24 Modern Seating Ideas
Contemporary forms interpret classic silhouettes
Words by: Alia Akkam + Matt Dougherty
24 Modern Seating Ideas
Words by: Alia Akkam + Matt Dougherty
Contemporary forms interpret classic silhouettes

Shelby Williams brings the power of woodgrain metal finishing to the commercial furniture market with Tufgrain lounge chairs, which combine the toughness of powdercoating with the beauty of faux wood grain patterns.
Shelby Williams brings the power of woodgrain metal finishing to the commercial furniture market with Tufgrain lounge chairs, which combine the toughness of powdercoating with the beauty of faux wood grain patterns.

Bernhardt Hospitality’s three-legged Petra chairs draw from French midcentury modern design. The upholstered seating meshes well with the tulip-shaped Sayle table rendered in cast concrete.
Bernhardt Hospitality’s three-legged Petra chairs draw from French midcentury modern design. The upholstered seating meshes well with the tulip-shaped Sayle table rendered in cast concrete.

In honor of the minimalist Butter Range’s 10th anniversary, DesignByThem has unveiled a new colorway of natural, warm clay for the recycled plastic furniture collection, the brand’s first-ever.
In honor of the minimalist Butter Range’s 10th anniversary, DesignByThem has unveiled a new colorway of natural, warm clay for the recycled plastic furniture collection, the brand’s first-ever.

Designed by Studioestudio, Carlo is the newest stackable chair by Missana, boasting straight and curved lines and a wooden structure that is inspired by Giorgio de Chirico’s Piazza d’Italia painting.
Designed by Studioestudio, Carlo is the newest stackable chair by Missana, boasting straight and curved lines and a wooden structure that is inspired by Giorgio de Chirico’s Piazza d’Italia painting.

Emeco’s Run series expands with the modular Run Daybed, which features a recycled aluminum base, sustainably sourced ash or walnut tops fashioned by Amish woodworkers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and three movable cushions.
Emeco’s Run series expands with the modular Run Daybed, which features a recycled aluminum base, sustainably sourced ash or walnut tops fashioned by Amish woodworkers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and three movable cushions.

Ash wood details and soft curves define Liceo, a new seating collection by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Andreu World, constructed from 100-percent FSC wood from reforested forests.
Ash wood details and soft curves define Liceo, a new seating collection by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Andreu World, constructed from 100-percent FSC wood from reforested forests.

Global Allies introduces the versatile and comfortable Bowie chair, which stacks eight high and is available in a wide range of finish and upholstery options.
Global Allies introduces the versatile and comfortable Bowie chair, which stacks eight high and is available in a wide range of finish and upholstery options.

Zuo Modern’s swank Micaela armchair is enveloped in plush 100 percent polyester, its ethereal ivory or gray hue accented with a gold frame.
Zuo Modern’s swank Micaela armchair is enveloped in plush 100 percent polyester, its ethereal ivory or gray hue accented with a gold frame.

The Cask lounge collection by Norm Architects for Expormim is a modern take on classic rattan furniture, with two circular rattan pieces held up by a delicate rib construction.
The Cask lounge collection by Norm Architects for Expormim is a modern take on classic rattan furniture, with two circular rattan pieces held up by a delicate rib construction.

Only natural materials like hemp, bamboo, raffia, igusa grass, and abaca have been sourced for Paola Lenti’s pastel-hued Eres collection, which includes pieces like the Vespucci sofa, a marriage of sassafras wood and linen twine.
Only natural materials like hemp, bamboo, raffia, igusa grass, and abaca have been sourced for Paola Lenti’s pastel-hued Eres collection, which includes pieces like the Vespucci sofa, a marriage of sassafras wood and linen twine.

Initially intended for a hotel guestroom, the shape of Ligne Roset’s Valmy emerged in the design process as a dining chair. Offered in a range of colors, it is suited for all types of contexts, colors, and materials.
Initially intended for a hotel guestroom, the shape of Ligne Roset’s Valmy emerged in the design process as a dining chair. Offered in a range of colors, it is suited for all types of contexts, colors, and materials.

