Seating

Staff -- Interior Design, 10/31/2004 12:00:00 AM

Kat Morrissette

This fledgling Brooklyn designer took her inspiration for this lounge and ottoman from ribbon—fluid and continuous but also functional. Both pieces are simply constructed of bent plywood, coated with a maple finish, have steel legs, and sit low—about 15 inches—to the ground. 200 Willoughby Avenue, Box 57614, Brooklyn, NY 11205; 802-233-7757; k_morrissette@hotmail.com. circle 325

Rowe

For smaller-scale spaces that may benefit from smaller-scale furniture, the retro, armless Broadway sofa is neatly downsized. Without compromising a single degree of style or comfort, this 71-inch charmer is available in over 60 mod-inspired stripes and graphic prints. 1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 710, McLean, VA 22102; 703-847-8670; rowefurniture.com. circle 326

Cumberland

The X bench takes its inspiration from that geometrical favorite, the triangle. This strong but simply designed piece, with leather upholstery and stainless steel for added glamour, is a classic from the manufacturer's archives that's been given an update. 321 Terminal Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49548; 800-401-7877; cumberlandfurniture.com. circle 327

AGI

The Relax ottoman's 36-inch surface lets it multitask effortlessly to fill several casual roles—among others, as a bench, stool, table, or a place to stash a pile of books. The piece's signature metal legs give it an edgy-chic feel—order it upholstered in your choice of leather, one of several AGI-grade fabrics, or COM. 217 Feld Avenue, P.O. Box 7929, High Point, NC 27264; 336-434-5011; ki.com. circle 328

Ambienti Italia

In a marvel of handcrafted sophistication, slats of maple and birch are worked together in an intricate system of joints to create Topos. Designer Mark Naden wanted "the surface to speak," and lo and behold, it offers a bold statement of premium materials and quality workmanship. 285 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013; 888-829-6830; ainyc.com. circle 330

Dunbar

With a nod to Finn Juhl and other mid-century masters, the 4873 Listen-To-Me chaise melds woods and solid-brass or stainless-steel supports with a sinuously curved seat and sumptuously upholstered cushions. At almost 74 inches long even the tall can stretch out comfortably. Choose from American walnut, redwood, ebony, and natural finishes. P.O. Box 5541, High Point, NC 27262; 336-734-1700; collectdunbar.com. circle 329

David Edward

Use this sleek multitasker as seating, a footrest, or a coffee table—the oval, short Ellington bench with optional button tufting, designed by the ubiquitous Michael Graves, can be upholstered in various fabrics, including customer's own, as well as woven leathers. 1407 Parker Road, Baltimore, MD 21227; 410-242-2222; davidedward.com. circle 331

Walters Wicker

The name in high-end wicker furniture for the contract and residential markets, this maker offers the Regency chair, a solid wood frame and base with dark-stained wicker sides and backing. The loose but structured cushions feature attached-inside upholstery. 979 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-758-0472; walterswicker.com. circle 335

Ligne Roset

Peter Maly's Flexus, an evocation of modern style, suspends and distributes weight with aplomb. It boasts a matte steel frame and black (or brown) leather suspension straps supporting a swanky fabric or leather backrest. 56 East Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60611; 800-297-6738; ligne-roset-usa.com. circle 332

Haworth

Your favorite elements of residential furniture are brought into the office with the Avenue Lounge seating collection. Easy-chair lines are tricked out with desk-chair technology such as synchronized mechanisms, back-height adjustment, a 24-degree tilt, and eight lock-position options. More than 30 upholstery choices available. One Haworth Center, Holland, MI 49423; 800-344-2600; haworth.com. circle 333

Halcon

Designer Barbara Zieve referenced the less-is-best aesthetic of Japanese high-function design for the OBI collection. Each of the three chairs—Obi, Opal, and Staccato—boasts a lumbar "waistband" inspired by kimono sashes, and the dark-and-light hardwood frames establish durability as they evoke Japanese architecture. 1811 Second Avenue NW, Stewartville, MN 55976; 507-533-4235; halconcorp.com. circle 334

Dennis Miller

From design wunderkind Konstantin Grcic, Chair One is a study in ultramodern technologies. The seat is die-cast aluminum treated with sputtered fluorinated titanium and painted in polyester powder; a cushion's also available if you prefer. Opt for metallic gray, white, or red. 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1510, New York, NY 10016; 212-684-0070; dennismiller.com. circle 336

