Adea celebrates 30 years of exceptional quality and timeless design

Adea’s story is deeply rooted in the traditions of Southern Ostrobothnia, dating back to 1959 when the trade name S. Mäkitalo was founded. Today, second-generation entrepreneur Esa Mäkitalo celebrates four decades of entrepreneurship.

In 1992, during Finland's most challenging economic downturn, Esa Mäkitalo succeeded his father as owner and director of the company. With a heritage of craftsmanship, including functional sewing machines and skilled pattern makers, the company needed a new direction to secure its future. 

Esa's father, Seppo Mäkitalo, was a creative entrepreneur known for producing leather handbags, sports bags, and innovative automotive accessories. However, a new vision was needed to meet contemporary demands, leading to the concept of beautifully designed and meticulously crafted furniture. By 1994, Esa had signed his first design contract with architect Matti Halme, marking the beginning of Adea's journey.

Commitment to resposibility from the start

From the very beginning, responsibility has been at the core of Adea’s ethos. Every piece of furniture produced at Kauhajoki factory embodies longevity, serviceability, and a commitment to sustainability. Skilled craftsmen approach each piece with the same care they would if it were for their own homes, reflecting deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Production initially began at the Isojoki factory with the introduction of the Deco sofas. The 1995 launch of the Demi sofa, featuring well-fitted removable covers, set the standard for responsible and sustainable business culture. Recognizing the need for a name that resonated internationally, Adea was officially introduced in 1999 at Habitare. From the start, Adea brand has been synonymous with superior design and quality, where skilled hands bring thoughtfully conceived designs to life.

"We embarked on the path of responsibility thirty years ago, and we intend to stay true to it. We take pride in every sofa that bears the Adea name," says Sales Manager Mari Säntti.

Collaborating with visionary designers

Our partnership with architect Kirsti Pyhälampi was a pivotal moment, deepening our understanding of furniture dimensions and modularity. Kirsti’s work, including the Camp modular sofa system introduced in 2001, exemplifies the durability and adaptability that define our designs. Camp remains a timeless choice, with its interchangeable parts and covers still in demand today.

The Band sofa, designed by Petra Lassenius — recently named Furniture Designer of the Year 2024 — will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary. It was a classic from the start and continues to be a favorite. Similarly, the Tao chair, designed by Jukka Setälä in 2014, has grown in popularity, showcasing the enduring appeal of soft, inviting forms.

Adea has also established long-standing relationships with internationally renowned designers. The Swedish duo Mats Broberg and Johan Ridderstråle have created several successful collections for Adea, including the Baron and Bonnet series. Alexander Lervik’s vision to modernize the classic Howard sofa led to the creation of the award-winning Mr. Jones, a piece loved by many.

Mattias Stenberg’s Como sofa and armchair, characterized by their rounded forms and clean lines, offer versatile modular options, allowing for personalized configurations that suit both traditional and contemporary spaces.

Over three decades, Adea’s collaboration with skilled designers has resulted in furniture that stands the test of time—designs that have achieved lasting success in both Finnish and international markets, underscoring our commitment to technical and design excellence.

Crafting high-quality, long-lasting furniture

Adea customers value our extensive and premium fabric selection. Upholstery plays a crucial role in the overall appeal of our furniture. We hand-select the finest fabrics and patterns, sourced primarily from small, family-run weavers. While we stay attuned to trends, we prioritize quality and timelessness over fleeting fashions. Each fabric undergoes rigorous testing for its technical properties, followed by trial upholstering to ensure it meets our high standards in appearance and performance.

Adea is a pioneer in Finnish furniture manufacturing, particularly in producing sofas and armchairs with perfectly fitting, removable covers. Nearly all our models—including those designed thirty years ago—can still be ordered with new covers, cushions, and legs, ensuring your furniture remains as beautiful as the day you first brought it home.

"The market ultimately decides which pieces become enduring favorites. We take pride in knowing that many of Adea's designs have remained popular for years, even decades," says Esa Mäkitalo.

Looking ahead to a strong future

Approximately 60% of Adea’s furniture is sold to private homes, with the remainder going to commercial projects. We keep a close eye on changes in residential design and architecture, understanding how shrinking room sizes and evolving interior design trends influence furniture dimensions and layouts. Today, furniture is often placed centrally as room dividers rather than against walls, and Adea's designs are crafted to be visually appealing from every angle.

As we look to the future, Adea remains committed to being a leading brand in furniture design and quality, both in Finland and internationally. In addition to strong markets in the Nordic countries, our products have also gained a solid foothold in Switzerland and Ireland, where they continue to be well-received.

For more information:
CEO Esa Mäkitalo, email hidden; JavaScript is required, 040 554 0530
Sales Manager Mari Säntti, email hidden; JavaScript is required, 040 564 9530