One Chair, 12 Homes: The Minimalist Wassily Chair
The most famous among the Bauhaus chairs, this modern classic is as appealing as it was introduced almost a century ago
Marcel Breuer, Hungarian-born architect and furniture designer, was an apprentice at the Bauhaus institution in Dessau, Germany, when he found inspiration for the chair in the bent tubular steel handlebars of his Adler bicycle. He became one of the first designers to create furniture with tubular steel.
The Model B3 chair, as it was first known, was finished in 1926. At that time, German manufacturer Mannesmann had just perfected the process of making seamless tubular steel tubing, which made Breuer’s groundbreaking design possible. He stripped down the classic club chair to its most essential parts – a tubular steel frame and stretched canvas supports for the sitter. The first chairs were produced by Thonet, but went out of production during World War II.
The Model B3 chair, as it was first known, was finished in 1926. At that time, German manufacturer Mannesmann had just perfected the process of making seamless tubular steel tubing, which made Breuer’s groundbreaking design possible. He stripped down the classic club chair to its most essential parts – a tubular steel frame and stretched canvas supports for the sitter. The first chairs were produced by Thonet, but went out of production during World War II.
Lovely on its own in Melbourne
Because of its minimalist nature, the Wassily chair works well as an occasional chair and fits into any design style. It comes in 27 belting leather colours, 3 cowhide leathers, and 8 haired hide options.
Because of its minimalist nature, the Wassily chair works well as an occasional chair and fits into any design style. It comes in 27 belting leather colours, 3 cowhide leathers, and 8 haired hide options.
Tone on tone in California
The Wassily chair has been widely copied, and some pieces are easily mistaken for the real thing. “In copies, the frame will show where the tubes are connected and will not be seamless,” says Colleen James, director of marketing for Knoll Studio. The Knoll stamp and signature of Marcel Breuer stamped into the base of the chair will also confirm its authenticity.
In this warm-toned living area, the Wassily chair’s neutral hue and fluid contours infuse an inviting presence.
The Wassily chair has been widely copied, and some pieces are easily mistaken for the real thing. “In copies, the frame will show where the tubes are connected and will not be seamless,” says Colleen James, director of marketing for Knoll Studio. The Knoll stamp and signature of Marcel Breuer stamped into the base of the chair will also confirm its authenticity.
In this warm-toned living area, the Wassily chair’s neutral hue and fluid contours infuse an inviting presence.
Making a stand in Poland
Standing against a raw brick backdrop, this black Wassily makes for a grounding element in this rustic, under-the-stairs spot.
Standing against a raw brick backdrop, this black Wassily makes for a grounding element in this rustic, under-the-stairs spot.
Warming up a neutral space in Atlanta
In this clean-lined living area, the Wassily chairs round up the comfy seating and the earthy look.
In this clean-lined living area, the Wassily chairs round up the comfy seating and the earthy look.
Peek-a-boo in Iowa
Despite being surrounded by double-hung windows that celebrate views of the farmscape, the lime green Wassily chair proves it can make a bold statement in this bright and airy space.
Despite being surrounded by double-hung windows that celebrate views of the farmscape, the lime green Wassily chair proves it can make a bold statement in this bright and airy space.
Fitting into an odd angle in London
The rounded corner of this spacious bedroom becomes the perfect setting for a pair of black Wassily chairs and transparent nesting tables. Together they create a cosy sitting area and pull together the relaxed elegant look in this room.
The rounded corner of this spacious bedroom becomes the perfect setting for a pair of black Wassily chairs and transparent nesting tables. Together they create a cosy sitting area and pull together the relaxed elegant look in this room.
Relaxed style in Paris
Opting for modular seating helps open up this compact living area in a one-bedroom apartment. Pairing it with a classic Wassily proves the iconic chair’s versatility in small spaces.
Opting for modular seating helps open up this compact living area in a one-bedroom apartment. Pairing it with a classic Wassily proves the iconic chair’s versatility in small spaces.
Looking at the bright side in New York
Dark blue walls and a buttery yellow Wassily chair come together for beautiful colour harmony in this bedroom corner.
Dark blue walls and a buttery yellow Wassily chair come together for beautiful colour harmony in this bedroom corner.
Casual complement in Dallas
This home office-cum-library proves that you can never have enough comfortable seats and, clearly, the cream Wassily chairs fit into its contemporary style.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Wassily 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!
This home office-cum-library proves that you can never have enough comfortable seats and, clearly, the cream Wassily chairs fit into its contemporary style.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Wassily 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!
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