André Sornay Furniture
French, 1902-2000
Although he is among the least known of the like-minded French Art Deco furniture designers of his era, André Sornay introduced innovative fabrication techniques and a unique decorative style to his modernist seating, case pieces and other creations.
Sornay was born in Lyon in 1902, and graduated from École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Lyon in 1918. His career as a furniture designer began in 1919 when he was appointed head of his family’s furniture company after his father’s death.
In the early 1920s — inspired by the Bauhaus and De Stijl as well as his friends and fellow French avant-garde designers Francis Jourdain and Pierre Chareau — Sornay shifted the company’s focus from manufacturing period reproductions to creating contemporary designs.
Sornay’s work fused tradition with modernism. He preferred to work with metals, exotic woods such as mahogany and rosewood, rubber and Duco lacquer for a range of cabinets, desks, chairs and mirrors. Sornay’s pieces featured sleek brass drawer pulls and sharply geometric lines, and the distinctive mode that he worked in was known throughout Lyon as “Le Style Sornay.”
Sornay was also recognized for his inventive design methods that were not only decorative but functional. In 1932, he patented the cloudage technique — studding the perimeter of veneered furniture panels with uniform brass nails. Sornay integrated this technique into his wardrobes, side tables and the armchairs he designed, which were frequently defined by clean lines and sharp angles. In the early 1950s, he also patented a technique called the “Tigette,” which allowed for quick and easy assembly or disassembly of modular furniture — a forerunner to IKEA’s flat-packed furniture.
While Sornay isn’t as well known as other European modernists like Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, he attracted modest attention at exhibitions of the day, such as the 1923 Salon d’Automne and the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the design fair that brought the Art Deco style to the world. He was awarded the bronze medal at Paris’s Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne in 1937.
In the late 1950s, Sornay ceded control of his furniture design company to his children, remaining as an advisor until production ceased in 1999. He died the following year.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage André Sornay case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and tables.
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Creator: André Sornay
André Sornay sideboard
By Andre Sornay
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Really scarce sideboard by André Sornay with amazing construction and many details.
Very functionnal
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
André Sornay Mid-Century Modern French Cabinet, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cabinet designed by André Sornay.
Manufactured in France in 1950s.
In original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
The metal ba...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
1930s Modernist Wardrobe by André Sornay, Stamped and Documented
By Andre Sornay
Located in CA, CA
This masterful and exceptionally proportioned Modernist wardrobe by André Sornay shows why his stature as one of the most important designers ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Andre Sornay Oregon Pine, Glass and Copper Bar Cart, France, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Andre Sornay bar cart in darkened Oregon pine on steel and rubber casters, each tray has an inset glass piece protecting the wood for use. The sides have a discreet line of e...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Copper, Steel
Andre Sornay French Mid-Century Mahogany Veneer Faceted Front Highboy Chest
By Andre Sornay
Located in Queens, NY
"French Mid-Century highboy dresser / chest finished in mahogany veneer, containing 5 drawers, the topmost shallow, the lower four with faceted fronts containing sage green leather i...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of André Sornay Armchairs in Sapele Mahogany and Bouclé, France, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by André Sornay and produced by his workshop in Lyon in the early 1950s. High, angled backrest in sapele mahogany with upholstered cushions. ...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
André Sornay Cabinets in Mahogany
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, cabinet, mahogany, wood, metal, France, 1960s
Iconic midcentury cabinets by French designer Andre Sornay. With its geometric design and the combinat...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
André Sornay Secretaire, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Andre´ Sornay secretaire, circa 1930
Signed.
Restored.
Certificate of authenticity from Thierry Roche, French expert for Andre´ Sornay.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
1940s Oregon Pine Coat Rack with Pegs by André Sornay French Art Deco Modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
1940s Wall coat rack by French designer André Sornay. Structure in solid Oregon wood and veneer highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned underlining the sober and pur...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fabulous Andre Sornay Art Deco Canape, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay - Sofa
André Sornay (1902-2000) Lyonnais creator, who owes his celebrity to his modernist vision of furniture, including the use of nails on his achievements.
