Eric Merthen for Ire Möbler

ERIC MERTHEN (Sweden, active in the 1960s) for Ire Möbler.
“Tornado” Sofa, c. 1960.
Oak frame, leather straps, and wool upholstery.
It retains its original upholstery.
Measurements: 194 x 70 x 60 cm.
The “Tornado” (or “Tornado 67”) sofa, designed by Swedish designer Eric Merthen for IRE Möbler during the 1960s, is a representative piece of mid-20th-century Scandinavian design. Its oak frame, with clean lines and balanced proportions, highlights the importance placed on natural materials and quality craftsmanship, while the orange upholstery adds a pop of color that reflects the innovative spirit of the era’s design. Conceived according to the principles of Nordic functionalism, the Tornado model combines comfort and simplicity in a truly timeless design. The careful integration of the exposed wooden frame and the generous upholstered cushions makes this piece a standout example of Scandinavian furniture, where functionality and formal beauty come together to create a design that remains highly valued today.
Eric Merthen was a designer active primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, known for his collaboration with the firm Ire Möbler, one of the most prestigious manufacturers of postwar Scandinavian design. Although little is known about his personal life, his furniture gained widespread recognition for combining Swedish craftsmanship traditions with a modern aesthetic, characterized by the use of high-quality materials such as solid wood and leather. His designs stand out for their clean lines, lightweight structures, and meticulous attention to ergonomics and comfort. Among his best-known creations are the Amiral armchair and the Tornado sofa. Merthen’s work reflects the principles of mid-20th-century Scandinavian design: functionality, durability, and a close relationship with natural materials. Although his name is less well-known than that of other Swedish designers of the era, his pieces are highly prized today in the vintage furniture market and stand as a prominent example of modern Nordic furniture.