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Innovating since 1934

In 1934, Jens Ellingsen Ekornes founded a furniture company. Soon thereafter, the J. E. Ekornes Fjærfabrikk (Spring Factory) – which had just three employees and used machines made in Germany – found its first customers and began successfully selling springs for furniture and mattresses throughout Norway.

50 years of forward thinking

In 1934, the company developed several types of springs for beds and furniture. Jens also drew inspiration from abroad and began increasing capacity by introducing more machines. After a trip to the US in 1946, he bought American machinery for the production of spring mattresses.

Stressless production from 1960

This kind of forward thinking paved the way for development of a new type of recliner. Stressless® was created on the principles of industrial production to ensure an unprecedented level of precision, supplemented by human experience, insight and craftsmanship

A new way of living

1970s

In 1971, Stressless® was launched. The revolutionary recliner became the first real TV chair for modern society. You could lean back and rest, watch TV in comfort or turn around to face the coffee table in one smooth movement. The patented Glide™-system attracted a great deal of attention and is still a unique feature.

1980s

The philosophy behind Stressless® quickly gained a foothold. Comfort was in high demand, and at the same time as Stressless® recliner no. 500,000 completed production, export sales pushed past NOK 100 million. The company’s success in the export market was recognised in 1983 when Ekornes was awarded the Norwegian Export Prize.

1990s

Stressless® consolidated its position. The Plus™-system was introduced, with automatic adjustment of the headrest and lumbar support. The Stressless® sofa was launched and Ekornes began producing each design in two or three sizes to ensure maximum comfort regardless of the user’s physique.

2000s

The Ekornes factory was extended by 30,000 sqm in order to meet increased demand. The factory became one of the most modern furniture factories in the world. 2004 saw the introduction of the redesigned Stressless® logo and throughout the decade, product lines and variants were continuously expanded and refined

2010s

Ekornes introduced several new concepts of motion furniture. Stressless® Dining, an innovative collection of tables and chairs, was launched and soon conquered dining in total in complete comfort. Another milestone, Stressless® achieved 10 million seats sold and opened its first brand store on Tottenham Court Road, London. At the end of the decade, the first Stressless® furniture with Power™ was launched.

2020s

The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) named Ekornes 'Exporter of the Year 2020'. In 2021, Stressless® marked 50 years of reducing stress all around the world. Ekornes celebrated with the global Stressless® community and continued preparing for a sustainable future with a production process based on natural materials and renewable energy
The original TV chair

50 years of comfort

In 1971, TV played an increasingly important role in the home, providing entertainment and news. It was an ideal time to launch the first Stressless® recliner, which introduced features during a time where we were spending more and more time sat down. The Stressless® recliner offered technologies like no other, and the continuous introduction of new features has helped to drive development and comfort ever since.

Discover patented features

About Us

we are Stressless®

Craftsmanship

50 years of expertise

Norwegian design

inspired by the fjords and their surroundings

Stressless® history

innovating comfort since 1971

Sustainability

caring for our planet