Audo Copenhagen The Seal Lounge Chair - Low Back

The Audo Copenhagen Seal Lounge Chair Low Back stands as one of Ib Kofod-Larsen's most recognized designs, originally created in the mid-1950s for Swedish furniture company Olof Persons Fåtöljindustri who specifically commissioned him to develop a commercially successful chair. Originally named Sälen after the Swedish ski resort, this chair achieved exactly what they hoped for and then some - becoming one of those pieces that feels both distinctly mid-century and somehow contemporary at the same time. What makes the low back version particularly appealing is how the angled frame creates this inviting posture without the full commitment of a high-backed chair, giving you comfort and support while maintaining an open, approachable presence in the room. The flipper-like armrests provide this natural resting place for your elbows that encourages you to settle in and actually relax rather than perch. Despite being constructed from heavy materials like solid beech, plywood, and steel, there's this remarkable lightness to the design where the upholstered shell appears to float inside the wooden frame - it's an optical trick that Kofod-Larsen pulled off through careful proportion and his exceptional understanding of how wood and raw materials behave.

The construction quality reflects Kofod-Larsen's artisan approach where he involved himself in every production step rather than just handing off drawings to manufacturers. Inside the shell, layers of foam, felt, quilt foam, and pocket springs work together to create seating comfort that supports your body without feeling overly firm or that sinky softness that loses shape after regular use. The seat height at 15.7 inches works well for most people, positioned low enough to feel relaxed but not so low that getting up becomes an effort. At 34.4 inches wide, 30.3 inches deep, and 28.7 inches high, the low back version fits into spaces where a high-backed chair might feel too imposing, making it versatile for living rooms, bedrooms, or even larger home offices where you want comfortable seating without blocking sight lines. You can choose between natural oak or walnut for the frame, both with finishes that protect the wood while showcasing the grain character. Upholstery options include Re-Wool and Dakar leather, with the leather developing that beautiful patina over years where the chair actually improves with age rather than just showing wear. The Seal is often described as the big brother to the Elizabeth Chair with similar construction philosophy but different proportions and that distinctive floating shell aesthetic.

Audo Copenhagen brings The Seal back into production as part of their commitment to honoring significant Danish Modern designs that deserve continued recognition. Ib Kofod-Larsen represents one of those designers who flew somewhat under the radar compared to contemporaries like Wegner and Jacobsen, partly because he focused heavily on international markets and saw himself as an artisan rather than promoting himself as a design celebrity. His work had this sophisticated, organic quality with purist attention to detail that really holds up decades later. He obsessed over materials - particularly teak, palisander, and leather - always focusing on how furniture actually felt to touch and sit in rather than just its visual impact. His chairs like The Penguin, The Seal, and the Elizabeth Lounge Chair all prioritized the person who would be using them daily, which is why they remain so comfortable and relevant today. Audo Copenhagen maintains those same construction standards and material quality that made Kofod-Larsen's work special, ensuring The Seal Lounge Chair Low Back delivers the same thoughtful blend of elegance and comfort that made it a commercial success when it first appeared in the 1950s.