House of European Design

Gay, playful color and ultra-streamlined shapes are hallmarks of contemporary Italian design; witness Somaschini's Pinax, with its sleek iron frame and fabric or leather cover (that can be removed for cleaning). Stress-resistant polyurethane foam filling means it keeps its shape as long as you do. 101 Henry Adams Street, Suite 430, San Francisco, CA 94103; 415-252-7175; design-eu.com. circle 341

Escriba

Quadrat's fine contemporary lines and quality Brazilian hardwoods will give any indoor or outdoor space a jolt of style. Available in three lengths; a variety of woods; and powder-coated, stainless-steel, or polished-chrome legs. Custom varieties and lengths may be ordered. 275 Market Street, Suite 413, Minneapolis, MN 55405; 612-377-9900; escribastudio.com. circle 337

Q Collection

Big on sustainable and natural materials, the James chair is constructed of polyurethane-free latex foam and brushed wool. The ash or caramel finish on the legs is water based. 915 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10010; 212-529-1400; qcollection.com. circle 338

Girsberger

Folio's cool, transparent backing is a visual treat with an ergonomic bonus. This flexible honeycomb design is intended to evenly distribute back support. Mesh-covered and upholstered versions are available. P.O. Box 1476, Smithfield, NC 27577; 800-849-0545; girsberger.com. circle 340

Versteel

The folks at Versteel have made it their mission to create comfort, save space, and beautify the work environment, one table and chair at a time. Witness Simon, a polypropylene-and-steel mix, with curves in all the right places (and wheels, if you need them, for hard floors). This piece folds at the seat joint for easy storage and mobility. 2332 Cathy Lane, Jasper, IN 47546; 800-876-2120; versteel.com. circle 339

DDC

DS-164 is one clever sofa: The ingeniously crafted and sumptuously upholstered modular backrests can be shifted anywhere along its perimeter, allowing loungers to enjoy a chaise, a double-seater chair, or one long, elegant sofa. Available in several leather grades and colors, including custom dyes. 181 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016; 212-685-0800; ddcnyc.com. circle 342

Frederic Williams

Equal parts court jester and genius, Karim Rashid proposes the Plod chair (and sofa) in cold-processed polyurethane foam resting on a bent chromed-steel base. It's typically contemporary, predictably clever, and gorgeous in the extreme. 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 611, New York, NY 10016; 212-686-6390; fredericwilliams.com. circle 343

Montina

The folding deck chair gets a makeover, Italian style. Enrico Bona returns to furniture design after a several-year absence with the Paso Doble—a slender but sturdy execution in profiled beech plywood that closes almost to a straight line and opens to a delightfully slim, comfortable seat. Via Comunale del Rovere 13/15, 33048 Udine, Italy; 39-0432-747300; montina.it. circle 347

Sublime

Rick Lee's Sublime Seating Group sectionals link to their curvilinear mates to create potentially endless seating. The ottoman securely nests in the crescent of the larger sofa unit. Upholstered in vintage Knoll fabric; Ultrasuede is also offered; COM options as well. 26 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-941-8888; sublimeamericandesign.com. circle 346

John Boone

Slim and elegant, the D'eauville club chair adds Deco lines (check out the delicately rolled arms and solid-maple fluted feet) to spare, modern upholstery and fitted back cushions for comfort and support. Custom sizes and finishes are available; COM only. 1059 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10021; 212-758-0012; johnbooneinc.com. circle 344

LYX

A close look reveals that not only does the ZigZag chair move in both directions, it also provides sturdy and comfortable seating courtesy of an aluminum-alloy frame, a chromed-aluminum base, three types of supporting foam, and Swedish Ultrasoft fabric or leather upholstery. 914 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 258, Los Angeles, CA 90024; 310-963-7169; lyx.com. circle 345

The Conversation

The Wishbone chair aims to offer "uncommon attention to functionality in a minimalist context," as it joins basic beech-plank board with high-end powder-coated steel and swanky fabric from Maharam's Stance line. Up the ante by choosing American walnut or ebonized white ash in lieu of beech. 3315 D Highway 54 West, Chapel Hill, NC 27516; 914-412-0260; theconversation.us. circle 348

