• Just Like Sausages
• Smooth Like Butter
• More Than ‘Just A Chair’
• Scandinavian Minimalism
• Being Eco-Friendly
• Rattan Chairs
• Tech-Integrated
• Chairs To WFM
• Opting for Flexibility
• Old is New

The furniture industry, especially chairs, has witnessed a remarkable evolution alongside fashion. While we choose chairs based on comfort and their chic appearance in our living or dining spaces, we often need to acknowledge the thoughtful design process behind these four-legged creations. From the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1900s, which heavily influenced the simple forms of chairs, to the 21st century, chairs have constantly evolved to meet the changing needs and values of customers. In recent times, chairs are no longer solely about comfort but influenced by technological advancements, ergonomic furniture trends, sustainability, and the demand for multifunctional spaces.

As we step into 2024, trends are more dynamic than ever, reflecting a blend of comfort, functionality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This article explores the top ten trending chair designs of 2024 throughout the world, each embodying the latest advancements.

Just Like Sausages

Boucle chairs, derived from the French word ‘boucle,’ which means ‘curved’ or ‘looped,’ are one of the most classy and elegant forms adapted in recent contemporary chair designs.

A classic piece in this category is the ‘Aurora armchair’ by Nelson de Araujo Design, handcrafted by Portugal’s artisans. The armchair features flowing lines and soft, oversized curves that intertwine to create a bold and organic shape.

These boucle chairs are chic and versatile, commonly used as accent chairs in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. If you are looking for stylish home seating ideas, these modern yet sophisticated chairs fit perfectly. These chairs suit best in mid-century modern, contemporary, and Scandinavian styles, adding a touch of luxury to the space.

Smooth Like Butter

Folded surface chairs, often called monolithic moulded chairs, are typically crafted from a single piece of material and moulded into forms that create smooth, flowing edges. Industries are experimenting with this technique using wood for its aesthetic appeal and sustainability compared to synthetic materials.

The peel chair by Blonde Creative exemplifies this form with minimalistic appeal and structural integrity, achieved through advanced manufacturing processes such as rotational moulding and injection moulding. It takes inspiration from the natural phenomenon of bark peeling from trees as well as the classic plywood furniture of modernist Marcel Breuer.

This type of modern chair design is gaining popularity due to its modern, clean look and the sustainable practices involved. These chairs are best suited for home offices and public spaces.

More Than ‘Just A Chair’

Multifunctional chairs are gaining popularity under the spotlight of sustainability. A prime example of this trend is the Sello chair+stool, designed by Antonio Lanzillo & Partners for LAS Mobili. It is a versatile design combining the functions of a chair and stool. It is best suited for modern interiors with its lightweight design and a hook for bags and backpacks. It is ideal for offices, cafes, and homes. These kinds of innovative chair styles are a perfect blend of flexibility, aesthetics, and functionality.

Scandinavian Minimalism

Scandinavian minimalistic chairs are a major trend in 2024. Designers throughout the industry are opting for minimal design to declutter the space, by embracing the good old “less is more” philosophy. The Scandinavian design award winner, 4PM chaise lounge by Massproductions, stands out with its simple, pared-down aesthetic with clean lines. This self-assembled furniture, which pays homage to the Italian designer Enzo Mari, suits well for living rooms, bedrooms, and even future workplaces.

Being Eco-Friendly

Sustainability is not just a trend but a need, and the Xume chair by Alki Furniture is an excellent example of this. Made from PET felt ? a type of high-performance felt made from recycled plastic bottles that are heated and melded ? the texture of the seat is particularly soft, combined with legs made of solid bentwood oak. Companies like Sabai and Greenington are also leading the charge in sustainable furniture.

Rattan Chairs

Made from rattan vine, which is native to regions like Africa, Asia, and Australia, these chairs have a distinct natural look that complements various design styles from bohemian to contemporary. Mohh Furniture, based in India, recently launched the Cairo chair, which is lightweight with a sturdy frame known for its elegant design. These organic beauties are perfect for living rooms, patios, dining areas, or as a decorative touch to any room.

Tech-Integrated

The new buzz of 3D printed chairs might not be as appealing as conventional chairs, but they are a sustainable choice at its best. With a growing demand for environmental consciousness, designers are opting for 3D printing technology for eco-friendly solutions.

The ‘printed nature’ series by Harry Thaler, in collaboration with econitWood, which was displayed at Milan Design Week, has an organic look with its natural aesthetics. The chair was developed using a 3D printing method that utilized wood waste from sawmills and timber harvesting to ensure maximum optimization of raw materials. This collection, with its high acoustic and thermal insulation properties, demonstrates how advanced manufacturing techniques can contribute to both innovative design and environmental responsibility.

Chairs To WFM

Ergonomic office chairs are extremely trendy and useful in today’s ‘work-from-home’ era, where we spend long hours at our desks, even at home. These ergonomic chairs are designed to support the body, promote good posture, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged sitting. Herman Miller Aeron chairs are known for their innovative design and high level of adjustability. The features include a breathable mesh back, adjustable lumbar support, and a tilt mechanism that promotes natural movement.

Opting for Flexibility

Modular chairs are a flexible and innovative category of furniture that adapts to a lack of space. The Ebba chairs by Kaoi studio and THINKK studio feature unique forms of armrests inspired by Sottsass designs from 1978 that can be paired with any vibrant seats and pillows according to the user’s taste. The design allows users to mix and match and create their own chair that matches their personality. These chairs, which come in various vibrant and unique colours, go well with modern and minimalistic interior styles of indoor as well as outdoor spaces.

Old is New

There’s a notable trend towards vintage and thrifted chairs, adding character to modern interiors. This trend is fueled by a desire for authentic, high-quality craftsmanship and the charm of aged furniture. An example from India, reflecting its rich heritage, is the work of StudioHaus by Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar. Known for his croissant armchair, Seolekar’s designs often incorporate elements of vintage aesthetics with a modern twist.

Additionally, brands like Kam Ce Kam, founded by Jehanara Knowles, reinterpret traditional Indian crafts, such as cane weaving, in contemporary furniture pieces that resonate with modern tastes while preserving historical techniques.

Sources

• https://www.dezeen.com/2020/05/10/kaoi-modular-ebba-chair-memphis-group-design/
• https://www.scandinaviandesign.com/the-winners-of-scandinavian-design-awards-2023/
• https://harrythaler.it/portfolio/printed-nature/
• https://www.instagram.com/designwanted/
• https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/interior-design/a4533-10-indian-furniture-designers-everyone-should-know/#google_vignette
• https://www.dezeen.com/2022/02/09/4pm-chaise-lounge-massproductions-dezeen-showroom/
• https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eHmJEJTUQ/?img_index=1
• https://www.instagram.com/p/CqxWLl1Nax2/