Seating

Staff -- Interior Design, 5/31/2008 12:00:00 AM

William Emmerson

Like many pieces of great sculpture, the Ab Ovo dining chair draws its inspiration from anatomy. The legs have a certain animalistic quality—the feet seem moments away from transforming into ball and claws. The back, meanwhile, recalls the silhouette of a woman. No matter what the species, sensuous curves speak of animal magnetism. The item is the long-awaited final piece of the Ab Ovo collection, whose production has been limited to only 500 objects. Hand-carved from solid black walnut by a master craftsman in Los Angeles, each piece is signed by the artist. The chair, which also is available in Burma teak, gets its soft gleam from a polyurethane finish. It measures 19 inches wide, 44 inches high, and 17 inches deep. The seat rests at 18½ inches in height. The line, which includes lounges, benches, tables, and a screen, works both indoors and out. 323-653-9763; emmersontroop.com. circle 350

Wexler Gallery

Matthias Pliessnig explored the possibilities of steam-bent oak and developed a small thicket of intriguing benches and chairs. Among them is Wave, which evokes the image of a Viking ship, and measures 45 by 35 by 31 inches. Other Pliessnig benches include Dilapidated Flow, which resembles a sheaf of hay that's seen better days. It measures 88 by 44 by 32 inches. The smaller Bends measures 44 by 30 by 28 inches. Then there's Thonet No. 18, which looks as though a mischievous cat tangled its yarn ball around a Viennese cafe chair. On the other end of the material spectrum, Vivian Beer is creating sleek, aerodynamic pieces in steel. Winded Orange, named from the shade of paint used on Mazda cars in the 1980s, plays on memory. It references the seat of a bicycle, and clouds before the weather changes. The more petite Ruffle Stool, which sports a coat of automotive paint, is smaller, but offers its own flowing flourish. A ribbon of steel swoops up by the sitter's elbow, as if to take flight. 215-923-7030; wexlergallery.com. circle 351

Ahrend

Remember Revolt? This 55-year-old classic is being reintroduced to America. Its generous seat and back were ergonomic way before anybody knew what that meant. Get the seat in a black or white high-gloss finish, with its solid sheet steel frame in matte. 212-982-3009; ahrend.com. circle 355

Stua

The Nube armchair explores the relationship between the flat planes of contemporary spaces and the curves of the human body. The frame is chromed steel, the seat upholstered foam. It is offered in orange, lime, pink, gray, or brown. It measures 27 inches wide and deep, and 25 inches high. 34-943-330-188; stua.com. circle 352

RS

Anticipate much buzz about Bee, a playful line of group seating inspired by honeycomb. "Bees have to work together. People have to work together," notes designer Cutu Mazuelos. The base is made of lacquered fiberglass and polyester resin and is offered in white. The cushion is made of wood upholstered in polyurethane foam; choose from orange, Lazio, Topas, Pros 2, and Hallingdal Maharam fabrics. The seating measures 14 inches wide and deep and 17 inches tall. 34-93-658-95-03; rs-barcelona.com. circle 353

Classicon

Barhoppers, rejoice! Finally, a new entrant in the anatomically-formed-seat sweepstakes. Triton is comfortable because it's integral foam curves fit the human form. It's sexy, too. A handy hook under the seat holds a handbag—exactly what the cosmo-sipping set needs to keep hands free for flirting. The steel frame is available in color-coated or chromium-plated options. The stool measures 29 inches high, 20 inches wide, and 19 inches deep. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 354

Krug

When it comes to its upholstery, the Corfu chair is nothing if not versatile. Enjoy it as a multipurpose or conference chair, with a plastic or beech wood seat and back, upholstered arm pads, an

upholstered seat or fully upholstered seat and back, with or without arms. The plastic color options include black, red, blue, gray, sand, and white. Get it in a wide range of wood finishes, including several shades of cherry, oak, and mahogany. 888-578-5784; krug.ca. circle 356

