'A Mah Jong Sofa' – Behind the '70s Design Icon Highlighted on Charli XCX's 'Music, Fashion, Film'
Explore the history of the cult classic furnishing designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
On the third track of her hotly anticipated album, 'Music, Fashion, Film,' Charli XCX describes a complicated relationship with materialism, in which a whole new life is available to anyone who can purchase the trappings. According to 'Card Declined,' the right shoes, handbags, and jewelry are enough to build a 'whole backstory' – but Charli doesn't stop there. To overhaul your personality, you'll also need the right couch. Charli's pick? The Maj Jong Sofa.
Though we don't want to endorse the idea that consumerism is the ticket to the dream life, if there is one furniture piece that could totally transform your outlook, it might be the Mah Jong Sofa. Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971 for the French furniture house Roche Bobois, it is a pioneer of elevated bohemian style.
In the '70s, the Maj Jong sofa was revolutionary for its low profile and modular design – which offers endless configuration possibilities – and remains a favorite among the design set. To name a few, it features in the homes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Gigi Hadid, and Drake.
Part of how the Mah Jong sofa has remained relevant is by refusing to be static. Over the years, it has been continually reinvented through collaborations with leading fashion names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo Takada, and Missoni. It's no wonder Charli is interested.
The Mah Jong Missoni system in a living room
'Our greatest strength lies in combining creative boldness with artisanal tradition,' explains Eric Amourdedieu, Executive Director at Roche Bobois.
'We create furniture that is both timeless and contemporary, embodying the French art de vivre. Our collaborations with internationally renowned designers, artists, and artisans enable us to produce exclusive collections that transcend fleeting trends and embrace a sustainable future.'
As evidenced by the diversity of the styles of the designers they've worked with, and the different ways it can be arranged, the timeless appeal of the Mah Jong as a living room sofa comes from its versatility. It starts with three basic elements that can be combined or stacked together.
Eric explains: 'Our clients appreciate the extensive customization options, the richness of the materials, and the wide variety of styles we offer. They value our ability to create products that combine beauty and functionality while remaining true to authenticity and craftsmanship. At Roche Bobois, every piece of furniture tells a story—one of innovative yet timeless design created to enhance everyday living. Above all, we design furniture for living, not simply furniture to admire.
The Jean-Paul Gaultier Mah Jong sofa
Tastemakers' ongoing love affair with the Mah Jong sofa also comes from its rich history. Hans Hopfner was a German painter, sculptor, and designer. In 1971, his concept of furniture as a 'seating landscape' was considered extremely avant-garde, and the rebellious spirit of the sofa persists to this day. Rather than simply a piece of unexpected living room seating, investing in a Mah Jong sofa is a signal of free-spirited eccentricity.
If you want to get the look Charli talks about on 'Music, Fashion, Film,' you have a few options. You can book an appointment in-store to purchase a Mah Jong sofa directly from Roche Bobois, purchase one secondhand from a trust-worthy retailer like 1stDibs, or shop low modular sofas from other sources for a lookalike style. Here are our editors' picks.
Shop The Boho Modular Look
If you want to add a true designer piece to your home, it doesn't get much better than the Mah Jong system. This set of just two pieces is perfect for starting out to see if the modular look works for you.
This soothing four-piece set includes a left wedge, a right wedge, an armless chair, and an ottoman, creating the ideal sofa set to suit our specific preferences. It's constructed using a solid wood frame, exuding durability, versatility, and, of course, stability, plus, the price is great.
While this piece doesn't benefit from the mixed pattern option of the Mah Jong sofa, it is modular, allowing for multiple arrangements and the velvet texture brings a softness to balance the bold color.
If you want a more muted but sculptural look, this piece from Wayfair is a great option, and can be configured like a conversation pit for a fun '70s inspired playfulness. It would be a great option for a family.
Makers on Etsy make modular floor cushion sofas in custom fabrics, if you want strong creative control over what your sofa looks like. These would be a fun option for a colorful living room.
Similar to the Mah Jong sofa, this 'boneless' couch sits completely flat on the floor with no visible legs. It creates a similar casual, low-slung, ultra-relaxed seating look.
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