Arflex design: research and experimentation
In 1947 Carlo Barassi, Renato Teani, Pio Reggiani and Aldo Bai founded Ar-flex - “Arredamento Flessibile” standing for flexible home furnishing - which then became Arflex Design. The company’s trademark was the study of shapes and technology, that soon transformed it into an internationally renowned name.
Indeed, the firm’s principles of research and experimentation led them, together with the young architect Marco Zanuso, to examine the use of elastic tapes and foam rubber in furniture design.
Amongst its many recognitions, Arflex has won the prestigious 2010 “Wallpaper Design Award” for the Hillside collection designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, and the “EDIDA” award for the outdoor Cloud Collection series designed by Carlo Colombo in 2011. Unforgettable are also some of the bestselling Arflex sofas, such as Strips by Cini Boeri, or the Boborelax Arflex armchair.
Discover these and many other Arflex Furniture products on the Sag80 Group website.
The Arflex sofa: the meeting of design and research
Arflex is one of the pillars of Italian design. Like many other design firms, Arflex was also founded and built around the city of Milan. Indeed, the first Arflex office was established in Milan in Corso di Porta Vittoria. In 1951, after only two years of research, Arflex presented their products at the IX edition of Milan’s Triennale.
Years of research and experimentation were rewarded with the honoring of the Lady collection, recognising the exceptional quality and modernity of the series.
Another iconic piece of the Arflex sofa collection is Ben Ben designed in 2009 by Cini Boeri. This Arflex sofa recalls the structure of the Bengodi model from 1974 but modernises its look. Ben Ben is a modular sofa, characterised by big cushions that soften the seating and back support areas. Ben Ben Curvo was also designed in the same year. The distinctive feature of this product is the curved back, that creates a relaxing little haven. Whether one opts for the normal or curved variant of this sofa, both offer utmost comfort, a fact confirmed by the architect herself who said: “I can assure you that if you sit down and place the cushion behind your back, you will fall asleep immediately”.
The Arflex chair: symbol of comfort and high-quality for 70 years
The Arflex chairs have been designed by some of the greatest international designers. They feature both classic designs, such as Bliss (that comes with or without armrests) and more playful modern designs such as the Virgola chair.
An iconic piece is the Arflex chair Fiorenza, designed by Franco Albini in 1952 and is still today an incredible emblem of modernity and comfort. The Fiorenza chair suits every environment, from the bedroom, to the studio and living room. The classic and timeless features of this chair can be combined with every style. Albini himself stated that the chair was inspired by the traditional French bergère armchair. Fiorenza exemplifies the greatness of Albini’s designs by demonstrating his ability to take a conventional armchair model and transform it into an entirely new product, contemporary but still incredibly familiar.
Another original Arflex chair is the Algon High Backrest, designed in 2016 by Luca Nichetto. This chair, covered with a soft quilted upholstery, was designed to provide comfort and privacy. The Algon chair is available with high or low sides and is ideal for reading or meditation.