Wendell Castle

Take in the elegant simplicity of Julian. This artistic bench of ash wood acquires its few elegant curves courtesy of steam. It gets its dark good looks from an ebonized finish (other finishes are also offered). The bench is 18 inches high, 80 inches wide, and 17 inches deep. At each end is a 9-inch overhang. 866-999-4266; wendellcastlecollection.com. circle 360

Idea Space Design

The Nero barstool is a perfect perch for drinking, fiddling, or contemplating the location of emergency exits in case of fire. Natural textures like an oak seat, highlighted with gray-green, smoky-rift stains, are combined with highly polished stainless steel. The seat is also available in zebrawood, walnut, and white lacquer. 310-360-7140; ideaspacedesign.com. circle 359

Designlush

The DC Dining Chair can go indoors or out, depending on the seat you drape over its brushed or polished stainless steel frame. One option is vegetable-tanned, full aniline-dyed cowhide, but you can also get it in Sunbrella anti-bacterial mesh, fabric, Danish twine, or custom material. 212-532-5450; designlush.com. circle 357

Eurotrend Furniture

Reign supreme in your living room with Lido. Werther Toffolini's chair is inspired by the elegance and comfort of a throne. Your inner royal is courted via the beech frame offered in several finishes, including natural, cherry, wengé, and walnut, and your own choice of upholstery. 800-689-1020; eurotrendusa.com. circle 358

Duane Modern

Get your mid-century fix with the Hubert Bench, an elegant Widdecomb-inspired piece that sports a single, button-tufted cushion. Each piece is handcrafted and made to order from premium woods. Upholstery comes from the customer's own material. Lead time is 10 to 12 weeks. 212-625-8066; duanemodern.com. circle 365

Montis

Adrift in tranquility is where you will be when plopped in the Lotus chair. Evoking an opening blossom, the base is available with an open or closed front, in any of the manufacturer's countless textile or leather options for upholstery. 31-162-377-777; montis.nl. circle 361

Andreu World

Let Tauro enfold you in its embrace. The line, which includes an armchair and lounger, sports strong arms (and a seat) of cold-foamed polyurethane, which is flexible and fireproof. Both hang on a gloss-chromed, iron rod frame. Upholster it in the manufacturer's leather or ultra suede, or in your own choice of material. 800-632-5272; andreuworldamerica.com. circle 364

McGuire Furniture

The Geometric Round Stool has all the right curves. The seat is set off by a removable round leather cushion supported by a serpentine frame. The frame is available in carbon or natural, with black, blonde, or brown leather cushions. It measures 16/ inches high and 21/ inches in diameter. 800-662-4847; mcguire.kohlerinteriors.com. circle 362

Roche-Bobois

Take a heavyweight approach to fly-weight chairs: Drop them in favor of Welter Seats. These loungers fit the sitter like a (boxing) glove with matte-finished, black-metal frames and plump, foam-and-feather cushions upholstered in pure aniline-dyed calf leather. 800-717-2747; rochebobois.com. circle 363

Studio JSPR

Voltaire II gleefully updates your old auntie's best parlor furniture with a monochromatic wash and puts it outdoors. When the garden party ends, just leave it there: The wooden frame and seat cushion are upholstered in Realskin, a leather-like rubber that weathers the rain. It comes in 18 bright shades, including Turkish green, red, orange, and yellow. Property; 917-237-0123; propertyfurniture.com. circle 366

Cor Sitzmoebel

Sleepover at Cosma's! This smooth sofa-and-chaise ensemble loves a crowd. Extended, each one can sleep three. When not in hotel mode, Cosma makes a clean, modern L-shaped sofa. The metal frame is in black, powder-coated aluminum and covered with a combo of polyether and fleece. Five leather groups and 14 fabric groups are offered. 305-531-0704; cor.de. circle 371

Kartell

Thermalplastic in glossy or matte is the gist of the Lizz chair. Gas-blowing technology is used to create the streamlined shape that comprises a single piece. The wide seat and low, roomy backrest ensure stability, and it can stand up to all kinds of weather and scratches. The batch-dyed, technopolymer thermal plastic piece comes in blue, green, coral red, orange, black, gray, white, and turquoise. 866-854-8823; kartell.it. circle 367

