How do you make a folding chair that feels genuinely luxurious? Legendary German designer Ricard Sapper created a high-end armchair that folds down so flat it can literally be hung on a wall like a piece of art. That’s one way to do it. The industrial designer introduced the Nena chair in 1984, offering the world a folding yet luxurious armchair. Now, luxury brand B&B Italia has officially brought this forgotten masterpiece back into production.
The brilliance of the Nena armchair lies in its clever mechanical engineering. Built around a lightweight yet incredibly sturdy structural aluminum frame, the chair features a patented scissor-like folding mechanism.
When open, it stands as a commanding, highly comfortable lounge chair complete with supportive armrests. But with a single swift motion, the chair collapses entirely flat. Sapper uniquely integrated a small hook into the top of the frame design, deliberately intending for users to suspend the folded chair from the wall, turning storage into a bold visual statement.
For the modern reissue, B&B Italia has carefully preserved Sapper’s iconic silhouette while introducing contemporary comfort and materials. The chair features upgraded, premium leather or technical fabric cushions that maintain a sleek profile without compromising on the soft, ergonomic support required for an evening of relaxation.
By reviving the Nena armchair, B&B Italia celebrates Sapper’s legacy of functional innovation. The seats use multi-layered wood panels for the back and the seat while offering a sophisticated solution for modern, space-conscious homes.
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With the reissue of the Nena armchair, folding chairs are no longer just temporary, flimsy objects meant to be hidden away in a closet. They have become relevant and influential, taking up space in every room.
Condensing into a compact and mobile form, the chair speaks of technical innovation paired with precise construction for everyday use. The Nena armchair reissue gives Sapper’s design a touch of modernity and vibrancy while blending space-saving utility with high-end Italian luxury.
Via: archiproducts
