Where to Buy Reproductions of Iconic Designer Chairs in Bangkok
The stories behind six of the most iconic designer chairs and where to order affordable reproductions in Bangkok.
10 years ago
1. Barcelona chair
The story: Designed by Ludwig Mies van de Rohe and Lilly Reich for the German Pavilion, the country’s entry for the International Exposition of 1929 hosted in Barcelona, Spain. Its frame was originally designed to be bolted together, before it was redesigned in 1950 using stainless steel for a more seamless appearance, with bovine leather also replacing the ivory-colored pigskin.
The reproduction: The replica keeps the classic design but tweaks the materials; the frame is made from stainless steel while the cushion combines PU (Polyurethane) and Italian leather.
The cost: From B23,990 at www.moodandtone.co.th up to B37,500 at www.nexliving.com
2. Eames Lounge Chair
The story: Designers Charles and Ray Eames turned their attention to creating comfortable and handsome lounge chairs, blending new production technology and handcraftsmanship with stunning results. Released in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair is considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century and features in a permanent collection at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
The replica: The classic design comes in various combinations of leather types, base, color of cushion and type of wood, resulting in a wide spectrum of prices.
The cost: nexliving.com has a classic black leather and dark wood version just like the original for B23,830, while moodandtone.com offers more choices of color and base materials at B29,990. Even more variety can be found at www.replicaeamesloungechair.com where prices range from B48,000-B52,000.
3. Tolix chair
The story: The model was the brainchild of Xavier Pauchard, a French pioneer in steel galvanization. The chair was registered under the Tolix trademark in 1927 before the line was expanded to include armchairs, stools and other metal furniture which later became icons of industrial design, entering the collection of the Vitra Design Museum, MOMA and the Pompidou Center.
The replica: The original already came in various colors, but the replicas offer yet more choice of materials spanning aluminum to plastic and stainless steel.
The cost: Normal color-coated chairs start from B4,500 while gun metal steel is B4,950 at www.nathanrhodesdesign.com. Nexliving has a raw steel with glossy paint version at B4,570.
4. Egg chair
The story: Since being designed back in 1958 for use in the lobby of the Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, The Egg has become one of Arne Jacobsen’s most popular designs thanks to its unique shape that offers a touch of privacy even in public spaces. The original was made with a steel frame and green fabric cover.
The replica: Various colors and fabrics, as well as wool and leather.
The cost: Normal red fabric with steel base starts from B19,200 at www.nexliving.com. More colors in wool can be found at moodandtone.com from B34,900 and leather from B55,900. www.nathanrhodesdesign.com has green wool at B39,950 and leather at B56,500.
5. Navy Chair
The story: The Navy Chair or Emeco 1006 was first produced during World War II in Pennsylvania, USA, to be used in the warships of the US Navy. The chair was designed by Emeco’s founder Witton C. “Bud” Dinges to be able to survive torpedo blasts and the rigors of the high seas while being lightweight, hence the use of aluminum. After the war, the chair became an icon of American design before becoming the basis of French Designer Philippe Starck’s new aluminum furniture line in the 2000s.
The replica: The chair now comes in other materials like plastic, stainless steel, as well as recycled aluminum, and a range of different colors.
The cost: The classic aluminum design is available at B4,750 at www.nexliving.com while the plastic version from the same website comes in three shades at B3,250. www.nathanrhodesdesign.com has prices from B4,500 for aluminum and plastic and B5,250 for stainless steel.
6. Eames Molded Plastic Chair
The story: In the 1940s the American designers, Charles and Ray Eames came up with the first industrially manufactured plastic chairs, drawn to the material’s adaptability and low cost. The much-loved Eames Molded Plastic Chair is considered a model of function, beauty and efficiency: it’s simple, clean design allowing it to fit into every part of the house.
The replica: The original design is updated with a large selection of base, shell and color combinations and more eco-friendly materials.
The cost: From B2,290 for the classic stainless steel base at www.nexliving.com up to B4,950 for the combination of wood and stainless steel base at www.moodandtone.com
Want the Real Deal?
Because the designs featured here are over 50 years old, it’s legal to copy them. Even in the USA, you’ll see Amazon.com selling the Eames Lounge chair for US$700 versus US$5,500 (B171,500) from Herman Miller. But purists argue that furniture from the original brands that first produced them (such as Knoll and Herman Miller) is better finished and offers lasting resale value. Convinced? Chanintr Living is Thailand’s only authorized dealer for Herman Miller and also carries Knoll, Fritz Hansen, Emeco and many more. Visit chanintrliving.com to find out more.
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