Iconic Chair Designs will be today’s topic. A chair is merely a chair to the untrained eye. It is typically connected with comfort because it is the perfect spot to kick back and unwind after a long day. But the truth is that a great chair has a permanent place in design history. So, today we gathered some of the most iconic chair designs that gain their space in the history of design.
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Whether you’re discovering these models for the first time or learning more about your favourite “it” chair, one thing is certain: a simple chair has a lot to offer.

The Namib Desert is one of the world’s oldest and largest deserts, and the NAMIB Armchair pays homage to it. This strong highback satin upholstered armchair has high gloss black lacquered legs that exude an invigorating strength – and this perfect modern take on a chair design is the reason why it is one of the most iconic chair designs of history.
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Politics, it turns out, may have a significant impact on design history. When China’s Ming dynasty governed from 1368 to 1644, it produced well-appointed pieces that are today known as Ming Dynasty furniture1. This classic chair form, known for its clean lines and gentle curves, has the ability to transcend time and fads.

This elegant form, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, has been described as “a particular retreat from the rigours of modern living.” The velvety, leather-clad cushions and moulded wood frame provide unrivalled comfort, and the included ottoman makes this the ideal location to lounge. But did you know that the Eames were inspired by a first baseman’s worn-in mitt? After 65 years, this selection remains the grand slam of chairs and one of the most iconic chair designs.
Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, exemplifies unpredictability, the same as the DUKONO Wingback Chair. This high-back chair has a nailhead trim that contrasts with the synthetic leather upholstery. Place it in a modern home and watch DUKONO High Back Winged Armchair infuse the space with its strong personality – and this is the reason why this is one of the most iconic chair designs of history.


Take a trip down memory lane — in the most elegant way imaginable, of course — with Eero Aarnio’s Ball Chair. This unabashedly modern style made its debut at the 1966 Cologne Furniture Fair and has remained a design mainstay ever since.

The eponymous chair by Verner Panton is the present that keeps on giving. It’s not just stylish, but it’s also made of easy-to-clean polypropylene. Oh, and did we mention that this eye-catching design is the world’s first single-material chair?

It’s not surprising that Charles and Ray Eames have more than one chair on this list as two of the most influential designers of all time. The LCW Chair, created with heat, a bicycle pump, and a machine that moulded plywood, transformed the chair market. This concept was so groundbreaking in 1946 that Time named it one of the finest designs of the twentieth century.

The process of changing from caterpillar to butterfly is known as metamorphosis and it was the inspiration for the ESSEX Modern Swivel Armchair. This velvet-upholstered barrel chair has a brushed old metal matte base that provides character – the full design of this beautiful armchair is what makes it one of the leading and iconic chair designs.

Eero Saarinen sought to create furniture that looked nice from any aspect when he designed the now-famous Pedestal Collection in 1957. Alternatively, find a solution to the “ugly, confused, unrestful realm” beneath tables and chairs, in his words. The designer abandoned traditional legs in favour of a sleek, tulip-like base, and the rest is history.

As the architect of the Palace of Versailles, Louis XIV is well-known for his extravagant style. However, it turns out that the former King of France also has a keen eye for furniture. The Louis XIV chair, with its high back, soft fabric, and intricate embellishments, remains the embodiment of old-school elegance.
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