Seating

Staff -- Interior Design, 5/31/2006 12:00:00 AM

ICF

The wing chair goes totally Buck Rogers with the Peekaboo. The optional Plexiglas hood pivots down to protect you from cosmic rays, or just from the chatter of everyday life. The legs are chromed tubular steel. The outer shell is molded felt and the interior may be upholstered the manufacturer's felt-like Al Cantera fabric or in the customer's own material. The piece is 271/2 inches wide by 471/2 inches high by 30 inches deep. 607 Norwich Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380; 800-237-1625; icfsource.com. circle 350

de Sede

The world depicted in François Truffaut's 1966 film adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 may have been a police state, but it was also a mod utopia. As its name hints, the DS-451 is a vibrant tribute to the era. The adjustable back and headrest and the swivel seat can convert the piece into a chaise longue. It is available in four leather grades, with a base in polished or matte chrome or RAL or NCS color. 1200 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905; 203-353-8114; desede.com. circle 351

Kartell

Thanks to a setup featuring three cushions linked together by tie-rods, the Trix sofa can somersault to serve as a bed, chaise longue, or armchair. Made with expanded polyurethane and polyester fabric with a three-dimensional weave, the piece is available in black or white. 39 Greene Street, New

York, NY 10013; 212-966-6665; kartellus.com. circle 354

Yepes Fine Furniture

The supple cowhide seat and elegant curve of the Reddo bench all but beckons you to sit a spell. The seat can also be upholstered in the customer's own material; it is 48 by 24 by 24 inches. 60 Van Dam Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222; 718-599-6963; yepesfinefurniture.com. circle 353

Fatboy

The Original beanbag is still the best. The 55-by-70-inch seat is stuffed with virgin polystyrene beads and is available in three sixties-style Marimekko prints—Unikko red (shown), Unikko black, and Kaivo red—plus 14 solid colors, and camouflage. The specially coated nylon shell is washable. P.O. Box 987, High Point, NC 27261; 919-942-1608; fatboyusa.com. circle 352

Cor

The Ito executive chair exudes crisp authority, but its cushioning layers of polyether and its smooth swivel and recline all but coddle the most overstressed CEO. The chair is available in 14 fabric groups, five leather groups, or the customer's own material; the frame comes in lacquered metal in white, black, titanium, aluminum, nickel, chrome, and all other RAL colors. P.O. Box 0677, Miami Beach, FL 33119; 305-531-0704; cor.de. circle 355

Nienkämper

Whatever your predilection—solitary contemplation, an intimate tête-à-tête, or a party of three—there's a soft, comfortable Kloud for you. The cozy, gently swiveling seat comes in one-, two-, and three-seater versions, ranging in width from 38 to 86 inches. Seat height is 19 inches; back height is 30 inches. 257 Finchdene Square, Toronto, Ontario M1X 1B9, Canada; 800-668-9318; nienkamper.com. circle 356

Context

The Truss line, with its cantilevered planes and geometric shapes, is the perfect upgrade from Ikea. The chairs, tables, and desks in the fun 10-piece collection—available in both child and adult sizes—is made from Baltic-birch plywood with a choice of laminate or wood veneer. Available in basic colors like red, moss gray, espresso, and white. 104 West Fourth Street, Suite 304, Royal Oak, MI 48067; 248-544-0410; contextfurniture.com. circle 359

Kron

The angular, almost severe outlines of the Paprika collection belie the seats' welcoming comfort. The low-backed sofas, chairs, and benches consist of webbed seat decks and multidensity Dacron-wrapped polyurethane foam perched on a hardwood frame and a rectangular steel-tube base finished in satin chrome, black epoxy, or bright chrome. 1631 South Dixie Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33060; 800-566-5766; kronusa.com. circle 358

Herman Miller

The Celle work chair, introduced at NeoCon 2005, is finally available, and it brings yet more engineering advances to the seat surface. A pliable polymer molded into loops creates "cellular suspension," a feature that responds precisely to the body's movements. Besides a flexible seat and back, the chair has the usual ergonomic perks, including Harmonic tilt. Available in Blue Fog, Brownstone, cabernet, champagne, graphite, and Green Leaf. 855 East Main Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464; 888-443-4357; hermanmiller.com. circle 357

Fixtures Furniture

Bola is bringing a new splash of color to its seating line. Ten fresh thermoplastic colors, nine new frame finishes, and hundreds of upholstery options are available for the three children's sizes—teen, junior, and baby—as well as for the adult line. The adult chairs are Greenguard-certified and available in a tenth finish: chrome. 1642 Crystal Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64126; 800-821-3500; fixturesfurniture.com. circle 360

