Seating

Staff -- Interior Design, 10/31/2005 12:00:00 AM

Felicerossi

Make waves with the Krysalis. The undulating back sets the sofa apart from so many other sleek yet plain pieces. The view is even more fun from behind: A chrome steel stand props up the fiberglass-framed seat. Via Sempione, 17-21011 Casorate Sempione (Va), Italy; 39-0331-767131; felicerossi.it. circle 350

ICF

The Fizz Stool cries out for a bone-dry martini. The tubular-steel frame comes in a satin-chrome finish; the seat can be ordered in molded laminated wood in ebano, in Unika Vaev upholstery, in painted silver or white, or in the customer's own material. The seat is 193/4 inches wide, 121/2 inches deep, and 303/4 inches high. 607 Norwich Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380; 800-237-1625; icfsource.com. circle 351

LYX

After success with Batman and Minority Report, movie-set designer Harald Belker has brought his cinematic flair to the furniture market with the art-deco-inspired Maxelle chair, which is available in white, black, yellow, red, silver, chrome, and custom colors. A thin, leather-upholstered seating inlay is optional. Grev Turegatan 30, SE-114 38 Stockholm, Sweden; 46-733-66-33-22; lyx.com. circle 355

Porro Industria

Why should pigs have all the fun? Truffle is a delicious confection of roto-molded plastic that jazzes up the old beanbag. The surprisingly supportive seat is available in green, white, and black. The piece is 43 inches wide by 17 inches high (23 inches high with base). Via Per Cantu, 35-22060 Montesolaro (Co), Italy; 39-031-780237; porro.com. circle 352

Forms + Surfaces

The modular Transit Seating bench brings no-nonsense versatility to the travel market. The perforated stainless-steel frame comes in nine versions and can be configured in a multitude of ways. It's also eco-friendly: It's 80 percent or greater recycled content, and all components are fully recyclable. Available in natural stainless steel or powdercoat. 6395 Cindy Lane, Carpenteria, CA 93013; 800-451-0410; forms-surfaces.com. circle 353

Davis

The sculptural COMpod Lounge Series is a glimpse into the future of design. The winning entry in a student contest, the line offers both casual comfort and refinement. Each piece has a specific raison d'être: The Create chair inspires industry and creativity; the Play lounge encourages relaxation and distraction; and the Meet two-seater promotes face-to-face encounters. P.O. Box 2065, 2401 South College Drive, High Point, NC 27261; 336-889-2009; davisfurniture.com. circle 354

Éditorial

Industrial designer Patrick Messier created the sensual Mamma rocking chair to offset the dearth of comfortable and attractive versions of this living room classic. The undulating, ribbonlike fiberglass piece, available in white or in custom colors, is coated with a special high-gloss urethane finish. 5550 Fullum Street, Office 312, Montreal, Quebec H2G 2H4, Canada; 888-271-0909; editorialliving.com. circle 360

Vitra

Armed with new plastic technologies, designer Alberto Meda is extending his line of office chairs into a competitive price category. The visually spare MedaPal chair has a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide base and an injection-molded polyamide back and seat frame, which are available in basic dark or umbra tones. 29 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014; 212-463-5750; vitra.com. circle 356

Project Import Export

A lounger shaped like a pair of lips? Been there. OK, so try this Steel Tongue chair. It is plenty rebellious. With a weave like a ball of rubber bands, the steel-framed piece sports an aluminum finish and is 31 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. 19331 SW 31st Court, Miramar, FL 33029; 786-543-3037; projectimportexport.com. circle 357

Global

A tuxedo chair on a diet, Wind is an elegant, slimmed-down lounger that perches breezily on a tubular polished-chrome base. The chair, as well as two- and three-seaters, is available in hundreds of fabrics, leathers, and vinyls. 17 West Stow Road, Marlton, NJ 08053; 800-220-1900; globaltotaloffice.com. circle 359

