Cassina Maralunga Two-seater, Fabric Brown/Black

Cassina Maralunga – a design classic with a chain mechanism

The Maralunga was designed by Vico Magistretti and has been in Cassina's range since 1973. The idea: a backrest with two positions. In the low position, you sit upright as you would in conversation; raised, the backrest supports your head and neck. A built-in bicycle chain holds it in position. In 1979, the Maralunga won the Compasso d'Oro. For its 40th anniversary in 2014, the Maralunga 40 with all-round piping and the 40-S with a removable fabric cover joined the range.

Maralunga two-seater in brown and black fabric

This Maralunga is a two-seater with a fabric cover in brown and black. Each seat has its own backrest with a folding headrest, so two people can sit in different ways. The dark colours look warm and calm and go well with wood and leather. With its compact width, the two-seater also fits into smaller rooms, such as a reading room or a large bedroom.

Seating comfort and space

Beneath the cover, elastic straps are stretched across a tubular steel frame, topped with polyurethane foam in various densities. The seat cushions combine foam with polyester wadding, and Cassina emphasises their soft look. At 42 cm, the seat height is within the usual range. The two-seater needs 1.66 m of wall space and is 95 cm deep; when raised, the headrest reaches a height of one metre. As a rule of thumb, allow 60 to 80 cm of walkway in front of the sofa.

Functions and additions

You operate both headrests in one simple move and independently of each other: raise them for head support, fold them forwards for the lower conversation position. The mechanism works without electricity. Cassina still makes the Maralunga as an armchair, footstool, two-seater and three-seater, plus the larger Maralunga Maxi. An armchair or footstool from the same family turns the two-seater into a seating group.

Caring for the fabric cover

For fabric covers, Cassina recommends a very soft brush to remove dust. The manufacturer advises against vacuum cleaners and carpet beaters, as they can damage the upholstery. Stains are best left to a professional cleaner. According to Cassina, the fabric cover is only removable on the 40-S version. Do not leave the sofa permanently in direct sunlight or next to a heat source.

Why buy a pre-owned Cassina Maralunga?

Cassina was founded in Meda in 1927 as a family business by the brothers Cesare and Umberto Cassina and is now listed in the Italian register of historic brands. The Maralunga has been revised several times since 1973, but its principle of the folding headrest has remained. Because the mechanism and frame work without electrics, there is little that can fail. This piece has been inspected in eight stations.