Audo Copenhagen The Seal Ottoman

The Audo Copenhagen Seal Ottoman was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1952 specifically to complement The Seal Chair, and it carries the same organic design philosophy and attention to detail that made the chair such a standout piece of mid-century modern furniture. Named after Sälen, the Swedish ski resort (not the animal, despite what many assume), this ottoman echoes the floating aesthetic and elegant proportions of its companion chair while functioning perfectly well as a standalone footrest or extra seating. What's appealing about the ottoman is how it maintains visual continuity with The Seal Chair through its materials and construction approach without just being a miniaturized version - Kofod-Larsen gave it its own proportions and presence. The dimensions at 29.5 inches wide, 17.7 inches deep, and 15.7 inches high create this ideal footrest height that works whether you're using it with either the low or high back version of The Seal Chair, positioning your legs at a natural angle that encourages actual relaxation rather than that awkward perching feeling you get with poorly proportioned ottomans.

The construction quality reflects the same meticulous craftsmanship Kofod-Larsen brought to all his furniture pieces. Inside there's plywood, foam, felt, quilt foam, and pocket springs layered together to create supportive comfort that holds up through years of daily use - feet resting on it, occasionally sitting on it, moving it around the room as needed. The frame comes in either solid oak or walnut with hand-oiled finishes that protect the wood while showcasing the natural grain character. Upholstery options include Re-Wool fabric or Dakar aniline leather, both offering different aesthetic and practical benefits depending on your preferences and how you plan to use it. At roughly 33 pounds, the ottoman has enough weight to stay put when you're adjusting your position but remains light enough to move easily between rooms or reposition when rearranging furniture. The construction uses plastic, steel, solid beech, plywood, and rubber strategically placed to create stability without unnecessary bulk, which is part of how Kofod-Larsen achieved that characteristic lightness in his designs despite using substantial materials.

Audo Copenhagen brings The Seal Ottoman back into production as part of their broader commitment to honoring Ib Kofod-Larsen's legacy and the golden age of Danish Modern design. Kofod-Larsen was somewhat underappreciated during his career, working in the shadows of contemporaries like Wegner and Jacobsen partly because he 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 focused on how furniture actually felt rather than just its visual impact or trend alignment. He obsessed over material selection - particularly his preference for teak, palisander, and quality leather - always ensuring his furniture felt good to touch and use. Audo Copenhagen maintains those same construction standards and thoughtful material selections that made Kofod-Larsen's work special, ensuring The Seal Ottoman delivers the same comfort and organic elegance today that made it the perfect companion piece to The Seal Chair when it first appeared in 1952.