Is Fjords a Good Furniture Brand? A Buyer's Guide
Last updated: June 2026
Yes, Fjords is a well-regarded furniture brand. Made in Norway by Hjellegjerde, a family company founded in 1941, Fjords specializes in ergonomic leather and fabric recliners, sofas, and accent chairs. The line is known for its Active Release System headrest, cold-cured molded foam, and engineered steel frames, backed by a 10-year warranty on frames and steel mechanisms. With more than 80 years of furniture-making behind it, Fjords sits in the category of comfort-focused Scandinavian seating built to last for years of daily use, rather than disposable furniture meant to be replaced in a season. For shoppers who care about back support and long-term durability, it is a brand worth considering, and one we have carried and sat in ourselves at our Hayward, Wisconsin showroom.
Where is Fjords furniture made?
Fjords is manufactured by Hjellegjerde, a Norwegian company with roots in the country's fjord-side districts dating to 1941. What began as a small family workshop grew into a global manufacturer, but the design philosophy stayed Scandinavian: clean lines, functional minimalism, and seating engineered around the human body. Fjords is sold in the United States through authorized retailers, and the pieces ship from the brand's North American distribution to dealers and customers.
What is Fjords known for?
Fjords builds comfort into the engineering rather than bolting it on. A few features define the line:
- Active Release System. A built-in mechanism that adjusts the headrest and neck angle automatically as you recline, so your head and neck stay supported whether you're reading upright or fully reclined. There are no levers to pull.
- Cold-cured molded foam. Fjords molds its foam directly around the steel frame at a density of roughly 3 pounds, compared with about 1.8 pounds for standard upholstery foam. Denser foam holds its shape and support far longer before it softens or sags.
- Steel frames and gliding steel mountings. The seat and back are built on engineered steel with no-sag springs, set on laminated wood bases. Many recliners add a 360-degree swivel.
- Two-size fit. Many models come in a small and a large version, so the chair can actually fit the person sitting in it.
- Leather and fabric choice. Pieces are offered in a range of top-grain leathers and fabrics, with manual, motion, and powered options across the line.
How long does Fjords furniture last? (Warranty)
Fjords backs its construction with a tiered warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship:
| Component | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Steel frame and all steel mechanical functions | 10 years |
| Molded foam, wood components, gas cylinders, cables | 5 years |
| Reclining mechanisms and power components (Relax & Modern Living) | 3 years |
| Leather or fabric covers (against wear-through or tearing) | 2 years |
The 10-year structural coverage is the headline number, and it matches what you'll find on comparable Norwegian seating. As with most furniture warranties, the cover warranty protects against wear-through and tearing, not against fading, soiling, or normal softening of foam over time.
Fjords collections explained
Fjords organizes its line into several series, each with a slightly different look and price point. The main ones you'll see:
- Relax Collection — the core motion and powered recliners and swing relaxers, with the Active Release System.
- Classic Comfort — traditional recliner silhouettes with the same internal engineering.
- Norsk Collection — a more contemporary, design-forward range.
- Modern Living Collection — modular and reclining seating for the modern living room.
If you're not sure which series fits, our full Fjords collection lets you compare across all of them in one place.
Is Fjords worth the money?
For a shopper choosing between disposable furniture and a chair built to be used every day for a decade, Fjords lands firmly on the long-term-value side. The denser foam, steel frame, and 10-year structural warranty are the kind of specifications that explain why the line costs more than entry-level recliners and why it tends to outlast them. Fjords is frequently cross-shopped with Stressless (Ekornes), another Norwegian brand; both use cold-cured foam and carry 10-year mechanism warranties, with Fjords often noted for value and more compact footprints. The right answer depends on your body, your room, and how the chair feels when you actually sit in it, which is the one thing a spec sheet can't tell you.
Where to buy Fjords furniture
Fjords is sold through authorized dealers rather than directly from the factory. At Retreat Home Furniture we carry the full Fjords line, including recliners, reclining sofas, and pieces you can configure in your own leather and finish, plus a selection of in-stock models ready to ship. If you're near northern Wisconsin, you're welcome to sit in them in person at our Hayward showroom before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fjords a good furniture brand?
Yes. Fjords is a Norwegian brand made by Hjellegjerde since 1941, known for ergonomic recliners and sofas built with cold-cured foam, steel frames, and the Active Release System, and backed by a 10-year frame warranty.
Where is Fjords furniture made?
Fjords is made in Norway by Hjellegjerde, a family-founded manufacturer established in 1941.
What is the Active Release System?
It's a built-in mechanism that automatically adjusts the headrest and neck angle as you recline, keeping your head and neck supported in any position without manual levers.
How long is the Fjords warranty?
Fjords covers steel frames and mechanical functions for 10 years, foam and wood components for 5 years, reclining and power mechanisms for 3 years, and covers for 2 years against wear-through or tearing.
Is Fjords better than Stressless?
Both are Norwegian, use cold-cured foam, and carry 10-year mechanism warranties. Stressless offers a wider customization range, while Fjords is often chosen for value and more compact sizing. The better choice depends on fit and feel, so sitting in both is the best test.