The Marlowe armchair by Malerba draws on nearly eight decades of Italian design heritage. Founded in 1946 by brothers Antonio and Armando Malerba, the house has refined its craft across generations — mastering lacquered finishes, wood veneers, and decorative detailing with quiet authority. Handcrafted in Italy, the Marlowe is an Italian design armchair that distills that accumulated knowledge into a single, deliberately compact form.

What distinguishes the Marlowe is the tension between restraint and presence. The structured backrest rises with clean, sculpted proportions, offering genuine lumbar support without visual bulk. Malerba's signature lacquered surfaces — applied through layered finishing techniques that resist scratching and fading — give the frame a depth of colour that shifts subtly with light. Veneer accents introduce warmth and grain, a counterpoint to the lacquer's polished resolve. Every joint, every transition between material and surface, speaks to the precision of a workshop that has never stopped refining its methods.

At 73 × 78 × 78 cm, the Marlowe is sized for spaces where every centimetre matters — a reading corner in the bedroom, an accent seat in a compact living room, a private home office. It occupies a room without overwhelming it. Malerba offers customisation across lacquer colours, veneer types, and upholstery fabrics, allowing the piece to be tailored precisely to an existing interior scheme.

• Dimensions: 73 × 78 × 78 cm
• Materials: Wood frame, lacquered finishes, veneer options, upholstered seat
• Customization: Lacquer colours, veneer selections, and upholstery fabrics available on request
• Origin: Handcrafted in Italy

Frequently asked questions

What customisation options are available for the Marlowe?
Malerba offers a range of lacquer colours, wood veneers, and upholstery fabrics. Lead times vary by specification — contact us for details on available finishes and to request samples.

Is the Marlowe suitable for smaller rooms?
At just 78 cm wide, it is purposefully proportioned for compact spaces. It works as a standalone accent piece in studios and apartments or as secondary seating paired alongside a sofa in a larger arrangement.