Details
Tessa T4 Three -Seater Lounge – Iconic 1970s Fred Lowen Design in Black Leather in the rarer Blackwood Frame.
This highly sought-after Tessa T4 couch, designed by Fred Lowen for Tessa Furniture in the early 1970s, is a standout piece of Australian mid-century modern design. Featuring the signature sculptural bent-ply blackwood timber frame with elegant curves and sleigh legs, it suspends comfortable removable leather cushions on a supportive white netted hammock base—delivering that classic low-profile, spacious, and supremely comfortable “sink-in” seating experience.
Condition: Good vintage condition with expected wear for a 50+ year-old piece. Leather has lived-in character (patina, some surface marks and light missing finish in a few places if you’re after new this one might not be for you however it’s perfect for someone wanting vintage iconic with that vintage charm)
The Frame presents beautifully with one minor marking that is noted in the photos
Note that one zipper is broken but doesn’t effect use and a couple of the underside lining stitches have come apart.
Presents very well overall and is ready for daily enjoyment or light restoration if desired.
Dimensions
• Width: 183 cm
• Depth: ~88–94 cm
• Height: 83 cm (back)
• Seat height: 40 cm
A true collector’s favourite and one of the most desirable Tessa models—perfect for a mid-century living room, reading nook, or as a statement piece blending vintage warmth with modern spaces.
Brand & Designer
Tessa
Color
Black
Style
Mid-Century Modern
Material
Other Wood
Condition
Good
Dimensions (cm)
183.0W x 94.0D x 83.0H
Design Story
Founded in the late 1960s in Melbourne by Fred Lowen, Tessa became famous for its sculptural timber furniture and luxurious leather lounges. At a time when Australian interiors were becoming more modern and open, the company introduced designs that felt both sophisticated and comfortable, perfectly suited to the local lifestyle.
Tessa’s furniture was heavily influenced by Danish modernism, particularly through its use of rich timber frames, organic curves, and high quality leather. Yet unlike some European modernist furniture that could feel formal or restrained, Tessa pieces had a softer and more relaxed character designed for everyday living.
The brand became especially well known for its modular leather sofas and reclining lounge chairs, many of which are still highly sought after today. Their combination of solid craftsmanship, deep comfort, and timeless silhouettes helped establish Tessa as a staple of Australian design during the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, vintage Tessa furniture remains extremely collectible across Australia, particularly among enthusiasts of mid century and space age interiors. Its pieces continue to feel contemporary decades later, reflecting a period when Australian furniture design confidently developed its own identity while drawing inspiration from the best of European modernism.
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