Asymmet...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Signed Andre Sornay Chest in Ribbon Mahogany and Brass
By Andre Sornay
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally polished and completely installation ready.
An...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Andre Sornay cabinet, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Storage unit by Andre Sornay in the sixties
Rare model
Beech structure and melamine panels
3 doors and 3 drawers
Some traces of time on the top and some lack of wood on the door
Nice...
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
Pair of Andre Sornay bridge chairs stained Oregon pine, ebonised wood
By Andre Sornay
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Pair of bridge chairs stained Oregon pine on the back side , lacquer olive green color wood, brass nail-heads and fabric upholstery, each underside stamped 'BREVETE SORNAY/FRANCE ETR...
Category
1930s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 8 Walnut & Leather Dining Chairs by André Sornay, France 1930s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
An exquisite set of eight dining chairs from the 1930s by notable french designer André Sornay, meticulously restored to their original splendor.
Made out of rich walnut, these pie...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by André Sornay, France, 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by André Sornay, France, 1950
Introducing a visually striking pair of vintage lounge chairs designed by the esteemed French furniture designer Andr...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
André Sornay Bookcase Art Deco, circa 1935
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay bookcase, circa 1935, satin varnich, with inclusion of brass nails.
André Sornay (1902-2000) French creator from Lyon, who owes his celebrity to his modernist vision of...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
rare André Sornay sideboard in Oregon pine and studded 40s art deco modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sideboard of the Lyon designer André Sornay dating from the 40s. Structure in veneered and solid Oregon pine, stained on the bottom of the base in black. The sideboard is composed of...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Console by André Sornay, circa 1955
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Desk or console by the cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon, André Sornay.
It is composed of an inverted U-shaped base mounted in straight tails on which rests a blue lacquered ash t...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Andre Sornay Wood Umbrella Stand
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Andre Sornay (1902-2000).
Umbrella and cane stand.
Wood, bronze tray.
France, 1930s.
Dimensions 18.5 x 9.5 x 23 H.
Reference: Thierry Roche, p...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of two Mahogany Chairs by Andre Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Set of two mahogany desk or dining chairs.
Category
1930s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Chair by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A chair designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s.
These elegant chair featur...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chairs by André Sornay, Lyon France
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of chairs designed by André Sornay, a renowned cabinetmaker from Lyon, showcasing the designer's ingenuity as a pioneer of kit furniture in the late 1950s.
These elegant chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare André Sornay French Wardrobes Armoires Art Deco Modernist 40s - F613
By Andre Sornay
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Armoire, bookcase from the 50's by the french designer André Sornay. Structure in solid mahogany and veneer highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned around the furniture (see photos). The large sliding door opens on a series of solid wood shelves...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
1930's French Wooden Buffet by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
An elegant collectible buffet from the 1930s, designed by french designer André Sornay, crafted with meticulous attention to quality, featuring a sturdy wooden frame, complemented by...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Marble
Set of Four Chairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare set of four chairs by the cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon André Sornay.
Solid pine uprights assembled by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, with anthracite...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Dressing Table with Large Mirror, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exceptional dressing table by André Sornay.
Restored
“Certificate of Authenticity” from Thierry Roche, French expert for André Sornay.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Set of Four Chairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare set of four chairs by the cabinetmaker and designer from Lyon André Sornay.
Solid pine uprights assembled by threaded rods, a system patented by Sornay himself, with anthracite...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Andre Sornay Armchairs, circa 1960, France
By Andre Sornay
Located in Girona, Spain
Pair of Andre Sornay armchairs.
