Off Topic - Ultimate Chair

[cfacink]

OK,

You are stranded in a postmodernism / contemporary living room and have one choice of chair to sit on for eternity. What chair do you select?

The Serotta board always have aficionados of the finer things in life. Not to state the obvious but "Form, fit and function" as well as "panache" all get points.

P.S. don't waste all our time with chairs that have cup holders, vibration mechanisms, or levers on the sides. Looking for a timeless classic design like "Serotta".

Examples below,

[rugbysecondrow]

Stickley Morris chair with leather.

[buck-50]

OK,

You are stranded in a postmodernism / contemporary living room and have one choice of chair to sit on for eternity. What chair do you select?

The Serotta board always have aficionados of the finer things in life. Not to state the obvious but "Form, fit and function" as well as "panache" all get points.

P.S. don't waste all our time with chairs that have cup holders, vibration mechanisms, or levers on the sides. Looking for a timeless classic design like "Serotta".

Examples below,

Having sat in all 3 of those, I'd go with the eames lounge. The barcelona chair is great as long as you sit upright and don't lean in either direction.

The LC2 is fantastic for about 10 minutes, then the design flaws start to make themselves obvious...

The eames is the one I'd want to sit in to read a book. Then again it's a lounge chair, it's probably the only one designed to lounge in.

[cfacink]

Stickly Moris....

Form - Maybe
Fit - Check
Function - Check

Panache - more utilitarian from my prospective.

[johnnymossville]

The Barcelona Chair is more comfortable than the Corbusier and prettier than the Eames in my opinion. The building next to mine when I worked in Hartford had Barcelona Chairs in it's lobby and they were great to sit in.

I'd go Barcelona.

[cfacink]

Also considering the Milo but no matching ottoman.....

[rugbysecondrow]

Stickly Moris....

Form - Maybe
Fit - Check
Function - Check

Panache - more utilitarian from my prospective.

Oops, misread the part about post modernism/contemporary, the Moris chair is certianly not that.

I hae a Wassily Chair for a while, it was comfy, I never sat in it for eternity or even for a very long time, but I liked it. and I like the way they look in rooms, particularly with lots of light.

Not sure it if this is modern or post modern...I am simple sometimes.

[miguel]

eames lounge

tho the wife just bought a pair of knoll pollock chairs for the office and they are nice :banana:

[miguel]

though i kind of want a milo baughman recliner like this

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/fuo/2516876263.html

[rpm]

For me, it's an Ekornes stressless recliner. We have two, and they're the most comfortable chairs I've ever been in:

http://www.ekornes.com/us/stressless/stressless_recliners/

[Karin Kirk]

We found ourselves with that exact question last summer. While we liked the Ekornes, the Eames and the Wegner wing chair, it really was no contest as soon as Dave settled himself into this one.

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/roomandboard/337558?$truvu0$&wid=500

Something about curved tubing just resonates with us. ;)

[FlashUNC]

Eames, Eames, Eames.

A thousand times the Eames.

I don't own one because I think if I did, I would never get out of it. And I'd be totally happy with that development.

[charliedid]

+1 Buck-50 has it about right....but I say Barcelona for cocktails and Eames Lounge for reading/snoozing.


Having sat in all 3 of those, I'd go with the eames lounge. The barcelona chair is great as long as you sit upright and don't lean in either direction.

The LC2 is fantastic for about 10 minutes, then the design flaws start to make themselves obvious...

The eames is the one I'd want to sit in to read a book. Then again it's a lounge chair, it's probably the only one designed to lounge in.

[alexstar]

I have a Danish Modern lounge chair which I inherited from a relative in Berlin. It is by far the most comfortable chair I have ever owned.

[Hank Scorpio]

I like the Poul Kjaerholm PK 22 a little more than the Barcelona but for the ultimate relaxation and elegance you can't beat the Eames lounge. Pair it with an Eileen Gray side table or possibly the Noguchi coffee table and you're stylin. Get a pipe too.

[Rockfish]

Interesting that you compare the chair to the bike. Bikes also have to strike a balance between form and function, though function usually takes a higher priority. If that's your basis, then really only the Eames was designed in any way whatsoever with ergonomics in mind. The Barcelona and Gran Confort, as mush as like them both, are really styling exercises. They will be comfortable for a few minutes, but would not be the one chair I'd want to sit in for the rest of my life!

