One Chair, 15 Homes: The Ever-Stylish Bertoia Chair
This modernist classic is a much-loved, versatile piece that adds industrial flair to any space
Italian scupltor and furniture designer Harry Bertoia’s iconic wire furniture collection, introduced in 1952, was the result of an experiment that involved bending metal rods into practical art. “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them,” said Bertoia.
Before Bertoia came up with these seats, he was already into open forms and metal work. It was Florence Knoll, his former classmate in Cranbrook Academy of Art, who invited him to work for her and her husband Hans Knoll. They never demanded that Bertoia design furniture, but instead encouraged him to explore whatever he liked. The result of this arrangement brought about a game-changer in the design landscape, particularly at that time when most chairs were made of rigid wood.
Before Bertoia came up with these seats, he was already into open forms and metal work. It was Florence Knoll, his former classmate in Cranbrook Academy of Art, who invited him to work for her and her husband Hans Knoll. They never demanded that Bertoia design furniture, but instead encouraged him to explore whatever he liked. The result of this arrangement brought about a game-changer in the design landscape, particularly at that time when most chairs were made of rigid wood.
Bertoia Side Chair | DREAM
Sculpted out of welded metal, the Bertoia wire collection, which includes the Side chair, the Diamond chair, the Bird chair, and the Barstool, are admired for their strikingly innovative and seemingly fragile open grid construction that belies the chairs’ strength and durability.
Making it comfy in New York
Some people think that the chair’s wire structure makes it uncomfortable, but its curved contour, courtesy of many welded steel points, actually provides excellent support and a springy feel. Adding seat and back pads can also up the comfort level and the style factor – especially with that vivid pop of red – as this dining setting shows.
Some people think that the chair’s wire structure makes it uncomfortable, but its curved contour, courtesy of many welded steel points, actually provides excellent support and a springy feel. Adding seat and back pads can also up the comfort level and the style factor – especially with that vivid pop of red – as this dining setting shows.
Sightseeing in Sydney
By having glass walls and streamlined seating like the Bertoia Diamond chairs, you can sit back and fully relish the spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House from this well-appointed living space.
By having glass walls and streamlined seating like the Bertoia Diamond chairs, you can sit back and fully relish the spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House from this well-appointed living space.
Tone on tone in San Diego
Both the Bird chair and the Diamond chair are customisable with either seat pads alone or full covers. In this living area, the grey covered Bird chair with ottoman works perfectly with the room’s colour scheme, while the organic curves add depth to the design.
Both the Bird chair and the Diamond chair are customisable with either seat pads alone or full covers. In this living area, the grey covered Bird chair with ottoman works perfectly with the room’s colour scheme, while the organic curves add depth to the design.
Casual dining in London
Yellow seat cushions on Bertoia side chairs brighten up this eat-in kitchen. The chair’s silhouette is low-profile, that’s why it is an ideal accompaniment to already visually heavy surfaces and boxy seats.
Yellow seat cushions on Bertoia side chairs brighten up this eat-in kitchen. The chair’s silhouette is low-profile, that’s why it is an ideal accompaniment to already visually heavy surfaces and boxy seats.
Conversation piece in Istanbul
This studio flat exudes high style and practical functionality, and the Diamond chair with tan leather seat gives the space that added classic designer touch.
This studio flat exudes high style and practical functionality, and the Diamond chair with tan leather seat gives the space that added classic designer touch.
Embracing the outdoors in Orange County
These black Bertoia chairs – in black powder-coated finish perfect for outdoor use – lend simple elegance to this interior courtyard.
These black Bertoia chairs – in black powder-coated finish perfect for outdoor use – lend simple elegance to this interior courtyard.
Cosy lounging in Los Angeles
Diamond chairs can fit even the tiniest of outdoor spaces, creating an easy and breezy lounging spot.
Diamond chairs can fit even the tiniest of outdoor spaces, creating an easy and breezy lounging spot.
Jamming in style in Toronto
A pair of Bertoia Diamond chairs takes the cool factor up a notch in this chic and sleek music room.
A pair of Bertoia Diamond chairs takes the cool factor up a notch in this chic and sleek music room.
Linear details in Melbourne
Notice how the Bertoia chairs match the wallpaper pattern and the wire baskets in this study?
Notice how the Bertoia chairs match the wallpaper pattern and the wire baskets in this study?
Kiddie nook in Hollywood
The Bertoia side chair comes in a scaled-down version for little tots, too. In this nursery, the mini chairs paired with a basic wooden table make for a comfy play and craft station, and complement the bold colours and geometric prints in the room.
The Bertoia side chair comes in a scaled-down version for little tots, too. In this nursery, the mini chairs paired with a basic wooden table make for a comfy play and craft station, and complement the bold colours and geometric prints in the room.
Blending in in Vancouver
These white powder-coated Bertoia barstools display a chameleon effect in this immaculate modern kitchen.
These white powder-coated Bertoia barstools display a chameleon effect in this immaculate modern kitchen.
Going industrial in Devon
In this converted warehouse, meanwhile, the Bertoia barstools fit right in the raw and rustic design. The stools’ rawhide seat pads play matchy-matchy with the equally iconic CH07 Shell chair by Hans Wegner in the foreground.
In this converted warehouse, meanwhile, the Bertoia barstools fit right in the raw and rustic design. The stools’ rawhide seat pads play matchy-matchy with the equally iconic CH07 Shell chair by Hans Wegner in the foreground.
Bright and stylised in Paris
Another example of the side chair’s versatility, this eclectic living area hints of Victorian, pop and modern Scandinavian references, with the Bertoia chair adding a jolt of sleek and vibrant character to the space.
Another example of the side chair’s versatility, this eclectic living area hints of Victorian, pop and modern Scandinavian references, with the Bertoia chair adding a jolt of sleek and vibrant character to the space.
Chic mode in Toronto
There’s nothing like a furry throw to glam up a Diamond chair and help create a stylish sitting area.
There’s nothing like a furry throw to glam up a Diamond chair and help create a stylish sitting area.
Barely there in Greece
Perhaps the Bertoia side chair’s most notable feature is its lightness. Its slim, linear metal frame doesn’t dominate visually, keeps any space looking bright and open, and lets the rest of the room show right through, as seen in this gallery-like dining space.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Bertoia wire chair, where in your home would you place it? Tell us in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
Perhaps the Bertoia side chair’s most notable feature is its lightness. Its slim, linear metal frame doesn’t dominate visually, keeps any space looking bright and open, and lets the rest of the room show right through, as seen in this gallery-like dining space.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Bertoia wire chair, where in your home would you place it? Tell us in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!