Maralunga Sofa

Overview

Maralunga by Vico Magistretti (1973) is presented by Cassina as an international bestseller: a sofa with enveloping contours whose backrest can be raised from a lower, more formal position to a higher one that supports the head. The range includes an armchair, an ottoman and two- and three-seat sofas in various dimensions.

Construction

• Mechanism: a simple bicycle chain set into the structure and incorporated in the foam cushion; Cassina says the construction is patented. In 2024 it was reinforced, with research by the Fondazione Magistretti, to give the backrest 7 degrees more inclination
• Padding: soft, visibly generous padding
• Versions: Maralunga 40 (2014, fabric or leather, with piping) and Maralunga 40-S with completely removable fabric upholstery; the original Maralunga has regular stitching
• Frame finishes: comfort beige, black, light grey or Canaletto walnut

Specifications

• Three-seat sofa 675_3: W 238 × D 95 × H 72 cm with the backrest lowered, H 100 cm with the headrest raised, seat height 45 cm
• Two-seat 675_2: W 166 cm; larger two-seat 675_6 W 190 cm; larger three-seat 675_7 W 274 cm

A reading chair by the fire

Magistretti's own words, as Cassina prints them: "With Maralunga I wanted to design an object that exemplified family-oriented interior design. A warm, relaxing, cozy place, where you feel at ease and rediscover the satisfying, protective embrace of old-fashioned reading chairs placed near a fireplace or a window."

An idea that keeps evolving

The page names the adjustable headrest as the unpretentious innovation, worked by a chain hidden in the structure. For the model's 40th anniversary in 2014 Cassina added Maralunga 40 and Maralunga 40-S, and in 2024 the mechanism was reinforced for seven more degrees of recline.