-Pete
(...wondering how many other folks here are also architects?)

[miguel]

not an architect, office jerk cum furniture designer

[bicycletricycle]

pk24 is the best "chair" to be stylishly stranded for eternity on

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/PK24_Chaise_Longue_Pic3.jpg

[rugbysecondrow]

I like some of these, but am I the only guy who needs an armrest...I need someplace to rest the guns. :)

[93legendti]

OK,

You are stranded in a postmodernism / contemporary living room and have one choice of chair to sit on for eternity. What chair do you select?

The Serotta board always have aficionados of the finer things in life. Not to state the obvious but "Form, fit and function" as well as "panache" all get points.

P.S. don't waste all our time with chairs that have cup holders, vibration mechanisms, or levers on the sides. Looking for a timeless classic design like "Serotta".

Examples below,
Well, the Barcelona can also be bought with an ottoman...The Eames with an ottoman is more than just a chair. So we are not comparing apples to apples. :)

So, I'd pick the Eames. But, all 3 are fantastic. Like choosing between a Sachs, Kirk or a CSi-you can't lose.

[Karin Kirk]

I need to add to my previous post.
For those who'd rather save their money for a Rahpa coffee maker, the classic Ikea Poang chair is hard to beat. They are endlessly comfortable, come in lots of colors/styles and are 1/10th the price of the other chairs discussed here.
There is a new lounge chair version that is mighty comfortable too.

Plus, they come with a FREE allen wrench!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/poang-chair__31008_PE119930_S4.jpg

[torquer]

That Ikea chair reminds me of some Alvar Aalto originals
http://www.classic-design24.com/uk/media/images/aalto_sessel_434_big.jpg
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbTGFWXAZ_JT4zuI1NLnivycgIecpZj B-j6Cc0F32G1utqm_nN
http://designmuseum.org/media/item/72020/869/58_7.jpg

[fmbp]

Eames. Looks most comfy to me.

signed,
a dude who is mighty interested in the original Eames chair in his grandparent's basement.

[93legendti]

I need to add to my previous post.
For those who'd rather save their money for a Rahpa coffee maker, the classic Ikea Poang chair is hard to beat. They are endlessly comfortable, come in lots of colors/styles and are 1/10th the price of the other chairs discussed here.
There is a new lounge chair version that is mighty comfortable too.

Plus, they come with a FREE allen wrench!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/poang-chair__31008_PE119930_S4.jpg
That's a nice looking chair.
Karin, do you own one? I haven't found Ikea stuff to be very durable-so I'm curious how it's working out for you.

Edit: My wife just reminded me that our bed is from Ikea, cost only $200 and is still rock solid.

[Spinner]

Also considering the Milo but no matching ottoman.....

I have had a pair of Milo Baughman 1966 Chairs for 32 years and they remain one of my favorites ... simplicity, style and comfort ... maybe better side chairs than the main attraction.

Cheers.

[buck-50]

Oops, misread the part about post modernism/contemporary, the Moris chair is certianly not that.

I hae a Wassily Chair for a while, it was comfy, I never sat in it for eternity or even for a very long time, but I liked it. and I like the way they look in rooms, particularly with lots of light.

Not sure it if this is modern or post modern...I am simple sometimes.
The Wassily chair was designed in pre-war germany, so I guess it'd be modern...

I had one for a couple years, never could get comfortable in it. It was great to look at but sitting in it to watch a movie or read a book was just too much.

[Louis]

$7927 from Hive. Free shipping Link (http://hivemodern.com/pages/products.php?sid=1644)

Design Arne Jacobsen, 1958
Aluminum, foam, upholstery
Made in Denmark by Fritz Hansen

http://hivemodern.com/public_resources/sub_product_photos/exploded/1644_photo_1_184026.jpg

http://the-egg-chair.com/wp-content/uploads/egg_char_chickintheegg.jpg

[konstantkarma]

We found ourselves with that exact question last summer. While we liked the Ekornes, the Eames and the Wegner wing chair, it really was no contest as soon as Dave settled himself into this one.

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/roomandboard/337558?$truvu0$&wid=500

Something about curved tubing just resonates with us. ;)

Of course, it is the Terraplane of easy chairs!

[Ken Robb]

We found ourselves with that exact question last summer. While we liked the Ekornes, the Eames and the Wegner wing chair, it really was no contest as soon as Dave settled himself into this one.