Esrawe Diseño

The Stitch Kit chair is a playful self-reflexive gesture: the silhouette of a chair appears in stitching on the outside surface of the two Corian slabs, which support a seat of interlocking plastic bands, available in more than 100 colors. Alfonso Reyes #58, Col. Condesa DF 06140, Mexico; 55-53-9611; esrawe.com. circle 358

Steelcase

This manufacturer has updated its successful Leap ergonomic office chair after much market research. Some of the improvements: a sleeker footprint; slimmer, more comfortable arms and arm caps; better back support; and a seat that flexes with the user's movements. Available in leather and standard upholstery, with a base of platinum, black, or polished aluminum. 901 West 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508; 800-333-9939; steelcase.com. circle 361

Dennis Miller

Stackable fun for the Teletubbies set: The playful Easy chair is molded from polypropylene with glass fiber added. The piece is available in gray, yellow, purple, beige, white, olive green, red, fuchsia, and sky blue. 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1510, New York, NY 10016; 212-684-0070; dennismiller.com. circle 362

B&T Design

Inspired by the flap of an elephant's ear, the Tech chair pairs a comfortable seat with minimalist chrome-plated steel legs. The padding is environmentally friendly CFC-free injection-molded polyurethane; it carries a five-year warranty against deformation. Available in microfiber, vinyl, wool, and leather in a variety of colors. 86 Caster Avenue, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 5Y9, Canada; 905-850-1719; lalezar.ca. circle 365

Turnstone

The Crew task chair combines clean design with sound ergonomics. Even better, well-placed controls mean users can make adjustments while seated—without tying themselves in knots. The black or platinum-finished frame can be covered in a range of Steelcase and Designtex graded-in fabrics, or in vinyl, leather, or the customer's own materials. P.O. Box 1967, Grand Rapids, MI 49508; 800-887-6786; turnstonefurniture.com. circle 363

Bodema

The Reform sofa gives a cozy 19th-century conceit a distinctly modernist edge. A metal frame supports seat cushions in polyurethane D30 with Dacron flies, adding softness to the piece's right angles. Available in single or sectional configurations; length is 71, 85, or 100 inches; depth is 36 inches; and height is 37 inches. Through CGS Group, 71 West 23rd Street, Suite 1623, New York, NY 10010; 212-366-1777; momentoitalia.com. circle 364

William Switzer

The design of the Lucien Rollin Collection's Chaise Juliane hails from the 1930's and '40's, yet its laid-back elegance still looks fresh. Available in Cotibe with brass or nickel hardware. Width is 31 1/4 inches; height is 40 inches; depth is 33 inches. 6-611 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1E1, Canada; 604-255-5911; williamswitzercollection.com. circle 366

Jiun Ho

The enveloping curves of the Kasba wing chair evoke the decadent sensuality of old Algiers, while the clean lines of its arms and seat are all about contemporary restraint. The mahogany frame can be upholstered in a range of custom colors, and it measures 34 inches wide by 31 inches deep. 322 Sixth Street, Suite 6, San Francisco, CA 94103; 415-437-2284; jiunho.com. circle 370

Niedermaier

The simple lines of the Fulton Sofa are timelessly elegant. The fabric-and-stainless-steel piece sports loose polyfiber back and seat cushions and is available in a range of sizes. 400 North Oakley Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60612; 312-492-9400; niedermaier.com. circle 369

Skram

Sinuous and clean, the V4 armchair pleases the eye as well as the body. Its solid-European-beech frame has been hand-rubbed with seven-coat varnish, and its ergonomically tilted seat and back invite relaxed meditation. The made-to-order piece is also available in walnut, teak, cherry, and other woods. Upholstery is available in wool, ultrasuede, leather, or the customer's own material. 3315 D Highway 54 West, Chapel Hill, NC 27516; 919-412-0260; skramfurniture.com. circle 367

