I recently became quite obsessed inspired by all the amazing looking chairs out there…especially the modern classics.   I thought a post would be fitting to share the love.  These beauties will never die.

First up in this list is the “to-die-for” classic Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

The Barcelona chair was exclusively designed by Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion, that country’s entry for the International Exposition of 1929, which was hosted by Barcelona, Spain.   An icon of modernism, the chair’s design was inspired by the campaign and folding chairs of ancient times (like my new desk!).  Since 1953 Knoll Inc has manufactured the chair. They make the frame in two different steel configurations, chrome and stainless. The chair is almost completely hand-labored, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s signature is stamped into each chair.  Starting at a whopping $5068 for chrome,  it’s definitely out of my price range.    Fortunately, you can find some great reproductions in the hundreds price range.

Next on the list is the the Tulip chair designed by Eero Saarinen in 1955 and 1956 for Knoll Inc.

It was designed primarily as a chair to match the complementary dining table.  The chair has the smooth lines of modernism and was experimental with materials for its time. The chair is considered a classic of industrial design.  If you read this post, you know I’m an admirer.
Another Saarinen classic is the Dining Armchair…

Next we have the The Wassily Chair, also known as the Model B3 chair, designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925-1926.

The chair later known as the “Wassily” was first manufactured in the late 1920s by Thonet under the name Model B3. The Thonet produced version of the chair is most rare, and went out of production during World War II.

The classic Egg Chair designed by Arne Jacobsen was made in 1958 for Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen.

Egg Chair Price: Licensed version with designer name costs about $5500; Authentic quality replicas cost about $1300.

Also made in the 1950′s was the Diamond Chair, a product of experimental genius by designer Harry Bertoia who welded metal and played with different shapes and forms.   He decided to make practical art and the Diamond Chair was born.

Next up, the baddest design duo, Charles and Ray Eames.  You can tell they made a great team by some of the beauties they designed.

The Eames Lounge chair…

Eames Lounge Chair Wood…

Eames Eiffel Chair…

This 1954 Florence Chair was part of a collection by Florence Knoll which were clean lined and boxy but became modern classics because of the versatility they offer.

The Wishbone Chair was designed in 1950 by Hans Wagner. This boney chair was thoughtfully crafted with a practical purpose for every back rail and armrest.  It would make a great dining room chair.

I love a great chair.  I wonder if they were so amazing to look at during the 50′s or great now because they’re from the past?