Chair: 500 Designs that Matter

A compelling collection of the world’s most innovative, stylish, and influential chairs from across the globe

Throughout history, the chair has presented designers the world over with infinite opportunities to experiment with new production methods and innovative materials within the set parameters of an object that is primarily there to serve a practical purpose.

Now available with a new cover, Chair: 500 Designs that Matter celebrates the humble chair as never before, from early examples to today’s cutting-edge creations. It invites you to sit back and be taken on a journey through the creative imaginations of hundreds of internationally renowned designers.

Featured designers include: Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Ron Arad, Cini Boeri, Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec, Marcel Breuer, Campana Brothers, Charles and Ray Eames, Naoto Fukasawa, Frank Gehry, Jaime Hay.n, Arne Jacobsen, Hella Jongerius, Finn Juhl, Shiro Kuramata, Erwine and Estelle Laverne, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Jasper Morrison, George Nakashima, George Nelson, nendo, Charlotte Perriand, Gaetano Pesce, Jean Prouvé, Snarkitecture, Patricia Urquiola, Otto Wagner, and Hans Wegner.

Review

‘Whether you favour primitive wooden creations, mid-century design classis or cutting-edge contemporary pieces, Chair: 500 Designs that Matter champions the skill behind some of the most prestigious seating designs.’ – Homes & Antiques

‘A fascinating insight into the evolution of this household staple… Aligning the chair designs with their eras makes for thought-provoking and surprising reading.’ – English Home

‘This quirky tome celebrates the humble chair as never before, from early examples to today's cutting-edge creations. It invites the reader to sit back and be taken on a journey through the creative imaginations of hundreds of internationally renowned designers.’ – New Design

‘If you obsess with details of interior design and worship at the altar of Charles & Ray Eames then you probably need Phaidon's new Chair book on your shelf.’ – Acquire Mag

‘A celebration of the humble chair, showcasing cutting-edge creations and all-time classics. If you appreciate interior design, whether it’s modern, quirky, or timeless, you’ll find chairs here that jive with your style.’ – Cool Material

‘Phaidon's glossy new tome delves into the high art of sitting down… Just don’t call it a coffee table book.’ – UrbanDaddy