Dietiker

Hannes Wettstein's sexy Kalio lounge chair is a model of graceful proportion. The swivel base is offered in powder-coated aluminum or a brushed finish, and is available in standard fabrics from Kvadrat, or in the customer's own material. It measures 29 inches wide and tall, and 31 inches deep. 877-438-9514; dietiker.com. circle 370

Resol

Let your inner kindergartener come out to play with Julieta. This lighthearted tyke is happy indoors or out—and even has UV protection. Injected with polypropylene or polycarbonate, it comes in two heights: 23 and 21 inches. Colors offered include transparent red, clear, pink, orange, red, lime green, and sky blue. 34-972-69-47-00; grouporesol.com. circle 368

Brueton

OMK, one of the hottest chairs of the 1970's, is back. This stackable symbol of high-tech design has a frame of chrome-plated tubular steel and a seat and back of perforated, pressed steel with an epoxy, powder-coated steel finish. It comes in red, white, and Argento, plus another 200 standard colors. 800-221-6783; brueton.com. circle 369

Poltrona Frau

Please leave us Alone! Wouldn't you love to stop what you're doing and curl up in the comforting arms of this spacious, soft armchair? We would. Choose from two upholstery options: Pelle Frau leather, from the Color system or Heritage lines, or a combination of leather and fabric. 212-777-7592; frauusa.com. circle 376

Baleri Italia

Designer Jeff Miller has created a second version of his popular Littlebig chair. Both versions sport a three-dimensional, molded plywood seat cantilevered from the front edge only. But the newer version offers a handle, a smaller base, and, overall, a sleeker, lighter look. The seat can be lacquered, stained, or left as natural, or even covered in leather; the aluminum handle and base can be polished or painted. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 372

ICF

The S850 Lounge and Footstool have a retro, yet modern feel. The slim, molded plywood shell comes in a variety of veneers, while the inviting yet trim padding can be upholstered in any fabric or leather. The chrome-plated tubular steel legs add a final touch of cool. 800-237-1625; icfsource.com. circle 375

Incorporated

The Endless Sofa redefines the word "modular." The parts of a classic modular sofa have been divided into individual vertical "slices," rather than stand-alone groups of seats merged to make a whole. Each slice, covered in the customer's own vinyl or leather, measures 4/ inches wide, 28 inches high, and 41 inches deep. An unlimited series of these sections can be zippered together. 212-673-1695; incorporatedny.com. circle 374

Cappellini

Mr. Bugatti looks like a simple, straightforward chair. But on second thought, the viewer realizes that the glossy surface hides a surprise: It is multifaceted, like crumpled paper. The chair is made of thin metal plate injected with polyurethane foam and lacquered in blue, white, yellow, gray, red, or black. 212-966-0669; cappellini.it. circle 373

Ross Didier

The Obelisk sofa and chair have all the angles covered—with a distinctly futuristic slant. The cubistic pieces are made of hardwood timber, laminated plyboard, polyurethane foam, webbing, and stainless steel. The pair of triangled sled legs are polished stainless steel. 61-3-9383-3444; rossdidier.com. circle 377

Dune

Like its namesake town, the Aspen Stool has an easy, laid-back style that's perfect for sinking into after a hard day at the office or on the slopes. The high stool's frame is fashioned of solid oak and the seat is oak veneer. Aspen can be stained or lacquered and stands 40/ inches high. 212-925-6171; dune-ny.com. circle 378

Michael W. Dreeben

The Billet Chair is the designer's attempt to create a digital approximation of an analog curve. The curved seat and back are also an attempt to make a meaningful transition between the chair and the sitter. The seat is roto-molded plastic covered with saddle leather; the frame is milled aluminum. 773-394-5761; dreeben.com. circle 379

