Audo Copenhagen The Seal Lounge Chair - High Back

The Audo Copenhagen Seal Lounge Chair High Back takes Ib Kofod-Larsen's acclaimed 1950s design and extends it upward, creating this enveloping presence perfect for full head and neck support while lounging. Originally commissioned by Swedish furniture company Olof Persons Fåtöljindustri and named Sälen after the Swedish ski resort, this high back version delivers everything that made the original Seal famous - the floating shell aesthetic, flipper-like armrests, angled frame - but adds extended support ideal for longer reading sessions or those moments when you want to completely sink into a chair. What's clever is how Kofod-Larsen designed the high back to maintain that organic elegance and visual lightness despite the additional height. The extended backrest wraps around your shoulders and head in this embracing way that creates a semi-private cocoon effect, useful for reading in busy households or when you want that sense of being held by the furniture.

The construction mirrors the low back version but with additional engineering to support the taller profile without compromising stability. At 34.4 inches wide, 32.2 inches deep, and 36.2 inches high, the high back commands more visual presence while the seat height remains at a comfortable 15.7 inches. Inside, the same thoughtful layering of foam, felt, quilt foam, and pocket springs creates comfort that lasts through years of daily use. Frame options in natural oak or walnut showcase the wood grain beautifully while oil finishes protect against daily wear. Upholstery choices include premium Dakar leather that develops character over time, or textile options offering different textures depending on your lifestyle. The high back makes this version particularly suited for bedrooms, libraries, or reading corners where you want full-body support and a slightly more enclosed feeling. Despite substantial construction using solid beech, plywood, and steel, the shell still appears to float within the wooden frame - Kofod-Larsen's optical trick that keeps the chair from feeling heavy even with extended back height.

Audo Copenhagen's reissue of The Seal Lounge Chair High Back demonstrates their commitment to bringing back significant Danish Modern pieces that balance historical importance with contemporary relevance. Ib Kofod-Larsen worked somewhat in the shadows of designers like Wegner and Jacobsen, but his sophisticated, organic approach and purist attention to detail created furniture that genuinely stands the test of time. He saw himself as an artisan deeply involved in every production phase, which meant his furniture prioritized how it actually felt to use over design trends. His exceptional understanding of materials - particularly teak, palisander, and quality leather - combined with focus on tactile quality makes his chairs still feel fresh decades later. Audo Copenhagen maintains the construction standards and material quality that made Kofod-Larsen's work special, ensuring The Seal Lounge Chair High Back delivers the same enveloping comfort and elegant presence that made it a standout when it first appeared in the mid-1950s.