Sink into six of the best
The gene-level greed for a designer label, although it can speak of a long established mission of quality and innovation, really should be well upholstered in good sense. Buy pieces you respond to, that are well constructed in robust materials. That said, here are six of our favourite aspirational fancies, (some blessedly affordable), to stir your search for the ultimate perch.
Now a cult success and available in a range of shapes and even a side table, the Ghost chair by Phillippe Starck first materialised as a Louis XV style armed piece in clear acrylic in 2001. It was an instant hit as it could haunt a period setting as comfortably as a contemporary with its transparent presence. The subtle spook comes in four colours, as a high stool, an armless Victorian chair and even as a child’s version, the Go-Go and they can be used indoors or out. From €850 for four Louis armchairs. www.inreda.ie. Sheepskin covers available.
* TIP: Follow the stylists and warm up hard seats with a simple throw of faux fur for evening opulence.
Calligaris has long fascinated with its work in rippled crystalline acrylic. Following the waisted shapes made popular by Scandinavian chair backs, their simple stacking Area 51 introduced in 2008 is nipped dramatically at the seat fanning out to pierced shoulder support. In one piece of injected polypropylene it’s something of a strange alien with that 70s groove. Designed by Paulo Lucidi and Luca Pevere, tough enough for a kid’s room or iinvite them to the table for the most commodious bottom. From €369 for 2 in fuscia, orange, grey or green. Calligaris stockists include Arnotts of Dublin and Caseys, Cork.
* TIP: Use plastic stacking chairs occasionally outside only, if like Area 51, they drain through the seat.
The Lobby Chair was originally fashioned for the lobby of the Rockefeller Centre in New York and is famed for its handsome durability and supreme comfort. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, original models are screamingly expensive and reproductions by Vitra (Millers hold patents in the USA) priced from €6,000 at the Conran Shop, London.
* TIP: Blocky shaped, thickly upholstered office chairs are termed a manager’s or executive chair. We found a muscular, leather faced Baccarat with upholstered arms in a toffee-coloured leather at just €219. www.deskschairsandtables.ie.
If you want to hunt for contemporary classics, high street Scandinavian has a lot to offer. Poang designed by Nobura Nakamura in bentwood has the signature POÄNG ‘boing’, and if you want even more action there’s a full rocker in the series. Pretty fabric styling is taking the spring line by storm. Chairs from €70, footstools from €40. We also must have the MOSTA, a leafy green armchair with Jacobsen scoop, part of the upmarket Stockholm collection. €349. IKEA. www.ikea.com.
* TIP: Changeable cushions in leather and washable fabrics on the POÄNG allow you to update the upholstery.
Yes, you can find legless pretenders, but this is one recognisable beauty that’s worth the smug satisfaction of having the authentic article. The Panton chair challenges the imagination and is surprisingly comfortable too. Celebrating the wonders of plastic in 1967, this Danish sensation was one of the first chairs exhibited at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Available in a lacquered finish in black, red or white. Vitra. From €259 at the Conran Shop.
* TIP: Polycarbonate is weather and shock resistant but really not open to repair. Check the going of the showroom pieces. How are they holding up?
In quilted slabs dense and wrinkled as a sharpei’s pelt, the Toga collection from Ligne Roset now celebrates 30 years. Using multiple density foam for weight and deep chenille covers, these maxi-cushion-type segments are plucked up at the corners to create generous receiving surfaces. Sofas, loveseats, and ottomans are also available in Michael Ducaroy’s vision, but even a single slice of Toga will stand alone with louche sculptural fascination. Toga remains a staple favourite with interior designers along with the divine but pricey May Jong by Roche Bobois. Toga is priced from €1,509 in Hounds-tooth at Arnotts. May Jong at €2,330. www.roche-bobois.com.
* TIP: Sectional sofas that pull apart as chairs offer ultimate flexibility for re-shuffling your room arrangement.
