Dezeen Magazine

Normann Copenhagen responds to small sofa trend with Era by Simon Legald

Danish designer Simon Legald has added a two-seater sofa to his Era lounge collection for Normann Copenhagen, responding to market demand for smaller sofas (+ slideshow).

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

City dwellers are increasingly living in more confined spaces, bringing small sofas back into favour after several years of larger sofas dominating the market.

Also this year, Silje Nesdal presented a sofa bed designed for tight spaces, while Gunilla Allard launched a "petite" sofa for Lammhults in 2014.

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

"Factors such as flexibility and less space mean that people are looking for furniture that takes up less space, so that it can be moved around within the rooms creating new functions for the space," said Legald.

Legald's Era sofa is an elongated version of the armchair from the collection, with the same rounded seat, arms and back perched on slim legs. The design references the Functionalist movement of the 1930s and 1940s.

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

"It took a long time to get the proportions and the interplay between the soft curves and the tight lines of the shell completely right," Legald told Dezeen.

"It was crucial that the upholstery and the stitching was carried out with the utmost artisanal precision."

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

"One nice detail, for example, is that we did not use canvas, but instead upholstered the sofa with textile across the entire shell," he said. "For the seat cushion, we used custom-cut foam, so that it sits perfectly inside the seat."

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

Produced by Danish furniture brand Normann Copenhagen, the sofa is available with a frame in oak, walnut, black lacquered steel or chrome, with a rocking frame option in chrome.


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The body of the sofa is made of polyurethane foam upholstered in a choice of three woollen textiles in a variety of hues, or leather in one of 21 colours.

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

"The diversity in the collection was important for me, which is why steel legs, wooden legs, rocking legs, high or low back and sofa were all designed together," said Legald, who has also produced a seating range based on historical chairs for the brand.

"The many different fabrics and leathers also provide numerous possibilities so the design can fit in every environment."

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

The original collection was created as a tribute to Danish design history – the name came from the intention that the furniture would be passed from one generation to the next.

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

"The Era series' DNA is clearly evident in the sofa's soft curves and sleek lines, which express a sophisticated calm that invites the sitter to pure and unreserved relaxation," said a statement from Normann Copenhagen.

"The series combines modern manufacturing methods with traditional furniture craftsmanship in a timeless and characterful design."

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

The Era range was presented at the 2015 Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan in April.

Era Sofa by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen

Legald has worked with Normann Copenhagen for several years, designing a range of products that includes a set of stackable melamine trays, a collection of simplified wine accessories and a family of candleholders.