Johan Bertil Häggström Borkum 3-Seater Sofa in Grey Leather for IKEA, 1970s

This Borkum three-seater sofa was designed by Johan Bertil Häggström for IKEA in Sweden during the 1970s. Its low, generous profile combines soft grey leather with an exposed chrome-plated tubular steel frame, giving the sofa a light architectural presence despite its substantial width.

The Borkum range appeared in IKEA’s period catalogues as a seating family built around chromed tube frames and supporting fabric. The construction allowed the upholstered elements to sit within a visually open framework, balancing relaxed comfort with the clean industrial character associated with Scandinavian interiors of the decade.

Three separate seat and back cushions form the broad seating surface. Button tufting gives the grey leather a softly structured appearance, while the padded armrests continue the same material and finish. Beneath the cushions, a strong fabric sling spans the frame and remains visible from the rear, making the construction an integral part of the design.

This example retains a pleasing, cohesive appearance throughout. The pale grey leather makes the chromed steel frame especially prominent, and the wide proportions provide comfortable seating for three without visually closing off the surrounding space.

A distinctive 1970s IKEA design, the Borkum works particularly well in modernist and contemporary settings where its combination of soft upholstery, exposed structure and restrained colour can be appreciated from every angle.