Chaise Longue 120° by Deta Studio combines modular seating with angular geometry
Deta Studio designs Chaise Longue 120°, a contemporary seating system combining an armchair and pouf into a configurable piece of furniture. Developed in Puglia, Italy, the project investigates the relationship between geometry, material and the position of the body. Created by designers Antonio Delizotti and Giuseppe Tarantino, the chaise longue takes its name from the 120-degree angle between the seat and backrest. This measurement establishes the reclining position and determines the proportions of the entire structure. With its exposed iron construction and angular profile, the design introduces a neo-brutalist approach to contemporary furniture, where structural elements remain visible and serve a functional purpose.
The 120-degree opening is fundamental to the design. By directing the backrest away from its conventional upright position and extending the seat towards a more horizontal orientation, Deta Studio creates a posture associated with reclining furniture. The resulting silhouette is defined by a sequence of intersecting planes, arranged through a combination of orthogonal and diagonal lines. Each change in direction contributes to the overall geometry, giving the armchair a distinctly architectural character. The relationship between these surfaces also determines how the furniture occupies space, with an extended profile that emphasizes its horizontal proportions.
Constructed from a single sheet of iron, Chaise Longue 120° follows a monocoque structural principle in which the outer shell provides support without requiring a conventional frame. The metal surfaces form both the seating structure and its supporting elements, reducing the visual presence of individual legs. A protective coating preserves the iron’s original appearance, including the marks left during fabrication. This treatment maintains the material’s industrial character while providing protection for everyday use. The continuous construction creates the impression of a series of planes lifting from the ground, despite the substantial weight associated with iron.
The modular configuration allows the armchair and pouf to function independently or as a continuous chaise longue. Positioned together, the two components extend the seating area to accommodate a reclining posture. When separated, the pouf can serve as a footrest, an additional seat or a surface for resting objects. This flexibility makes the furniture suitable for different arrangements without altering its structural identity. Two small ledges incorporated into the iron structure provide space for everyday items such as books, glasses or keys. These integrated surfaces are the design’s only additional functional details.
Deta Studio is a product design practice founded by Antonio Delizotti and Giuseppe Tarantino in Puglia, southern Italy. The designers work directly with local artisans, prioritizing short production chains and a considered approach to material selection. Their practice examines how established manufacturing knowledge can inform contemporary objects, with particular attention to construction, proportion and the physical properties of materials. The studio also embraces contradictions as part of its creative process, questioning conventional approaches to production while maintaining a connection to regional craftsmanship.
All images courtesy of Deta Studio, shared with permission
