Antonio Citterio has been designing for Flexform since the late 1960s, and together with the Meda company he has created some of the most recognisable sofas in Italian design. Lifesteel was born in 2006, together with the armchair and the bed of the same family, and shows the leanest side of his work: a light, straightforward aesthetic, generous proportions, nothing superfluous.
Steel made light
The first thing you notice is the base: a slim metal frame covered in cowhide that runs all around the seat like a belt. Below it, minimal metal feet; above it, the cushions. The arm is wide and rectangular, at the same height as the back, so the sofa reads as one clean volume, almost a piece of architecture. The leather of the base comes in many colours or in suede and changes the whole character: tone on tone for a quiet look, contrasting to bring out the design.
Inside, pure softness
The contrast is intentional. Outside, metal and straight lines; inside, a goose down seat with a crushproof insert and down back cushions that welcome you and keep their shape. Arms and back have a metal frame with moulded polyurethane and Dacron. Fabric and leather covers are removable and, on request, finished with grosgrain piping.
One system, many homes
Lifesteel comes as a linear sofa, as corner sectionals, with a chaise longue or daybed, and as an armchair. That is why it works as well in a city apartment as in a beach house with large windows. The feet come in six metal finishes, from satin to black chrome and matt titanium.
Our advice
People who love Lifesteel often take it into the bedroom too: the Flexform Lifesteel bed has the same leather-covered frame and a headboard with a metal insert, ideal for a consistent look throughout the house. In our showroom you can touch the leathers for the base and see how much the sofa changes from one colour to another.
Technical data
- Design: Antonio Citterio, 2006
- Versions: linear sofa, corner sectionals, chaise longue and daybed, armchair; matching bed
- Seat frame in metal covered in cowhide, in many colours or suede
- Arms and back: metal frame, moulded polyurethane and Dacron
- Goose down seat with crushproof insert; down back cushions
- Metal feet: satin, chrome, black chrome, burnished, glossy anthracite, matt titanium
- Removable fabric or leather covers; grosgrain piping on request
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Lifesteel?
Antonio Citterio, for Flexform, in 2006.
Is Lifesteel modular?
Yes: it comes as a linear sofa, corner sectional, with chaise longue or daybed, plus an armchair.
What padding does it have?
A goose down seat with a crushproof insert and down back cushions: soft yet stable.
Are the covers removable?
Yes, both fabric and leather covers are removable.
Is there a matching bed?
Yes, the Lifesteel bed has the same leather-covered frame.