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/roomandboard/337558?$truvu0$&wid=500

Something about curved tubing just resonates with us. ;)
Looks good for a nap too. Does it rotate into a more upright position?

I wore out one Ekorness and bought two more so Les and I could have matching comfort. I forget which model we got. There must be 20 or more available.

[d_douglas]

I like the Poul Kjaerholm PK 22 a little more than the Barcelona but for the ultimate relaxation and elegance you can't beat the Eames lounge. Pair it with an Eileen Gray side table or possibly the Noguchi coffee table and you're stylin. Get a pipe too.


I agree - Poul Kjaerholm's furniture is great looking, but not 'sit for an eternity' comfortable. I have a huge poster of a PK22 on my wall as inspiration.

I would add Saarinen's Womb chair manu'd by Knoll. There are a million copies, but the real thing is, well . . . . . . the real thing. These are super comfortable chairs that have a huge range of finishes. Dark grey felted wool ones are my favourite - I promised my wife that this would be 'her' chair some day.

http://www.knoll.com/db_alt_media/1000/773_pp.jpg

[eddief]

IMG Hampton Relaxer. Let's say I could have gotten a fine custom lugged steel frame instead.

http://www.imgcomfort.com/Products/Relaxer/Hampton-245345.aspx

http://www.imgcomfort.com/userfiles/Site_1/file/C1154%20RELXER%204%20PAGES%202011_PRINT.pdf

They look sorta like a Lazy Boy, but fit more like a Recaro with arms, full recline, swivel, and glide. Blonde is extra.

[d_douglas]

Further to Karin's comment - those Poang chairs are actually supercomfortable - they are effectively 'design classics'. Not timeless construction, but they are what, 15 years old? - and they still look pretty good with the nicer finishes.

We actually have a cream leather one that we bought used from someone and I am pretty impressed by it's comfort. My 9+ month pregnant wife swore by this thing for the past 9+ months!

[Karin Kirk]

Yes, the Corbusier chaise rotates on its frame. The frame is grippy rubber so it stays put wherever you put it and it does not rock when you're in it. The upright position is nice for TV and the laid back stance is bliss after a hard ride or ski. I find that after about 10 minutes in the chair I fall into a really deep state of relaxation.

And yes, it is the Terraplane of chairs. :hello:

Adam, the Ikea poang chairs are very durable. You are right that not all Ikea stuff is, but we have a set of these as do many of our family members. No complaints from anyone. We recently upgraded to the leather cushions which add a comfy firmness that we really like.

Darren, I like the look of the womb chair. Dark grey felted wool sounds cozy and handsome and perfect.

[bobswire]

Gravity Chair, it helps to relieve,in fact stops Sciatica pain that flairs up once or twice a year.
http://i51.tinypic.com/j79lkg.jpg
Originally purchased these chairs to use on the deck.
Found out by accident while sitting in chair one evening when having sever sciatica pain, within minutes the pain subsided. A day later the Sciatica was gone. Prior to finding this relief ( I want to say cure) I would have to suffer through it a week or two before being able to get around comfortably.
I'll be buying one a little bit more presentable to use indoors.
The advantage of these is they recline a full195 degree to back take pressure off your spine (nerve endings) and elevate you legs.
Don't know if this would work for everyone but it's a Godsend for me.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qupw6t.jpg

[maunahaole]

You have to get out and shop and sit in them. You never know until you take them for a test drive. The problem with a lot of modern and post modern stuff is that many of them were done as styling exercises with comfort of the end user being a secondary consideration. Some are really terrific to sit in. The Ekornes Stressless and Eames are both comfy, stressless does have the advantage of reclining back and is very nap worthy. I have a 30+ year old stressless at home. The newer designs are better, as they have worked out some of the problem areas (the single post mount of the oldy like I have). Eames is Eames and is just super cool as well as being a terrific chair, both in build quality and comfort.

[93legendti]

Yes, the Corbusier chaise rotates on its frame. The frame is grippy rubber so it stays put wherever you put it and it does not rock when you're in it. The upright position is nice for TV and the laid back stance is bliss after a hard ride or ski. I find that after about 10 minutes in the chair I fall into a really deep state of relaxation.

