THE OBJECT EDIT

JUNE 2025 ISSUE

The Chair That Changed the World: A Seat’s Story

When it comes to home design, we often talk about entire rooms or sweeping architectural gestures, but sometimes, it’s a single object that carries the weight of history, emotion, and function. This month, we zoom in on the humble chair, a piece so common it’s nearly invisible, and yet one of the most symbolically rich and enduring forms in design history.

Chairs That Made Design History

Let’s start with a few seats that shifted culture, quite literally:

The Wassily Chair (1925)

By Marcel Breuer. Born out of the Bauhaus movement, this tubular steel masterpiece was radical for its time and brought industrial materials into the home.

The Zaisu Chair

This legless Japanese chair, traditionally used on tatami mats, emphasizes grounded living and reflective posture. It's a symbol of slowness and presence.

The Eames Lounge Chair (1956)

A mid-century icon inspired by the comfort of a worn baseball glove, this chair balances ergonomics with high design,  making it a timeless choice even today.

Napoleon III’s Recliner

Yes, the emperor of France was an early adopter of the reclining chair. And no, it wasn’t remotely ergonomic, but it sure made a statement.

These chairs weren’t just comfortable places to sit,  they each told a story about the time, culture, and values they emerged from. They were social symbols, spiritual markers, and in some cases, political.

Design Notes: What to Look for in a Chair

So what makes a good chair, and how do you know when one is the one? Whether you're furnishing a quiet reading nook or a crowded dining table, here are a few things to consider:

The Reading Chair Rulebook

  • Look for deep seats, sloped backs, and soft arms for comfort.

  • Upholstery matters: linen blends for a light, airy mood; velvet or boucle for a cozier, grounded feel.

Ergonomics vs. Aesthetics

  • Not all pretty chairs are meant to be sat in for hours, and not all ergonomic ones have to be ugly.

  • A good compromise? Look for supportive curvature, especially at the lumbar area, and avoid ultra-rigid seat bases.

Material Moods

  • Leather = warmth, longevity, masculine energy

  • Woven cane or rattan = airy, natural, calming

  • Metal + fabric combos = modernist, utilitarian vibes

  • Wood = timeless, grounding

Mix & Match: A New Dining Philosophy

The era of the matchy-matchy dining set is (thankfully) over. Try mixing chair silhouettes or alternating color tones. Think: two sculptural end chairs with four understated mid-century classics.

It creates visual interest, adds personality, and is a great way to blend old with new.

Small Space, Big Seat Energy

If you’re tight on square footage:

  • Consider stackable chairs for guests.

  • Try folding chairs with beautiful materials (yes, they exist).

  • Invest in a statement chair that doubles as sculpture when not in use.

In the End, It’s Not Just a Chair

It’s where you take your coffee, hold a conversation, or read your favorite book. It’s often the first seat offered to a guest and the one you go back to time and again.

The right chair doesn’t just serve your space, it supports your life.

Why not start a “Chair Diary”? Photograph every great chair you encounter, in hotels, cafés, museums, and note what drew you in. Your future self will thank you the next time you're chair shopping.

Sources & Inspirations

“1000 Chairs” – Charlotte & Peter Fiell (Taschen)
“The Story of the Eames Lounge Chair” – Vitra
“Design Icons: Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer” – DesignWanted
“Zaisu Chair: A Japanese Tradition” – Japan Objects
“The History of the Recliner Chair” – American Leather
“Iconic Chairs and the Designers Behind Them” – Architectural Digest
Images and visual inspiration from Pinterest – Search: “Iconic Chairs Photography”