B&T Plus

Furniture multitasking at its best, the Sumo chair of molded plastic measures 28 inches high, 36 1/2 inches in diameter, and 42 inches wide. It's all about fun. 86 Caster Avenue, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada L4L 5Y9; 905-850-1719; lalezar.ca. circle 353

Bart Bettencourt

This design studio has been soliciting artists for the Ottomans Project; at recent count they had 16 custom pieces, with clever names such as Futura, Tobias Wong, KAWS, and Rostarr. Each is an original. 70 North Sixth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211; 718-218-6737; bettencourtwood.com. circle 349

Okamura

Available in 22 variations classified into three groups—high, seamless mid-height, and the EX all-leather version—Feego can flaunt all manner of bells and whistles for comfort and style, but every last model has four basic adjustables: chair depth, seat height, reclining back angle, and reclining tension. What's more, 85% of these chairs can be disassembled into single, totally recyclable materials. 203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601; 312-917-6200; okamura.co.jp/english. circle 352

Eurotrend

From Manhattan's stop for Euro-design contract shopping comes Ascott from Paco Capdell. Long and lean but totally solid, this side chair is available in a choice of three different backs—upholstered, cane, or wood open-windows design—and a variety of 23 beech stains. 580 Broadway, Suite 904, New York, NY 10012; 800-689-1020; eurotrendusa.com. circle 350

Nienkämper

Boasting clean lines and contemporary styling, the Berkley sofa rests on aluminum legs available in brushed, polished, and painted finishes. This piece is also offered in an angled-arm version set atop solid maple runners painted matte black. 257 Finchdene Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1X 1B9; 800-668-9318; nienkamper.com. circle 351

Thompson Contract

Conceived as an affordable seating option for educational environments, Hollywood is handsome enough to work in contract and hospitality settings. It's available in natural beech, wenge, and cherry finishes, and boasts lightweight tubular steel legs for easy mobility. 41 Keyland Court, Bohemia, NY 11716; 631-589-7337; thompsoncontract.com. circle 354

Poliform USA

Good looking and appropriately named Play, this piece allows for plenty of iterations: Pull the headboards up next to each other for side-by-side reading, or slide the units flush for tandem snoozing. The chromed-metal base and the fabric-and-leather upholstery (which is removable and offered in varying colorways) give it the clean lines that ensure a good fit with just about any interior. 150 East 58th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10156; 888-765-4367; poliformusa.com. circle 355

Patrician

For patients who spend extended periods of time seated, Maureen utilizes breathable elastomeric fabric for its seat and back, allowing for increased air circulation and comfort. The wood frame can be stained to order, and is protected with the manufacturer's antibacterial wood finish. For extra comfort, a matching ottoman is available. 1107 West Market Center Drive, High Point, NC 27261; 800-334-9309; patrician.com. circle 359

Giorgetti

A romantic take on the garden-variety contemporary sectional, the Maharaja sofa dresses things up a bit with its polished, slightly curvy solid-beech frame and soft, inviting, poly-down-blend cushions. The matte black painted metal legs keep things grounded in the 21st century. Choose removable fabric or leather upholstery. 300 FW Burr Boulevard, Teaneck, NJ 07666; 888-836-9100; giorgettiusa.com. circle 356

Geiger International

Designer Timothy Di Fibrio has updated the classic Ward Bennett Envelope chair by stretching it almost an inch in each direction, which makes it more comfortable than the original while maintaining the same proportions. 6095 Fulton Industrial Boulevard, SW, Atlanta, GA 30336; 800-444-8812; hmgeiger.com. circle 357

Cabot Wrenn

Environmental sustainability plays a major role in this eye-catching design. The manufacturer uses only the most green-friendly materials but never skimps on construction—here, a solid maple frame and eight-way hand-tied coils for support guarantee comfort and durability. Both the Lumos Armless two-seat sofa and bench are offered in all the manufacturer's fabrics and wood finishes. P.O. Box 1767, Hickory, NC 28603; 828-495-4607; cabotwrenn.com. circle 358