Chilewich

This manufacturer's designs bring a crisp, modern geometry to an old softy, the ottoman, and a fresh tactility to the coffee table. The square and rectangular boxes are covered in a smooth vinyl weave that easily wipes clean. Covering patterns range from basket weave—available in wheat, caramel, bark, black, chestnut, titanium, and mini-aluminum—to bamboo, bouclé, and box. 31 East 28th Street, New York, NY 10016; 212-679-9204; chilewich.com. circle 368

Heller

Light of body and of heart, the stackable Arco chair combines simple lines with transparent good looks. The nylon seat is available in red, white, or black. The piece is 331/2 inches high, 25 inches wide, and 211/2 inches deep. 149 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010; 212-685-4200; helleronline.com. circle 371

Umbra

UM's the word—that's the playful handle of this updated classic. The molded-aluminum side chair measures 19 inches wide by 20 inches deep and is 33 inches high. 1705 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212; 800-387-5122; umbra.com. circle 376

Forma + Design

Here's the Scoop: This is one hot chair. Made of a UV-resistant, recyclable, multi-layered, variable-density polymer called HiREK, the sensuously shaped shell is comfortable even without padding. The piece can be ordered as a stackable armchair or a lounge chair, both on brushed-stainless-steel legs, or as a swivel armchair on a chrome or painted-steel disc-based pedestal. Available in white, ivory, pearl gray, and yellow. 1 Selleck Street, Norwalk, CT 06855; 203-855-9325; formanddesign.com. circle 372

Fixtures Furniture

The Pulse stackable chair really keeps your blood moving: The one-piece welded frame moves as your weight shifts, and the separate lumbar support panel flexes with you. The thermoplastic or upholstered arm pads come in a range of 13 colors, and the frames come in 15 finishes. 1642 Crystal Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64126; 800-821-3500; fixturesfurniture.com. circle 375

Kat Morrissette

Isamu Noguchi's work for Martha Graham and the sculpture of Barbara Hepworth inspired the head-turning form of this designer's chaise. The 36-by-24-by-40-inch piece rests on a chrome-steel base that can be topped with any upholstery. 802-233-7757. circle 373

Fritz Hansen

The Ice Bar cometh! Design fans, dazzled by the aluminum base in satin matte or mirror chrome, will raise a toast to this 30-inch-tall bar stool. The piece is also available as a 25-inch-tall counter seat. If the shiny finish is too cool for you, go for warm color instead—orange, lime, and raspberry are among those offered. 22 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-219-3226; fritzhansen.com. circle 374

Jonathan Adler

"Hauteur" is a word that might come to mind when you behold the bold, elegant Prescott chair. Shown in chocolate shantung with contrasting ivory, it is available in 64 fabrics, with a choice of four wood finishes: Americana, chestnut, espresso, and honey. It is 26 inches long, 33 inches deep, and 49 inches high. 1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 710, McLean, VA 22102; 877-287-1910; jonathanadlerfurniture.com. circle 377

B&B Italia

The refined, low-seated Arne offers a pleasing asymmetry: armrests of different shapes and heights. Combine the end unit with a chaise longue to create corner configurations. Available in fabric or leather, this piece measures 124 inches long, 591/2 inches deep, and 263/4 inches high. Other lengths are offered. 150 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10155; 800-872-1697; bebitalia.it. circle 381

Walters Wicker

Raise a little cane with the Juno. Unlike so many comely but ache-inducing wicker seats, this sturdy, wood-framed settee casts its arms wide for comfort. The piece is 59 inches wide, 341/2 inches deep, and 35 inches high (seat height is 19 inches). 979 Third Avenue, Suite 538, New York, NY 10022; 212 758-0472; walterswicker.com. circle 380

Nancy Corzine

Fauvism makes a delightful return with the Museum Slipper chair. The black-and-tan pattern suggests both wildcats and jungle leaves, but the gently fluted legs and the plush seating whisper refinement. 979 Third Avenue, Suite 804, New York, NY 10022; 212-223-8340. circle 378