Project Import Export

The curvaceous and distinctly iconoclastic Spoon lounge is part of the Liana seating line, which features pieces molded from a tangle of vine supported by a steel-wire frame. The lounge is handcrafted and measures 24 inches wide, 60 inches deep, and 30 inches high. 19331 SW 31st Court, Miramar, FL 33029; 786-543-3037; projectimportexport.com. circle 365

AMAT-3

The Miralook chair just wants to play—inside or out. Its recyclable-polypropylene body can be mounted on a tubular aluminum frame for indoor and outdoor use, or on a steel frame for indoor use only. Available in 12 appetizing colors, including chocolate, pistachio, and mango. Camí Can Bros 5, 08760 Martorell (Barcelona), Spain; 34-93-77-55-651; amat-3.com. circle 361

Domus Design

Like any cool piece of furniture, the Fuzzy Duck is as fun to look at as it is to sit on. Its curvy lines are wrought in solid cherry or American walnut, and the piece can be stained mahogany, walnut, American walnut, or wengé. The 17-by-17-by-36-inch seat can be upholstered in various fabrics or in leather. 181 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016; 212-685-0800; ddcnyc.com. circle 364

Ruth Livingston

The Mercury dining armchair is a long drink of water, with its tall back and graceful handcrafted aluminum arm-legs. Shown with a hand-rubbed polished-bronze finish, the arm-legs can also be finished in oil-rubbed bronze, gold, antique pewter, and satin copper. The chair can be upholstered in the customer's own material. 74 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920; 415-435-5264; ruthlivingston.com. circle 363

Resol

So what if Zoe is a bit bow-legged? We're taken with her personality and versatility. Her beech-wood frame can be finished to match the customer's samples, in matte, satin, or gloss tones, or lacquered in black, white, or ivory. She's equally happy in upholstery from the manufacturer's catalog or in the customer's own material. Centra Santa Coloma, Km. 46, 17178 Las Preses (Girona), Spain; 34-972-69-47-00; gruporesol.com. circle 362

Quaker Furniture

Designer Charlie Zagaroli's Aventon lounge-seating series

includes an armless slipper chair, an armchair, a loveseat, a sofa, and an ottoman. With a solid, calm demeanor and generous proportions, they all extend the warmest of welcomes. The fully upholstered line is available in any fabric or in leather. The maple base and legs come in 13 standard wood, or any custom, finishes. P.O. Box 1973, Hickory, NC 28603; 800-356-5732; qfionline.com. circle 366

Scott Arthur Yerkey

The Slipper chair lends pleasing heft to an otherwise dainty theme. The low-slung piece boasts clean lines, sharp corners, and, on the front legs, antique brass sabots. The solid mahogany or alder frame can be finished 27 ways, from ebony or cherry to fruitwood or Antique Parthenon. 4001 North Ravenswood Avenue, Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60613; 773-883-0777; scottarthuryerkey.com. circle 367

Periphere

With its bold, almost abstracted geometry, the Uno could double as sculpture. Square-edged high-density foam envelopes a wood frame to create a single blocky volume; the rococo-patterned fabric offers a delightful contrast, but a selection of complementary fabrics and leather is available. The piece is 30 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 23 inches high. 1455 Graham Boulevard, Suite 100, Montreal, Quebec H3P 3M9, Canada; 514-733-8588; periphere.com. circle 370

Niermann Weeks

Based on an antique found in a small shop in Paris, the Follot chair whispers of quiet conversations over tea and madeleines. The gentle, graceful curve of its wraparound back, its gold-leaf finish, and its intricately carved feet decidedly evoke a remembrance of things past. It measures 28 inches wide, 33 inches deep, and 42 inches high. 232 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022; 212-319-7979; niermannweeks.com. circle 369

Carolina Business Furniture

Qubz, as their name playfully suggests, are eye-pleasing 18-inch cube ottomans, but they can do double-duty as footstools or extra seating and can band together to form a bench. The maple feet are available in 17 wood finishes, from clear-on-maple to deep-onyx-on-maple, and the body can be upholstered in a virtually infinite range of textiles. P.O. Box 4398, 535 Archdale Boulevard, Archdale, NC 27263; 800-763-0212; carolinabusinessfurniture.com. circle 368

Palecek

The Bel Air slipper chair has a light, summery feel thanks to wide natural rattan splits woven across the back. The rattan comes only in wheat finish, but there are many upholstery options for the seat and back. The piece is 251/4 by 33 by 351/4 inches. P.O. Box 225, Richmond, CA 94808; 800-274-7730; palecek.com. circle 371

