Flexform’s Icaro sofa by Roberto Lazzeroni features generous proportions with its thin, solid wood frame and chunky seats. Those looking for an extra-luxurious touch can opt for the velvet version.
Seating That Proves Modern Can Still Be Cozy
These chairs and sofas play with proportions for ultimate comfort.
BY LILY WAN September 08, 2017
With a backrest that wraps around in a pseudo embrace, the Vuelta sofa by Jaime Hayon for Avenue Road embodies a comfortable design in both feel and appearance.
The first fully upholstered collection by a brand known for its outdoor furnishings, the Wrapping collection by Bend Goods presents a fun twist on the classic sectional sofa.
For Piero Lissoni’s inaugural collaboration with B&B Italia, he designed the Saké sofa bed with equally comfortable seating and sleeping in mind. The plump cushions come upholstered in leather or fabric.
An original design from Poul Kjærholm, first introduced in 1955, the PK1 is now available from Carl Hansen & Søn. Classic and comfortable, the steel-framed dining chair is intricately woven with organic flag halyard.
Neat by Blu Dot is a perfectly casual and tasteful option for dining or lounging; for the latter, the collection also offers an ottoman.
Precision and flexibility characterize the Albarella modular sofa, designed by Mauro Lipparini for Casa International. The frame comes in steel, brass, copper, or titanium.
Jasper Morrison adds to Emeco’s family of sustainably crafted, durable seating with the 1 Inch chair. While the design uses the absolute minimum amount of material, it is strong enough to stand the test of time.
Jaime Hayon’s Lune sofa for Fritz Hansen was designed to be experienced from all sides. In its curvilinear form, it shows that Hayon’s Spanish roots are a fitting match for the brand’s Danish sensibilities.
Aesthetically, the Sequoia stool from Magis recalls a small network of tree branches. On the technical side, designers Anderssen & Voll used bicycle frame welding to inform the construction of each piece.
An exciting release for the fall, Molteni & C’s Gio Ponti–designed D.151.4 armchair joins the brand’s family of re-issues from the famed Italian architect. Like many of his creations, this chair has a maritime feel.
A simple blackened-steel frame is warmed by rich, Honduran mahogany in the Fin chair, designed by New York studio Pelle in collaboration with antique shop and jewelry brand Erie Basin.
A decidedly formal armchair, Halley, by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, has motion built into its design. The chair and ottoman are available in weather-resistant materials for outdoor use during warmer months.
Another piece inspired by oceangoing adventures, the Luca Nichetto–designed Canal chair for Mooi was based on historical ships that traversed Mediterranean waterways.
Combining elements of Japanese and Scandinavian design, the Thomas chair, designed by Milan-based studio Metrica for the new Australian brand SP01, is made of plywood and solid ash.
Poliform tapped Jean-Marie Massaud to design the New York “poufs,” which come in four configurations. The piece is well-suited for hotel spaces or sprawling lofts.
The Calonia Swivel Chair by Dmitriy & Co pairs architectural bronze with wool-and-cashmere upholstery, making quite the statement with its rounded silhouette.
Josephine, by Moroso, is an intimate piece that fosters conversation and connection between anyone sitting in it. Gordon Guillaumier designed the collection as a stark contrast to the typical modern sofa silhouette.
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna’s Chignon chair, by Italian design studio Lucidi Pevere, is a rare and exciting departure from the brand’s typical furniture forms. Its instantly iconic curved beechwood silhouette playfully ties together its seat and backrest.
Made of sculptural curves and angles that capture the eye, the Heath collection, designed by Yabu Pushelberg for Linteloo, includes an armchair (pictured), sofa, and coffee table.
Paola Lenti’s low-slung, modular Agio sofa, designed by longtime collaborator Francesco Rota, features vertically adjustable backrests for a flexible lounge.
In a piece that straddles art and design, the Where We First Met bench by Montreal-based brand Claste is made of glass and pink onyx.
Amédée, designed by Marie Christine Dorner for Ligne Roset, is a compact option for small spaces needing a punch of pizzazz. The stitching on its back is inspired by the kind seen on bucket seats in vintage Italian cars.