_{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?

/en-nz/-/media/stresslesssite/magasin/designed-to-last/torevenin_stressless_960x960.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=912&ch=912&hash=D2A2C786C6AF1DF543A78C20C88FDCF5

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.

/en-nz/-/media/stresslesssite/magasin/designed-to-last/ma_stresslessoriginalwfootstool_960x960.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=912&ch=912&hash=B97599B7AF12755F9F2820D726D6D1F8

Tell us about the chairs journey. Did you make any changes to the original design and how do you care for it?

/en-nz/-/media/stresslesssite/magasin/designed-to-last/ma_stresslessoriginaldetail_960x960.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=912&ch=912&hash=099579388011E296E82E1F580E515CEE

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.

/en-nz/-/media/stresslesssite/magasin/designed-to-last/ma_toreven_in_stressless_960x960.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=912&ch=912&hash=A7F2E9D92649244A6B1AB21F5CDF37FF

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.

Discover our commitment to sustainability and the choices behind every Stressless design.

Learn more

For information on how to best take care of your Stressless^® furniture.

Click here

See our latest range of iconic recliners.

Click here

_{Magazine arcticles}

These might also interest you

Our Passion for Pure Quality

At Stressless^® we pride ourselves on craftsmanship and quality materials. With a commitment to first rate design that has been honed over five decades and passed through generations.

Read the article

The art of winter

The turn of the calendar often arrives with the promise of a pause. An opportunity to rest, reflect and a chance to begin anew.

Read the article

Designing for the body

What makes a comfortable seat? We certainly know. Ekornes literally shaped the furniture world when the company developed the first Stressless^® recliner, an iconic design that still retains every bit of its original desirability today.

Read the article

The Pleasures and Benefits of resting to recharge your mind

In today’s fast-paced society, where many of us are constantly on the go, and feel the cumulative toll of constant alerts vying for attention, psychologist Tomas Myklebust offers a refreshing reminder: rest is not an indulgence—it’s a necessity.

Read the article

SewYeah

If there ever was an ideal time to slow down and catch one’s breath, it’s now. As the days draw in and outside temperatures drop, it’s time to align ourselves with the seasons and live as nature intended, relishing time spent indoors.

Read the article

Where Comfort Meets Captivating Beauty

Travelling through the Norwegian fjords is an adventure filled with breathtaking sights – from dramatic cliffs and serene waters to quaint coastal villages.

Read the article

Unity through diversity and inclusion

To learn more about the diverse and inclusive work culture we cultivate, we share some heartwarming stories and impactful initiatives that make Stressless a beacon of unity.

Read the article