When Michel Ducaroy designed the Togo sofa in 1973, it was a radical departure from the traditional couch. Inspired by a dimpled caterpillar-like tube of toothpaste folded over on itself and fixed at both ends, it was the first sofa to skip the base and embrace comfort with multi-density foam.
Discovering the Comfort - Function Duo
A cult classic that’s as comfortable to sit on as it is to look at, the togo sofa (or togo settee) combines sleek lines with ergonomic body-hugging foam. It’s a modular couch that can be rearranged into various configurations and is a favorite among the likes of style influencers, architects, and designers who love to shapeshift their interiors with the versatile piece.
Designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, the svelte Togo was an instant success. Its cosy, casual design challenged what sofas were deemed ‘normative’ at the time and struck a chord with taste-innovators who wanted to move away from the austere styles that dominated furniture at the time. Ducaroy’s savvy design saw him abandon traditional springs, base, feet and armrests to create a low-to-the-ground upholstered seat with no hard points, which comfortably ‘hugs’ the body.
The sultry silhouette was the result of the sofa’s patented frameless construction, which was pioneering for the time. The skeleton was made from interlocking polyether foam modules that were shaped into a single form before being wrapped with cotton fabric. Ducaroy’s sculptural inspiration was evident in the Togo’s sleek yet curvaceous silhouette, which was inspired by a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself and closed at both ends.
Ducaroy crafted the Togo sofa to be a ‘living sculpture’ and used a range of innovative materials and production techniques to achieve its unique form. He was influenced by the work of contemporary artists and designers, including Erwan and Loic Bouroullec, Inga Sempe, and Pierre Paulin, to develop his revolutionary design.
A Togo sofa is a statement of modern elegance that can be customised to suit any taste and style, thanks to its modular nature and choice of upholsteries. This year, in celebration of the Togo’s half-century anniversary, French manufacturer Ligne Roset released three new special upholsteries to mark the occasion: Marie C. Dorner’s Floraly, Raf Simons’ Atom, and Heather Chontos’ Toile du Peintre.
If you’re in the market for a Togo, or any other luxury lounge furniture, DOMO offers Australia’s best selection of international brands. Discover our extensive collection of Togo sofas and settees, including the Small Togo, Large Togo, and Corner Sofa here.
The Seat
The Togo sofa is a hidden gem in modern living. Its low-slung silhouette and versatility lends it a casual allure that's both fun and inviting to sit in. Combined with a wide selection of fabric and color options, the Togo can work with any style and function of interior design. This adaptability is what makes the couch so beloved by architects, designers and homeowners featured on our blog.
When first introduced in 1973, the Togo was a little rough around the edges. Its 'tube of toothpaste' inspired shape and casual allure was a striking contrast to the sleek and formal furniture designs that were popular at the time. However, its unconventional appearance and versatile functionality soon attracted the attention of even the most cynical of design enthusiasts.
In this pristine Taipei home, designer Jeff Weng of 2 Books Design used a white Togo sofa to round out the streamlined aesthetic of the downstairs living space. The Togo sofa perfectly complements the birch ply finishes and minimalist aesthetic of the room, while adding warmth and depth.
The Togo's low profile and modular nature is a great fit for spaces that function as multiple rooms, like this Warsaw apartment designed by architect Katarzyna Kuczyska of Takk Studio. The Togo sofas in the living and dining spaces create a cohesive seating area while allowing for a direct sightline between both spaces.
A tufted green Togo sofa stands out in this elegant London living space, designed by architect John Proctor of Proctor & Shaw. The sofa is a perfect fit for the space's modern, minimal aesthetic and adds a touch of luxury with its soft texture. The Togo sofa also provides a subtle nod to the '70s, which are a favourite design era of the homeowner.
The Back
A togo sofa, also known as a togo couch or togo settee, is many things at once: an ergonomic feat of shape and comfort, one of the first modular couches on the market, a fashion flex in Instagram feeds, and even a status symbol among today’s fashionable internet crowd (not to mention the TikTok cult). And yet its function remains its most striking trait—a piece that embodies modern living as much as a lounge chair.
The frameless Togo eschews springs, feet, and armrests to create an ergonomically shaped seat low to the ground and body-hugging foam that hugs the user. It’s the sort of playful, unassuming sofa that can be a focal point in a room or an understated backdrop for other pieces. It’s no wonder that designers and homeowners have been falling in love with it for over half a century.
Its design was the work of French designer Michel Ducaroy, who drew inspiration for Togo from unlikely places. While brushing his teeth one morning, he glanced down at an aluminum toothpaste tube that “folded on itself like a tuba and fixed at both ends,” says Ligne Roset’s official history. He wondered, could he translate the folds and bumps of this unusual form into a sofa?
Upon its premiere at the 1973 Salon des Arts Menagers in Paris, Togo was received with critical acclaim. It was deemed innovative and democratic, featuring different shapes and fabrics while remaining reasonably priced, notes Ligne Roset. Togos are still painstakingly handmade by craftspeople in France.
Today, the Togo is a hidden gem in contemporary living. It is loved by taste-innovators and trendsetters alike, as well as a growing contingent of the public embracing casual, low-key lifestyles. As a result, the wrinkly, low-profile couch has made its way into the living rooms of architects, interior designers, and homeowners around the world.
In the elegant Paris apartment of architect Jean-Malo Le Clerc and his partner, the Togo serves as a nod to the ’70s, a decade that was an important influence on the pair’s aesthetic. The couple upholstered theirs in Toile du Peintre by Heather Chontos, which was also used on the original Togo.