Intoto

An unbroken form takes two curves and becomes an object of interest no matter how you look at it, making designer Joe Doucet's Halo stool appropriate for cafés and galleries alike. Super-durable polycarbonate keeps its shape and supports the sitter. Currently available only in white, but expect other colors soon. 15 Park Row, Suite 26E, New York, NY 10038; 917- 671-7923; intotonyc.com. circle 360

COR

Originally designed in 1976, Reinhold Adolf and Hans-Jürgen Schröpfer's reissued Sinus chair offers comfort and support, together with contemporary design. Like everything else produced by this 50-year-old German firm, it's a happy merger of style and supreme functionality. 1106 Burning Tree Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, 919-260-8585; cor.de. circle 365

Nemschoff

Intended for the health care market, this refined style could well find use in residential and dorm settings. An easy-to-use alternative to the pull-out sofa bed, SleepOver Flop features back cushions that fold onto the seat to make a flat, 79-inch sleep surface, finished on either end by the armrests. Other pluses: maple-frame construction, optional removable covers, attached cushions. 909 N. Eighth Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081; 800-203-8916; nemschoff.com. circle 361

In House

Function meets gorgeous design in the sculptural Bench with Circle. There is an attached table for magazines, espressos, maybe even your laptop. It's upholstered in Ultra-leather in several colorways and stands 17 inches tall. 7924 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323-655-2116; inhousefurniture.com. circle 364

Messier Designers

The Gamba chair is finished with a protective gloss that allows indoor-outdoor use. Seat and back construction provide maximum comfort and alignment in ultra-durable fiberglass. 5550 Fullum Street, Suite 312, Montreal, Canada H2G 2H4; 514-495-4484; messierdesigners.com. circle 363

ICF

Over seventy years old and still feeling contemporary, Hans Luckhardt's 1931 S36 multipurpose chair boasts a tubular steel frame and a wood seat and back that seem to float above the ground in a feat of balance and tension. Available in a variety of bright colors and neutral wood finishes. 607 Norwich Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380; 800-237-1625; icfgroup.com. circle 362

Victoria Hagan

Timeless lines and slim proportions, along with highest-quality materials and understatedly elegant upholstery are all trademarks of the designer's new collection, which includes the Cate, Jasper, Emma, Morgan, and Tyler chairs. 654 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10021; 212-888-3241; victoriahaganhome.com. circle 366

Gunlocke

Raffaella's pretty, simple shapes make a welcome addition to any executive dining room. Sturdy, thanks to painstaking finger-and-dowel construction, the chair flows seamlessly from back to side to floor. The upper back is offered in either a soft, upholstered welt- detailed insert or a complementing, high-density European beech in a variety of finishes. One Gunlocke Drive, Wayland, NY 14572; 585-728-5111; gunlocke.com. circle 367

Westin-Nielsen

Ideal for public and health care venues, Plus Size seats can be made up to 42 1/2 inches wide and support 1,200 pounds. Offered in a wide variety of fabrics (COM, too) and up to 20 finishes, this fits a big need in the marketplace. 4301 White Bear Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55110; 800-626-1234; westinnielsen.com. circle 368

Stylex

A new addition to this comfortable line, the Zephyr stool is available in two heights that are ideal for counters and bars. The mesh seat and back are in a platinum color; the frame can be powder coated in six colors. P.O. Box 5038, Delanco, NJ 08075; 800-257-5742; stylexseating.com. circle 372

Bright Chair

Designed by Douglas Levine as a modern antidote to the classic side chair, Donna is high-backed (almost 40 inches) and sturdy-legged with an elegantly curved profile. 51 Railroad Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940; 888-524-5997; brightchair.com. circle 369

Antoine Proulx

The design's deceptively simple—a wood-and-steel frame and a plush, down-wrap cushion upholstered in Ultrasuede—but lots of options (17 wood finishes, 4 steel finishes, and high or low arms) mean that the DB-116 day bed has much more going on than meets the eye. 5402 East Windsor Avenue, Suite 35, Phoenix, AZ 85008; 800-457-0756; antoineproulx.com. circle 371

Warisan

From the Balinese manufacturer known for elegant lines and indigenous materials comes the Riko single-seater, a contemporary take on Southeast Asian style. The spare, squared-off wood frame may sport teak or rattan inserts, while the extra-large size provides hospitable accommodation for one—or a very intimate two. 7470 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 877-927-4726; warisan.com. circle 370