This armchair will warm up your interior with the color of its wood, a perfect piece for a chalet-type interior...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
French Art Deco / Early Modern Cerused Oak Console by Andre Sornay, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Deco sleek, narrow profile double level console by Andre Sornay, France, circa 1930 in a faint green cerused oak. This is a sober, elegant, French Modern statement. The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Oak
Set of 2 Andre Sornay armchairs mahogany and velvet 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Pair of armchairs by Andre Sornay in the sixties
Structure in mahogany with cushions in foam covered by velvet fabric
Tigette system
some traces of time on the structure
Fabric is new
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Set of 2 Low chairs by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 low chairs designed by French cabinetmaker: Andre Sornay during the 60s in France
Structure with four feet in mahogany completed with white laminate panels (back)- connected...
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Mahogany
Pine Andre Sornay armchair, France, 1950's
By Andre Sornay
Located in Austin, TX
Pine armchair by Andre Sornay, French designer known for his sublime simplicity. France, 1950's.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Pine
Andre Sornay console table, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Console table designed by French cabinet maker Andre Sornay in the sixties
Structure in beech with red lacquered panels
Drawer on one side
Tigette system
Category
Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
Set of Six André Sornay Solid Beech Slatted Chairs, 1960 Lyon Mid-Century Modern
By Andre Sornay
Located in Milano, IT
This set of six solid beech wood slatted chairs, designed by André Sornay circa 1960, epitomizes the elegance of Mid-Century Modern style. Crafted in L...
Category
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
André SORNAY (1902-2000), varnished plywood chest of drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
André Sornay (1902-2000) was a French furniture designer who transformed his family's business after taking over in 1919. Influenced by Bauhaus and De Stijl, he created modern, funct...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Extending Table by A. Sornay, France 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Extension table made around 1950 by André Sornay, French designer and cabinetmaker, known for his modern creations combining high-quality materials with a clean aesthetic.
This tabl...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
Wooden Dining Table by André Sornay, France 1930s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
A masterfully designed dining table from the 1930s by notable french designer André Sornay, meticulously restored to its original splendor.
Made out of rich walnut it's impeccably ...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Beech chairs by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Vintage dining chair by French designer André Sornay. It is manufactured with a design that is assembled by tightening bolts from one side. Manufacturer is his own workshop, Sornay M...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Beech
André Sornay Armchair, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in PARIS, FR
Armchair by French designer André Sornay, 1950s. Wooden frame, gray leather seat and back. Very good condition. 2 availables. Lp1150-1151.
Category
Mid-20th Century André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Andre Sornay French Midcentury Mahogany Bedside / End Table
By Andre Sornay
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century mahogany bedside / end table with an upper open compartment / gallery over a rectangular base with a single drawer with a faceted front and central sage green leat...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
André Sornay Armchair, circa 1920
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay (1902-2000).
Furniture designer from Lyon (France) of the 20th century. He owes his recognition to his modernist vision of the furniture, including in particular, the u...
Category
1920s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Hall Mirror by André Sornay, France, Art Moderne, 1940s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany with nailheads, enclosing original mirrored glass pane with four gazed circular tiers. Signed. Literature: Roche's André Sornay, page 137 for a similar model. Width of base:...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Desk by André Sornay, 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in PARIS, FR
Refectory table by the Lyon-based designer André Sornay. Wooden frame and black lacquered tabletop, 1960s. In good condition. LP1149.
Category
1960s Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Formica desk table from the 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Grenoble, FR
André Sornay Formica desk table from the 1950s
model made for Sonacotra fireplaces and available in several versions. Very good condition of the top, scratches from use on the base
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Formica, Wood
Pair of Andre Sornay Seats, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Andre Sornay seats, circa 1950 (original fabric in perfct condition).
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture
Materials
Wood
André Sornay furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
André Sornay furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of André Sornay furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by André Sornay were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Joseph-André Motte, Olivier Mourgue, and Rene Gabriel. Prices for André Sornay furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $534 and can go as high as $47,710, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,926.
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