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Designed to Last:

Stressless®Original Through Generations

Published: 08.04.2026
Images: Ekornes AS
People: Tor Even
With a little helping hand, a Stressless® chair will last decades. Our relentless focus on comfort and longevity, combined with our commitment to local, traditional craftsmanship, results in a chair of incomparable quality to others on the market. Investing in a Stressless chair is an investment in design, a timeless piece of furniture that can be handed down through generations.

In 1982, a Stressless® Original was purchased by Tor Even’s grandparents. Today, over forty years later this chair now lives in their grandson, Tor Even’s apartment in Oslo. Here he shares the journey of this iconic piece of furniture and reveals how it has stood the test of time.

How and when did the Stressless® Original first come into your life?
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The chair originally belonged to my grandparents and was in their house for as long as I can remember. After they passed away it wasn’t being used anymore, so when I got my first apartment in 2010, I asked my family if it was ok if I could bring the chair with me to Oslo. They said yes, so it now sits in the living room of my home.
What do you use the chair for and how do you best like to spend time in it?

I have it in my living room and typically use it mostly for watching television. But I also use it to read in. Or if I have friends over, I’ll sit in it to have a drink and spend time with them. It depends on the situation, but really it’s a chair that I enjoy sitting in and ultimately is used for relaxing in.
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Tell us about the chairs journey. Did you make any changes to the original design and how do you care for it?
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When my grandparents owned it, it was originally in a green colour. When I got, it was around 30 years old so it needed some care. There are some craftsmen in Sykkylven who know how to reupholster these chairs and so I got in touch with them and had it shipped there to be upholstered in a black leather. They returned it to Oslo good as new.

Ekornes are forthcoming in how to maintain and take care of these chairs, so with that luxury, I’ve gained some insights into how to keep it looking its best. I actually have a box of Stressless®Leather Care Kit that I use every six months to keep it fresh and clean. It ensures that the leather looks really good.
Where do you see the chair in ten years’ time? Have you thought about its future?

Honestly, I think this chair will always be with me. I don’t see it not being in my living room in the future. It’s a classic chair, with a timeless design that I really like and it’s comfortable to spend time in. If I don’t live here in 10 years’ time, I’m sure it will be with me in a living room or library or a common room at any rate where it can be best enjoyed.
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In the 1980’s Stressless® produced a number of Stressless® Original chairs. The quality of the build and attention to detail within the design means that these chairs can still be enjoyed today.

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Discover our commitment to sustainability and the choices behind every Stressless design.
Learn more
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For information on how to best take care of your Stressless® furniture.
Click here
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See our latest range of iconic recliners.
Click here
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