While Norway comprises something of an unsung chapter in the history of Scandinavian modernism, an export company called Westnofa shouldn’t be overlooked. It represented a collective of the country’s leading manufacturers to promote and export their furniture worldwide. Westnofa was key to the success of Norway’s mid-century designers and furniture brands, and fostered the growth of entities that might otherwise be unknown to today’s design aficionados.
Norway’s furniture factories were largely destroyed during World War II, and while the country’s sophisticated works — designed in teak, pine and other prized woods — had earned a place in Scandinavian modernism, its output was overshadowed by big names such as Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen who’d earned icon status in Finland and Denmark, respectively. Westnofa, a name derived from “West Norway Factories,” took shape in the late 1950s in order to circumvent the limitations that the country’s furniture industry had faced in the areas of marketing and production. Some of the manufacturers connected to Westnofa were P.I. Langlo Møbelfabrikk, Ekornes, Stokke and Vestlandske.
Westnofa took great pains to devise the most cost-effective and efficient method of packing and shipping worldwide. Flat-pack assembly for lightweight shipping was the result. In neighboring Sweden during the late 1940s, DUX president and furniture designer Folke Ohlsson put the same idea into practice. Flat-pack assembly saved space in warehouses and money on transportation. It’s a breakthrough that survives today — namely at popular Swedish brand IKEA.
While it’s unclear if Westnofa also produced furniture in addition to exporting the goods of a group of manufacturers, some of the more well-known designers that are today mentioned alongside the company include Ingmar Relling, Torstein Nilsen and Jens Nielsen. Relling is best known for seating and his most famous piece associated with Westnofa is his high-backed Siesta chair, which features supple leather cushions atop a bentwood frame. Torstein Nilsen designed an elegant glass-topped bentwood dining table that is also commonly linked with Westnofa. Jens Nielsen created minimalist, sculptural lounge chairs in birch and plywood that are connected with the Westnofa name.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Westnofa seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This three-seater sofa was designed by Illum Wikkels. It has a linear and simple form supported by teak legs. The sloping back of the seat and the back part of the sofa are angled to...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian sofa in teak. Seats will be reupholtered with fabric of your choice between Step Melange fabric from Gabriel. ...
Teak
Sofa Probably Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa by unknown designer. Probably produced in Finland.
Wool, Mahogany
$5,825 / item
H 33.86 in W 137.8 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern 3 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime collection is influenced by Art Deco, born under the burst of bright colors and shades, mirroring the elegance and glamour of the 1920’s and aiming to be the inspiration of life. This collection is characterized by the use of brass, a noble and sophisticated material, and the lacquered surfaces, which provide the piece with the representative shine of Art Deco. Pieces with voluptuous lines, but nevertheless comfortable and cozy, are what define Art Deco, as well as our collection. The Sublime modular sofa offers all the space you need to welcome your family and friends. A very comfortable and elegant best-seller, with fabric upholstery that can be customised according to your needs. The perfect versatile addition to your living room. The Sublime sofa...
Textile, Wood
$6,115 / item
H 32.68 in W 94.49 in D 37.41 in
Minimalist style "Lina" sofa, upholstered fabric, natural wood sides
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alessandra Delgado is passionate about Lina Bo Bardi architectural work, including the project for the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo - MASP and its structural pillars that seems to hold the building itself in thin air. The use of fine woodwork...
Velvet, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Low Teak Upholstered Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek, low, Scandinavian modern, teak frame sofa features streamlined, chocolate brown tweed upholstery with rolled back cushion. The frame is minimal from the front and sides but fe...
Fabric, Teak
$5,440 / item
H 33.86 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Style 2 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime co...
Textile, Wood
Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa
Located in Dronten, NL
Classic compact Danish 1940s sofa in original dark grey/brown upholstery. One-off piece made in the high end old school way with straps and horsehair interior that is made to last fo...
Fabric, Wood
KK 5313 Sofa by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 5313 - 3-seater sofa in black Niger leather and legs in mahogany. Design 1935. Maker Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather
Hans Olsen Sofa Model 500 Produced by C/S Møbler
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model 500 designed by Hans Olsen. Produced by C/S Møbler in Denmark.
Brass
Rare Smilow Daybed Couch
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Wood frame, loose cushion seat and back. Well-crafted and well designed, the frame is in excellent condition, the cushions show significant wear and will need to be replaced. Rare fo...
Upholstery, Walnut
Scandinavian Mid Century Minerva Four Seat Sofa by Torjorn Afdal for Bruksbo
By Bruksbo, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Scandinavian Mid Century Modern leather and rosewood sofa, in very clean, original, ready to use condition. The sofa features rich leather loose fitting seat and back rests, with elegant sculptural rosewood arm rests. This piece is known as the Minerva sofa, it was designed by Torbjorn Afdal, crafted by Brukdsbo , made in Norway, circa 1960's. Rare extra long ( 94" ) four seat version, not often seen on the market, this is an iconic piece from the Golden Age of Scandinavian mid century furniture...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Mid Century Modern Sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkosen FD - 161
By Arne Vodder, France & Daverkosen
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, stylish and rare Mid Century Danish Modern sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkersen, model FD - 161 made in Denmark circa 1950's. This example is in very good, ...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Leather Box Sofa after Fredrik Kayser
Located in New York, NY
Chic leather and wood box sofa, made in Denmark circa 1960/70's, in the style of Fredrik Kayser. The sofa features thick, plush leather loose back and se...
Leather, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid Century Sectional Sofa att. to Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional two piece sectional, having two curved sections, with an even arm and seat back. This sofa can be set up together, or each piece can be placed separately if that works be...
Upholstery
