Chairs are an essential part of our daily lives and can also be considered works of art. As the furniture that most intimately connects with the human body, chairs occupy a significant portion of our time.
Even seemingly ordinary chairs have a rich history, passing down the legacy of classics.
Let's delve into the stories behind some of these iconic chairs, which you might have encountered without knowing their design narratives.
1. The Ant Chair
Designer: Arne Jacobsen
Date: 1952
Style: Traditional Modernist
The Ant Chair, crafted by Arne Jacobsen in 1952, marked a turning point in his career and a departure from Danish School traditions. It was a groundbreaking piece, being one of the first Danish furniture items suitable for mass production.
Comprising molded plywood fixed to three chrome-plated tubular steel legs, this chair was economically constructed with only two parts, minimizing material usage.
Its distinctive features include a rounded upper part, a curved lower part, and a slim waist, inspiring its name. Initially designed with three legs for agility, it's now manufactured with four legs for increased stability.
2. The Egg Chair
Designer: Arne Jacobsen
Date: 1958
Country: Denmark
Style: Traditional Modernist
Arne Jacobsen's 1958 Egg Chair, designed for the Royal Hotel's lobby in Copenhagen, became a global sensation due to its unique egg shape.
This iconic piece revolutionized Danish furniture design, providing an undisturbed space for lounging and waiting. The chair's shell is reinforced with fiberglass and polyurethane foam, offering both comfort and durability.
Its adjustable tilt caters to users of different weights.
The base consists of satin-smooth welded steel tubing and a four-star injection-molded aluminum, available in various upholstery options.
3. The Barcelona Chair
Designers: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Date: 1929
Style: Traditional Modernist
The renowned "Barcelona Chair" is a modern furniture design classic, created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Mies van der Rohe, born in 1886, was a leading modern designer known for the phrase "less is more."
The Barcelona Chair features a curved cross-shaped stainless steel frame supporting leather cushions for both the seat and backrest. Hand-finished, it remains both beautiful and functional, standing as a symbol of creative style.
4. The Ball Chair
Designer: Eero Aarnio
Date: 1963
Country: Finland
Style: Tradition Modernist
The Ball Chair, also known as the Space Chair, was designed by Eero Aarnio in 1963. This unique chair, resembling a spherical shape, quickly gained popularity and mass production.
The ball chair, blurring the line between furniture and architecture, represents Aarnio's creative approach, with a rounded sphere forming an individual seating unit or enclosed space.
The Ball Chair has become a symbol of its time, showcasing the innovative design of Eero Aarnio.