TOGO SOFA
So, there’s this sofa. And it’s not just any sofa – it’s the Togo. You’ve probably seen it before, even if you didn’t know the name. It’s that squishy, low-to-the-ground, puffy masterpiece that looks like it might just swallow you whole. And if you’ve ever had the chance to sit on one, you know that’s basically what it does.
A 70s Rebel That Never Grew Up
Back in 1973, this French designer named Michel Ducaroy had a wild idea: What if a sofa didn’t have to be all stiff and serious? What if it could be soft, chill, and basically the furniture version of a lazy Sunday?
So, he created the Togo – a sofa with zero hard edges, no stiff frame, just a bunch of perfectly layered foam that practically begs you to flop down and forget all your problems.
Michel Ducaroy
Michel Ducaroy was a French designer who changed the way we think about comfort. Born in 1925 in Lyon, France, Ducaroy grew up in a family of furniture designers, so you could say design was in his DNA. But while his family leaned toward traditional styles, Ducaroy had a different vision – one that was all about pushing boundaries.
After studying at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, Ducaroy started his career designing furniture for small family businesses before joining Ligne Roset in the 1960s. This partnership with Ligne Roset was a game-changer. It gave him the creative freedom he needed to explore new ideas, and it’s where he would eventually create his most iconic design – the Togo sofa.
His designs, including the Togo, were all about comfort without the conventional constraints. No stiff backs, no rigid arms—just soft, organic forms that invite you to sink in and relax. He once described his style as “a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself like a stovepipe and closed at both ends,” which perfectly sums up the Togo’s iconic shape.
Throughout his career, he continued to design pieces that blended comfort with bold, innovative shapes. But it’s the Togo that truly cemented his legacy – a piece that went from being a quirky experiment to a design classic loved worldwide.
The concept behind the design
The concept was simple: pure foam, no frame. Instead of using a rigid wooden base, Ducaroy stacked layers of high-density polyurethane foam with varying firmness. The result? A sofa that was soft where you wanted it to be but supportive enough to keep its shape. It was basically like a designer bean bag chair but with way more style.
But it wasn’t just about comfort – it was about freedom. The Togo’s low, slouchy design let you sit, sprawl, or even lie down however you wanted. No rigid armrests telling you where to put your elbows. No stiff backrest pushing you to sit up straight. Just a pillowy, sculptural form that hugged your body.
The Togo’s signature pleated look wasn’t just for style either – it was a design choice that helped the fabric wrap perfectly around the foam without wrinkles or sagging. And because it was made with high-quality materials, it wasn’t just cozy – it was built to last.
Ducaroy once described the Togo’s shape as a “tube of toothpaste folded back on itself,” which sounds wild but actually makes sense when you see it. Those soft, flowing curves gave it an organic, inviting look that was totally different from anything else in the 70s furniture world.
Sitting on a Togo
Feels Like Being Hugged by a Marshmallow
The Togo is basically what happens when a bean bag chair and a designer sofa have a really stylish baby. There’s no hidden wood frame. No springs. It’s just you, wrapped in squishy, supportive foam. You don’t sit on it. You melt into it. And somehow, despite being the comfiest thing ever, it still looks chic.
And then there’s the shape. The Togo doesn’t have any straight lines, which is pretty wild when you think about it. It’s all curves, which gives it this super organic, almost blob-like look. But don’t let that fool you—it’s engineered to cradle your body in all the right places. It’s low-profile, wide, and somehow manages to be both firm and plush at the same time. I’m telling you, this thing is basically a hug in furniture form.
Watch Eric Wang unbox the iconic Togo sofa at the 5:00 mark and see why this squishy, stylish masterpiece has become a design legend:
Little known Fact
Togo’s original name wasn’t “Togo”
Okay, here’s something most people don’t know: the Togo wasn’t always called the Togo. I know, right? The Togo was this close to being called “Elysée,” which sounds like a fancy French restaurant where you have to whisper. But then someone with common sense was like, “No, this thing is way too cool for that.” And thank goodness they changed it, because “Togo” just has a laid-back, no-rules vibe – exactly like the sofa itself.
Why It Went From Oddball to Icon
Let’s be real – the Togo doesn’t look like any other sofa. When it first came out, it was kind of an oddball. Other sofas were all stiff and serious, and this thing was like,
Nah, I’m just gonna vibe here.
But people loved it. It showed up in funky 70s lounges, cozy reading nooks, and even celebrity living rooms. Over time, it became a design legend.
People were obsessed with the Togo in the ’70s, and honestly? That obsession never really went away. If anything, it’s only grown stronger. You’ll see Togos in high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and the homes of literally every cool person on Instagram. It’s one of those pieces that just screams “I have good taste, and I know it.”
And the best part? The Togo hasn’t changed at all since it was first designed. Like, they didn’t need to mess with it because it was perfect from the start. Same design, same materials, same everything. It’s kind of wild when you think about how most things get tweaked and updated over the years, but the Togo? It’s like, “No thanks, I’m good.”
A little bit of Togo trivia
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret for you: Every single Togo sofa is made by hand. Yep, you read that right. Each one is handcrafted by skilled artisans who cut and shape the foam, layer by layer.
Watch the official Ligne Roset video about it:
It’s not just some mass-produced, cookie-cutter couch. Every curve, every fold, every squishy angle is carefully sculpted, which is honestly wild when you think about how many Togos are lounging around in stylish homes all over the world.
And that fabric? It’s not just any fabric – it’s specially designed to stretch perfectly over the foam, hugging every curve without any weird bunching or sagging. This thing is basically tailored like a designer suit but way more comfortable.
Where can you buy a Togo?
So, you’re convinced. You want a Togo in your life. The good news? They’re still in production today, so you can get your hands on a brand-new one if that’s your vibe. The official Togo is made by Ligne Roset, the French furniture company that’s been around forever and basically knows everything there is to know about high-quality design.
Ligne Roset Official Website
As the original manufacturer, Ligne Roset offers the Togo in various configurations and fabrics. You can customize your sofa to fit your style and space.
Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach carries the Togo sofa and occasionally offers discounts. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a deal on a new piece.
1stDibs
For vintage or unique versions of the Togo, 1stDibs has a curated selection from various sellers. It’s perfect if you’re seeking something with a bit of history.
eBay
eBay offers a range of pre-owned Togo sofas, which can be a more budget-friendly option. Just be sure to verify the authenticity and condition before purchasing.
Carefully Picked
This boutique shop sometimes has Togo sofas in stock, including vintage pieces. It’s worth checking their inventory for unique finds.
Local Showrooms in Boston
If you’re in the Boston area and prefer to see the Togo in person, consider visiting local furniture showrooms that carry Ligne Roset products. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability.
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Sources
https://www.ligne-roset.com/
https://www.themillievintage.com/