10 Classic chairs
A room is often defined by its furniture, especially chairs. Today, the humble chair stands at the forefront of design and adds just the right amount of chutzpah to any space. Don’t take our word for it, just check out these fabulous designs!
Eames Chair
Designers Charles and Ray Eames created this lounge and ottoman in 1956. Even if it looks quite retro, it is renowned for its comfort while you, well, lounge about.
Egg Chair
Predating the Ball Chair by a few years was this Modernist design classic. Designed by Arne Jacobson in 1958, this baby is sure to alter the character of any room.
A French classic of the 18th century Rococo era, this one’s an enduring classic. Even US Presidents have use for them, as one resides in the Blue Room of the White House.
Windsor Chair
Well, the English like sitting down. That’s no secret. Why else would they create so many classic chairs? The humble but beautiful Windsor dates back to the late 17th century, and today is still as vital as it ever was.
An icon of the Bauhaus School of Architecture (see The Design Dictionary), the Wassily was designed in 1925 by the designer Marcel Breuer. Made from bent tubular steel and canvas, it is simple, and stunning.
Corbu Chair
Le Corbusier, one of the great modern architects, a furniture designer? Well, the Le Corbusier Chair, better known as the Corbu, is a timeless blend of comfort, practicality and great design. Somewhat like his cities.
Trust the Japanese to show us what minimalism really means. Without any legs and with a separate arm support, this one’s as unorthodox as they come.
Chesterfield
The classic English club chair. To be enjoyed with a single malt, a Cuban cigar and a stiff upper lip.
Modelled after the colourful worm, the Butterfly (aka the BFK chair) was designed by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy in Argentina in 1938. The basic, but stunning design of a folding frame where you sit on a cloth sling hung from the frames, is extremely popular.
Ball Chair
A ’60s classic, this uniquely-shaped chair was designed by the Finnish designer Eero Aarnio in 1963. Originating from his experiments with plastic and colours, the Ball Chair, and later in the decade the Bubble Chair, would go on to define how we view the quirky, Pop-Art ’60s.
