Thanks to reader Jan, who tipped us that Flexsteel has reintroduced a refreshed version of their famous Thunderbird sofa. Ouch, this is 2018 news that I missed — but here we go! I reached out to Flexsteel to find out more — they were fantastic about providing images, both historical and new. And, I talked recently to the designer in charge of the project, Alek Eglinton, who told me about the changes made (and why) and about his enthusiasm for being part of the team that has brought this famous design back to the market. All photos courtesy Flexsteel — many thanks!
According to my research using my subscription at newspapers.com, the Flexsteel line was previewed at the 1965 International Home Furnishings Market in Chicago. This newspaper report on the Market Preview is from June 20, 1965. The first newspaper advertisement for the line that I could find was for March 13, 1966.
Above: The Flexsteel Thunderbird sofa, redesigned for the contemporary market.
Okay, so first off, and to get this out of way: I suspect some readers will ask: Why didn’t they just recreate the original 1965 design as it was? As I talked this through with Alek, he explained that to sell into today’s market, some changes realistically needed to be made. I totally respect and understand this, and am simply grateful that we have another mid century modern style sofa to choose from!
Accordingly, readers, may I respectfully request that if you aren’t particularly fond of the changes made, you take a pass on posting a critique this time around? There are other sofa options out there if you don’t prefer this particular design adaption. Thank you in advance for helping to keep the blog upbeat! xo pam
Changes to make the Thunderbird sofa more appealing to a wider market today:
- Length shortened — The updated Flexsteel Thunderbird sofa is 101″ long vs. the original 115″. 115″ is just too big for most homes.
- Cushions cushier — The narrow trapezoid-shaped back cushions on the ’65 Thunderbird were indeed snazzy looking, but today’s customers really want to nest in their sofas, so the back cushions were made to fill out the space and are thicker.
- Sits higher — Some mid century modern sofas back in the day sat quite low. The updated Flexsteel sits at 21″, a sweet spot.
- Upholstered front rail / wedge edge — added for comfort so that the back of your knees/calves don’t hit a hard edge when you sit down.
- Wood changed — to a more sustainable rubberwood, stained in walnut to emulate the original design.
Above: There’s also a coordinating Flexsteel Thunderbird chair and ottoman. I really like how choosing a two-tone upholstery ups the snazzy factor — you saw this done, back in the day with the Thunderbird and similar designs.
Above: The same idea in blue and gray.
The story behind bringing the Flexsteel Thunderbird back to market
Alek Eglinton, Senior Designer at Flexsteel, was the design lead on the Thunderbird project. He did the research to pitch bringing it back to market and then, he did the careful redesign. Alek joined Flexsteel in 2013 and remembers:
The one thing I knew of Flexsteel even before I came here, they had this really cool sofa, this Thunderbird sofa.
How would he not be fascinated by the idea of bringing it back?
Fast forward over the next few years… Alek kept seeing vintage Flexsteel Thunderbird sofas for sale for $3,000 and $4,000 at etsy and other places. On top of this, he had a major opportunity: Some company archives in a 100-year-old-factory complex needed cleaning out, stat! So, Alek rolled up his sleeves and found some great Thunderbird artifacts.
History in hand, and mid century modern mania well under way, Alek and Marketing and all the other team members who would need to be involved at Flexsteel got the green light to move ahead.
After getting all the details in place, the new Flexsteel Thunderbird sofa, chair, and ottoman were introduced in the fall of 2018. That’s Alek, above, “at market” — the ginormous furniture maker trade show that takes place annually in North Carolina.
Why does Alek love the sofa so? He told me, with a bit of (to me) interesting designer-speak:
It’s so polarizing — the winged out arms and the solid walnut trim – simple and pretty sophisticated.
In this blog post the company also acknowledges the influence of Adrian Pearsall in popularizing this style of sofa. Methinks that Vladimar Kagan also was in the mix, in terms of using wood sculpturally (as well as structurally) in his sofa and (especially) chair designs.
