Skip to main content

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.

1
63
to
5
49
13
63
63
63
33
11
4
1
62
2
50
1
2
14
7
6
2
63
17
13
11
9
62
62
42
4,948
3,945
2,476
2,234
Creator: André Sornay
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

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 ET...
Category

1930s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood

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, lacquer olive green color wood, brass nail-heads and fabric upholstery, each underside stamped 'BREVETE SORNAY/FRANCE ETRANGER'
Category

1930s French Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood

André Sornay bookcase
By Andre Sornay
Located in LYON, FR
Vintage bookcase from the 60's by designer and publisher André Sornay, famous Lyon cabinetmaker and master of art deco furniture. Stamped with the Sornay sticker. Electric blue panel...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Beech, Lacquer

André Sornay Highboard in Mahogany and Ash
By Andre Sornay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Atelier Sornay, wardrobe or armoire, ash, mahogany, France, 1950s Iconic midcentury wardrobe by French designer André Sornay. With its geometric design and the com...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Ash, Mahogany

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

Armchair by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
1950s armchair by French designer André Sornay. Timber frame with upholstered drop in seat and drop in back cushion. Good vintage condition for this rare sought after armchair. Andr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Wood and leather armchair by the french designer André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in PARIS, FR
Armchair by French designer André Sornay, 1950s. Wooden frame, gray leather seat and back. Very good condition. Lp1150-1151
Category

Mid-20th Century André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 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

Modernist Sideboard In Studded Rosewood By Andre Sornay, France 1940s
By Andre Sornay
Located in Hellouw, NL
Modernist sideboard in studded rosewood by Andre Sornay.Andre Sornay was an extremely gifted furniture designer who belonged to the absolute avant-garde both conceptually and artisti...
Category

1940s French Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Travertine

André Sornay chair
By Andre Sornay
Located in LYON, FR
Pair of 60's armchairs by designer and editor André Sornay, famous Lyon cabinetmaker and master of Art Deco furniture with its studded joints. Structure in varnished solid beech. Gl...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Laminate, Beech

André Sornay chest of drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in LYON, FR
70's chest of drawers by designer and publisher André Sornay, famous Lyon cabinetmaker and master of Art Deco furniture, renowned for his studded furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Beech

rare André Sornay sideboard in Oregon pine and studded 40s art deco modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
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 or high desk by André Sornay, circa 1955
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare high desk or console by André Sornay, cabinetmaker, painter and designer from Lyon. Composed of two inverted U-shaped legs on which a black lacquered top rests and accommodate...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

1940s Oregon Pine Coat Rack with Pegs by André Sornay French Art Deco Modernist
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
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

Sideboard by Andre Sornay in Beech and Zebrano, circa 1940
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Sideboard designed by Andre Sornay in the forties Structure in beech, front and side panels in zebrano veneer 2 sliding doors in front, one central shelf inside some traces of tim...
Category

Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Beech, Zebra Wood

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

Andre Sornay Set of 2 Chairs in Solid Wood and Grey Lacquer, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 chairs designed by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in 1960. Composed of a 4 legs base, completed by a lacquered seat and backrest, structure in wood All assem...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Brass

1930s Modernist Wardrobe by André Sornay, Stamped and Documented
By Andre Sornay
Located in London, GB
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 kids chair Solid Wood and Laminate, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
kids desk or armchair designed and manufacture by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay for an administration in France in the 60s. Composed of a soli...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Andre Sornay French Midcentury Mahogany Bedside / End Table
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
French midcentury 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 leath...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Wood

Andre Sornay Shelf in Solid Wood France 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Shelf designed and manufactured by the famous french cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 1960s. Composed of a solid wood structure assembled with the tigette system patented by the de...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Set of 2 Chairs by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 chairs designed by Andre Sornay in France in the 1950s Structure with 4 feet in mahogany, seat and back in wood covered with a black lacquer ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Square Coffee Table by French Andre Sornay Beech and Oak Top 1960,
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Square coffee table by the famous French Designer and manufacturer Andre Sornay produced in the 60s. Composed of a solid beech structure and a oak veneer top. All in very good cond...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Beech, Oak

Andre Sornay Rare Beech Chairs Tigette System, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Chair designed and manufactured by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 1960s. Composed of a solid beech structure assembled by the tigette system patented by the des...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Beech

