Mid-century furniture by Arflex, Italy

Arflex is an Italian furniture company founded in 1947 by Carlo Barassi, Renato Teani, Pio Reggiani, and Aldo Bai. The company's name is a portmanteau of "Ar" for "artificial" and "flex" for "flexible", reflecting the company's early focus on using new, innovative materials such as foam rubber and elastic tape in its furniture designs.

Arflex quickly became a leading force in the Italian design scene, collaborating with some of the most renowned architects and designers of the day, including Marco Zanuso, Carlo Bartoli, Joe Colombo, and Cini Boeri. The company's designs were characterized by their sleek, modern lines and their use of innovative materials and construction techniques.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Arflex furniture was exported all over the world, and the company became synonymous with Italian design excellence. Some of the most iconic Arflex designs from this period include the Lady armchair by Marco Zanuso, the more... Pixel sofa by Carlo Bartoli, and the Elda armchair by Joe Colombo.

In the 1970s, Arflex began to experiment with new materials and styles, and the company's designs became more eclectic and experimental. However, the company continued to produce high-quality furniture that was well-respected by designers and critics.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Arflex continued to produce innovative designs, but the company also began to focus on its heritage and its role in the history of Italian design. The company launched a number of retrospective exhibitions and publications, and it also began to reissue some of its classic designs.

Arflex remains a leading manufacturer of high-quality furniture. The company continues to collaborate with some of the most talented designers in the world, and its products are sold all over the world. less...