Iconic chairs: the most famous chairs in the history of design

Iconic chairs: the most famous chairs in the history of design

Chairs are an essential element in our daily lives, often undervalued due to their common presence. However, these chairs play a vital role in providing us with comfort and practicality.

In this article, we will discuss the chairs of famous designers that have left an indelible mark on the history of design.

The history of the chair

The birth of the first chair

The first chair dates to the ancient Egyptians of the pharaohs. It was initially conceived as a throne of great prestige, made of precious materials such as ebony and ivory, finely carved.
Benches, forerunners of chairs, were present in later periods, but were not particularly comfortable. During the Renaissance, some modifications were made, such as the addition of a backrest, to make them more comfortable.

The prototype of the modern chair

The faldistorio, of Longobard and Roman origin, marked the first breakthrough in the creation of individual chairs. This chair, initially used in the Catholic liturgy, was characterised by an iron frame with leather upholstery and an upholstered seat for comfort.
It was not until the 15th century that the prototype of the modern chair emerged, derived from the Etruscan curulis saddle and the Arab field chair. From these roots, the first contemporary chairs developed, becoming true works of art and design.

Design and the creation of the chair

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the emergence of design schools such as Gropius' Bauhaus, chair design underwent a radical transformation.
Architects such as Le Corbusier helped define mathematical relationships between human and natural dimensions, addressing the issue of ergonomics. This led to the creation of famous and innovative architectural chairs.

The most famous and iconic designer chairs

If you are looking for famous designer chairs and armchairs to enrich your space, discover our selection:

  1. Wishbone Chair

    Designed by Hans Wegner in the 1950s, it is inspired by Chinese Ming chairs. With a steam-curved solid wood frame and an iconic Y-shaped backrest, this chair offers a mix of elegance and rustic comfort.
    In the online shop you will find the “Ossimo Chair“ and the “Merate Chair“, two modern reinterpretations that recall the lines of this chair that made chair history;

  2. Egg Chair

    Designed by Arne Jacobsen, it is an icon of Scandinavian design. With its unique wrap-around shape, this chair offers a cosy and intimate seating experience. Its sinuous design and sculptural forms make it a contemporary piece of art.
    The enveloping “Miguel Armchair“, the elegant “Eritrea Armchair“ and the modern “Azhar Chair“ are solutions from tavolisedie.com.

  3. Plia Chair

    Hailed as a symbol of the plastic era in design, this designer chair was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1967, this chair combines a steel frame with a polypropylene seat, offering comfort and style in one;
    For similar alternatives, discover our solutions such as the “Bienno Chair”, the “Moggio Chair” and the “Pireo Chair”;

  4. Chaise Longue Le Corbusier

    Inspired by 1930s design, it is characterised by an essential, curved shape. Made from cutting-edge materials, it offers maximum comfort. Its elegant style makes it suitable for both relaxation in upscale domestic settings and sophisticated office spaces;

  5. Panton Chair

    Conceived by Verner Panton in the 1960s, it is an example of bold design. Made from a single piece of plastic moulded in the shape of an S, this chair features a cantilever design that makes it perfect for modern and contemporary environments.
    Similar in features but different in form, the “Plastic Stool“ or the “Kubik Stool“ are equally good alternatives to the Panton Chair;

  6. Sacco chair

    This chair was designed in 1968 by Piero Gatti, Franco Teodoro and Cesare Paolini. The Sacco Chair is characterised by a fabric or leather-covered shell containing highly resistant polystyrene foam balls that make it comfortable and suitable for relaxation;
    We offer various solutions of poufs and bean bag chairs, visit the category in our online catalogue.

  7. Barcelona Chair

    Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, this is a historic chair of industrial design. Characterised by clean, elegant lines, it features quilted upholstery that gives it a luxurious touch. The high-quality materials and minimalist design make it a classy choice for modern spaces.
    The “Calco Armchair“ from tavolisedie.com follows the design and lines of the Barcelona chair, discover it in the shop.

  8. Cantilever Breuer Chair

    The cantilever chair, represented by the Cantilever model, is a design innovation from the 1920s. With only two uprights bent at the seat and floor level, this chair offers a minimalist and modern look.
    It was precisely the simplicity and uniqueness of cantilever chairs that convinced us to include the "Angel Chair", the "Caravaggio Chair" and the "Pisogne Office Chair" in our proposal;

  9. Louis Ghost Chair

    Designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell, is a postmodern design icon. This chair has a shell made of transparent plastic, which gives it an ethereal and modern look. Its round medallion backrest and timeless design make it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor settings.
    If you like the lines of the Louis Ghost Chair, our transparent “Sorico Chair“ is for you;

  10. Thonet Chair N 14

    This classic chair was designed by Michael Thonet in 1860 and is considered the first example of industrial design. Its light form is achieved by steam-bending wood, creating a backrest and legs from a single structure. Simple, versatile and elegant, it is ideal for environments of timeless design.
    Visit the Thonet Chairs category and choose the solution you prefer.

Famous design icons: a combination of form and function

Iconic chair designs represent an extraordinary marriage of form and function. From Philippe Starck to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, from Verner Panton to Hans Wegner, these designers have left an indelible mark on the history of chairs. Each chair has its own uniqueness, characterised by innovative materials, elegant lines and impeccable comfort.

Whether you are looking for a design icon to enrich your environment or simply to admire the art of furniture design, these designer chairs represent the epitome of creativity and craftsmanship in the world of seating.

Choose the chair that best suits your style and vision and be captivated by the timeless beauty of chair design and history.