Sitting pretty? These are the designer chairs to invest in right now
From Linley to Tom Dixon, we've rounded up the most striking designer chairs for your home. Take a seat, take a look, and invest in the best...
Words: Anna Galbraith
If you’ve ever had a good chair — and we mean a really good chair — you’ll know that it can often present a certain problem.
It’s a real Catch 22, as well. Because, have a chair as beautiful as any of the below and, despite their comfort, all you’ll want to do is look at it. So, in a cruel twist of fate, you’ll end up perched on a wooden dining chair, kitchen counter or the corner of your coffee table, just taking in the upholstered majesty of a chair you’d be much comfier sitting in.
But, for any of these five, it’s a discomfort worth bearing…
The Menhir Chair by Men Allen
Drawing inspiration from ancient megalith stones, Allen’s Menhir chair was designed as a piece of furniture where a man could sit comfortably to read and to observe. This is due to be showcased by Galerie Gosserez at PAD London this October — where you can also see Salvagni’s Gae and Papilia armchairs being showcased.
A thoughtful choice, then, for the modern gentleman seeking out his own space to return to the simple pleasures in life after a long day. The armchair has been designed in a contemporary style with patinated brass leather to suit the muted palette of a bachelor pad.
The Gae Armchair by Achille Salvagni
With a limited production of 20 pieces, you’ll have to move fast if you’re looking to score this piece of contemporary furniture design.
Echoing the shape of a bamboo basket, Salvagni called on the minimalistic aesthetic of traditional Japanese interiors when designing the Gae Armchair — which is part of his Kyoto collection. Perfect for light, clean interiors where the bronze, hand-engraved feet of the chair will bring an elegant pop of colour.
The Deco Tub Chair by Linley
Inspired by the Art Deco movement and a firm favourite within the Linley catalogue since 2001, this sits on a rotating wooden base and features button detailing and piping.
This chair has been hand crafted in Britain using traditional techniques, upholstered in a vivid velvet. It is available in a range of beautiful colours to suit whatever space you’re looking to enliven.
The S Chair by Tom Dixon
Your chance to invest in a slice of design history. This chair exists in a multitude of historic versions in the permanent collections of Museums from the MOMA New York to the V&A London and this update version has been re-engineered to take account of the latest developments in manufacturing technology.
Available in fabric or leather, in a variety of colours — we particularly love the steering-wheel inspired cast iron base.
The Papilia Armchair by Achille Salvagni
Another limited production of 20 from the iconic designer, the Papilia armchair is a bold and beautiful retro-futuristic piece.
Sure to brighten up any interior with its beautiful, plush blue tufted velvet upholstery — this chair is a showstopper. The structure is designed in a cast bronze frame, so should sit perfectly in a contemporary study or lounge space.
Want more cool gear? Check out our Editor’s Picks, a weekly round up of the best to buy…
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Further reading
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