Rowe Furniture

The Desoto leather-and-chrome chair and ottoman exude sophistication laced with glamour. Both sport South American leather, in either almond or black (or, for the ottoman, a baby-cheetah print). The chair measures 26 by 33 by 33 inches; the ottoman is 18 by 18 by 17 inches. 1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 710, McLean, VA 22102; 703-847-8670; rowefurniture.com. circle 372

Global

The Caprice office chair is just that: a sprightly sentiment in an all-business world. The chair boasts a surprisingly ample tapered seat and back, and the polished-aluminum frame comes in tungsten, charcoal, or black. There are hundreds of fabric or leather options. The piece is 25 by 24 by 311/2 inches. 17 West Stow Road, Marlton, NJ 08053; 800-220-1900; globaltotaloffice.com. circle 376

Summit

John Munford's Sundeck collection director's chair is a veritable embodiment of breezy summer days—no surprise, considering it is the creation of a yacht designer. Modeled after British campaign furniture, the chair is stowable and stackable; the frame is solid teak on a stainless-steel base, with stainless hardware. The seat is solution-dyed acrylic. 5 Harris Court, Building W, Monterey, CA 93940; 831-375-7811; summitfurniture.com. circle 375

David Trubridge

Rocking has never come so naturally. The slatted Ruth rocker and Flip ottoman are made of hoop-pine plywood, untreated New Zealand red beech and beech plywood, or ash and hoop-pine plywood. The chair measures 213/4 inches wide, 361/4 inches long, and 33 inches high. The ottoman is 113/4 by 251/3 by 161/4 inches. 44 Margaret Avenue, Havelock North, New Zealand; 64-68-77-4684; davidtrubridge.com. circle 374

Dune

The whimsical Gap chair resembles a futuristic flower unfolding its petals. Made with high-resistance polyurethane foam and polyester fiber, the chair leans back comfortably and swivels on a pedestal base. The piece is 313/4 by 281/4 by 30 inches. 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-6171; dune-ny.com. circle 377

Bulo

The Tab chair has got your back. To ensure healthy discs, it's essential to vary posture throughout the day; the bent back allows sitters several spine-friendly positions. The shell is available lacquered or veneered, on a cantilever frame or five-star base, or as a barstool. 394 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-334-5045; bulo.com. circle 381

Vitra

The Polder sofa takes its name from the flat expanses of reclaimed land that large parts of low-lying Holland now sit on. The elongated, asymmetrical seat is, accordingly, low and flat. Four cushions of different shapes, sizes, and material add a patchwork effect. The piece is available in coordinated families of green, red, beige, blue, brown, and anthracite. 29 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014; 212-463-5750; vitra.com. circle 378

B&B Italia

Nothing named Tufty-Time could be accused of taking itself too seriously. Indeed, this modular system is a marshmallow-like composition of ottomans and central, corner, and end units with high or low armrests. The tubular-steel frame is surrounded by high-tech Bayfit flexible cold-shaped polyurethane foam and polyester-fiber wadding. 150 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10155; 800-872-1697; bebeitalia.it. circle 380

Stylex

Take a slim, sophisticated profile, make it luxe with padding and leather, add abundant versatility, and you have Primus. Choices abound: a mid- or high back, a base of polished or black aluminum or black plastic, arms fully upholstered or in abrasion-resistant urethane, and fully adjustable swivel-tilt or synchro-tilt mechanism. The seat comes in three in-graded leather ranges. P.O. Box 5038, Delanco, NJ 08075; 800-257-5742; stylexseating.com. circle 379

Paoli

The Cambio guest chair offers an ample measure of both elegance and choice. The beech-wood back comes in four designs: grid, backgammon, diamonds, and squares. A broad range of leather and vinyl, or the customer's own material, can be used for the cushion; the frame is available in the manufacturer's standard 25 finishes. It's stackable to boot. P.O. Box 30, Paoli, IN 47454; 800-457-7415; paoli.com. circle 382

Ligne Roset

The gently rounded line of the Pluriel sofa lures sitters like bees to honey. The graceful arc of the sides, arms, and back are achieved with thermoformed ABS; the integral cushions are Dacron-clad Bultex foam. Upholstery is available in removable or fixed versions in a wide range of textiles and colors. 250 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003; 800-297-6738; ligne-roset-usa.com. circle 383

