What did you have in mind?
Trade terms for professionals and design studios
Most sofa systems are described by what they can become. Arper describes Steeve by what it is made of: three versatile components — bench, armchair and sofa — plus their relative modules. Naming a bench alongside an armchair changes how a room gets planned: the bench takes the pass-through positions where a sofa would be too committal, the armchair holds a corner on its own, the sofa anchors the group — and central, end and corner modules carry the line onward in linear or corner compositions. Jean-Marie Massaud drew it in 2015; the Architizer A+ Award followed in 2016.
Nine years later the same hand added Steeve Lou: free-standing, fully upholstered, on a single T-leg base, with two- and three-seat versions, a matching ottoman, side tables built into the sofa and a laptop cushion. Steeve offers an external structure in exposed wood or fully upholstered, with coordinated or two-tone configurations; Lou brings new cushioning foams, an ergonomic seat depth and high backrests. From contract lounges and waiting areas to break rooms and homes: La Mercanti supplies both across the UK with fabric samples ahead of the order.
Collections: Steeve and Steeve Lou by Arper — modular and free-standing sofa systems for lounge and design settings, waiting areas, offices and collaborative spaces, hospitality, restaurants, break areas and homes
Designer: Jean-Marie Massaud — Steeve, 2015; Steeve Lou, 2024
Award (Steeve): Architizer A+ Award, 2016
Steeve — components: three versatile components, bench, armchair and sofa, with their relative modules; free-standing versions with one, two and three seats
Steeve — modularity: central, end and corner modules, for linear and corner compositions
Steeve — structure and upholstery: external structure available in exposed wood or fully upholstered in fabric, leather or coated fabric; the upholstery of the internal structure and of the soft seat and back cushions can be configured coordinated or two-tone
Steeve — accessories: accessory cushions in two different sizes
Steeve Lou — build: free-standing, fully upholstered, metal and wood frame on a single powder-coated aluminium T-leg; two- and three-seat versions
Steeve Lou — surfaces and accessories: versions fitted with a right- or left-side table in MDF with reconstituted oak or walnut finish; matching ottoman on a powder-coated metal base with removable upholstery; laptop cushion with plywood tablet in oak or walnut finish
Steeve Lou — comfort: new cushioning foam technologies, ergonomic seat depth and high backrests for sitting up or lounging
Steeve Lou — service life: seat and back cushions have removable upholstery; the frame upholstery can be separated and replaced by technical personnel, since it is applied without the use of glue; the collection is fully disassemblable and cushion covers can be removed or replaced to extend the product's lifespan
Upholstery materials: fabric, leather, coated fabric or customer's own material across both collections
Intended-use framework cited by the maker: EN 16139 for non-domestic seating; the environmental product certifications page carries the FSC mark (fsc.org) and refers to Arper for the list of certified products
Safety and warranty: improper use declared (not a stepladder, no extreme one-sided loads); connecting fastenings to be checked regularly; warranty on materials and manufacture with liability declined for improper use
Dimensions: no measurements are declared in the collection sheets — La Mercanti supplies Arper's certified drawings with every quotation
Uses: design and lounge sofas, waiting and reception areas, offices and collaborative zones, hospitality and restaurants, break areas, home living and home office
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