The Arms
Togo sofas are a hidden gem in modern living. They are not just a style statement or an object of desire, but also a piece that combines luxury teddy velvet upholstery, ergonomic comfort and enhanced durability.
When first launched in 1973, the Togo was a bold departure from traditional sofas. Its unique 'tube of toothpaste' shape and understated casualness turned heads, but not everyone immediately embraced its unconventional form. Its low seat height and embracing rounded design hugged the body and offered exceptional lumbar support. The Togo's inner structure was created from three different densities of polyether foam, allowing the furniture to 'crumple and fold' for that legendary look, but also create a supportive, moulded feel.
A lot has changed since then, but the Togo has retained its popularity, proving that good design never goes out of style. Its iconic rounded design can add an easy-going, free-spirited element to your home, and it remains the perfect choice for a contemporary or mid-century modern room.
There are several different Togo sofa arm styles, allowing you to tailor the piece to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Roll arms, T-cushion arms and English arms feature a gentle curve that provides a natural place to rest your arm or head. They are comfortable for lounging and great for family living, while track arms and sloped arms are more appropriate in more formal settings.
Shelter arms are another option that accentuates the shape of a Togo. The flat, wide fronts extend from the seat and can be used for putting your feet up or as a small table. They are a sleek and sophisticated choice, and their narrow width can make your room appear larger.
If you prefer a minimal look, a togo with no arms offers a clean silhouette that works well in most rooms. This type of sofa is also a great choice for tight spaces where every inch counts.
Togo sofas are also available in loveseats and sectionals, allowing you to build the perfect seating solution for your space. The versatility of the design means that the piece can be paired with many other furniture types and styles to suit your taste, from modern mid-century to transitional.
FAQs:
1. Are togo sofas comfortable?
With its low-to-the-ground ergonomics and wrinkly fabric, the Togo sofa has long captured the hearts of design enthusiasts. Its natural allure makes it the go-to choice for many homeowners—even Lenny Kravitz has four cream Togo seats in his living room!
2. How to clean ligne roset togo sofa?
Designed by Michel Ducaroy, ligne roset togo sofas are ergonomic couches that fit perfectly into living rooms with contemporary, modern, art deco, and eclectic interior designs. They are also valid for home offices and bedrooms.
When it comes to cleaning Togo couches, it is important to act quickly when spills or stains occur. It is recommended to blot (do not rub) the area and avoid over-soaking to prevent permanent staining.
3. Why Are Togo Sofas So Expensive?
When it comes to sofas, there are a lot of different types, shapes, and sizes. Some of them are small enough to fit in tight spaces, while others can be very large and comfortable. Some of them have a formal appearance, while others are more informal. The Togo sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy and produced by French furniture maker Ligne Roset, falls into the latter category. It has a pillow-like look that never seems to go out of style, and it's available in a number of configurations and upholstery options, including vintage versions on motivodecor.
When the Togo sofa first debuted in 1973, it was met with disbelief and suspicion. But over time, it became a cult favorite with its low-to-the-ground ergonomics and wrinkly fabric, leaving a mark on culture as a symbol of free-spirited living. The modular design, which includes large and small settees, footstools, and corner seats, has been updated with various upholstery options to meet modern tastes. Some of the most recent include Raf Simons' Atom fabric for Kvadrat and Heather Chontos' Toile du Peintre for Pierre Frey.
This sofa series is coveted by many, from interior designer Kelly Wearstler to the musician Lenny Kravitz (he has four Togo couches in his Palm Springs home) and actor Colman Domingo. Despite its hefty price tag, the Togo sofa is a durable and stylish piece of furniture that can easily be adapted to fit modern, contemporary, art deco, and eclectic interior styles. Its lightweight foam construction also makes it easy to move around and clean, while the lack of a visible skeleton helps protect your home's wall surfaces from scratches and marks.
4. What is a togo sofa?
When Ligne Roset's Togo sofa debuted in 1973, it was an ergonomic feat that took the world by storm. Now it's a timeless classic that's coveted by designers and Instagrammers alike—even Lenny Kravitz has four Togo couches lining his living room.
5. Are the togo sofas still made in france?
When Michel Ducaroy first introduced the Togo sofa in 1973, it received mixed reactions from both the public and design professionals. The three-seater without armrests was a radical departure from the more conventional furniture of its time. Its unconventional shape reminded some of us of a crumpled tube of toothpaste, while others embraced its understated style and pop-inspired proportions.
Today, Togo continues to be Ligne Roset’s best-selling product. Its success lies in its modular nature and flexible use of materials, which allow it to fit into a variety of interior styles. The sofa’s low profile also helps to declutter a space and create a direct line of sight from the entryway to the seating area. The Togo’s modularity also allows designers to create a wide range of combinations by mixing and matching the different components.
In this pristine Taipei apartment designed by Jeff Weng of 2 Books Design, the Togo’s beige corduroy-looking fabric is a seamless addition to the sleek white and birch finishes throughout the downstairs living area. The sofa also functions as a focal point in the room, helping to zone the space and set a tone for the rest of the design.
Togo’s longevity can also be attributed to its ability to transcend trends and shift social norms. The innovative design mirrored the changing behaviors of people in the 1970s and challenged the status quo at a time when traditional furniture was more rigid and formal. It is fitting that this non-conformist piece has stood the test of time, enduring for over 50 years.