Mirak

The stout Amlash II chair carries the DNA of traditional African sculpture, and yet it evinces a distinctly modern vibe. The mahogany frame sports a small metal detail on the back and can be finished in mahogany, ash, or maple. A maritime-gloss finish and brushed-aluminum detail can be added to make the piece outdoor-ready. 8403 Westglen Drive, Houston, TX 77063; 713-784-1400; mirakfurniture.com. circle 385

Zographos

The bench from the Paprika collection brings spice to any spot. A four-point-tufted cushion of high-density polyurethane rests on tubular stainless-steel or bronze legs and a base of rectangular steel bars, which can be polished or satin-brushed, polished yellow, or finished in light, medium, or dark statuary. The cushion can be upholstered in an array of leathers, or the client's own material. 300 East 33rd Street, Suite 5G, New York, NY 10016; 212-545-0227; zographos.com. circle 384

Brayton

Simple, clean, elegant. Little more needs to be said of the Kathryn guest chair. It has four back options: open back, wood and upholstered panel, fully upholstered panel, and fully upholstered ribbed. The hardwood beech frame comes in 20 finishes and can be upholstered with the manufacturer's textiles or the customer's own material. 250 Swathmore Avenue, High Point, NC 27263; 800-627-6770; brayton.com. circle 391

Idea Space Design

Thanks to its Lucite base, the chocolate-brown seat of the Solo bench seems to defy gravity. The cushion can be covered in leather, vinyl, or fabric. The bench is 60 inches long and 21 inches high; three widths—18, 48, and 72 inches—are available. 351 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 310-360-7140; ideaspacedesign.com. circle 386

André Joyau

Kids are quick to recognize the pleasing simplicity of the square—as are the designers of the Plus Petite Square children's chair. Made of zebrawood, ash, and paulownia, the seat comes in licorice, chocolate, zebra, and natural finishes. It's 24 by 12 by 12 inches. 20 Van Dam Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222; 718-963-2616; andrejoyau.com. circle 390

Geoffrey Bradfield

Following on the heels of the successful Coco chair, this manufacturer has introduced the two-seater Coco sofa. Acrylic arms bookend a smooth expanse of Ultrasuede, and nickel nailhead trim adds a classic accent. The couch measures 65 inches long, 27 inches deep, and 28 inches high but can be custom-sized. 116 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10021; 212-755-7024; geoffreybradfield.com. circle 387

i4 Mariani

The otherworldly Ginza chair is a true original: Wheels are set into the bottom of a saddle-leather-covered steel back panel, which is attached to curving armrests and a seat, from which two slim, angled steel legs protrude. The legs can be chromed or varnished in eight colors with epoxy powder paint. There are 23 standard colors of saddle leather, and more than 50 fabrics for the seat. 969 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-753-6389; i4marianiusa.com. circle 388

Outer Limits

Shimmering visions of swinging-sixties London imbue the Berton chair and ottoman, part of the New Mod collection. The chair is 32 by 38 by 45 inches; the ottoman is 30 by 24 by171/2 inches. The upholstered pieces are available in a whopping 200 fabric choices. Groovy. 7333 Coldwater Canyon, No. 22, North Hollywood, CA 91605; 818-759-9200; outerlimitsinc.com. circle 389

O'Henry House

The louche elegance of a 19th-century French boudoir is the dominant theme evoked by the Madison settee. The scalloped tight back, the single tight seat with pleated border, the carved turn-front legs on casters—every element breathes refinement. The 11 finishes include Distressed Oyster, Wormy English Antique, and Honey. Fabric is the customer's own material. P.O. Box 7463, High Point, NC 27264; 336-431-5350; ohenryhouseltd.com. circle 392

John Boone

French design legend Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann inspired the graceful new Bal Harbour dining chair, redolent of 1920s Art Deco luxury and finesse. The piece comprises a hand-carved solid-maple frame, black lacquer, and a high-polish finish. Available in custom sizes and finishes. 1059 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10021; 212-758-0012; johnbooneinc.com. circle 393

William Switzer

Andre Arbus, the great French Art Moderne designer, lives on in Le Voyageur, a piece that nods reverently to tradition without sacrificing its modern sensibility. The occasional chair sports a plush cushion and a handcrafted barrel back, available in bubinga or mukaly frisé veneers and solid mukaly. Finishes include cinnamon, ebony, and walnut. 6-611 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1E1, Canada; 604-255-5911; williamswitzer.com. circle 396

Donghia

The Open Villa is an inspired rethinking of the classic club chair—with a concealed swivel base. Rich upholstery stretches over padding that sits on an open, plinth-like maple base, which can serve as storage space. The base's exterior is finished in standard stain matte; the interior is a high gloss. 485 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 800-366-4442; donghia.com. circle 394

