Three Must Have Modern Chairs

Modern design is everywhere you look! From an overwhelming presence on popular TV series and on the big screen, to use in both residential and commercial installations – a nice piece of modern furniture really amps up the “style-factor” of a space.  Modern chairs in particular tend to leave a lasting impression, evidenced by the number of famous chairs sitting in modern art museums worldwide.

While designers like Charles & Ray Eames, Eero Aarnio, Alexander Girard, Harry Bertoia and Florence Knoll have designed numerous pieces, some of their most critically lauded pieces are chairs.  While design enthusiasts probably have his or her own list of “must have modern chairs,” three designs that stand out in my mind are the Eames Lounge Chair from Herman Miller, Knoll’s Womb Chair and Kartell’s Louis Ghost Chair.

Despite celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2006, The Eames Lounger is still as popular as ever.  Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, the first Eames Lounger was produced in 1956 and is now part of the permanent collection at the MoMA in New York City.  As comfortable as it is stylish, the Eames Lounge Chair is sturdily constructed out of sustainably harvested wood and rich, high quality leather cushions.  A staple on both the big and small screens over the years – the chair’s first public appearance was on Arlene Francis’ Home Show, which later became The Today Show, a popular morning show in America.

The Womb Chair was designed by architect-turned interior designer Eero Saarinen in 1948.  This iconic chair is called the “Womb Chair” for a reason, in that its design is meant to facilitate a relaxed, comfortable sitting posture as well as a sense of security.  As sturdy as it is comfortable, this is the ultimate chair to curl up in with a good book.  Manufactured by Knoll, the chair has evolved with the times and is now GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified.

While the Louis Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck was in fact inspired by the classic baroque style of furniture, its look is all modern.  Designed in 2002, the Ghost Chair is made of transparent or batch-dyed polycarbonate plastic.  Manufactured by Kartell, the entire Ghost Collection features arm chairs, side chairs, stools and even pint-sized children’s chairs – all constructed with the same signature polycarbonate material that gives the Louis Ghost Chair its unique look.

Whatever is your personal preference, there’s really no denying the sheer “cool” factor exuded by each one of these modern masterpieces.  While these chairs might not be practical in every residential setting, they are definitely worth a look.  It’s safe to say that with any one of these modern chairs, you’d be sitting in the lap of luxury.

home decor

Comments (0)