Set of 2 Chairs by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 chairs designed by Andre Sornay in France in the 1950s Structure with 4 feet in mahogany, seat and back in wood covered with a off white lacq...
Category

Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of Signed Art Deco Armchairs and Ottoman by André Sornay, circa 1925
By Andre Sornay
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
French designer André Sornay’s subtle decorative finesse is echoed in this Pair of Armchairs and Ottoman, featuring walnut wood and distinctive chartreuse velvet upholstery. Sornay's...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Silk, Velvet, Walnut

Square Coffee Table by French Andre Sornay Beech and Black Laminate Top, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Square coffee table by the famous French designer and cabinetmaker Andre Sornay produced in the 60s. Composed of a solid beech structure and a black laminate top.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Beech

Andre Sornay Rare Solid Pine Armchair, France, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Armchair designed and manufactured by the famous French cabinetmaker Andre Sornay in the 60s. Composed of a solid pine structure, with brown finish varnish assembled by the tigette...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Pine

Square Coffee Table by French Andre Sornay Beech and Beige Laminate Top 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Square coffee table by the famous French designer and manufacturer Andre Sornay produced in the 1960s. Composed of a structure in solid Beechwood and a beige laminate top in perfec...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Beech

Pine Stool by Andre Sornay, 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Stool by Andre Sornay in the 60s. Pine structure with rod system. Nice patina of the wood.
Category

Late 20th Century French André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Pine

Andre Sornay Room Divider Cabinet, France, 1955
By Andre Sornay
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning minimalistic room divider wardrobe designed by cabinet maker Andre Sornay, France 1955. This rare room divider cabinet was designed with his 'tigette system' which was basic...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood, Teak

Andre Sornay Beech Slatted Wood Dining Chairs, France, circa 1960 Mid Century
By Andre Sornay
Located in Milano, IT
Set of six Andre Sornay solid beech wood slatted chairs circa 1960 Lyon, France. Mid-Century Modern style. Note the curve in the seat makes these very ...
Category

19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Beech

Stunning Chest of Drawers by André Sornay, Art Déco, France, circa 1932
By Andre Sornay
Located in Paris, FR
Rare veneer varnished chest of drawers by André Sornay (1902-2000). Black lacquered wood base and handles with gilded brass nailing. Six drawers. Trace of signature on the base. And...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare André Sornay French Wardrobes Armoires Art Deco Modernist 40s - F613
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
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

French Art Deco / Early Modern Cerused Oak Console by Andre Sornay, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
A sleek, narrow profile double level console by Andre Sornay, France, circa 1930 in faint green cerused oak. A sober, elegant, French Modernist statement. The piece is ideal for smal...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

40's Cabinet by French Designer Andre Sornay Mahogany and Copper Art Deco
By Andre Sornay
Located in Lyon, FR
1940s cabinet by French designer André Sornay. The structure is made of solid mahogany and veneered wood, highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned around the edges of...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Adjustable Desk
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
This extendable/adjustable desk is by André Sornay made with an exotic wood circa 1930. Its structure and design with the circular table top is very re...
Category

1930s French 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

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 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

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. Measures: 18.5 x 9.5 x 23 H. Reference: Thier...
Category

1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Pair of Mid-Century André Sornay Armchairs, France, circa 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
Vintage pair of mid-century André Sornay pine and black lacquered armchairs from France, c. 1960s. Part of the makers patented "tigette" system.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

André Sornay: Important Set of Six Walnut & Leather Dining Chairs, France 1930s
By Andre Sornay
Located in New York, NY
André Sornay (1902-2000) A beautiful set of six minimalist, pure-lined dining chairs by André Sornay, with subtly curved and tapered backs and elegant sabre legs. In French walnut u...
Category

1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

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 Pair of Chairs, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Sornay pair of chairs, circa 1930. “Certificate of Authenticity” from Thierry Roche, French expert for André Sornay.
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fabric

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

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

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

Andre Sornay cabinet in mahogany 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Large cabinet designed by Andre Sornay in the sixties Structure in mahogany connected by tigette system, side and front panels in lacquer one panel: light grey Several shelves inside
Category

Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Lacquer

Set of Six Chairs by André Sornay, France 1960s
By Andre Sornay
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare set of six 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 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.

Interiors Featuring André Sornay

Explore the work of the world's best interior designers

Recently Viewed

View All