The Iconic "Ours Polaire" Sofa by Jean Royère: A Timeless Design

In 2018, the prestigious American magazine Architectural Digest (AD), devoted to interior design and landscaping, featured a photo report on the Californian villa of American star Jennifer Aniston. While the villa’s architectural qualities were noteworthy, it was a piece of French-designed furniture that captured attention worldwide: the extraordinary "Ours Polaire" (Polar Bear) sofa by French decorator Jean Royère. This sofa, chosen by the Friends star or her decorator, embodies an organic and avant-garde design that remains iconic. This article explores the history, aesthetic, and cultural significance of this cult design piece from the immediate post-war period.

Jean Royère: The Visionary Creator

Jean Royère (1902–1981) was a French designer whose bold and imaginative creations left a lasting mark on 20th-century design. His career began in the 1930s, when he left a career in import-export to fully dedicate himself to interior design. Largely self-taught—apart from training in the cabinet-making workshops of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine in Paris—Royère became one of the most influential interior designers of his time.

Royère’s designs were characterized by organic shapes, bright colors, and innovative use of materials such as forged metal, wood, and luxurious textiles. His reputation extended beyond France, with high-profile projects in Europe, the Middle East, and South America. For this reason, he is often remembered as a decorator rather than just a designer.

Notable Projects

• A private lounge and cinema for the Shah of Iran.
• Haute couture interiors commissioned by international clients.

The Birth of the "Ours Polaire" Sofa

The "Ours Polaire" sofa, or "Boule" as it was originally called, was designed in 1947 for Royère’s mother’s apartment on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré in Paris. This emblematic piece represents a transition in post-war design towards organic, human-centered aesthetics. Departing from the rigid, austere furniture of the pre-war period, it embraced softness, comfort, and fluidity, which made it highly desirable for collectors.

Why Is the "Ours Polaire" Sofa Iconic?

1. Innovative Comfort: Royère’s design prioritized relaxation and comfort, breaking from the formalism of earlier decades.
2. Material Experimentation: The sofa’s plush, inviting appearance comes from materials like curly wool, which added a tactile and visual softness.
3. Organic Aesthetics: Its rounded armrests and generous seat exude an enveloping comfort, reminiscent of biomorphic sculptures by Jean Arp.

A Sculptural and Functional Masterpiece

Aesthetically, the sofa is known for its voluptuous forms and luxurious materials. Covered in long-haired alpaca velvet by Maison Royère, it offers a tactile richness that complements its visual appeal. Experts often compare the sofa’s naturalistic shape to Jean Arp’s "Self-Dissolving Shell" and to Charles and Ray Eames’ "La Chaise", both of which explore organic and fluid design.

Unique Features

• Mounted on discreet wooden legs, the sofa appears to float above the ground, creating an illusion of lightness.
• Its voluptuous curves merge form and function, making it a sculptural statement piece.

Influence on Post-War Design

The "Ours Polaire" sofa paved the way for furniture that was both sculptural and comfortable. Its influence extends to modern designs, encouraging a blend of artistic expression and functional use. Today, this piece is celebrated at auctions and exhibitions, standing as a testament to Jean Royère’s creative genius.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Since 2019, Maison Jean Royère has revived his most iconic creations, including the "Ours Polaire." The sofa remains a highly sought-after design classic, frequently appearing in luxurious interiors and collections.

Jean Royère’s work reflects the cultural and aesthetic reconstruction of post-war society, blending comfort, elegance, and innovation. The "Ours Polaire" sofa stands as an enduring symbol of his contribution to design history, proving that beauty and functionality can coexist seamlessly.

François Boutard