Alas, even after searching through as much of the archives as he could, Alek could not determine who exactly designed the first Flexsteel Thunderbird sofas. The company was rocking busy back in the 1960s, there were “tons” of furniture designs, likely with “pretty decent size team” of designers, he guesses. Employees who had been working at the factory 40 years or more also told Alek: Flexsteel Thunderbird sofas were very popular back in the day — the company ran them on the lines all the time.
Re the photo above, Flexsteel also sent me a vintage photo of what Alek called the “tight-back” version of the Thunderbird. It gives Alek another twinkle in his eye:
The tight-back version was a really good one – I like that one a lot. If we were ever to do another one, that’s what I would pull for.
Alek, we’re pulling for you to pull for it!
Many thanks to Flexsteel for bringing this option to market; to Alek for all his time providing more info; and to the PR team for their terrific response with photos and information. Thanks again to reader Jan, too, who says that her Flexsteel Thunderbird order — upholstery: “Curry — is in place. Oh, there are 1,200 upholstery choices!
Flexsteel has been headquartered in Dubuque since 1936. The company has roots back to 1893. Today’s Thunderbird product line is manufactured in Dublin, Georgia.
Link love:
- Flexsteel Thunderbird sofa product page
- Flexsteel Thunderbird chair page
- Where to buy: Flexsteel sells through retailers — find a retailer near you using this page.
Jay says
So much of the 50s and 60s furniture designs did not “live” well. They were right to adapt it today’s lifestyles of couch lounging. My parents were given some expensive modern furniture in the early 70s. Loose seat back cushions, low to the floor, deep seats and skinny arms. I think they regretted giving away the comfy traditional furniture it replaced.
Karin Jeffrey says
Great sofa! I love that room with the originals in blue.
carolyn says
I’ve had 2 “modern” couches and have sat in a few more. I find them to cushy so there’s not enough room on the seat due to the fat back cushions. I’m smaller now than when pregnant and never had trouble laying on my side to nap back then.
On the bright side, we seem to be getting closer to the Jetsons!
Ann Elizabeth Wells says
I just called and inquired about one from a retailer in TX. I am looking at about $1800 in a 1st tier fabric. I would love to see one in person before I pull the trigger.
Ann says
I ordered the sofa in Peacock. Will report back in 8 weeks when it gets here!
Jean Gough says
I hope they bring back the second design and with the minimal wood trim. Other mid century designs would be great too. My parents had a Flexsteel couch that I wish I had and I’ve been looking to Flexsteel to bring back a choice in mid century!
CarolK says
These are really cool and I do like how they are made of fabrics that are pet-friendly. I’d have to see if one fits in our family room and, just as important, if they fit into the budget. (There are no prices listed.) I might need to put a small sofa table behind any sofa I get because my doxie likes to sit on the back of the sofa. She’s not fat but 15 pounds of dachshund is not great for sofa cushions
Wendellyn Plummer says
I love the Thunderbird Couch. What a great design!! Makes my heart sing!!!!!
SHAR says
Looks like very comfortable arms to lay your head on without crinking your neck. But it would take more space. Our county charges up to $40,000 in affordable housing fees if a house is over 1,200 square feet. No wonder people are leaving California.
Leslie says
“Some company archives in a 100-year-old-factory complex needed cleaning out, stat!”
Oh, no. Oh, nononononononno!!!!! Archives should *never* be cleaned out. Tidied up, yes. Indexed, yes. Organized, yes. “Cleaned out?” NEVER NEVER NEVER!
Pam Kueber says
I likely quoted that wrong 😉 I’m guessing there was methodology undertaken!
DAG DAG says
Wow…I like that! And since I stretch out on the sofa (A LOT)! that would be the perfect arm to snooze up against. And may I also add, that design is very Star Trek: The Next generation style…very VERY nice (even though it is no longer available/being made in that original “astrolon” fabric. Now I will have to search for the price…hopefully affordable. And that armchair…even better…and perfect for a corner.
Pam Kueber says
Glad you like it. I always hesitate to put prices into stories, because they change. Right now online, I can see three for sale –running $1200 – $1600. I’m guessing: Depends on upholstery and of course, retailer…