7 Chair Classics You Should Know…
For those who’ve been with us for a while, you might remember a delightful feature we used to run on the 1st Option Instagram page – “Chair of the Week.” Each week, we delved into the rich history of a notable chair, unravelling its story. This month, we’re bringing it back in blog form. Join us as we countdown through seven stylish chairs, each with its unique flair and narrative.
Vitra Eames Plastic Side Chair DSW
Commencing with the Vitra Eames DSW Side Chair, a creation from the renowned design duo Charles and Ray Eames. This timeless chair seamlessly blends form and function. The sleek and minimalist design showcases a moulded plastic seat paired with a robust wooden base, ensuring a harmonious balance of comfort and durability. Brace yourself for a touch of Eames-inspired elegance as we continue our exploration of noteworthy chairs.
Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Crafted by furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Son, the Wishbone Chair boasts a simple yet sophisticated design. With a distinctive Y-shaped backrest and gracefully curved armrests, this chair effortlessly combines comfort and support. Renowned as one of the best chairs of the 20th century, the Wishbone Chair has secured its place as a quintessential element in modern interior design. Meticulously crafted from premium materials such as solid wood and hand-woven paper cord, the chair exudes both durability and comfort. Available in a range of wood finishes and cord colours, it offers a customisable touch to seamlessly complement any decor style.
Vitra Eames Lounge & Mr Chair
In joint 5th place, we have the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and the George Mulhauser Mr Chair. The Eames Lounge chair, a true classic, requires little introduction and stands as one of the most beloved chair designs of the 20th century. Its timeless appeal and versatile, practical design make it a fitting addition to any home. Renowned for its comfort and striking aesthetics, the Eames Lounge chair has solidified its popularity by seamlessly blending style and functionality, earning its place as a timeless classic in the world of furniture design. You can find examples of the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair in our locations Blackwood House, Halo, Honeycomb and Canopy.
A few years ago, we wouldn’t have been aware of the existence of the next chair on our list. In design, like many other realms, when a product gains cult status, its influence can be seen in other creations. There’s speculation that the George Mulhauser Mr Chair drew significant inspiration from the Eames chair. While the lounge chair trend is currently thriving, the Mr Chair holds a unique appeal for being rare and less globally accessible – making it all the more special. Our chic venue, Terrazzo, proudly features the Mr Chair in their lounge area.
Barcelona Relax Chair by Knoll
Another personal favourite is the Barcelona Chair. The Barcelona Chair, a symbol of sophistication and modern design, was crafted by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition in Barcelona. Representing the modernist movement, it features industrial materials like steel and leather, showcasing sleek lines and a tufted leather design held by a polished chrome frame. This beautiful and highly functional chair offers optimal support and comfort, making it perfect for various settings, from offices to homes. Today, the Barcelona Chair remains highly sought-after, a timeless testament to Mies van der Rohe’s enduring legacy in 20th century design. You’ll spot these in a few of our locations, including Etchingham Park, 6ixteen Cottage, Brondesbury Park, Gee Street and Parker.
Wassily Chair by Knoll
The Wassily Chair, conceived by Marcel Breuer between 1925-1926, stands as a groundbreaking icon in modern furniture design. Originally known as the Model B3 chair, its nickname “Wassily” stems from the admiration of artist Wassily Kandinsky for this innovative creation. Crafted with tubular steel and canvas, the chair marked a radical departure from conventional furniture materials, embodying the Bauhaus movement’s principles of form following function. Designed by Breuer, a prominent figure in the Bauhaus movement, the Wassily Chair is a testament to the transformative use of industrial materials in furniture design. Its enduring appeal lies in its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and the revolutionary spirit that defines its place in the history of modernist design. Today, the Wassily Chair remains a symbol of artistic vision and forward-thinking innovation, seamlessly fitting into contemporary interiors. You can find a Wassily Chair at our shoot location Hoxton Heights.
Casalino Chair
The Casalino chair, a midcentury modern classic, emerged in 1970 as the brainchild of renowned Italian designer Alexander Begge. Crafted from moulded polypropylene, the Casalino chair embodied the design ethos of the era, characterised by its sleek, minimalist form and vibrant colour options. Begge’s vision was to create a versatile, lightweight chair that not only reflected the aesthetics of the time but also catered to the practical needs of contemporary living spaces. Its success lay not only in its aesthetics but also in its adaptability to various environments. The Casalino chair soon became a symbol of modernity, finding its way into homes, offices, and public spaces alike. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of functional and stylish design from the 1970s, offering a nostalgic yet timeless accent to contemporary interiors. You can find plenty of this design at our shoot location called…Casalino!
Vitra La Chaise Lounge Chair
Yes, you’ve read that right, another Eames chair; what can we say, they make great chairs! The Vitra La Chaise Lounge chair, an emblem of avant-garde design, was born out of the collaboration between Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen. Conceived in 1948 for the Museum of Modern Art’s “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design,” the chair’s name, “La Chaise,” pays homage to a sculpture by Gaston Lachaise, reflecting the fluid and sculptural form of the furniture piece. Despite its initial conception over 70 years ago, the Vitra La Chaise Lounge maintains its contemporary allure, showcasing a fusion of organic shapes and innovative materials. Characterised by a sweeping, single-piece fibreglass shell atop sleek chrome legs, the design is both visually striking and functionally dynamic. Today, the Vitra La Chaise stands as an enduring testament to Eames’ and Saarinen’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern design, embodying timeless elegance in the realm of furniture.
That’s it from us!
If you made it this far, thank you! We can only assume you also share a deep love for chairs. Which chair was your favourite?