Arflex was created in 1948 in Milan by a group of technicians from Pirelli: Aldo Bai, Pio Reggiani, and Aldo Barassi. It began a production based on the use of new materials for upholstery (foam rubber and elastic tapes produced by Pirelli). After being acquired by Seven Salotti, the group's president became Pierantonio Colombo, the owner of Seven Salotti.

Architect Marco Zanuso collaborated with Arflex from its foundation, and in 1951, he won a gold medal at the IX Triennale di Milano with the Lady armchair. Over the years, the collaboration between Arflex and Zanuso produced four more gold medals at the Triennale (the ""Sleep"" sofa bed, the ""Martingala"" armchair, the ""Fourline"" armchair, and the ""IX Triennale"" sofa).