And yes, it is the Terraplane of chairs. :hello:

Adam, the Ikea poang chairs are very durable. You are right that not all Ikea stuff is, but we have a set of these as do many of our family members. No complaints from anyone. We recently upgraded to the leather cushions which add a comfy firmness that we really like.

Darren, I like the look of the womb chair. Dark grey felted wool sounds cozy and handsome and perfect.
Karin, thanks for the report. I'm going to look into a buying 2 of these...

[mgm777]

Gravity Chair, it helps to relieve,in fact stops Sciatica pain that flairs up once or twice a year.
http://i51.tinypic.com/j79lkg.jpg
Originally purchased these chairs to use on the deck.
Found out by accident while sitting in chair one evening while having sever sciatica pain, within minutes the pain subsided. A day later the Sciatica was gone. Prior to finding this relief ( I want to say cure) I would have to suffer through it a week or two before being able to get around comfortably.
I'll be buying one a little bit more presentable to use indoors.
The advantage of these is they recline a full195 degree to back take pressure off your spine (nerve endings) and elevate you legs.
Don't know if this would work for everyone but it's a Godsend for me.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qupw6t.jpg

I bought the Zero Gravity chair, the motorized version, two years ago when I was recovering from shoulder surgery. It was the only way I could sleep comfortably. It has become our favorite chair in the house. Each night I have to wrestle the Mrs. for the chair. She usually wins. Great chair! Very contemporary look.

[Ken Robb]

One not obvious extra our ekorness have is an internal link that raises the highest part of the backrest forward when the chair reclines so if you want to read or watch TV while reclined you don't end up looking at the ceiling.

[JeffS]

For a non-desk chair, I'd have to go with a handmade smooth wood rocker. Doesn't fit the category, but oh well. Maybe with a darker stain? I've been in the market lately for someone to build something for me.

Something like this:

http://www.jirikalina.com/craft/05+.jpg



Lived with an Eames for many years, and it was pretty nice. Have a Wassily in storage. For the 8 years or so we had it in the house visitors were the only ones who ever sat in it, and they never looked comfortable.

Can't deal with anything that is made to recline in all the time. The poang style chairs seem to have gotten more cheaply made lately. I don't enjoy the recent ones I've sat in... or maybe I was less picky 20 years ago.

[audiisaac]

I say* buy custom, this is what you would do for your frame, why not for your furniture? Try to find a local artist/designer to build you a chair that fits YOUR space and your needs. While most of the chairs mentioned are wonderful well built objects, look into some of the smaller design houses. Get something that no one else has.

* I say this because I build custom furniture and am biased :D

[chuckroast]

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, people who appreciate fine bicycles are also knowledgeble about classic furniture design.

We have two (fake) Eames Lounge chairs with ottomans and, even being knock offs, are easily the most comfortable chairs in the house.

And, to the poster that asked about architects, I'm one by background but no longer practice. Having said that though, appreciating the utility of good design is pretty universal.

[93legendti]

Nakashima would be my ultimate choice
http://www.nakashimawoodworker.com/furniture/view_furniture/4/17

[rugbysecondrow]

Very nice

For a non-desk chair, I'd have to go with a handmade smooth wood rocker. Doesn't fit the category, but oh well. Maybe with a darker stain? I've been in the market lately for someone to build something for me.

Something like this:

http://www.jirikalina.com/craft/05+.jpg



Lived with an Eames for many years, and it was pretty nice. Have a Wassily in storage. For the 8 years or so we had it in the house visitors were the only ones who ever sat in it, and they never looked comfortable.

Can't deal with anything that is made to recline in all the time. The poang style chairs seem to have gotten more cheaply made lately. I don't enjoy the recent ones I've sat in... or maybe I was less picky 20 years ago.

[DHallerman]

+1

The Ikea Poang chair is amazingly comfortable, especially for the price.

Amazing, too, that Ikea has made that model for over 25 years. I mean, most mass-marketers don't keep the same model of anything for even a couple of years, let alone a quarter-century.


I need to add to my previous post.
For those who'd rather save their money for a Rahpa coffee maker, the classic Ikea Poang chair is hard to beat. They are endlessly comfortable, come in lots of colors/styles and are 1/10th the price of the other chairs discussed here.
There is a new lounge chair version that is mighty comfortable too.

Plus, they come with a FREE allen wrench!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/poang-chair__31008_PE119930_S4.jpg

[DHallerman]

Quite, quite comfortable...my old one died a few years ago.