Yepes Fine Furniture

The Crystal Ball is a chair Salvador Dalí would have loved. The solid-walnut piece is a study in playful asymmetry: The slatted back extends to the floor to form a rear counterpart to the oddly offset, round-footed legs. Available in a variety of woods and colors, it is 42 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches and a width of 181/2 inches. 60 Van Dam Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222; 718-599-6963; yepesfinefurniture.com. circle 379

Harter

Slim is in. The Forum Wood line makes a light, and bright, modernist statement with one- and two-seaters sporting a beechwood-faced plywood back and upholstered CFC-free polyurethane foam in a steel-rod frame. Available in seven metal finishes, nine wood stains, and unlimited upholstery options. A companion ottoman is also offered. 11451 Harter Drive, Middlebury, IN 46540; 800-543-5449; harter.com. circle 382

Richard Wrightman Designs

Modeled after the furniture used in the British military expeditions of yore, the Campaign line lends a touch of Britannic glamour to any setting. The elegant MacLaren barstool is hand-made of solid walnut—oiled or limed—and English bridle-leather strapping. Available in canvas, linen, or the customer's own material. 44-01 11th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101; 646-382-4904; rwrightman design.com. circle 386

Hivemindesign

The clean-lined Chair 4 is a study in subtle textural contrasts. A light yet sturdy frame of sheet metal—available in powdercoated steel or in white, black, orange, red, or gray—supports a flat, solid-walnut seat. Need to take the edge off? No problem: The seat is also available in upholstery. 27 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206; 718-782-3539; hivemindesign.com. circle 383

Ralph Pucci

The arrow-straight lines of designer Jens Risom's two-seat sofa seem almost abstract, until you settle into its deep, welcoming seat. The base of the 1940s classic is available in walnut or oak; the seat can be upholstered in the manufacturer's leather or the customer's own fabric. The length is 59 inches, the depth is 31 inches, and the height is 33 inches. 44 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011; 212-633-0452; ralphpucci.com. circle 385

Alias USA

The TT collection's single-, double-, and triple-seaters have a modern yet slightly retro line that will fit contemporary interiors to a T. The slim legs are in polished aluminum, and the rigid seat is covered in polyurethane foam. The removable Kvadrat-fabric covers are available in a range of colors. 155 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022; 877-254-2788; aliasusa.com. circle 384

Living Divani

Bubble Rock makes terrific eye candy. The square, round, and trapezoidal shapes comprise a double-paneled pine-and-poplar frame covered by elastic straps of covered rubber and polyurethane foam. The pieces can be covered in an array of fabric or leather, or the customer's own material. Strada del Cavolto, I-22040 Anzano del Parco (CO), Italy; 39-031-630-954; livingdivani.it. circle 391

Emuamericas

Finally, stackable lawn furniture that's functional and elegant. The Impero armchair combines gracefully curving arms with an interlaced-steel-mesh back and seat that conjures wicker from summers past. The steel frame comes in powdercoated finishes including silver, bronze, and black. 360 Fairfield Avenue, Suite 300, Bridgeport, CT 06604; 800-726-0368; emuamericas.com. circle 387

Dune

Circle the wagons: The modular Istanbul is available in six configurations and can be arranged to face in or out, so it works everywhere from the conference room to the airport lounge. The fiberglass-and-metal body is covered in multi-density polyurethane foam, which can in turn be covered in either fabric or leather. 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-6171; dune-ny.com. circle 388

KI

Comfortable, lightweight stackable chairs are no longer an oxymoron. Daylight's curved gray mesh seat and back offer comfortable support, and at just nine pounds, it really stacks up. The plastic frame is available in flannel or blue-gray. 1330 Bellevue Street, P.O. Box 8100, Green Bay, WI 54302; 800-424-2432; ki.com. circle 390

