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Take the silhouette of an antique Chinese Horseshoe chair, remove extraneous details, simplify curves and joints, and what remains? An entirely elegant seating option from Morelesss, made from black walnut (imported from renewable North American forests) with a finish of natural varnish. The armless version, Fall Dining Chair, would make a nice companion piece if you have plans to update your dining room set.
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This chair might not look like the most comfortable, but it is delightfully minimal. Graphic designer A.G. Forzoni designed this metal square tube frame and lacquered wood seat back in 1964, and its simplicity lies in Forzoni’s goal to “avoid waste and excess.” White or anthracite will set you back just over a grand, and for another Benjamin (plus some) you can get one lacquered in India blue, sun-yellow or cherry-red.
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I know, I know, you don’t need any temptation to buy new furniture, especially as you’re in back-to-school mode. Even if you don’t go to school, or don’t have kids in school, it’s still the end of summer, and that means your nose should be back to the grindstone. That said, there are some new colors for the Eames® Molded Plastic Chairs, and after clicking on a few combinations, it seems awfully tempting to inject some color into a dining area by buying just a couple of new chairs. Two new armchairs, perhaps? Or four new DSWs? Aqua Sky, Blue Ice, Kelly Green, Pale Yellow, Stone.. my goodness, nine new colors with eight (eight!) leg options is enough to make your head spin.

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Upon first glance, you may not notice that the Afteroom Chair only has three legs. If that’s the case, you’re forgiven, but sit up and pay attention. There’s something entirely appealing about reducing materials to the minimum, and that’s exactly what Stockholm studio Afteroom intended when developing this first chair for Menu. The flexible back support extends beyond the back of the seat, giving the chair an airy, open appearance. Quality materials and Afteroom’s minimalist nod to functionalism make this chair a particularly smart choice for any dining or office environment.
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If you’re looking for a true-to-materials seating option, check out these chairs hand made by ROLU Studio. They’re extremely simple plywood and OSB chairs inspired by 70s DIY books, which has a certain minimalist charm that’s bound to add variety and interest to your interior. And, though I don’t have updated pricing at the moment, you can bet that they won’t break the bank.
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Constructed from natural, solid birch wood, this café chair by Tom Dixon is light-weight and robust. Carry it from the dining area to the living room or office for an extra seat without looking like a weakling, or, more importantly, hurting your back. The “quietly pared down character” of japanese architecture was the inspiration for its functional shape.
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Stackable polypropylene chairs might seem more appropriate for restaurant/cafe settings, but they can work just as well for your home, especially if you need a durable seating option that works indoors or out. The Lisboa chair is lightweight and can be stacked up to six high for storage, in either the side or armchair version. And, good news, DWR’s Annual Outdoor Sale means you’ll save 15% through May 27th. Note to parents: if a chair is suitable for contract use, chances are it will withstand your kids’ shenanigans.
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Fans of Prouvé are familiar with the high price tags associated with the name, and that’s exactly why everyone should sit up and pay attention to this version of the original Standard Chair. Notice the ‘SP’ in Prouvé Standard SP Chair? That, my dear, indicates ‘Siège en Plastique’ which means an ASA plastic seat and back. Don’t you turn your nose up at the word ‘plastic’, because it’s still an authentic Prouvé chair. A plastic seat and back would make more sense in high traffic areas where you needn’t worry about keeping the surface pristine- a few scrapes and such won’t be as noticeable, and I dare say it’ll be easier to clean. And, it brings the price down to a much friendlier place, which is oh-so-nice to see.
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Looking for a modern take on the traditional Windsor chair? Don’t rule out this version designed by Chris Specce, as it takes the quintessential form and eliminates any overly ornate details for a clean and modern look. It’s sturdy, so it’ll stand up to the bumps and scrapes of a high traffic dining room, and the bolder color options further set it apart from its stuffier predecessor. Available in bleached, natural, blue, red, and black stains.
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Bertoia chairs in a colorful mix certainly tempts one to go bold with outdoor furnishings this spring/summer, and, in case you need further convincing, here’s a reminder that today’s the last day of the Knoll® Outdoor Sale (15% off). Usually the Bertoia Side Chair with cushion is just around the $700 (plus shipping) price point, but with the sale, it’s just under the $600 mark. Still not cheap, but a chair plus $100 in your pocket wouldn’t hurt, would it?
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$99! No, that’s not an April Fool’s joke, that is the actual price of this chair originally designed by the legendary Czech furniture maker Michael Thonet. Recognize the name? Thonet is known for his iconic bentwood chairs in 1861, and TON updates the original design with a slim, rectangular backrest and a few gentle curves that show off the subtle flair possible with steam-bending techniques.
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The CH24. The Wishbone. Whatever name you prefer, it’s a classic. And, unlike back in 1944 when Hans Wegner created the Wishbone, it’s now available in 15 different color lacquers as well as in natural oak or walnut. If that doesn’t tempt you, remember that right now there’s a sale on Carl Hansen & Son items, which means you save a little bit of dough when you decide to bite the bullet and add such an iconic piece to your collection.
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Do you remember this chair by John Reeves? It’s remarkable: a stool becomes a chair and vice versa, simply by lifting or lowering the seat back. Several chairs can be stacked as stools, leaving a very small footprint for a whole lot of seating. Perhaps this same idea has been employed before, but I’d reckon it would be hard to find a sample with the same degree of thoughtful design and simplicity. (Update: now on sale for $416.50 from $595)

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While not new, this angular-modern-lovely chair by Tom Dixon is still something to talk about, and is currently on sale with the rest of Dixon’s collection (until March 17). Might I mention that it is also stackable? It’s made from solid lacquered oak deeply brushed to expose the grain. Also available in black, shown below.

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Smokey Purple, please. Or Pewter… or one of the other several lovely colors paired with smoke on ash wood (or white oak). Often dining chairs look so uncomfortable, never mind once you sit down on them, but not the Clutch Dining Chair with its elegant rounded edges and curved back. Choose two for the table ends or go all out and get a full six or eight to surround your whole table. However, be advised that guests may linger well after you wish at future dinner parties.
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