Living Divani Sumo sofa with adjustable backrest

Description

Sumo is Piero Lissoni’s study in exaggerated proportion. Large padded components rest on a slender base raised clear of the floor on slim metal legs, and the contrast between the two is the whole design. This version adds a headrest mechanism, so the backrest reclines through a range of positions up to a maximum height of 82 cm.

Design Inspiration & Philosophy

The tapered frame is pleasantly concave and almost thin enough to vanish, which is what allows the cushions above it to be as generous as they are. Lissoni describes the union of two apparently contrasting elements as producing a balanced result, and in practice the sofa manages to look low and light while seating people deeply. The moving backrest, added to the collection later, was conceived to interpret new attitudes and rituals of body and mind.

The Adjustable Backrest

The mechanism raises the backrest through several positions rather than reclining the whole seat, so the sofa never takes on the posture of a recliner. Sitting upright for conversation and lying back to read become the same piece of furniture, with no visible hardware to signal it. The backrest drops again just as easily, which restores the streamlined profile the collection is known for.

Base and Proportion

A perfectly horizontal wooden base runs beneath the seat, faced in Canaletto walnut with a fine striped grain. Slim metal legs lift the volume so light passes underneath. Several widths are available, and the collection extends into an armchair, a bench and a bed sharing the same language, which lets a whole room be built from one idea.

Construction

The load bearing frame is tubular steel sprung with rubber coated elastic straps. Armrest and backrest structures are padded in differentiated density polyurethane foam and topped with washed goose down held in stitched compartments. Covers in fabric or leather are fully removable using zips and hook fastenings, which matters on a piece with this much soft surface.

Perfect For

– Living rooms where one sofa serves for conversation and for rest

– Clients wanting reclining function without a reclining silhouette

– Low, open interiors suited to a strong horizontal base line

– Rooms furnished with the wider Sumo armchair and bench

– Households where covers need to come off for cleaning

– Buyers weighing Lissoni authorship against everyday practicality

Most adjustable sofas announce the fact. Sumo hides the mechanism inside a shape that stays elegant in every position it takes, which is a harder problem than it appears.