But that made my architect wife happy, because while they might be the most relaxing chair I've ever sat in, she thought -- and now I can see -- that the design is kinda clunky for a "nice" modern living room.


Originally purchased these chairs to use on the deck.
Found out by accident while sitting in chair one evening when having sever sciatica pain, within minutes the pain subsided. A day later the Sciatica was gone. Prior to finding this relief ( I want to say cure) I would have to suffer through it a week or two before being able to get around comfortably.
I'll be buying one a little bit more presentable to use indoors.
The advantage of these is they recline a full195 degree to back take pressure off your spine (nerve endings) and elevate you legs.
Don't know if this would work for everyone but it's a Godsend for me.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qupw6t.jpg

[Dekonick]

http://0.tqn.com/d/dc/1/0/V/c/electchair.jpg

I wouldn't get too attached... but it is timeless...

[IFRider]

Stickley Morris chair with leather.

Leather off course.

[daylate$short]

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/bruceolson/Dsc_0081.jpg
Alright, they aren't lounge chairs, but really a lot more comfortable than they look. When I want to veg, it's the Kagan couch or the Fritz Hansen Swan chair (purple blob on left) or outdoors on the Schultz chaise. Can't go wrong with any of the OP's choices, but I've always lusted for the Eames. Cool so see some other modern fans here too. http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/bruceolson/P1020345.jpg

[buldogge]

Several of the classic mid-century chairs already mentioned can be comfortable in certain seated positions. I have Barcelonas (w/ ottomans), an Eames 670 and 671, and a couple Saarinen Womb chairs/ottomans...I would say the Wombs are my favorites...you can sit or curl up.

I also like the Arne Jacobsen Egg, although I don't own one..and...I would love to try a Wegner Ox chair!

-Mark in St. Louis

[Karin Kirk]

Is this your house, or is it a furniture showroom? Dwell magazine on the coffee table = classic. Now, if only there was a Rapha jersey draped casually over the back of one of those sweet chairs, that would be awesome.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/bruceolson/P1020345.jpg

[Louis]

Now, if only there was a Rapha jersey draped casually over the back of one of those sweet chairs, that would be awesome.

If you look closely you can see the Rapha espresso machine on the counter in the corner. :p

[learningtoride]

For me, it's an Ekornes stressless recliner. We have two, and they're the most comfortable chairs I've ever been in:

http://www.ekornes.com/us/stressless/stressless_recliners/
we have a "stressless vision" and its AMAzING!

[chuckroast]

Is this your house, or is it a furniture showroom? Dwell magazine on the coffee table = classic. Now, if only there was a Rapha jersey draped casually over the back of one of those sweet chairs, that would be awesome.

That's a stack of Dwell magazines on a Noguchi coffee table I might add. And, I think we see a Saarinen Tulip table in the background.

Nice crib...

[daylate$short]

Is this your house, or is it a furniture showroom? Dwell magazine on the coffee table = classic. Now, if only there was a Rapha jersey draped casually over the back of one of those sweet chairs, that would be awesome.

LOL!!! Unfortunately, no Rapha here.

[dperez@shutts.c]

I have the Eames chair and I love it. It is real work of art. I use it a lot to read and play video games with my kids. It's not cheap but well worth the money.

[Ozz]

Stickley Morris chair with leather.
+1

Stickley Spindle Morris Chair (http://www.stickley.com/OurProducts_Details.cfm?id=1409&Collection=Mission&cat1=88&view=all&view=complex&finish=)

[norcalbiker]

We found ourselves with that exact question last summer. While we liked the Ekornes, the Eames and the Wegner wing chair, it really was no contest as soon as Dave settled himself into this one.

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/roomandboard/337558?$truvu0$&wid=500

Something about curved tubing just resonates with us. ;)

I like this one. My brother-in-law have one and when I sat on it, I fell asleep.

[93legendti]

I need to add to my previous post.
For those who'd rather save their money for a Rahpa coffee maker, the classic Ikea Poang chair is hard to beat. They are endlessly comfortable, come in lots of colors/styles and are 1/10th the price of the other chairs discussed here.
There is a new lounge chair version that is mighty comfortable too.

Plus, they come with a FREE allen wrench!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/poang-chair__31008_PE119930_S4.jpg
The new Ikea catalog just arrived. that chair is only $69!!!!