Designing for the body
Published: 11.12.2025
Images: Fredrikke Schrøder
People: Arve Ekornes, Mariana Sousa - Head of Design, Sindre Selvig - Stressless project Engineer
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. Now having honed and developed our craft over the past 50 years, we continue to produce Stressless® furniture that utilizes scientific research around the human body, setting a new standard of comfort with our innovative and luxurious designs.
As the furniture world evolves, so too does the commitment that Stressless® dedicates to ergonomic design and unrivalled comfort. Our dedication to research and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the brand and is what continues to motivate us today. This, combined with a quest for a more sustainable product and production is what makes a Stressless® chair so unique.
An elevated experience with the Plus-system
Stressless® started out with conversations. Enthusiastic debates between designers, engineers and product designers about what makes a truly comfortable chair. We have always believed furniture design to be important and have always aspired to the highest standards. The development of the Plus – system in the early 90s, for example, significantly enhanced the sitting experience and was created at a time when the market was shifting towards more affordable chairs. We were determined to continue to focus on function and comfort and despite facing considerable resistance during development, we created the Plus - system, which was entirely unique and ultimately elevated Stressless® comfort to a new level.
This commitment to comfort and research into how people use our furniture, alongside what we now know about the body’s need for movement whilst seated, has enabled us to produce the world's best recliner, delivering instant comfort, freedom of movement, pressure relief and body support.
However, for a product to be desirable and hold longevity in the market it must also deliver on aesthetic design. The customers must like what they see, and the product needs to fit seamlessly into their home. That is why designers have such a crucial role, and Ekornes have always had talented designers who have contributed significantly to the development of Stressless® furniture.
However, for a product to be desirable and hold longevity in the market it must also deliver on aesthetic design. The customers must like what they see, and the product needs to fit seamlessly into their home. That is why designers have such a crucial role, and Ekornes have always had talented designers who have contributed significantly to the development of Stressless® furniture.
- The goal is always to make the next chair better than the last. We know what Stressless® is and what it should represent, and we always strive to improve design, function, and comfort - as well as achieving greater quality and a product that is more environmentally sustainable, Sousa adds.
- Looking at innovation allows Stressless® to evolve in the future.
- Looking at innovation allows Stressless® to evolve in the future.
Magazine arcticles
These might also interest you
The Magazine
To make the world's best recliners, we build upon decades of material knowledge, generations of craftmanship and Nordic design. On the way, we have attracted creative people with new ideas and perspectives. When these forces meet, interesting stories arise. You only get to see our finished products. With the magazine, we would like to change that.
Designing for the body
What makes a comfortable seat? Ekornes certainly know. They literally shaped the furniture world when they 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
How we make furniture that lasts
We believe that tangible change comes from the daily practises we commit to consistently.
The great Norwegian furniture rush
A Norwegian saying claims that you can create gold from stone. One proof of this is the booming furniture village of Sykkylven.
Read the article
A desire for something real
The new Stressless® colour palette reflects our need for reconnecting with the natural world.
Read the article
Feel free to feel blue
Bring the magical hour inside, and immerse yourself in its soothing colours for as long as you desire.
Read the article
Set the table for an unforgettable evening
The stylist's best tips for decorating your party table are surprisingly simple.
Meet Birgitta Roald.
Learn more
Meet Birgitta Roald.
A timeless classic in a new outfit
Stressless® Reno never goes out of style, and truly shines in this new attire.
Find out more
Boost your mood with warm colors
Feeling a bit chilly, both inside and out? Warm up with earthy colors!
Meet Janne Muri, Project Manager CMF
Taking motorized sofas to new heights
The new and innovative Stressless® Anna sofa is lighter and more powerful – and the result of jumping at the opportunity.
Meet Product Manager Rikke Wold
Classic comfort meets modern design
Named after the city that epitomizes the blend of tradition and innovation, the brand new Stressless® Berlin recliner has already made heads turn.
Retailers in Central Europe rush to place their orders.
Where work meets nature
Imagine going straight to the mountains after work, sleeping under the open sky and skiing back down at sunrise. That is the reality of some of our nature-loving employees.
Meet two enthustiastic employees.
Supporting the joy of gardening
We are as passionate about nature as we are about our beautiful furniture, so it comes naturally that we are keen to support the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the wonderful work they do in the UK.
Read about the event
Colours to embrace and uplift 2023
Across all sectors and markets, consumers will be yearning for colour that brings calm and joy.
Here are the key colours for 2023.
Looking into the crystal ball of colours
When you invest in quality furniture, you probably want to make sure the colour doesn’t go out of style in a few years.
– Every year, Janne and Berit have to predict the future. How do they do it?
Curves are in our nature
For decades, scientists have been intrigued by the fact that humans seem to have an aesthetic preference for curves over straight lines.
Read the article
Why is this? Is it a learnt preference, or is it evolution?
The future looks wooly
Wool is a natural material that is durable and long-lasting, which makes it a great choice for furniture upholstery.
When we went searching for a partner to deliver the finest wool fabrics available, we didn’t have to travel far.
The importance of me-time
Taking breaks during the day is essential for maintaining your physical and mental health.
We asked a psychiatrist for her best advice on winding down.
Like a warm embrace
The Stressless® Reno has been among the company’s top sellers for close to three decades.
What’s the secret behind its success?