Swedese Möbler

Go with the Flow. This modern lounge chair sports a frame of laminated oak veneer with special inserts of solid oak, making for a sturdier frame. The chair can be finished with natural lacquer or black stain. The high-resilience foam can be covered in any fabric or leather. 46-393-797-00; swedese.se. circle 381

Kron USA

La is a cute, armless lounge chair with an upholstered, cold-cure polyurethane foam seat, and an open back on four, tubular metal legs. The generous, squat shape welcomes the sitter—perfect for reception, hospitality, and other public spaces. 800-566-5766; kronusa.com. circle 380

Wittmann

No question about it: Lola is one square chair. But she has a hip cleft in her backrest and arm supports that lend her a certain fun-filled quality. Her wooden frame sits on stainless steel tubes, and she can be upholstered in any of the manufacturer's five leathers, or 20 fabrics in an array of colors. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 382

Gary Hutton Design

The Lafayette Chair brings a certain 1960's panache to the wing chair tradition. The Lafayette's hardwood frame is covered with foam and down fill, and uses the customer's own upholstery material. The piece is available with a swivel base, or on legs finished in dark walnut, ebony brown, natural, light walnut, or gloss black. 415-626-2180; garyhuttondesign.com. circle 386

De Sede

Hugo De Ruiter's serpentine DS-1064 can be changed and reorganized in so many ways that it might just become the seating equivalent of command central for your life. Mix and match three end elements, two curved corner pieces, an intermediate seating module, five right- or left-handed recamiere options, and a moveable backrest. This chameleon is available in five leather grades or in microsuede. 800-688-7112; desede.com. circle 383

Leland International

Take a break in a Hammok, patterned after the makeshift beds that sailors once fashioned for themselves aboard ship. The stacking chair is versatile too. It's available with or without arms, with an exposed beech plywood seat, or upholstery in no fewer than 33 finishes. It sits on a flexible steel base which, like its namesake, sways gently. The frame comes with a choice of stainless steel or five powdercoats. 800-859-7510; lelandinternational.com. circle 384

Alias

The manufacturer is expanding its popular Laleggera line with an armchair, armrest, and dormeuse. The newest model is lightweight, its wooden structure injected with polyurethane foam to create sculpted angles and curves. Choose from solid maple or ash, with a veneer of maple, ash-stained ebony, cherry, wengé, or whitened oak. Also available is a lacquer palette boasting 14 color options. 877-254-2788; aliasusa.com. circle 385

KFF Design

This chair fits like a Glove. Offered from the Avantgarde collection, Glove uses the new monoform technique of molding fabric, foam, and thermoplast by applying pressure and heat. In the end, the plastic seat shell is entirely covered with upholstery and fabric. The mod shape rests on a steel frame in chrome plate or stainless steel. The stackable chair comes in six colors. 305-531-0704; kff.de. circle 391

Softline

Go ahead, reach for another Bon-Bon. We bet you can't use just one of these playful poufs. The high-elastic, polyurethane cell-foam pieces are covered with fiber wrapping. The large measures 47 inches long and 20 inches deep; the medium is 39 by 16 inches; and the small is 24 by 12 inches. All stand 13 inches high. 45-54-16-06-80; softline.dk. circle 387

Arco

The Bow chair has a slim wire frame that joins its two halves. The back and seat, each shaped to ensure comfort, are in oak veneer atop a steel base with a chrome finish. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 390

Studio Roeper

Ride off into the sunset with Sergio Leone. Named for the genius director of classic spaghetti westerns like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, this chair has the same strong, sexy vibe. Even better, the Deluxe version is also supportive, with adjustable cowhide belts integrated into the backrest for lumbar support. The chair is offered in an array of salvaged hardwoods and Italian leathers, and in medallion burgundy, white, ivory, or chestnut. 415-216-5714; studioroeper.com. circle 389

Lapalma

No need to adjust the horizontal or the vertical. Pixel really is that crisp and vivid. This stackable seat is all lightness and simplicity, with a dash of sparkle emanating from its nylon mesh backing. The steel frame is lacquered. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 388

