From Norway to Nashville
Where Stressless Began
Let’s go to Norway—virtually. See where Ekornes was founded in 1934, how the Stressless Original changed the story in 1971, and why finding the right chair still comes down to something beautifully simple: sit in it first.
Stressless traces its roots to Sykkylven on Norway’s west coast, where Jens Ekornes founded the company in 1934 and where the main factory remains today. The Stressless Original launched in 1971. Most current Stressless recliners are offered in several dimensions, which is why 2 Danes recommends comparing models and sizes in person before deciding.
Stressless at a glance
A Norwegian story with a very practical ending.
Watch the story
Let’s go to Norway—virtually.
This short video connects the factory story to the decision customers make in Nashville. The history explains where Stressless came from. The sit test helps determine which chair belongs in your home.
- See where Ekornes was founded in 1934.
- Learn when the first Stressless recliner launched.
- See the mix of hand assembly and manufacturing technology.
- Understand why different models and sizes feel different.
- Come back to Nashville to find the one that fits you.
From springs to Stressless
More than a chair launch. A comfort story built over decades.
The timeline matters because it shows how Stressless grew from a small Norwegian spring factory into a furniture brand recognized for adjustable comfort and fit.
Ekornes begins in Sykkylven
Jens Ekornes founded a furniture company on Norway’s west coast. The early spring factory began with three employees and sold springs for furniture and mattresses.
The Stressless Original arrives
The first Stressless recliner launched on the Norwegian market. Stressless describes the introduction as an unprecedented success.
Hands, knowledge and technology
Stressless says its recliners, sofas and dining chairs are still assembled by hand with the help of advanced furniture-manufacturing technology.
A factory story shaped by people
The chair is engineered. It is also handled, fitted and assembled.
The factory story is not a choice between handcraft and technology. It is the combination of both.
Stressless describes a manufacturing culture built around generations of furniture knowledge. Materials are cut, shaped, upholstered and assembled with production systems designed to create consistency without removing the human work from the process.
That history is part of why customers recognize the brand. But it is not the final reason to buy a chair. The final reason is still how the chair feels when you sit in it.
The factory today
Hand assembly supported by modern manufacturing.
The Sykkylven operation has evolved considerably since 1934. The footage should be understood as a living factory—not a preserved historical workshop.
Current production blends trained employees, specialized equipment and manufacturing technology. The result is a wide range of recliners, sofas and dining seating rather than one single chair repeated forever.
That variety is exactly why a local showroom matters. A Stressless label tells you the brand. It does not tell you which model, size, base and upholstery combination will feel right to you.
The history is in Norway
The decision is in the sit test.
Most Stressless recliners are offered in several dimensions, commonly small, medium and large. But the model matters just as much as the size label.
Seat depth
A chair can feel too deep or too shallow even when the overall width looks right. Notice whether you can sit back without pressure behind the knees.
Head and back support
Check where the backrest and head support meet you when sitting upright and when reclining.
Ottoman relationship
Your legs and feet should meet the ottoman naturally. The chair and ottoman need to be considered as a set.
Movement and base
Recline, swivel and return upright. Base design, function and overall height can change the experience.
Smaller and slimmer
May suit customers who need a shallower, narrower or lower-proportioned chair.
Middle proportions
A common starting point, but not automatically the right answer for every person or model.
Taller and wider
May offer additional width, height or depth. Exact dimensions vary by recliner model.
Size availability varies by model. These descriptions are general fit guidance, not universal specifications.
Why they sit differently
Two Stressless recliners can share a brand and feel nothing alike.
Seat contour, back shape, cushion profile and arm style change how a recliner receives the body.
Small, medium and large versions can change width, depth, height and where support lands.
Classic, Signature, power and other base or movement options may create a different overall experience.
Leather, fabric and finish
The upholstery is part of the decision—not a final color swatch.
Stressless offers several genuine furniture-leather qualities, along with fabric options on selected models. The exact upholstery and construction depend on the chair you choose.
Some leathers feel smoother and more protected. Others show more natural grain and variation.
Color, sheen, grain and softness are easier to judge under showroom light than on a screen.
Do not assume every chair uses the same material in every location. Review the specification for the configuration you are considering.
What you need to see in person
A factory video tells the story. The showroom answers the fit question.
More than one model
Try the chair you came to see—and at least one you did not expect to like.
More than one size
Compare available dimensions within the same model when possible.
Upright position
Notice head, shoulder, back and leg support before reclining.
Reclined position
Let the chair move. Check where support lands and whether the movement feels natural.
Chair and ottoman together
See whether the ottoman height and distance work with your legs and preferred position.
Base design
Compare the appearance, scale, swivel and movement of available base options.
Leather and fabric
Touch samples and compare how the material changes the look and feel of the chair.
Room scale
Bring photos and measurements so the chair fits the room as well as it fits you.
From Norway to Nashville
Find the Stressless that fits you at 2 Danes.
The factory story explains the brand. A local comparison gives you confidence in the chair.
Visit 2 Danes to compare Stressless models, sizes, bases and upholstery options. Call ahead if there is a specific model or size you want to try so our team can confirm current showroom availability.
Nashville, TN 37205
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
Stressless history, factory and fit FAQ
Where did Stressless begin?
Stressless traces its roots to Sykkylven on the west coast of Norway. Jens Ekornes founded the company there in 1934, and Stressless says its main factory remains in Sykkylven.
Was Stressless founded in 1934?
Ekornes was founded in 1934. The Stressless brand and its first recliner came later, with the Stressless Original launching in 1971.
When was the first Stressless recliner introduced?
The Stressless Original was introduced in 1971. Stressless describes the launch as an unprecedented success.
Is the factory in this video the original 1934 factory?
The page and video refer to the main Stressless factory in Sykkylven, where Ekornes was founded. The manufacturing operation has evolved and expanded over the decades, so the footage should not be described as an unchanged 1934 building unless that is separately verified.
Do all Stressless recliners come in small, medium and large?
Most Stressless recliners are available in several dimensions, commonly small, medium and large. Exact size availability depends on the model.
How do I choose the right Stressless size?
Compare seat depth, width, back and head support, where your feet meet the ottoman and how the chair feels as it reclines. The same size label can feel different across models, so the sit test matters.
Do different Stressless models really sit differently?
Yes. Back shape, seat depth, cushion profile, head support, base and movement can all change the experience. Try more than one model even if you arrive with a favorite in mind.
Does Stressless offer genuine leather?
Stressless offers several genuine furniture-leather qualities, along with fabric choices on selected models. Exact upholstery and construction depend on the model and configuration.
Do I need an appointment to visit 2 Danes?
No appointment is required for a general showroom visit. Call ahead if you want to ask whether a particular Stressless model or size is currently available to try.
Where can I try Stressless recliners in Nashville?
Visit 2 Danes at 73 White Bridge Road, Suite 109, in Nashville. Call 615-352-6085 before visiting if you are looking for a specific model or size.
Continue the Stressless story