Arflex Italian Furniture
Arflex occupies a distinctive place in the history of modern Italian furniture. Founded through a spirit of technological experimentation, the company has spent more than 75 years creating sofas, armchairs and accessories that balance expressive design with exceptional comfort.
The Arflex collection brings together influential midcentury designs and contemporary furniture by internationally celebrated architects and designers. Its pieces are sophisticated yet inviting, characterized by sculptural forms, innovative materials and an enduring sense of ease.
Innovation at the Heart of Italian Design
Arflex was founded in Milan in 1947 by Carlo Barassi, Renato Teani, Pio Reggiani and Aldo Bai. The company’s original name, Ar-flex, was derived from “flexible furniture”—a fitting expression of its experimental approach.
Working with the young architect Marco Zanuso, the founders explored the possibilities of foam rubber and elastic webbing, materials that were still unconventional in furniture manufacturing. These innovations allowed designers to create new shapes while achieving a softer, more responsive kind of comfort.
Arflex made its public debut at the 1951 Milan Triennale. Zanuso’s Lady armchair received a Gold Medal at the exhibition, establishing the company as an important voice in postwar Italian design. Explore the history of Arflex.
Midcentury Icons for Contemporary Living
Many of Arflex’s most celebrated designs remain remarkably current. Rather than simply reproducing pieces from its archive, the company preserves their original character while ensuring they meet the expectations of contemporary interiors.
The Marenco sofa, designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, is one of the brand’s defining pieces. Its generous cushions, relaxed silhouette and extensive modularity make it as relevant today as when it was introduced. Individual seats, sofas and sectional components can be combined to create layouts suited to spaces of different sizes.
Other Arflex classics include Marco Zanuso’s Lady armchair, Franco Albini’s Fiorenza armchair, the Elettra collection by B.B.P.R., Roberto Menghi’s Hall seating and Cini Boeri’s revolutionary Strips system. Boeri’s Strips collection, conceived as a new and informal way of living with upholstered furniture, received the Compasso d’Oro in 1979.
Arflex designs are represented in major museum collections, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Triennale Milano and The Chicago Athenaeum. View Arflex’s museum collection highlights.
Historic Design Meets a Global Perspective
Arflex continues to expand its collection through collaborations with established masters and leading contemporary designers. Its creative roster has included Cini Boeri, Franco Albini, Mario Marenco, B.B.P.R., Roberto Menghi, Vincent Van Duysen, Jaime Hayon, Neri&Hu, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Luca Nichetto and Bernhardt&Vella.
These collaborations bring a broad international perspective to the company’s unmistakably Italian design culture. Contemporary pieces introduce new materials, proportions and ways of living, while maintaining the quality, comfort and visual clarity associated with Arflex.
The collection extends beyond sofas and armchairs to include dining chairs, stools, daybeds, beds, tables, occasional tables, bookcases, accessories and outdoor furniture. This range allows Arflex pieces to create a cohesive design language throughout residential, hospitality and executive interiors.
Designed for Comfort and Individual Expression
Arflex furniture is defined by the relationship between structure and softness. Precisely engineered frames provide support, while carefully developed cushioning creates an inviting and often relaxed appearance.
Modular configurations, upholstery selections and finish options offer flexibility for both residential and commercial projects. From a sculptural lounge chair to a generously proportioned sectional sofa, each piece can be selected to complement the room’s architecture, material palette and way of life.
Discover Arflex at Scott + Cooner
Scott + Cooner offers Arflex furniture for sophisticated residential, hospitality and commercial interiors. Our experienced team works with homeowners, architects and interior designers to select the appropriate models, configurations, upholstery and finishes for each project.
Visit Scott + Cooner to experience the comfort and sculptural character of Arflex firsthand. Contact our team for product information, pricing, material samples, dimensions and personalized assistance with your Arflex furniture selection.