CRAFT, THROUGH GENERATIONS.
Shaped by hand.
DAFI Factory · Piraeus, 1970s Illustrative historical reconstruction
The story of DAFI begins with Georgios Ntafis, an economist who developed a growing passion for furniture and gradually turned it into a new business venture.
In 1962, he established the family business, developing activities across wooden furniture, kitchens and upholstered furniture, laying the foundations of a manufacturing heritage that would later be transformed by the next generation.
For Dimitris Ntafis, however, furniture was never simply the family business. It was part of his childhood.
His earliest memories were shaped by materials, craftsmen and the daily process of transforming an idea into a finished piece. Long before he became part of the family business, he was discovering how furniture came to life — how materials took shape, how skilled hands transformed them and how craftsmanship brought ideas into reality.
At the same time, Dimitris developed a strong interest in science and economics. His analytical curiosity led him, while still at school, to attend economics courses abroad, including at the University of Edinburgh. These experiences added another dimension to his understanding of business, structure and decision-making.
Then, unexpectedly, his path changed.
The sudden death of his father brought Dimitris back to Greece and into the company at a pivotal moment. At just 22, he assumed responsibility for the family businesses, undertaking the difficult process of restructuring and consolidating their activities.
What followed was not simply a continuation of what had been created before him. It became a process of transformation.
Dimitris brought a new vision to the family business, gradually shaping DAFI into a company focused on upholstered furniture, design and comfort. Building on the craftsmanship and knowledge of the previous generation, he gave the company a new direction and developed a more distinctive design identity.
Over time, production became increasingly integrated, while the collections evolved to reflect this new approach.
His approach to design remained deeply connected to the art of making. The experience of the workshop stayed alongside his interest in form, geometry and the relationship between furniture, architecture and people. Combining analytical thinking with a practical understanding of craftsmanship, he developed his own creative vision, becoming a defining influence on DAFI’s design identity.
Under his leadership, the company expanded beyond its original foundations, developing furniture for contemporary residential interiors as well as contract and hospitality environments, while building relationships with designers, architects, interior designers and international partners.
Today, DAFI 1962 · ATHENS carries forward the heritage that began with his father while reflecting the vision Dimitris has shaped over decades.
BOLZANITO · Designed by DAFI 1962 · ATHENS