Bambino Chair Model 2429 by Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko

The Bambino chair by Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko (model 2429 from 1955) is a compact lounge built for easy, everyday sitting—“not quite a lounge chair and not a small chair,” as Lappalainen put it, but the perfect seat to pull up to a coffee table or slide into a reading corner. Its light, sculptural frame and generous, fully upholstered seat deliver that relaxed mid-century posture without taking over the room—hence the name “Bambino,” the little one. 

Made in Lahti, the original construction pairs a solid-wood/birch-veneer frame with resilient foam for supportive comfort. Typical vintage/Asko specs: approx. W 66 cm, D 59 cm, H 74 cm, seat height \~45 cm, with examples in painted or stained timber and a wide range of textiles over the decades. Whether you find one in original fabric or newly reupholstered, Bambino adds a soft, understated rhythm to Scandinavian interiors—and it tucks in beautifully where larger lounge chairs won’t.

— Designer: Ilmari Lappalainen
— Manufacturer: Asko, Finland
— Year: 1955
— Model: 2429 “Bambino” 

Ilmari Lappalainen (1927–2000) was a Finnish designer known for his refined, functional furniture that embodied the principles of Scandinavian modernism. Best remembered for his work with Asko in the 1950s and 60s, Lappalainen created pieces such as the Bambino chair that balanced comfort, clean lines, and efficient use of space. His designs often featured organic shapes, bentwood frames, and practical proportions, making them well-suited for modern homes. Today, Lappalainen’s work is sought after by collectors for its understated elegance and enduring quality.