May 11, 2024, 2:19 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
All it took was a wide, low-to-the-ground piece of furniture, and lounging for hours along with a relaxed lifestyle became fashionable in the wild ’70s. The Togo sofa eventually became a cult object, and it’s currently experiencing a spectacular revival, as interior designer Odett Schumann explains.
Anyone closely following interior design accounts on social media will quickly notice that one piece of furniture is currently making frequent appearances: the “Togo” sofa by Ligne Roset. This iconic seating piece epitomizes pure comfort and is now making relaxed, low-to-the-ground seating fashionable again. It’s been over half a century since this famous furniture line hit the market, but it is currently experiencing perhaps the biggest hype in its history.
What Makes Togo by Ligne Roset So Special?
Vintage furniture is especially popular among interior design fans. However, none are as cozy as the famous sofa element from Ligne Roset. This is despite the fact that the designer himself, Michel Ducaroy, once described it rather cryptically and unflatteringly as: “A toothpaste tube folded like a stovepipe and sealed at both ends.”
Its unusual, curved shape, which invites you to sink deeply like a beanbag, gives the Togo sofa its unique character. What also makes this piece special is its timelessly beautiful design and modular usability.
Thanks to both qualities, Togo can be seamlessly integrated into any room and combined with almost any interior style. It fits just as well in the living room as in the children’s room, with an industrial style or in a bohemian ambiance. It always offers a comfortable retreat, primarily due to its special craftsmanship.
Sitting on Special Craftsmanship
Though it appears squishy and lumpy, once you lose yourself in the soft-flowing seating element, you won’t want to get up quickly. Three different foam densities ensure pleasant comfort. Several interconnected layers are hand-stitched by upholsterers with the underpadding.
And even if there is a certain resemblance to a shapeless beanbag, this is countered by one of the eight different fabric options. A well-fitting cover keeps the foam in its distinctive shape.
In total, there are nearly 900 fabric and leather colors to choose from. The leather model is particularly popular because it develops a patina typical of the material over time.
The low seat height and slightly protruding corners give the upholstered furniture an unmistakable silhouette, somewhat resembling a crumpled pillow. The unusual folds in Togo’s design were initially met with skepticism by the professional audience at its first presentation in 1973 at the Salon des Arts Ménagers in Paris. Today, these very folds contribute to the piece’s unique charm.
The History of a Furniture Classic
New manufacturing techniques and materials revolutionized the furniture market in the 1960s. Chairs made of thermally formable plastic emerged, and foam became increasingly popular during this time.
Designer Michel Ducaroy, then a graduate of the Lyon School of Art, developed initial designs for low-to-the-ground cushions, armchairs, and sofas. In 1973, he achieved a major breakthrough for Ligne Roset: Togo. What initially seemed almost amusing due to its massive, legless form took some time to mature. Following a lukewarm reception after its launch, Ducaroy was awarded the René-Gabriel Prize for “innovative and democratic furniture concepts” at the Paris fair two years later.
Also interesting: The Barcelona Chair and Its Royal History
Eventually, Ducaroy transitioned from his family’s business to join Ligne Roset permanently, resulting in a collaboration lasting more than 26 years. During this time, the designer created numerous seating and storage pieces, but none achieved the status of the Togo sofa. To this day, it is produced for Ligne Roset in the French village of Briord in the Jura Mountains.
How to Add Chrome Highlights to Your Home
The Butterfly Chair and Its Unusual History
How the USM Haller Sideboard Conquered Living Spaces from the Office
Togo Became a Cult Object
In 2023, the sofa line celebrated its 50th anniversary, yet the design is more in demand than ever. Over the decades, Togo has increasingly become a cult object and is currently experiencing the greatest hype in its history. Then and now, this all-foam furniture promises its owners a sense of ease, grounding, and a free, unrestrained lifestyle.
Numerous social media posts attest to this: Trendy influencers love to lounge on Togo and never tire of showcasing the cozy ambiance on Instagram and other platforms. Lookbooks and catalogs from renowned fashion labels also know how to aesthetically present this furniture classic. Additionally, Ligne Roset’s flagship piece is currently featured prominently in popular TV and film productions.
Clearly, the lifestyle, fashion, and furniture of the wild 1970s are more popular than ever. Togo is a prime example, having experienced a remarkable revival in recent years. To date, more than 1.5 million units have been sold in 72 countries. In addition to the module that can be used from an armchair to a sofa, there are now corner pieces, ottomans, recamiers, two-seaters with armrests, and even mini Togos for children.