Ten Iconic and Timeless Chair Designs
Chairs are essential elements in interior design that are not only functional but also beautiful. Learn about ten iconic and timeless chair designs in this D.Signers video:
1. Panton Chair: This S-shaped plastic chair was created by the Danish designer Verner Panton in the 1960s. This was the first chair to be manufactured completely out of plastic in one single piece. His aim was to create a comfortable, sculptural and innovative chair made in one piece that could be used anywhere. Owning one of these pieces means having a masterpiece of the 20th century that brings movement and beauty into a space like a piece of sculpture. It’s a great way to add a pop of color indoors or outdoors; choose a chair in a contrasting color that stands out in your space.
2. Eames Lounge Chair: Designed by Ray and Charles Eames, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman need no introduction. They represent the ultimate in elegance and comfort. Made from three pieces of molded plywood and leather, it was a revolutionary design in the 1950s as plywood had never been used like this before. This chair is modern and stylish with smooth curves reflecting the futuristic post-war aesthetic. Perfect for use in studios, living rooms or bedrooms, this chair is perfect for relaxing, reading or watching TV, and it also adds a sophisticated element into the space.
3. Wishbone Chair: When talking about iconic masterpieces, especially when it comes to the Scandinavian style, one must include the wishbone chair designed by Danish designer Hans Wegner in 1949. This masterpiece is commonly used in interior design to add warmth, elegance and movement to a space. More than 100 steps are required to manufacture each wishbone chair, most of which are done by hand.
4. Eames Chair: One of the most iconic furniture designs of all time, the plastic Eames chair was designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. They didn’t realize they were creating an icon; they just wanted to make something that would be considered extremely useful for themselves and for others. The versatility, simplicity and shape of the Eames chair make it a key piece in modern and Scandinavian interior design; it can be used in dining rooms, offices or bedrooms.
5. Diamond Chair: An astounding study in space, form and function, the diamond chair was created by master sculptor Harry Bertoia in 1952. He had a unique and distinctive approach to design; to him, there was no distinction between sculpture and furniture. Due to its airiness and visual lightness, this chair is ideal for small but stylish spaces.
6. Barcelona Chair: An iconic chair that is one of the most recognized objects of the 20th century, the Barcelona chair speaks of simple elegance. Under Mies van der Rohe’s design philosophy of “less is more”, each Barcelona chair is a tribute to the marriage of innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. A Barcelona chair is a statement piece for your home that works really well in a living space or office. Its style is simple with clean lines and modern materials perfect for minimalist and contemporary spaces.
7. Egg Chair: The Egg, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, is available in a wide variety of fabric upholstery as well as leather and always combined with a star-shaped base in satin polished aluminum. This timeless masterpiece is perfect for adding a pop of color, glamour and an organic shape into a contemporary living room.
8. Tulip Chair: Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1956, the tulip chair has smooth lines which characterize the modernist style. It was innovative and experimental with materials for its time. This chair is often considered “space age” for its futuristic curvaceous appearance and is typically used at a dining table or as a desk chair.
9. Butterfly Chair: This chair was designed in Buenos Aires, Argentina by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari in 1938. The butterfly chair features a tubular frame and a large sling hung from the frame’s highest points, creating a suspended seat. It’s perfect for adding warmth and a bohemian relaxed touch to any space.
10: Womb Chair: The designer, Eeron Saarinen, was eager to explore the possibilities of a chair that achieved comfort through the shape of its shell rather than the depth of its cushioning. It required production techniques and materials which were still in the infancy of their existence, making it an iconic piece due to its huge innovation and engineering. Used as an accent chair in a contrasting color, with its organic shape and soft lines, the womb chair is ideal for adding a pop of color and a sculptural shape into a space.