Tresserra Collection

The Chaise Lounge from the Haiku collection is utter poetry. Like the group's literary namesake, the chair is spare and sleek, with a walnut wood frame, and arms and back of stainless steel covered in leather. Go with light or dark wood finishes, and hazelnut or dark brown leather. 34-93-200-49-22; tresserra.com. circle 392

Whyr'hymer Furniture

The Los Galos chair cares about your back. Designed to provide lumbar support and keep your pressure points balanced, it wants to be the ultimate lounge chair. It is 4 feet long, 46½ inches high, and 24 inches wide, and is constructed of lyptus with walnut, cherry, ebonized oak, teak, or maple. A complementing cushion is covered in organic linen, leather, or the customer's own material. 310-567-1026; whyrhymer.com. circle 396

Holly Hunt

Give in to the call of the Siren Dining Arm Chair. Part of the Studio H line, the piece is an elegant study in contrasts: The straight lines of the walnut frame versus the curve of the upholstered seat. Cover it in your own fabric or leather. 800-320-3145; hollyhunt.com. circle 395

Niedermaier

When you need to lay low, the Sofa 77 Chaise is just the ticket. Part of the Sofa 77 sectional collection, this piece is all clean lines, down to the solid, polished aluminum legs. Eight-way, hand-tied springs are cushioned by hand-shaped, high-density polyurethane and foam-wrapped Dacron. It is 96 inches wide, 42 inches deep, and 28½ inches high. 312-492-9400; niedermaier.com. circle 393

Arketipo

The Marea is a system of sectional units—composed of sofas, centrals and corners—and ottomans. The wooden frame is upholstered in non-deformable polyurethane. The seats and backs are upholstered in goose down with a resin foam template. The feet are solid ash, and can be stained light gray or dark brown. 39-055-887-7137; arketipo.com. circle 394

Zeus

In Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, Bianca was a supporting part. Here, she's the star of the show. And why not? She's tough, with a frame of sandblasted stainless steel. Pretty, too: Her seat comes in acrylic resin in opaque blue, black, or red, or opaline white. Her measurements are 16 by 17 by 32 inches. 206-499-8280; zeusnoto.com. circle 397

Visual Reference Studio

Swamp Stool is furniture's equivalent of a mood ring. Its thermo-sensitive upholstery changes colors in response to body heat, or even rising atmospheric temperature. Simply touch it, and its color changes. Black changes to greenish blue and red changes to violet—the warmer the stool, the bluer it becomes. The stool's other components are wood, multi-density foam and polyurethane. It stands 17½ inches high. 601-944-0023; visualreferencestudio.com. circle 400

Moroso

The Wavy chair undulates and ripples, but still proves comfortable. Plastic is injected into a complex mold, to create the seat, which is placed over a metal frame. It's lightweight, bendable, yet sturdy, and offered in red, clear, white, and blue. 800-705-6863; morosousa.com. circle 398

Wilkhahn

Bridge building inspired Sito, this latest take on the cantilevered chair. Note how the forces acting upon the seat are perfectly balanced between the flat, supporting steel brace and the tubular frame. This stackable comes in a chromium-plated finish and a wide variety of the manufacturer's fabrics and leathers. 212-229-9455; wilkhahn.com. circle 399

Eric Manigian Studio

When you need a touch of the rustic, may we suggest the Continuous Bench? This rough-hewn piece, comprised of three stools and an end table, is handcrafted from solid walnut. The cushions are European hair-on cowhide. Other wood and cushion materials are also available. 718-855-9097; ericmanigian.com. circle 401

ddc domus design collection

The Cuvert sofa and chair are total squares with a softer side, thanks to multiple layers of polyester and thick upholstered fleece that sit atop specially tempered-steel serpentine springs. Choose custom-made upholstery fabric from a wide array of manufacturer's options. And surprise! The covers are even removable. 212-685-0800; ddcnyc.com. circle 405