Allsteel

The Sum line of task chairs is branching out with stools, conference chairs, and side chairs. The slim-backed series offers an array of back heights and arm options, along with ergonomic curves that automatically adjust to the user's movements. Available in bases of black or polished aluminum with upholstery in an array of fabric or leather. 2210 Second Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761-5257; 888-255-7833; allsteeloffice.com. circle 389

de Sede

Designer Mathias Hoffmann says a soccer ball was the inspiration behind the plump, bouncy pieces in the DS146 collection. Indeed, the stitching that runs along the ample curves of the cream leather sofa, chair, and ottoman says "play ball." The length is 80 inches, the height is 36 inches, and the depth is 41 inches. Oberes Zelgli 2, 5313-Klingnau, Switzerland; 41-56-268-01-11; desede.ch. circle 392

i4 Mariani

There was an age when swooning on a daybed was de rigueur for the sophisticated woman. Return to those days with the graceful Brera chaise—while remaining firmly rooted in 21st-century chic. The straight seat and back and the V-shaped steel feet are decidedly of the moment; the frame, which is upholstered in rich saddle leather, is 63 inches long, 35 inches deep, and 35 inches high. 969 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-753-6389; i4mariani usa.com. circle 393

Trendway

The high-, medium-, and low-backed managerial task chairs from the TM series sport plush cushioned backs and seats and graceful lines, but they're all business. The base is available in standard black plastic or polished aluminum; upholstery is available in a range of the manufacturer's standard fabrics or leather. 13467 Quincy Street, P.O. Box 9016, Holland, MI 49422; 616-399-3900; trendway.com. circle 396

Westin-Nielsen

With its pencil-thin lines and delicate curves, the Zipp chair brings a lighter-than-air presence to the office. The frame is available in satin black, silver-powder, chrome, and matte-chrome finishes, the beechwood seat comes in 16 standard or custom finishes, and the mesh-fabric back can be ordered in two grades and 11 colors, including cranberry, orange, turquoise, and black. 4301 White Bear Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55110; 800-626-1234; westinnielsen.com. circle 394

Bernhardt Design

The Koda chair's beveled edges and scooped-out profile give it a sleek yet vigorous presence, and its solid maple frame evinces stout functionality. Available in 16 standard finishes that range from semi-transparent maple to dark mahogany. 1839 Morganton Boulevard, Lenoir, NC 28645; 866-634-0191; bernhardtdesign.com. circle 395

Intoto

Io, named for the Argive princess whose beauty caught the lustful eye of Zeus, is certainly worthy of infatuation. A richly padded, saddle-stitched-leather seat perches on a slim, polished-stainless-steel base. Available in white Padova leather, or custom color. Io's shapely proportions are 25 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 27 inches high. 10 Liberty Street, Number 36G, New York, NY 10005; 917-671-7923; intotonyc.com. circle 398

Parri

The Free armchair has all the right angles. Reminiscent of 1960's mod designs, the sleek wings and arms are ready to enfold the sitter in a comfortable origami. The swivel pedestal base in chrome sports adjustable feet for uneven floors. Upholstered in fire-retardant polyurethane foam, the piece can be covered in any color Kvadrat fabric or in leather, as well as in the customer's own material. Through Property, 14 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10013; 917-237-0123; property furniture.com. circle 397

Nienkämper

Sink into a Kloud. The silhouette of this plump, inviting chair suggests 1960s pods, but designer Karim Rashid's real inspiration is utterly of the moment. "Our objects are softer, our cars are rounder, our computers are blobbier, and even our bodies are fatter," he says. The chair is 381/2 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 31 inches high. 257 Finchdene Square, Toronto, Ontario M1X 1B9, Canada; 800-668-9318; nienkamper.com. circle 399

Okamura

Bring the café into the office with the convivial Altcafe lounge chair, which invites you to arrange your legs any way you like, scoot around on its rolling castors, or scribble on its pivoting tablet. The acrylic fabric comes in lime green, mandarin orange, ruby red, smoke blue, black, brown, beige, and light gray. 203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601; 312-917-6200; okamura.co.jp. circle 401

Rexite

Designer Raul Barbieri's good-natured Olivia brings his iconic vision to adjustable-height swivel armchairs. The polypropylene seat—available in vivid colors such as red, blue, orange, green, and yellow—perches atop a chromium-plated steel frame. 7 Via Edison, Cusago, I-20090 Milano, Italy; 39-029-039-0013; rexite.it. circle 400

