Categories / Design and Interiors

Accent sofa by Swedese

Accent-white
A 1950s design that still looks as appealing today, that's the Accent sofa by Swedese.

The sofa was designed in 1959 by Yngve Ekström, who was the founder of Swedese and looks very much of its time. The clean lines of its upholstery are supported by a solid oak frame and legs. It's available in a variety of finishes – it's shown here in white leather which certainly enhances its classic looks. 

As you might expect, the sofa has something of an 'investment' price tag attached – in this case the sofa costs £3035.

Buy it from Skandium

Categories / Design and Interiors

Ercol’s 1950s anniversary Studio Couch range

Ercol

To celebrate Ercol's 90th anniversary, some of the company's more interesting designs have been made over and reissued, including the Ercol Studio Couch range.

The range was designed by the company’s founder, Lucian Ercolani, and was originally launched in the late 1950s, still keeping that 'look' with the reissue. Both models have the classic bent arms and construction from elm and beech, with the option of going with or without back cushions. There's also the option of different fabrics for the upholstery too.

Two designs in one too, with the ability to use as a sofa or occasional bed. £1,685 is the starting price, varying depending on your choice of finish.

Find out more at the TwentyTwentyOne website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Chill Sofa range at Heal’s

Chillsofa_mMore mid-century style courtesy of the high street, this time the Chill Sofa range at Heal's

With its straight lines and boxy shape, it's got something of the look of the Florence Knoll sofa. This sofa is given a leather finish, including the luxurious sounding 'Suede soft' leather option. With a soft back, seat and arm cushions, it sounds like this is a design that will be comfortable as well as looking good. The look is finished off by the dark-stained wooden legs. 

The version of the sofa pictured costs £2995 or you can buy a smaller version for £2595. 

See it online

Categories / Design and Interiors

Yoko retro-styled sofa bed at Made.com

Made

I like the idea of Made.com – the company cuts out the middle man by getting a group of people together who want a certain design, get it made to order, then ship the item out to you for a cheaper price. It takes longer than nipping down to the shop and getting one, but if time is on your side, it's worth considering. Especially with designs like this Yoko sofa bed.

It's a sofa bed with a 1960s twist. Stylish and indeed functional, it has a pine frame and leather upholstery, with the option to use as a sofa or flick out for a guest bed. Two colours currently available, cream or black.

If you want either, be quick – the company is only taking orders for just over two days. If you do sign up, you'll get it for the discount price, which is £149.

Find out more at the Made.com website

Categories / Design and Interiors

The Harper midcentury sofa at Love Your Home For Less

Harper
Liking the midcentury style of The Harper sofa at Love Your Home For Less.

In fact, it's not a million miles away from the classic Florence Knoll sofa, especially when it comes to those sharp edges and buttoned leather seats. The sofa has a handmade sold been frame, feather wrapped cushions and upholstery on Italian aniline leather.

More images at the site, expect to pay around £1,498.

Find out more at the Love Your Home For Less website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Habitat Days Forum armchair and sofas by Robin Day

Forum

We were very sad to hear of the death of Robin Day, aged 95, last week. We did think about doing a tribute, but in truth, we've been a tribute site to Robin Day's designs pretty much since the day started – everything from the classic Polo Chair to more eccentric designs like the 4-4000 chair for Hille, now long gone, but often seen on eBay. But after a check through our records, we realised we haven't featured one of his most recognisable designs – the Habitat Days Forum armchair and sofas.

Yes, if you've been in Habitat in the past few years, you'll have seen this impressive midcentury-inspired design. It's available as an armchair or as a two, three or four-seater sofa, all with that oak frame (stained as ash or walnut) and with a choice of colours for the Italian leather upholstery. All of that stands on slim chrome legs.

A very stylish design and a tribute to the enduring appeal of Robin Day. It sells from £1,100 for the armchair or £1,650 for the sofa. If you happen to be in the Manchester area, here's a tip – you might find them heavily discounted at the Habitat clearance store there.

Find out more at the Habitat website