Journal

8 Iconic Chairs for Your Space

The chair is not just simply a piece of furniture or a place to sit; it is a staple of design just as that little black dress is a must have in any women’s closet.  The chair is practical. A good chair is comfortable. But, a great chair does not compromise on design.  When form and function meet impeccable design and expert craftsmanship, beautiful pieces are brought to life.  Here are eight iconic chairs and their designers that have impacted to world of design. 

  1. Eames Lounge Chair - This chair was designed by pioneers of the modernist movement, Charles and Ray Eames. This chair is instantly recognized with its molded plywood shell and plush leather cushions.  Created in 1956, this piece of furniture was meant to be an improvement upon previous lounge chairs, but since has become a classic. 
  2. Barcelona Chiar - The Barcelona chair was designed by the prominent and well-known architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Designed in 1929 to furnish the German Pavillion, the Barcelona Chair has become one of the most notable and influential pieces of modern design. With its stainless steel frame and luxurious leather upholstery, this iconic chair is not only stylishly simplistic, but highly comfortable, epitomizing van der Rohe’s motto of “less is more”. 
  3. Bertoia Diamond Chair - Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952, this chair uses simple wire to create a sculptural work of art that plays with space and form. This mid-century modern icon includes a leather cushion to modernize its industrial base. 
  4. Ghost Chair - Philippe Starck designed the Ghost chair in 2002, it was inspired by the Louis XV armchair.  Made out of polycarbonate, this classic baroque shape has a modern twist, becoming the most popular transparent chair that seamlessly blends into any space it resides in. 
  5. Egg Chair - Thhe egg chair received its name due to the fact that its form resembles that of an egg.  The organic shaped chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 and offers a semblance of privacy in otherwise public spaces. With its smooth curvatures, this timeless shape has become synonymous with Danish furniture design around the world with an aesthetic form that does not compromise comfort or functionality. 
  6. Tulip Chair - In 1957, the Finnish architect Eero Saarinen took a sculptural approach to design the Tulip chair, part of his pedestal collection.  This chair is another that helps to define modern design with its smooth line and sleek curves, producing a futuristic appearance.  
  7. Eames Shell Chair - Another chair designed by the famous Charles and Ray Eames is the Eames Shell Chair. Made out of molded plywood, fiberglass or plastic paired with a metal or wood Eiffel base, the popularity of this chair is due to its comfort and versatility, perfect for any space. 
  8. Model 3107 Chair - Through manipulating plywood, Arne Jacobsen was inspired by Charles and Ray Eames to create his own molded plywood side chair.  This chair is one of the most copied chairs in the world as a result of its simplistic design and groomed finish with metal legs and a form-fitting base. Today, these chairs have endless finish options, so you are bound to find one that suits your style.  

These are just a few of the most iconic and important chairs in the design world and, based on your design style and taste, you will be able to find the perfect addition to your space!