Stressless was introduced in 1971, as the first recliner designed to meet your body’s need for movement and support when seated. The characteristic TV-recliner was a revolution in comfort and functionality, and soon became an international success.
Offering patented features you won’t find on other recliners, from the glide system that follows your slightest movements, to the Plus™ system for correct neck and lumbar support in every position, Stressless® is still known as the ultimate recliner.
1971: The first Stressless is introduced
The first Stressless was launched in Norway and immediately became the first real TV chair. You could lean backwards and rest, watch TV in comfort or turn around to face the coffee table with one easy movement. The patented sliding system attracted a great deal of attention and is still unique.
1980: Sales exceeds 100 million Norwegian Kroner
Stressless comfort had become an unconditional success. Sales of Stressless passed the magical limit of 100 million Norwegian Kroner.
1981: The characteristic wooden base is introduced
The Stressless Royal recliner was the first model to have the characteristic wooden base. Stressless Royal is still one of the Ekornes bestsellers.
1983: Stressless no. 500.000 was registered
Export exceeded 100 million Norwegian Kroner and Stressless no. 500.000 was registered. The company's success in the export market was rewarded in 1983 as Ekornes was awarded the Norwegian Export Prize
1991: Launch of the patented Plus™ System
The patented Plus™ system was launched, with its pioneering automatic adjustment of the headrest and lumbar support. At last, people could read and watch TV leaning back in a recliner. Stressless consolidated its position as the most comfortable swivel recliner.
1993: Stressless sofa revolutionises
The Stressless sofa was launched. This is based on the idea that people need to be able to move individually just as much when sitting in a sofa as in a recliner. The sales message became: ‘In a Stressless sofa, every seat is a Stressless’.
1996: Same design in several sizes
Ekornes started to make the same design in two or three sizes. Stressless was the first recliner in the market to take into account that people with different builds have to have different chair sizes in order to sit comfortably.
1999: Unique read and sleep function
The sleep function is an extension of the unique Plus™ System. The user can choose whether the headrest is to be in the reading or sleeping mode when the chair is in the reclining position. Once more Stressless was the first to introduce a pioneering innovation.
2001: Matching design allows new opportunities
Stressless and the Ekornes Collection began to be produced in matching designs. This allowed new opportunities for combining reclining and fixed-back furniture in an integrated layout. The idea was a hit worldwide. Stressless sales exceeded 1 billion Norwegian Kroner.
2003: Home theatre
A tailor-made home theatre set-up based on Stressless was launched. The concept was very well received throughout the world.
2004: New factory and redesign of logo
The Ekornes factory at Ikornnes was extended by 30,000 square metres to comply with increased demand. The factory is one of the most modern furniture factories in the world. Through extensive use of advanced robotics, the production capacity increased substantially. 2004 was also the year when the redesigned Stressless logo was introduced.
2005: Introduction of low-back Stressless sofas
Stressless Paradise was launched as the first low-back sofa with full Stressless functions. The goal over time is to convert all Ekornes sofas into Stressless sofas. At the same time, Ekornes Fairytale was introduced, a roomy and comfortable corner solution which also can be used separately. Both models quickly became popular worldwide.