Spotlight on the Togo Sofa, by Ligne Roset

Designed in 1973 by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Togo is the 70s at its best – sexy, divisive and inarguably cool.

Since its debut in 1973, the Ligne Roset Togo collection has stood as a symbol of relaxed sophistication and avant-garde design. Created by French designer Michel Ducaroy, the Togo emerged at a time when traditional forms were being challenged and comfort was becoming a primary concern in furniture design. With its unmistakable silhouette—low-slung, armless, and softly sculptural—the Togo has not only remained in production for over five decades but has also achieved cult status among design aficionados, celebrities, and a new generation of tastemakers.

The Birth of an Icon

Michel Ducaroy trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Lyon and joined Ligne Roset in the 1950s. His work explored innovative use of new materials, particularly foam, which was increasingly being used in furniture production following developments in polyurethane technology. The Togo Sofa was born from this experimentation.

Designed entirely from high-density polyurethane foam, the Togo settee was a radical departure from conventional sofa construction. It had no frame, no legs, and no rigid structure. Instead, it relied on ergonomic folds and careful proportions to offer comfort and support. Ducaroy famously compared it to “a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself like a stovepipe and closed at both ends.”

At first, its informal appearance was met with scepticism. Yet its comfort, flexibility, and instantly recognisable form quickly won over a loyal following. It perfectly captured the spirit of the 1970s—informal, playful, and forward-thinking—earning its place as a design classic.

Pop Culture and Revival

The Togo couch has consistently attracted attention far beyond the world of interior design. From the 1970s onwards, it appeared in the homes of celebrities, artists and musicians. Its laid-back shape made it a natural fit for bohemian lofts and modernist homes alike. In more recent years, the Togo has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger audiences drawn to its Instagram-friendly aesthetic and retro-modern appeal.

In the world of fashion and film, the Togo sofas and fireside chair have made numerous appearances. It has been spotted in editorials, music videos and on the sets of high-profile interiors featured in magazines such as Architectural Digest and Elle Decoration. Its modular nature and the variety of fabrics and colours available have allowed it to adapt seamlessly to different styles—from minimalist and monochrome to maximalist and eclectic.

The Togo’s enduring popularity has also been helped by the wider revival of 1970s design, with its warm tones, tactile materials and casual luxury. This renewed interest has cemented its place as a cultural touchpoint, bridging generations of design lovers.

A Legacy of Comfort and Innovation

One of the reasons the Togo remains relevant today is its prescient approach to comfort and sustainability. Long before “ergonomics” became a buzzword, Ducaroy understood the importance of designing furniture that followed the natural lines of the body. The Togo’s slouchy, floor-hugging design invites a more informal way of living, aligning with how people actually want to use their living spaces.

Ligne Roset has also committed to sustainable production practices, and the Togo’s foam construction allows for easier recycling and reupholstery than many traditional sofas. This makes it a rare example of a 1970s design that still meets today’s ethical standards.

Timeless, Yet of Its Time

The Togo is more than just a piece of furniture—it is a lifestyle emblem. Its shape, comfort and craftsmanship have given it staying power few designs can claim. While many products come and go, subject to fleeting trends, the Togo remains a mainstay in homes that value both form and function.

Over fifty years since its creation, the Ligne Roset Togo continues to charm and inspire. It is at once a nostalgic nod to the past and a beacon of enduring modernity—proof that good design, when done with vision and heart, never goes out of style.

Explore the Togo collection here, and get in touch to purchase yours from Utility today.

Feature image by Chloé Lefleur on Unsplash