Sutherland Furniture’s Otti collection now includes a series of modular pieces that boast slender aluminum frames and woven counterparts, all with a deep seat that encourages lounging.
Sutherland Furniture’s Otti collection now includes a series of modular pieces that boast slender aluminum frames and woven counterparts, all with a deep seat that encourages lounging.

The tall back and extended curves of Aceray’s Scandinavian-inspired DADO wingback armchair give it a sculptural look, while the wood frame and injection-molded foam seat provide generous support.
The tall back and extended curves of Aceray’s Scandinavian-inspired DADO wingback armchair give it a sculptural look, while the wood frame and injection-molded foam seat provide generous support.

Shift’s Peel series features volumetric loops that peel apart at the seat surface, revealing a welcoming perch at counter and bar height. A side table is also available.
Shift’s Peel series features volumetric loops that peel apart at the seat surface, revealing a welcoming perch at counter and bar height. A side table is also available.

Made from polyurethane foam, a steel base, and a glass diffuser, Vibia’s Meridiano outdoor lamp doubles as a seat that can be powered with or without a plug.
Made from polyurethane foam, a steel base, and a glass diffuser, Vibia’s Meridiano outdoor lamp doubles as a seat that can be powered with or without a plug.

Clean lines and detailed stitching add to the elegant look of Shelby Williams’ Paloma lounge chair, which comes in a chrome X-shaped, disc, or tulip-style base with a 360-degree rotation.
Clean lines and detailed stitching add to the elegant look of Shelby Williams’ Paloma lounge chair, which comes in a chrome X-shaped, disc, or tulip-style base with a 360-degree rotation.

Usona’s Armchair 13680 features a curved backrest and seat in oak or walnut wood with black varnished-steel legs. Fabric or leather upholstery is available.
Usona’s Armchair 13680 features a curved backrest and seat in oak or walnut wood with black varnished-steel legs. Fabric or leather upholstery is available.

Finished in a subtle gray hue, Bernhardt Hospitality’s Loli sofa delivers a sense of modern luxury without sacrificing comfort.
Finished in a subtle gray hue, Bernhardt Hospitality’s Loli sofa delivers a sense of modern luxury without sacrificing comfort.

Boasting a clean, straightforward form, Allsteel’s Linden chair was inspired by Shaker design simplicity. Its solid wood frame has a molded ply formed back, and the contoured seat rests atop solid ash dowel legs.
Boasting a clean, straightforward form, Allsteel’s Linden chair was inspired by Shaker design simplicity. Its solid wood frame has a molded ply formed back, and the contoured seat rests atop solid ash dowel legs.

Natuzzi Italia’s Oblo modular sofa system features curved, organic shapes that can be used together or individually. The rounded armrest and backrest structure is enriched by a metal tube that surrounds them like a belt and morphs into the feet of the sofa.
Natuzzi Italia’s Oblo modular sofa system features curved, organic shapes that can be used together or individually. The rounded armrest and backrest structure is enriched by a metal tube that surrounds them like a belt and morphs into the feet of the sofa.

Nodding to archetypical design and Scandinavian traditions, Muuto’s Cover lounge chair is a sophisticated take on a timeless form. With a sturdy oak frame and a wide, curved backrest that stretches into the armrests, the structure has an inviting expression.
Nodding to archetypical design and Scandinavian traditions, Muuto’s Cover lounge chair is a sophisticated take on a timeless form. With a sturdy oak frame and a wide, curved backrest that stretches into the armrests, the structure has an inviting expression.

Every constructive detail of Flexform’s Tessa armchair hints at the complexity behind its simple form. The structure is made of solid ash or turned Canaletto walnut, while the handwoven paper rush cord in the seat and backrest recall traditional craftsmanship.
Every constructive detail of Flexform’s Tessa armchair hints at the complexity behind its simple form. The structure is made of solid ash or turned Canaletto walnut, while the handwoven paper rush cord in the seat and backrest recall traditional craftsmanship.

Hightower’s Lana collection, named for the Spanish word for wool, is a space-saving solution that comes in wood and metal varieties. In both, the base appears to float on top of the frame.
Hightower’s Lana collection, named for the Spanish word for wool, is a space-saving solution that comes in wood and metal varieties. In both, the base appears to float on top of the frame.