Smith & Watson

The original 19th-century piece on which the Chippendale Fret settee is based sat along the edge of England's Bath Assembly Hall, home to some of the era's most important social rituals. The 49-by-171/2-by-31-inch seat comes in single, double, or triple length, in almost any finish. 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 801, New York, NY 10016; 212-686-6444; smith-watson.com. circle 395

Speke Klein

The Quinn bench's spare, simple lines allow it to fit in virtually anywhere. It is made of solid white oak or black walnut, with a clear satin lacquer finish. The 15-inch-wide, 18-inch-high seat is available in two lengths: 15 inches or 56 inches. P.O. Box 662, 285 Elm Street East, Durham, Ontario N0G 1R0, Canada; 800-806-3006; spekeklein.com. circle 397

M2L

Return to the early 1950s with Fiorenza. It sits on a X-shaped beech frame and is supported by a solid pine backrest. The edges are cushioned by polyurethane foam—differentiated in the backrest, injection-molded in the armrests. Upholstery choices include fabric, leather, Ultrasuede, or the customer's own material. 215 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10022; 212-832-8222; m2lcollection.com. circle 398

Arcadia

With the Sign lounge, the school desk chair graduates to stylish adulthood. The chair has an upholstered back and seat, and wood arm caps and writing tablet. The frame is finished in metallic silver or chrome, and the arm caps come in all 39 standard and custom finishes. The piece is 251/4 inches wide, 283/4 inches deep, and 33 inches high. 5692 Fresca Drive, La Palma, CA 90623; 800-585-5957; arcadiacontract.com. circle 401

Sandler

The waiflike Lilyth armchair is a mere wisp of steel and beech. Wood finishes include natural beech, stained cherry, and stained wengé. The steel frame is aluminum, chrome, or matte chrome, or can be painted black. The chair is 33 inches high, 20 inches deep, and 221/2 inches wide. 770 Atlanta South Parkway, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30349; 404-982-9000; sandlerseating.com. circle 399

Jonathan Adler

Inspired by 1950s Italian design, the Marcello sofa is all retro chic, with its tapered wood legs and slim, tight silhouette. The 78-by-33-by-32-inch seat is available in 85 fabrics and four wood finishes. Ciao, baby! 1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 710, McLean, VA 22102; 877-287-1910; jonathanadlerfurniture.com. circle 400

Safco

Get your Groove on. This eager-to-please task chair fits the sitter's contours in every way: The ergonomically designed back and seat cushions provide excellent support, and the frame itself mimics the curves of the human body. Available in standard black, blue, burgundy, and gray fabric, with a silver powdercoated aluminum base. 9300 West Research Center Road, New Hope, MN 55428; 800-328-3020; safcoproducts.com. circle 402

Poliform

The Happy sofa's slim, leather-covered metal seat perches on delicate legs of satined or chromed nickel, and the plump, Dacron-covered seat cushions invite contented repose worthy of the couch's name. Available in all Flexform fabrics and leathers, or the customer's own material. The piece is 64 inches wide, 40 inches deep, and 29 inches high, and is also offered in a three-seater version. 150 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10155; 888-765-4367; flexformusa.com. circle 406

Imat

The modular Master Soft seating system is a perfect addition to airport and other waiting environments, transforming them from drab purgatories into snazzy, design-rich spaces. Seats and armrests are injected with precolored polyurethane, available in all RAL colors, and are easy to clean. Aluminum fasteners join the steel seats, which each measure 231/3 inches wide, 26 inches deep, and 35 inches high. Paduleta 3, P.O. Box 5032, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; 34-945-220-048; imat.es. circle 403

Ezcaray

The Minor system of counterweighted self-folding chairs is a major accomplishment. Each black-painted steel-tube beam holds up to 10 seats. Chairs are polyurethane foam covered with fire-resistant fabric, with metal legs and aluminum endsides in black or aluminum finish. The fabric is available in custom options. Centra Santo Domingo, Apdo. de Correos 105, 26280 (La Rioja) Spain; 34-941-354-054; ezcarayinternacional.com. circle 405

Girsberger

A slim, elongated countenance and razor-thin profile make Clarity a fitting name for this chair. The headrest and adjustable lumbar support add class and comfort. Height is 49 inches—545/8 inches with headrest. The seat is available in leather over mesh, double-layer mesh, or Aerolax multiple-knit fabric, with a base of polished black or chromed aluminum, or black polyurethane. P.O. Box 1476, Smithfield, NC 27577; 800-849- 0545; girsberger.com. circle 404