Arflex
In 1947 Carlo Barassi, engineer of Pirelli, together with Renato Teani, in the financial dpt. of Pirelli, Pio Reggiani and Aldo Bai, founded the company Ar-flex (“flexible furniture”), which became later arflex. They worked together with a young architect, Marzo Zanuso, and began to experiment the use of foam rubber and elastic tapes for the furniture market.
In history and life of a company, there are events and moments of special meaning, which are awards for merit acknowledged by everybody. Those first memorable moments in the history of arflex coincide with the company’s creation, in modest premises in Milan, in Corso di Porta Vittoria. It was there that the first manufacturing and sales team was formed, but arflex company was presented to the public for the first time only in 1951, at the IX Triennale in Milan, after two years of experimentations. This early contact with a wider audience in the context of an avant-garde artistic event is intensely significant in the company’s history, because this experimental interest, if not separated from commercial purposes, shows the will of creating high technological and esthetical level products, based on deep research and experimentation. The Golden Medal at the IX Triennale assigned to Lady armchair, was above all recognition of arflex manufacturing philosophy.
Arflex products are present in the collections of the most important museums in the world such as the MoMa in New York, The Chicago Athenaeum, the Milan Triennale, the Tokyo Triennale museum and the contemporary furniture museum in Ravenna.
Questions about Arflex
Where can I buy Arflex furniture in Los Angeles?
Arflex is available exclusively at Niche Beverly, located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. We carry a curated selection of Arflex's luxury Italian furniture collections in our showroom, where you can experience the brand's iconic designs, exceptional upholstery, and decades of design history in person. Visit us by appointment or walk in during showroom hours.
What types of furniture does Arflex make?
Arflex offers a comprehensive range of luxury Italian furniture including sofas, armchairs, chairs, dining tables, beds, bookcases, storage units, complements, and outdoor collections. From the iconic Strips bed and Hug armchair to the award-winning Cloud outdoor collection, every piece reflects Arflex's enduring commitment to innovative materials, refined craftsmanship, and timeless contemporary design.
What is the story behind Arflex and what makes it so significant in Italian design?
Founded in Milan in 1947 by a team of Pirelli engineers, Arflex — whose name means "flexible furniture" in Italian — pioneered the use of foam rubber and elastic tape in furniture production, fundamentally transforming modern interior design. The brand's very first piece, the Lady Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso, won the gold medal at Milan's IX Triennale in 1951 and is today part of MoMA's permanent collection in New York. Over the following decades Arflex collaborated with legends of Italian and international design including Cini Boeri, Franco Albini, Carlo Colombo, Jean Nouvel, and Claesson Koivisto Rune — cementing its place as one of the most historically significant names in luxury Italian furniture.
Can I customize Arflex furniture — fabric, finish, or configuration?
Yes. Many Arflex collections offer extensive customization options including fabric and leather selections, finishes, and modular configurations tailored to your space. At Niche Beverly, our team can guide you through all available options across Arflex's indoor and outdoor collections to help you create a personalized interior that reflects your individual aesthetic. Contact us with your project details to get started.
How do I get pricing for Arflex luxury furniture?
Arflex furniture is priced by collection and configuration, and customization options may affect the final investment. We provide personalized quotes based on your selections and project scope. Reach out to Niche Beverly by phone or email, or visit the showroom — our team will prepare a detailed quote tailored to your needs.
Does Niche Beverly work with interior designers on Arflex projects?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with interior designers, architects, and FF&E consultants on luxury residential and hospitality projects throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Southern California. We offer trade pricing and can source complete furniture packages from Arflex's full collection range — from living and dining spaces to bedrooms, outdoor areas, and bespoke contract installations.
What is the lead time for Arflex furniture orders?
As all Arflex pieces are crafted to order in Italy with a strong focus on quality and customization, lead times vary depending on the collection and selected finishes. Standard configurations typically ship within a few weeks, while custom upholstery or finish orders may require additional production time. Contact Niche Beverly for current lead time estimates on specific Arflex pieces or collections.