Caught yourself admiring a chair at your local cafe or office lounge? Seen it in more than one place? Chances are, it’s a famous chair design that has made its mark in history.
Beyond comfort, these chairs can define or uplift the whole mood and aesthetics of your space. So, here are our picks for the top 8 iconic chairs of the 20th century and 21st century:
1. Tolix chair
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The Tolix, now re-popularized by cafes all over India, was designed way back in 1934 by Xavier Pauchard. Its all-weather, lightweight yet sturdy frame makes it ideal for outdoor spaces like the patio, balcony or rooftops.
Known for its industrial aesthetic, the Tolix was designed after World War I when domestic metal items were in vogue.
2. Barcelona chair
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The Barcelona was originally designed for Spanish royalty by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929. Currently, it has become a must-have piece in the homes of wealthy aficionados as well as designers and its replicas adorn office lounges and lobbies.
Honored with the Museum of Modern Art Award in 1977, this famous chair design features a reclined back and plush padding for ultimate comfort.
3. Ghost chair
Philippe Starck’s Ghost designed in 2002, is, in fact, a modern rendition of an upholstered, wooden armchair. Its see-through profile makes it ethereally elegant, and its sturdy frame is easily stackable to save space.
It looks equally good indoor and in outdoor spaces and is the go-to option for minimalist themes.
4. Egg chair
This one-of-a-kind, large egg chair was first designed by Arne Jacobsen for Hotel Radisson SAS, Copenhagen in 1958. These are perfect for public spaces like waiting rooms and lounges as it offers privacy and comfort when making calls or working on a laptop.
The chair has been featured in the San Francisco International Airport and even in swanky McDonald outlets.
5. Masters chair
Source: The Design Files
Combining three legendary mid-century chair designs — Series 7 chair, Tulip armchair, and Eiffel chair — Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet created the stunning Masters chair in 2010.
Its trendy and futuristic silhouette make it an instant fit in modern homes.
6. Tulip chair
*Click on the image to purchase our Tulip Chair Replica*
Eero Saarinen’s Tulip chair, designed in 1956, is considered a famous chair design because of its ‘space age’ aesthetic. It was used on the sets of the popular sci-fi show, Star Trek, in the 1960s.
The Tulip chair stands out in modern, minimalist themes and looks best when paired with the Tulip table.
7. Ball chair
One of the most popular yet unconventional chair designs in history is the Ball chair. Designed by Eero Aarnio in 1963, the Ball mostly serves as a ‘room within a room.’
It cuts out the noise from crowds and is thus used in busy locales or in places where people need privacy. The original Ball chair is still at the inventor’s home in Finland.
8. Eames chair
Source: Herman Miller
The handsome Eames chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 as a gift for Academy Award movie director Billy Wilder.
Its mid-century design goes well in retro and transitional themes
