Manhattan Sofa

1980, Norway

The Manhattan sofa - premium craftsmanship and comfort. Designed in 1980 by Knut Sæter, founder of Vatne Lenestolfabrikk.

The sofa features a sleek and timeless design that fits well with a variety of interior styles, from classic to modern homes.

It is built on a solid frame for long-lasting durability, while the deep, soft cushions provide a comfortable seating experience. With a focus on both comfort and aesthetics, the Manhattan sofa is equally suited for relaxation and social gatherings. Its clean lines and high-quality materials give it an elegant yet functional feel.

The Manhattan is an ideal choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable sofa with a timeless design, reflecting the high standards that Vatne Møbler is renowned for.

Knut Sæter

Knut Sæter (1922–1989), founder of Vatne Lenestolfabrikk (now Vatne Møbler AS), was born and raised in Vatne, a small village in Sunnmøre. He began his journey as an interior architect at the Bergen School of Arts and Crafts and then worked briefly at LK Hjelle before founding Vatne Lenestolfabrikk in 1946 at the age of just 24.

Under Sæter’s leadership, Vatne Lenestolfabrikk became known for prioritizing quality in both design and craftsmanship. He engaged young and promising designers, such as Gerhard Berg and the Swedish designer Torsten Johansson, but Vatne achieved its major breakthrough with Fredrik Kayser. In collaboration with Kayser, who began designing for Vatne in the 1950s, the company developed furniture that appealed both aesthetically and functionally to an international market, especially after the launch of Kayser’s iconic Model 711 armchair.

Read more about the designer

Length: 219 cm Depth: 87 cm Height: 75 cm Seat height: 43 cm

The Manhattan sofa is built on a plywood frame with a eucalyptus core and poplar veneer, with laminated pine trim. The base features nosag springs for added comfort.

The sofa cushions have a polyurethane foam core and are filled on top and bottom with KospoFe. KospoFe consists of small pieces of polyester and down feathers, arranged in pockets above and below the foam core, making the cushions soft and comfortable.

The Manhattan can be upholstered in a variety of fabrics from Innvik, as well as aniline and semi-aniline leather from Elmo. The sofa legs are available in matte black powder-coated steel, chrome, or oak.

We recommend vacuuming the sofa regularly using medium suction and a gentle nozzle, preferably with a brush attachment. Be careful to avoid objects with sharp edges. For stains on fabric, use a lint-free cloth or sponge. Warm and wring out the cloth or sponge, then press evenly over the affected area to remove impurities. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fabric fibers.

If the sofa is upholstered in leather, we recommend following Elmo Leather’s care instructions and using their maintenance products. Contact us if you need cleaning or care products—we’ll be happy to assist you.