Susan Fanfa Design

The generous, deep seat and gently curving headrest of the ladylike Theresa Slipper chair evoke a 1950's Grace Kelly vibe. The exposed, solid-alder legs are offered with all standard finishes. 32 Cedar Hollow Drive, Danville, CA 94526; 925-820-1592; susanfanfadesign.com. circle 402

Urban A&O

The luscious Mercurial Surfacing Bench #1 and #2 evokes the liquid beauty of quicksilver. Art-gallery-worthy and made of composite MDF with an automotive-paint finish, the piece makes good viewing in itself. It is 15 feet long, 12 to 16 inches deep, and 2 to 9 inches high. 95 Prescott Street, Suite 36, Cambridge, MA 02138; 646-243-5966; urbanao.com. circle 403

Brayton International

Here's a seemingly forgotten notion: an elegant, no-nonsense executive chair that's designed to go the distance. Add a green-friendly heart, and you've got Chord. The chair boasts self-skinned urethane arm pads, double-needled upholstery seams, and polished arms made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled aluminum harvested from discarded auto parts. 250 Swathmore Avenue, High Point, NC 27263; 800-627-6770; brayton.com. circle 404

Ligne Roset

The sofa-bed has grown up. Like the futons of old, the smooth Everynight convertible bed-settee folds out. Thick foam wraps around a steel frame and multi-ply slats; when you're not lying down, a feather-filled lumbar cushion babies your back. 250 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003; 800-297-6783; ligne-roset-usa.com. circle 407

Kallemo AB

Sheriff brings a little frontier swagger to the modern office. The steel substructure is available in black or chrome; the riveted prime leather comes in natural black, brown, or green. The height is 31 to 35 inches, width is 20 inches, and depth is 21 inches. Box 605, 33126 Varnamo, Sweden; 46-370-15000; kallemo.se. circle 406

Poltrona Frau

This isn't your grandmother's rocking chair. The decidedly modern Don'do's curved solid-beechwood frame sports leather-covered upholstery, and the height of the headrest cushion is adjustable. Available in the manufacturer's standard leathers. 145 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-777-7592; frauusa.com. circle 405

Modern Living

This chair is tougher than it looks. The tubular galvanized-steel fame is covered with stress-resistant polyurethane foam and polyester fiber and can be upholstered in any fabric in the Paola Lenti collection. The line also includes a side table, daybed, and pouf. 8775 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310-657-8775; modernliving.com. circle 408

Groupe Lacasse

United Chair's FreeStyle cuts a distinctive figure. The angle of its sharply arched back is almost sculptural, but the support it provides is pure science. The textured crepe upholstery is available in black, blue, gray, or burgundy. 99 St. Pierre, St. Pie, Quebec J0H 1W0, Canada; 888-522-2773; groupelacasse.com. circle 409

DESU Design

The LR-1 sofa bench is minimalism exemplified—almost. Its cantilevered side table with an orange-tinted glass top adds a note of whimsy to this otherwise staid piece. The urethane-painted wood base and wool upholstery can be custom ordered in standard white as well as different color combinations. The bench is 16 inches high by 30 inches deep by 95 inches long. 174 North 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211; 646-729-9089; desudesign.com. circle 412

Ralph Lauren

The architectural RLX chaise unites a spare, sled-like black oak frame with cantilevered arms and a crisp-edged black woven-canvas cushion that invites cool lounging. The piece is 59 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 381/2 inches high. 979 Third Avenue, Suite 409, New York, NY 10022; 866-207-7656; rlhome.polo.com. circle 411

Frezza

Casamania's Sue stackable chair was allegedly inspired by nesting plastic picnic mugs. Where it got its weird geometry is anybody's guess. It is made of recyclable PET and is available in clear, amber, blue, and orange. Via S. Elena, 3-31040 Signoressa di Trevignano (TV), Italy; 39-423-6753; casamania.it. circle 410