The Essentials: 5 Chairs That Made Design History
Chairs embody the balance of aesthetics and functionality, and only a select few have become timeless icons, shaping design history through innovation and craftsmanship.

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Chairs embody the balance of aesthetics and functionality, and only a select few have become timeless icons, shaping design history through innovation and craftsmanship.
A chair is the ultimate symbol of how aesthetics and functionality must go hand in hand to create a successful product. This is why, since the advent of industrial design, designers and architects from different eras and backgrounds have continually experimented with seating, pushing the boundaries of form and innovation.
The market today offers an endless variety of chairs, but only a select few have earned the distinction of becoming true icons. These chairs represent their time, embodying the ingenuity of designers and artisans who, in collaboration with the world’s leading brands, have created masterpieces that serve people in everyday life. Based on our experience, here are the chairs that have distinguished themselves from the rest—timeless bestsellers that continue to shape the design landscape.
The Eames Plastic Chair by Vitra is not just a simple chair — it is the quintessential design icon, a piece that has made and continues to make history in international design. Created by Charles and Ray Eames in post-war America, this extraordinary seat was the first plastic chair to be mass-produced. Decades ahead of its time, the Eames Plastic Chair introduced concepts of customization and comfort that influenced countless designers worldwide. Its adaptability and ergonomic design make it a must-have. Originally produced in Zenith plastic, it is now made of polypropylene to enhance comfort and accentuate its organic curves.
Available in a vast range of colors and with the option of a steel rod base or wooden legs, the Eames Plastic Chair is the perfect companion for any table or desk. Thanks to its rich history and impeccable form, it remains one of Vitra’s best-selling pieces and a favorite among design enthusiasts.
Another undisputed icon in the international design panorama is the Superleggera by Cassina. Designed by Gio Ponti in 1957, it remains a sought-after classic, admired for its refined elegance and remarkable lightness. Weighing just 1.7 kg, the Superleggera is incredibly easy to move, but at the time of its creation, it posed a significant manufacturing challenge.
This distinctive chair features a solid ash frame with triangular-section legs and a seat woven from Indian cane. Today, it is also available with an upholstered seat, offering enhanced comfort and ergonomics. The frame can be lacquered in a variety of colors, allowing for different aesthetic interpretations. The Superleggera is a testament to Italian craftsmanship, standing as one of the finest examples of Made in Italy excellence in furniture design.
Originally conceived and prototyped by Verner Panton in 1960, the Panton Chair was finally brought into serial production in 1967 by Vitra, quickly achieving global acclaim. Its sinuous, fluid shape was designed to follow the contours of the human body, offering both comfort and a striking aesthetic.
At the time, nothing like it had ever been seen before. Successful design should disrupt, challenge conventions, and evoke emotion — and the Panton Chair does exactly that.
Molded from a single piece of injection-molded polypropylene, this cantilevered chair is stackable up to five units. Today, it is also available in an outdoor version and a children's model, broadening its versatility. Considered a masterpiece of design, it continues to captivate with its bold silhouette and refined glossy or matte finishes, which highlight its sculptural form.
This extraordinary chair, an icon of modern design, was originally created in 1927 by Charlotte Perriand for personal use. It wasn’t until 1978 that Cassina brought it into production, ensuring its continued relevance and enduring appeal through thoughtful updates in finishes, materials, and structural refinements.In 2016, the LC7 underwent a significant structural revision, earning the prestigious CATAS certification. This swivel armchair features four or five legs, a generously padded backrest, and an equally comfortable seat, available in fabric or leather upholstery.
An outdoor version is now available as well, featuring a stainless steel frame and a specially developed weather-resistant fabric that mimics the look of indoor textiles.
With its endless customization options and timelessly sophisticated aesthetic, the LC7 remains a design staple that will never go out of style.
Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952 for Knoll, the Bertoia Side Chair elevates industrial materials into an art form. Crafted from welded steel rods, its airy structure achieves a delicate balance between strength and grace, allowing it to seamlessly blend into a wide variety of interiors.
The chair’s base is made from tubular steel, while the seat and backrest form a sculptural metal lattice. For added comfort, an optional upholstered pad can be placed on the seat and partially on the backrest. Available in satin or polished steel, with fabric or leather upholstery, the Bertoia Side Chair offers broad customization options to suit diverse tastes. Its elegance and visual lightness make it a unique piece that has earned a place in permanent design collections worldwide.
These are just a few of the chairs that have risen above the rest, distinguished by their beauty, functionality, and the rich history they carry. They have set trends, influenced generations of designers, and left an indelible mark on the world of furniture.We can confidently call them icons —pioneering creations that continue to inspire, shape new designs, and transcend time.