Newman Studio

Egg-xactly what's needed. The aptly-named Huevos Lounge Chair catches the eye with its oval arms and tickles the fancy with quirky "Sputnik legs," so named by the designer. The alder and maple frame comes covered with down and feather cushions; the wood comes in nine standard or custom finishes. 760-778-6900; newmanstudio.com. circle 402

Troscan Design

Call it "the unbearable lightness of sitting." Two L-shaped stainless-steel structures create the star of the Olso Lounge Chair. They lift the cubic piece off the floor, giving it a lighter air than its bulk would seem to warrant. The chair measures 33 inches wide, 28 inches deep, and 27¾ inches high. 312-733-0158; troscandesign.com. circle 404

Armani Casa

The dainty Andromeda armchair would be at home in a stately Fifth Avenue socialite's sitting room or in front of a modern girl's vanity. Its feet are brown oak, and it's offered in Aspen, or more than 70 fabrics. Andromeda measures 26 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 30 inches high. 212-334-1271; armanicasa.com. circle 403

Kenneth Cobonpue

Now that's using your noodle. The functional and organic commingle in the Noodle Sofa. Hand-curled and stained rattan vines are handwoven and tied over a steel frame. The whimsical piece, resembling a bird's nest filled with marshmallows, seems to float above its oak platform. 888-889-9005; kennethcobonpue.com. circle 410

Allermuir

Who loves ya, baby! We love the Kojak line of stackables for their minimalist design and lightness. The tubular steel legs come in matte Regal Silver, and the molded polyurethane body in black, red, dark gray, and green. The Kojak design comes in a tall stool, arm or side chair versions. 44-1254-682421; allermuir.com. circle 406

Site Specific Design

The Mimic chair mimics an insect. Its legs are created from ½-inch steel rods, each hand-bent to create the illusion of movement. The chair's frame is round steel tubing with a 16-gauge, metal-sheet back. Select any upholstery for the made-to-order chair. 718-486-6341; sitespecificdesign.com. circle 409

Nemschoff

Relax with the Dylan Relev pushback recliner. Simply lean into its curves and feel your cares slide away. Touch one button and adjust the back even more. Wood or urethane arm caps are offered, on standard laminate or optional veneer sides. Protective rubber edging will prevent damage to the chair or the walls—perfect for health-care facilities. 800-203-8916; nemschoff.com. circle 408

Lumisource

Admit it: You've hopped on the pole dancing class bandwagon. So what if your mild-mannered chair has taken up Salsa? The Viva Barstool takes its cues from the movements and styling used in the Latin dance. The leatherette finish comes in chocolate brown or black, and the limber, hydraulic, chrome pole adjusts from 29 to 39 inches. 847-699-8988; lumisource.com. circle 407

Baleri Italia

With its multiple trestles of thin steel rod, this stackable has the engineered vibe of a suspension bridge. Get the frame of the aptly-named Naked in steel, coated in white, red, or black, or in chromed steel. Clothe it with an upholstered, flexible polyurethane cushion for the seat, and a cushion for the back. The stackable is 18¾ inches long, 32 inches high, and 19¾ inches wide. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 411

Arco

The manufacturer adds to its popular Invitation line of couches, lounges, and loveseats with Side by Side. These single seaters add transitional elements to the collection; now you can arrange an endless variety of seating groups—perfect for jazzing up an otherwise dull public space. Both corner and straight units are available. M2L; 800-319-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 412

Groupe Lacasse

Saggio, which is Italian for "wise," shows designer Paolo Favaretto's good judgment, with its use of clean lines and the chair's ability to adjust to the user's needs. Choose from a chair back in soft mesh or the manufacturer's graded-in fabric, vinyl or leather collections. 888-522-2773; groupelacasse.com. circle 414

Casamidy

The inspiration for the Varenne side chair is a lovely village in Provence. The handmade piece is lightweight but sturdy, thanks to its composition of thin-gauge iron. Without the rush seats, bolted seats, or tie-on cushions, it can be primed and powder-coated white, black, or brown for limited outdoor use. 52-415-152-0403; casamidy.com. circle 413