One Chair, 12 Homes: The Curvaceous Panton Chair
With its smooth curves and classic cheerful colours, this iconic chair is equally stylish and versatile
Originally named the Stacking chair, or S chair, this sculptural seat has since taken on the name of its Danish designer, Verner Panton. The Panton chair was the very first chair to be manufactured completely out of plastic in one single piece, making it the most iconic cantilever chair. Since its introduction in 1967, four different versions of the chair have been produced from four different kinds of plastic. Initially made in fibreglass-reinforced polyester resin, which was then painted in high-gloss lacquer, the Panton chair is now made from coloured polypropylene and sports a matte finish.
The Panton chair has been widely copied, and some copies are so good that they can be mistaken for the real thing. Only two brands around the world, Herman Miller and Vitra, are licensed to manufacture the Panton chair, and their licenses are for different territories.
The Panton chair has been widely copied, and some copies are so good that they can be mistaken for the real thing. Only two brands around the world, Herman Miller and Vitra, are licensed to manufacture the Panton chair, and their licenses are for different territories.
Lofty living in Boston
The Panton chair is a great occasional chair that helps create balance, such as in this double-volume living room. Choosing white also means it would look good anywhere in the home.
The Panton chair is a great occasional chair that helps create balance, such as in this double-volume living room. Choosing white also means it would look good anywhere in the home.
Standing out in United States
This dining room in a show house illustrates how seemingly contrasting patterns work together even in a small space, but clearly the highlight of this eclectic space are the chartreuse Panton chairs.
This dining room in a show house illustrates how seemingly contrasting patterns work together even in a small space, but clearly the highlight of this eclectic space are the chartreuse Panton chairs.
Understated elegance in London
The way the ice grey Panton chairs blend in with the organic textures in this eat-in kitchen proves that a neutral palette boosts an airy ambience and spatial flow.
The way the ice grey Panton chairs blend in with the organic textures in this eat-in kitchen proves that a neutral palette boosts an airy ambience and spatial flow.
Primary colours in Melbourne
This dining area in the tin-shed-turned-house of award-winning Australian architect John Henry brings to mind Mondrian-style colour blocking.
This dining area in the tin-shed-turned-house of award-winning Australian architect John Henry brings to mind Mondrian-style colour blocking.
Sophisticated style in Minneapolis
There’s nothing like a shapely chair to complete a glamorous boudoir. The white Panton chair ties in with the curves of the wall light and silver accents, further enhancing the feminine charm.
There’s nothing like a shapely chair to complete a glamorous boudoir. The white Panton chair ties in with the curves of the wall light and silver accents, further enhancing the feminine charm.
Kiddie mood in Sydney
In 2005, Vitra came up with a smaller version of the original Panton chair made to scale for kids. These light blue Panton Junior chairs are a stylish complement to this contemporary bedroom shared by two girls, creating the perfect spot for play time.
In 2005, Vitra came up with a smaller version of the original Panton chair made to scale for kids. These light blue Panton Junior chairs are a stylish complement to this contemporary bedroom shared by two girls, creating the perfect spot for play time.
The more, the merrier in Los Angeles
There’s enough room for kids and adults to gather round and get busy in this craft area. Different coloured Panton chairs and a table with adjustable legs make it a fun and functional space.
There’s enough room for kids and adults to gather round and get busy in this craft area. Different coloured Panton chairs and a table with adjustable legs make it a fun and functional space.
Amidst the greenery in Singapore
Whether placed indoors or out, the Panton chair never fails to make a striking statement. In this bungalow’s lanai, the red chairs render vibrancy to the refreshing landscape.
Whether placed indoors or out, the Panton chair never fails to make a striking statement. In this bungalow’s lanai, the red chairs render vibrancy to the refreshing landscape.
A different take in Florida
This chair is an interesting homage to the Panton, replicating its shape with woven rattan. It definitely goes with the cosy country style of this bedroom.
This chair is an interesting homage to the Panton, replicating its shape with woven rattan. It definitely goes with the cosy country style of this bedroom.
Stylishly covered in San Francisco
Another notable homage is this pair of leather-clad chairs, which add to the air of sophistication of this stair landing/fireplace enveloped by various textured materials.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Panton chair, what colour would you choose and where in your home would you place it? Let us know in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
Another notable homage is this pair of leather-clad chairs, which add to the air of sophistication of this stair landing/fireplace enveloped by various textured materials.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Panton chair, what colour would you choose and where in your home would you place it? Let us know in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
Nothing says classic like a red Panton chair punching up a white space. The alternating colours for the chairs and lamps make for a playful addition.