Our history (User is actually not logged in)

STORE LOCATORDOWNLOADS
Contact
Bitte Land und Sprache wählen:

Main content area

Quality as a guarantee for success

Our history

de Sede has its origins in a small but skilled saddler's workshop in Klingnau, Switzerland. The craftsmen there committed themselves to transforming the best possible leather into seating furniture. Their years of experience and diligence enabled them to create hand-crafted leather furniture of singular quality.

In 1965, the family-run business became a joint-stock company called de Sede AG, but remained faithful to their original guiding principles.

The company developed rapidly from this moment onwards: top designers of international calibre were brought on board to create seating furniture, additional manufacturing facilities were opened, and an international distribution network was established. Sophisticated designs that skilfully integrate traditional and precise Swiss workmanship swiftly gained the brand an international reputation.

Today, de Sede AG presents itself as a leading manufacturer of exclusive leather furniture. Out of the original small workshop, a company has emerged that employs over 110 people and distributes furniture in more than 69 countries, including the United States and Russia, the GCC countries, and even emerging markets such as China and Brazil.

Milestones in the 55-year history of the manufacture

1962
Ernst Lüthy establishes a small upholstery business in Klingnau, Switzerland. His team specialized in custom leather furniture of the highest quality - made with traditional craftsmanship.

1964
First participation at IMM Cologne and first exports

1965
The family-run business Ernst Lüthy turns into de Sede AG.

1967
Introduction of the hand-stitched plain seam to DS-31 model. 

1968
Expansion of export business to international markets through the targeted acquisition of well-known market player.

1969
Application of a patchwork finish to DS-80 Daybed.

1971
The model DS-P with honeycomb stitching and down insulation is sold on the market for the first time. 

1972
The modular, snake-shaped seating concept DS-600 revolutionises the furniture market. 

1973
Expansion of production facility in Klingnau. Development of a production network in Switzerland and Germany.

1974
Ubald Klug designs the Terrazza DS-25 (today known as DS-1025).

1976
NECK-leather, a type of oxhide with a thickness of up to 6 mm, is first applied to DS-47 and celebrated as a milestone in the history of upholstered furniture.

1984
Takeover of company by PCW Group.

1985
Market launch of DS-140 by Reto Frigg: thanks to its new rotating seat system, the sofa can be converted into an elegant double lounge chair in just two steps.

1986
Santiago Calatrava creates DS-150, an uniquely beautiful, futuristic lounger.

1989
Launch of DS-4000 range, featuring the first models with an aluminium frame in the furniture industry.

1993
Management buyout by Hans-Peter Fässler and Bernhard Schüler.

1997
DS-102, designed by Mathias Hoffman,redefines the concept of seating islands.

2000
Takeover of FSM Frank Sitzmöbel GmbH.

2002
Market launch of DS-7 by Antonella Scarpitta, the world‘s first model to feature de Sede‘s patented ‘folding/extending backrest mechanism’.

2003
DS-164 with its 360° rotating back element is another technological revolution patented by de Sede. Design: Hugo de Ruiter

2007
Capvis Zürich acquires de Sede AG and integrates the company into the newly created de Sede Group.

2010
Gordon Guillaumier designs the new DS-60 sofa system, inspired by the pure form of a boomerang with its bold yet elegant lines.

2012
DS-333 surprises consumers with its enticing appearance and the fascinating interplay of different materials. Its connective leather straps are reminiscent of those found on old suitcases.

2013
Seven private investors from Switzerland found DESEMA Holding AG and incorporate de Sede AG and Machalke Polsterwerkstätten GmbH in it. Each company retains its own management.

2014
Monika Walser takes over management of de Sede AG in April 2014.

2015
50th anniversary of de Sede and the introduction of the anniversary model, DS-900, a reinterpreted rocking chair. Sale of Machalke Polsterwerkstätten GmbH in Hochstadt, Germany.

2016
DS-21 sofa by Stephan Hürlemann, inspired by the Bauhaus movement, combines the ease and familiarity of a seating area with the grandeur of high feet.

2017
The manufacture launches its first handbag collection at Mode Suisse in Zurich (CHE) and opens its first store in Los Angeles (USA).

2018
Introduction of the first de Sede semi-outdoor collection in a world of furnishings that is designed down to the last detail. In July 2018, the Swiss manufacture moves into the department store Harrods in London with its own shop-in-shop.

Firmen-Video