The Berni armchair from Paola Lenti expresses a purity of design that blends innovation with tradition. It is one of many historic pieces that are being refined and reissued with a timeless language to create a meaningful dialogue between the past and the present. 

Originally devised by Italian designer Franco Poli in 1980 for Bernini, a benchmark of Italian wood craftsmanship, the Berni armchair has been re-edited by Paola Lenti with ergonomic principles and advanced construction detailing. 

With the reimagined Berni armchair, metal joints have been replaced with wooden inlays, which were designed by Poli, to bring the furniture piece into a modern context without compromising its original spirit. 

The main structure of the Berni armchair is made from dyed oak (treated with a transparent finish that highlights the wood grain and also minimizes the absorption of liquids and greasy substances) with plastic and felt spaces, while support panels for the seat and backrest are made from multilayered wood. While the back and seat cushions are affixed to the framework, their upholstery covers are removable for easy replacement and cleaning; made from stress-resistant expanded polyurethane, the foam is crafted from recycled and biodegradable polyester fibres and polyamide. Expressing Paola Lenti’s renowned textile language, the covers are available in a wide variety of indoor fabric options. 

Initially intended as a seat that was equally suited for conversation and dining, the Berni armchair is composed of precisely calculated proportions to ensure support, optimal posture and a cocoon-like experience.