Photo: Arflex
Fin-like armrests and a soaring back: the armchair that brings the shapes of nature into the living room.
One look at its profile explains the name: the armrests open like fins and the back rises boldly. The Arflex Delfino armchair, designed by Erberto Carboni in 1954, is one of the most recognisable pieces of post-war Italian design. Here at Mariani, official Arflex retailers in Milan and Arluno, we tell you its story and let you try it in our showroom.
Looking for a quote? Go to versions and quote ↓
In the 1950s part of Italian design stopped looking only at geometry and turned to nature. Arflex describes the Delfino as a significant example of "organic" furniture, the kind that draws its inspiration from natural forms. The design dates from 1954 and bears the signature of Erberto Carboni, an author who came from graphics and communication.
You can tell: the Delfino is first of all a sign. A silhouette you can read from across the room, and one that still gives character to a living room, a bedroom or a reading corner today.
Erberto Carboni was born in Parma in 1899 and was first of all a graphic designer, poster artist and illustrator. In 1932 he moved to Milan, where he worked with Studio Boggeri and Olivetti's advertising department, created campaigns for Olivetti, Shell and Barilla and designed exhibition pavilions.
For Arflex he designed the Delfino, armchair and pouf: an example of the "organic" design that in the 1950s took its inspiration from the shapes of nature. In his later years he turned to sculpture and painting, exhibiting at the 1972 Venice Biennale.
The Delfino on its own or with its pouf, with a black or gold base: the versions photographed by Arflex. You choose the upholstery in our showroom, from the fabric and leather samples.
Photo: Arflex
The price of the Arflex Delfino armchair depends on the base and the upholstery, fabric or leather. We are official Arflex retailers: we work from the current price list and send you a quote for your configuration. There is also a matching Delfino pouf: we can add it to the same quote.
You choose the base, black or gold, and then the upholstery. In our showroom you can touch the samples and compare them in real light, which is the only sensible way to choose.
Message us on WhatsApp: we will tell you where and when you can see it in person.
Tell us which base and upholstery you are interested in, and whether you want the pouf too: as official Arflex retailers we will send you a quote based on the current price list.
Ask for the price on WhatsAppAn armchair like the Delfino should be seen in person: proportions, base colour, the feel of the fabric. As an official Arflex retailer in Milan and Arluno we have access to the full catalogue, with the official warranty and support that continues after your order.
Read more: all Arflex armchairs and where to see and try Arflex in Milan.
Via Uberto Visconti di Modrone, 8/a — 20122 Milan
Mon–Fri 10:30am–6:30pm non-stop · Closed Saturday and Sunday
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 12 — 20004 Arluno (MI)
Mon 3:00pm–7:30pm · Tue–Fri 9:00am–12:30pm / 3:00pm–7:30pm · Sat 9:00am–12:30pm / 3:00pm–6:00pm
Before you come, message us: we will confirm which compositions and upholstery are available to try at that moment. You can also reach us from the contact page.
It depends on the base and the upholstery, fabric or leather. There is also a matching Delfino pouf: we can add it to the same quote. We are official Arflex retailers: see the versions and upholstery and message us on WhatsApp, we will send you a quote for your configuration.
The Delfino is a 1954 design by Erberto Carboni for Arflex, an example of 1950s organic design inspired by the shapes of nature.
The metal base comes in black or galvanic gold. The upholstery can be fabric, chosen from the Arflex range, or leather.
Yes, Arflex makes the Delfino pouf, designed to match the armchair and sold separately.
At Mariani Design, official Arflex retailer: our showrooms in Milan San Babila (Via Uberto Visconti di Modrone 8/a) and Arluno (Via Guglielmo Marconi 12). Message us on WhatsApp first and we will tell you where and when you can see it in person.
We look forward to seeing you in Milan San Babila (Mon–Fri 10:30am–6:30pm, non-stop) or in Arluno. Message us on WhatsApp: we will tell you where to see it in person and prepare your quote.
Message us on WhatsApp