one another. First invented in the 17th century, this two-person chair was originally intended for women wearing large dresses with hoops to sit comfortably. In the Nordic countries, loveseats, such as this model, were typically made of quality woods with fully upholstered bodies to enhance the cosiness. This rare “Duetto” is unquestionably Ottelin’s most distinctive sofa model. This is primarily due to the peculiar back that has a heart shape and envelopes towards the front to form the arms as well. At the top, the edge curves outward creating a welcoming and open look. The homely curviness and precision clearly show the influence of Werner West, Ottelin’s teacher. The body, upholstered in honey-coloured sheepskin, is paired with tapered, lacquered wood legs. This combination is a true Nordic characteristic, keeping the tradition of using organic materials at its core. As this “Duetto” sofa shows, the shapes and forms of Nordic minimalism of the mid-century are infinitely interesting. Additionally, the stylish look is always paired with the highest quality craftsmanship, here provided by the Finnish furniture company, Kervo Snickerifabrik, Oy Stockmann. The Kerava cabinetmaking company was founded on February 1, 1862 and Ottelin served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 60.23 in W x 29.52 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 17.32 in 153 cm W x 75 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 44 cm About the designer: Karl Olof Ottelin (Helsinki, 3 May 1917 - Helsinki, 9 February 1971) was a Finnish interior designer and furniture designer who, in the 1950s, was the director and chief designer of Stockmann's furniture department. Ottelin began his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in 1939, but had to suspend his studies for 1941–1944 due to conscription. He graduated as an interior designer in 1946 and started at Stockmann's drawing office in 1948. He served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971. Ottelin's best-known products are modern wooden chairs, but he also designed cabinet and shelving systems and extensive interior design for a variety of properties. In 1952, Olof Ottelin designed the furniture for the Swedish School of Economics in Helsinki together with Lisa Johansson-Pape (lamps), Yki Nummi (coloring) and Dora Jung...

This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna sofa created by Lahti Lepokaulusto and designed in the 1950s by Aake Anttila. Famous for its suspension and ...

Excellent condition. Newly reupholstered in honey colored sheepskin. Set of 2 available. Listed price is for a single.

Armchair model "Laila" designed by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen and manufactured by Asko in Finland, 1950s. This iconic armchair was designed by the famous Finnish design...

Pair of armchairs model "Laila" designed by the Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen and manufactured by Asko in Finland, 1950s. These iconic armchairs were designed by the famous Fi...

Excellent condition. Newly reupholstered in honey colored sheepskin. Listed price is for the pair.

Beautiful and unique pair of armchairs 'Laila' designed by the famous Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen (1918-2006) for Asko in 1948- high quality furniture company. This iconic pa...

Very beautiful and unique pair of armchairs 'Laila' designed by the famous Finnish designer Ilmari Lappalainen (1918-2006) for Asko in 1948- high quality furniture company. This icon...