JOURNEY
Reflections with Atlason Studio
The Reflections exhibition, presented during 3daysofdesign, marked Wendelbo’s 70th anniversary — a moment to honour our legacy while looking ahead. It offered a space to pause, revisit the foundations of our craft, and explore how tradition continues to evolve through new forms, materials, and ideas.
Unveiled as part of the exhibition, the Atli Lounge Chair by Hlynur Atlason embodies this spirit of progression. With its sculptural silhouette, confident use of chrome, and deep, tailored comfort, Atli captures a sense of modern elegance — where the art of upholstery meets bold material contrasts in a design that feels both timeless and unmistakably contemporary.
Known for his thoughtful and intuitive approach, Hlynur shares the story behind the design, the personal connection to its name, and the kind of future he hopes to shape through his work.
The Atli Lounge Chair embraces both structure and softness. How do you approach balancing form and comfort in your design process?
Before you even sit in the chair, the form should already suggest its potential for stability and comfort. Then, when you engage with it, the construction and material quality should deliver on that promise - offering a luxurious experience. With Wendelbo’s long-standing expertise in upholstery, I saw an opportunity to really explore what’s possible by creating soft, effortless forms that look both luxurious and comfortable, yet precise and measured. Achieving that balance is not easy and takes refinement.
What design cues influenced its form?
There is no denying that a down puffer jacket comes to mind when looking at the silhouette, which I think is a great reference for comfort.
"There is no denying that a down puffer jacket comes to mind when looking at the silhouette, which I think is a great reference for comfort."
The chrome frame adds a bold presence. What does it bring to the piece?
The chair is designed to have presence - to be unapologetic and confident. The chrome reflects that intent; it’s hard not to notice. But it’s not just structural - it weaves in and out of the upholstery and harmonises with the bold forms.
What kind of moment did you imagine the chair being part of?
A good lounge chair should function well in a variety of contexts and circumstances, providing comfort and easing the nerves of a stressed-out person sitting in a lobby, waiting to meet the CEO. Likewise, it’s a good place to suspend your body at home, to free your mind, and to reflect on your good fortune. Ideally paired with the vice of your choice and some quality music. If I had to pick one, I’d put on Histoire de Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg and listen to the whole record.
The name Atli feels personal - what does it mean to you?
My name is Hlynur Atlason. In Iceland, you take your father’s first name as your last - my father’s name is Atli, so I’m Atla-son, son of Atli. My father’s grandmother - my great grandmother - was Danish, so Denmark has always had some presence in our lives. I thought it would be fitting to name my Danish chair after my father. And I think he might like it.
What does ‘modern’ mean to you in design?
Modern to me is an approach, rather than an aesthetic. A modern piece of furniture should be timeless and enduring - it should work with other modern furniture of integrity, regardless of the time it was designed. And in the future, it may sit next to other pieces in a new context and still hold its own. That’s the attempt.
Do you find yourself more inspired by looking back or looking ahead? How so?
I think inherently we build on what has come before us - I certainly didn’t invent “the chair”. However, the only way design makes sense to me is looking towards the future. And, creating the future I want. A future that is hopeful, beautiful, comfortable and fun.
Designs by Atlason Studio
Chrome-plated legs
Chrome-plated legs
Chrome-plated legs