Ingmar Relling

Ingmar Relling 1920–2002

Ingmar Relling was born in 1920 in Sykkylven on Norway’s west coast. After an apprenticeship as a carpenter, he began studying at the National Academy of Craft and Art Industry in Oslo, where he was influenced by the renowned architect Arne Korsmo. In 1947, Relling graduated and began his career as an interior architect at Rastad & Relling, the design studio co-run by his brother Adolf. Three years later, he returned to his hometown of Sykkylven and started his own practice. There, he worked closely with several Norwegian furniture manufacturers, including Vestlandske Møbelfabrikk.

From early on, Relling demonstrated a unique combination of functionality and innovation. One example is the foldable Nordic chair from 1954, where the idea of a compact and practical piece of furniture met the Nordic tradition of simple and well-balanced design. During the 1950s and '60s, he developed a number of models that combined ergonomics with industrial production—an approach that would define his entire design philosophy.

Siesta – an international breakthrough

Relling’s most famous work is the Siesta lounge chair from 1965, created in collaboration with his son Knut Relling. With a gently curved wooden frame and a suspended seat in fabric or leather, the chair combined comfort, simplicity, and a distinctive design language. Siesta won first prize in a national design competition that same year and marked the beginning of Relling’s international recognition.

The chair quickly became a commercial success and was produced by Westnofa for the global market. Several pieces were even purchased for the White House during President Jimmy Carter’s term. Today, Siesta is still manufactured by the Norwegian company L.K. Hjelle and is featured in several international museum collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the National Museum in Oslo.

In addition to Siesta, Relling developed other notable models in the 1970s, such as the Rest chair and the Tema armchair, combining the influence of Siesta with materials like flat steel and thick leather.

Legacy

Ingmar Relling received several prestigious awards during his career, including the Jacob Prize in 1978 and the King’s Medal of Merit in 1999. His work is defined by a strong emphasis on ergonomics, durability, and restrained design in which every detail serves a clear function.

Relling’s furniture remains a cornerstone of Norwegian design history and continues to serve as a reference point in contemporary Nordic design. Through his ability to blend functionalism with timeless aesthetics, he created furniture that retains its relevance long after its creation.