Soriana Sofa by Cassina, a Vintage Love Story of an old time classic design by Afra and Tobia Scarpa

The last few years of interior design have been heavily influenced by the Italian Mid Century. With the re-editioning of products from the past century's top Italian designers, it's no wonder that this style has been so pervasive. Famous interior designers and celebrities have been decorating their living rooms with pieces from the 1970s period, and private customers have been drawn to the timeless and versatile designs offered by these pieces. Whether it's the leather couches, the wood-paneled walls, or the sleek marble surfaces, the Italian Mid Century style has been a major player in the interior design space for the last few years and shows no sign of slowing down.

For those of us who have been lucky enough to own a piece of furniture from the 1970s, the Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa is one of the most cherished items. Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and manufactured by Cassina, this simple yet particular design has been admired for decades.

We have personally owned the Soriana sofa for years and understand the potential of this sofa to create a unique and timeless look. Throughout the years, we have cherished every moment of every Soriana we have bought and sold. We have taken the time to pick the finest leathers and follow the re-upholstery process. This is a piece of furniture that stands out from the rest and has been enjoyed for many years. It will continue to be cherished for many more to come.

For years, one sofa has held a special place in my heart - my first Soriana sofa, which still sits in my living room. It was only natural, then, that I began to search for old Soriana sofas to bring back to life. It was a labor of love that took me on many journeys. I spent months searching for the perfect cognac leather, one that was closest in color to the leather used in the original sofas. I even made night trips to ensure that I arrived in time for an inspection and could take the piece home the same day.

My adventure was never-ending, as I continued to search for the perfect Soriana sofa!

This stunning, large, genuine vintage Soriana Sofa has been reupholstered with a luxe Italian 100% cotton velvet in a vibrant burnt orange hue. It will look amazing with any type of wood, light carpets, and light or dark stones, and will complement plants and wood furniture pieces in your home.

The Soriana Sofa was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969 and won the Compasso D'Oro award, a very famous design award that originated in Italy in 1954 promoted by La Rinascente company, from an original idea of Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli. The same year other great Italian architects were recognized for their designs such as Franco Albini and Achille Castiglioni. The Soriana sofa has been a revolutionary and unique design for the past 50 years. Its design features a metal frame encapsulating a bundle of fabric, making it a preferred choice for some of the biggest designers and architects, both in their own homes and in their projects. Fifty years ago, the Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa made its debut, featuring a lounge chair, medium sofa, larger version sofa, and chaise lounge with ottoman. Although the sofa is no longer in production, its rare pieces can still be found in private estates and auction houses.

A vintage soriana sofa design Tobia Scarpa

Newly arrived, a vintage Soriana sofa in the largest version newly upholstered

A closer look at our latest Soriana Sofa arrival

Our latest arrival is this large Soriana with three front metal clamps. The sofa has been newly upholstered in a 100% cotton velvet in this particular burnt orange color. The color is very suitable for different decors, it perfectly sits on light or darker wooden floors or pop up without being too overwhelming over light rugs, as pictured. This Soriana sofa has original labels at bottom and was part of a set made of the sofa and lounge chair with ottoman which have been sold already. This soriana Sofa is now available. Please contact our offices to check availability following the publication of this article.

Soriana sofa detailed view design Afra Tobia Scarpa Cassina

A warm and lively color for this Tobia Scarpa Soriana, brilliant velvet under sunlight detail.

These close up images really show the wonderful nature of the Tobia Scarpa idea when designing the sofa, a round cozy and plush lounge seating product held together by three metal clamps at front and back. And suddenly this was the ‘it’ product, and there is nothing like the vintage ones for sure!

Cassina Soriana Sofa detail of structure in metal

The original metal structure shows a light patina consistent with age and time.

And at the end, the Soriana landed in our gallery ! Sometimes is a long process but the story definitely ends up with a happy ending.

Do you want to purchase this incredible piece of design? Contact our office at 212 366 1777 or by email at contact@designitalia.com and inquire about availability.  Designitalia Mid Century Modern imports authentic Italian Mid Century Furniture directly from Italy. You will find a unique collection of Mid Century Modern Sofas, mid century lounge chairs and dining chairs, accessories and much more.