Who Knew Chairs Had Such a History!

 

The history of furniture has a rather rich and interesting history. Common terms like “sofa” and “couch” actually originate from the Arabic word meaning “bench” and Old French word meaning “to recline,” respectively. After many years of planning and development, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman were released in 1956, and can be found at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Another noteworthy piece of furniture is the Noguchi coffee table, which is constructed from two identical wooden and curved pieces, and topped with a heavy piece of glass. From ghost chairs ghost chairs, to the tolix stool, and replica furniture, there are many other famous designers who have helped build furniture design into what it is today.

Euro Saarinen is a notable furniture designer who worked closely with Charles Eames. Together, they won the first Organic Furniture Competition in 1940, sponsored by the Museum of Modern Art. One of the most famous pieces created by Saarinen was the Womb Chair and ottoman, which was released in 1948, and was soon followed by other modern creations like the “Tulip” and “Pedestal,” introduced in 1956. The Knoll Furniture Company produced all the designer chairs created by Saarinen.

Another famous designer by a similar name is Eero Aarnio, who is known most for the creation of the Ball Chair, among other designer chairs. This is one of the most famous of designer chairs because it is so unique. It is made from a hollowed out sphere, placed on a stand, and provides for a very intimate and private experience. Aarnio originally designed the chair for himself, but after meeting with him at his home, Asko Furniture Company asked to produce it. Similar to the Ball Chair, the Bubble Chair hangs from above and is constructed from clear acrylic material.

No list is complete with including the famous work of Arne Jacobsen. Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames, one of his Jacobsens most famous designer chairs is the Ant chair, which was completed and released in 1951, and was made from bent plywood. In 1955, Jacobsen introduced Series 7, and both of the designer chairs were recognized for their compact design, light weight, and stackability. In 1956, the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen asked Jacobsen to design every element of their hotel, and this is when he introduced Egg and Swan designer chairs.