Ligne Roset: 160 Years of Functionality and Style

Ligne Roset is a French contemporary furniture company specializing in high-end design whose pieces are known for their innovative design, quality, and comfort. 

With over 160 years of craftsmanship and growth, we’ll take a closer look at Ligne Roset’s transformation over the decades and its most popular designs and designer collaborations.

Ligne Roset Timeline

From its woodworking origins to contemporary furniture mogul, Ligne Roset has been influencing design for decades. Ligne Roset's journey to worldwide success is rooted in hard work and family tradition.

Beginnings: Founder Antoine Roset

Antoine Roset founded a wood processing factory in 1860 in Montagnieu, France - the precursor to today's famous Ligne Roset furniture company.

In Ligne Roset’s early years, the family business specialized in wooden goods such as chair frames, wooden umbrellas, and walking sticks. However, Ligne Roset did not branch into upholstered furniture until 1936.

1950s to 1970s

The mid-twentieth century proved to be a time of immense growth for Ligne Roset. Contracting furniture production whose purpose extended beyond functionality to include appealing design was the focus. At this time, Ligne Roset produced furniture for commercial institutions and, within the next decade, branched into the domestic market.

During this period, the Ligne Roset company began working with notable designers like Michel Ducaroy to create modern, statement-making pieces. 1973 marked the opening of Ligne Roset's first store.

Present Day

Today, Ligne Roset furniture remains a family-run operation and is available through a network of over 200 stores and 750 retail distributors worldwide. In addition, the company has showrooms in major cities such as Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo and actively collaborates with over 50 designers. New collections typically roll out every three to five years. 

Eco-design is at the forefront of Ligne Roset’s furniture production. It adheres to strict environmental standards for producing furniture and other products. These include:

• Identifying potential environmental issues associated with the product. 
• Reducing impact on the environment during a piece’s production.
• Mindfully selecting easily-recycled materials.

Ligne Roset has emphasized clean manufacturing, air protection, ethical suppliers, and staff welfare since the 1970s. As a result, approximately 56% of Ligne Roset’s 712 tons of yearly upholstery waste is recycled, in addition to 92% of its 640 tons of cabinetry waste.

Design Style

Ligne Roset embodies contemporary design and prioritizes working with designers who represent diverse backgrounds and cultures to create statement-making furniture, rugs and textile pieces, lighting fixtures, and other home accessories.

It has a long history of collaborating with some of the most renowned designers in the world over the years, including:

• The Bouroullec Brothers
• Pierre Paulin
• Pascal Mourgue
• Philippe Starck
• Jean Nouvel
• Peter Maly
• Didier Gomez
• Inge Sempe
• Michel Ducaroy

Togo Sofa- Michael Ducaroy 1973 

Ligne Roset does not shy away from change — it embraces it — by valuing creativity, even if that means implementing new styles, methods, and materials.

Two such examples are the Stripes Ceiling Light designed by Phillipe Nigro for Ligne Roset and the Vrac Coupe Ballon Wire Basket. Both pieces use metal to create functional, eye-catching pieces with materials and styles not commonly seen in storage and lighting fixtures.

Another piece designed with ingenuity in mind is the Pont Glass Coffee Table, constructed using a single piece of tempered glass.

Many of Ligne Roset's designs are born with the goal of adaptability. This is evident in the Nomade Convertible Sofa, which can transform from a contemporary tufted sectional into a queen-sized bed. Additionally, the Pam Stool, a convenient, adjustable bar-style seating option that melds chromed metal with white leather to create an eye-catching piece, is another example.

Accomplishments

Ligne Roset has an impressive product history to explore. In 2011, Ligne Roset's Ploum Sofa won the Red Dot: Best of the Best award against over 4,000 other submissions, the company's fifth Red Dot award since 2005.

The Ploum Sofa was recognized for its “generous dimensions” and “organic form”. Jurors said that the Ploum Sofa’s “comfort and aesthetics are perfectly balanced.” 

The Red Dot: Best of the Best recognizes the best pieces in a specific category, and only 1.2% of entries receive this distinction.

Collaborations

Ligne Roset prides itself on collaborations with notable and respected designers. A few of these collaborations we will cover below.

Asmara by Bernard Govin (1966)

Bernard Govin created this lounger's dream to allow for both communal and solo sitting. It consists of 5 curved foam pieces that can be mixed and matched to the user's preference.

Gilda by Michel Ducaroy (1972)

The Togo and Saparella designer, Michel Ducaroy, created this modular sofa in 1972 but it is sadly no longer produced. Nevertheless, the shape of the curved, low-sitting sofa inspires friendly interactions amongst sitters.

Zen by Claude Brisson (1986)

Claude Brisson designed the Zen chair in 1986. Zen is most famous for its cantilever style and comfortable design. The Zen chair is available in three two-toned color combinations: monochromatic leather, yellow and black, and blue and red.

Calin by Pascal Mourgue (1994)

Pascal Mourgue's Calin chair is reminiscent of a large pillow. While in production, this piece also came in sectional and ottoman options and was popular with those looking for optimal comfort.

Ploum by The Bouroullec Brothers (2011)

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec designed the ever-famous Ploum sofa in 2011. The Red Dot winner is noted for its comfort and size while retaining a sense of light airiness.

Pukka by Glenn Pushelberg and George Yabu (2020)

Glenn Pushelberg and George Yabu's Pukka line is available in armchair, sofa, and ottoman options. These curved, velvety pieces are both simple and whimsical, not to mention comfortable, and made of cushiony foam.   

Ligne Roset: The Bottom Line

Ligne Roset is a French furniture company with a rich history of creativity and innovation. As one of the world's most reputable designers, Ligne Roset has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary design for more than 160 years. 

It works with some of the most well-known designers in the world to create statement-making pieces manufactured in an environmentally conscious manner and creating a lasting impact. Today, Ligne Roset remains a family-run operation with showrooms in major cities worldwide.