When I was growing up my grandparents used these classic wire side chairs on their patio, and while back then I found them as ugly as most of their other mid-century pieces, I couldn't deny that they were surprisingly comfortable. Now that my tastes have expanded a bit, I've come to appreciate their aesthetic versatility in most any setting.
While today, it's quite common to find mid-century classics juxtaposed against classics from other eras — those familiar with our house tours are equally familiar with the Eames shells and loungers — there are few other MCM pieces, in my opinion, that mesh so seamlessly with other styles as Harry Bertoia's side chair.
They can play up the whimsy in a feminine setting, look playful and funky in a youthful space, or simply blend right in in a room filled with other MCM finds. Given their simple form, they aren't the attention-grabbers that their fiberglass and plastic counterparts are, but they have their own, more subtle charm.
Images: 1: Atlanta Bartlett, 2: Coastal Living, 3, 4, 6, 7: Domino, 5: Metropolitan Home, 8: Erik Johnson via Design Public, 9: House Beautiful
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$500 PATIO chairs!? Wow... I want to see the rest of your grandparents' stuff!
GREAT roundup of Bertoia photos. I agree--you can put these almost anywhere.
Can anyone comment on the comfort of these chairs? I'm shopping for a new desk chair and am torn between style and comfort. I'm a writer - so when I'm at the computer, I am in the chair for some time.
I'm trying to choose between a 'traditional' office chair in a modern profile, a Bertoia (or Bertoia-style chair), or a small-footprint dining or occasional chair - perhaps an antique mall find, reupholstered.
Any first-person Bertoia-sitting experiences are greatly appreciated! Speak up, what does your fanny have to say? : )
V L Uttaro -- I'm pretty sure they were not $500 back then. They do have some very sweet furniture though. My grandfather was a modernist architect in the 40s-80s and seems to have thought carefully about what went into his home. The good news is that nearly all the pieces have held up beautifully decades later.
we have the wire eames chair and surprisingly its VERY comfortable.
as for the bertoia I remember when I was little the local public library had colorfully painted mini versions in the children's section.
prometheanne - for metal, they are pretty comfortable. I would get a cushion though, it's more comfortable and you avoid that telling mesh imprint. As a computer chair I might try an actual desk chair though. I couldn't see spending all day in one of these chairs being great. But they're fine for a dinner length.
This is really nice collection! They are so beautiful but personally, I think they are not comfortable enough to consider them as "proppr" dining/desk chair.
@prometheanne: As you see I would not recommend the classic Bertoia designs for a desk chair, it's very hard to sit in it for more a longer period of time. We have a diamond chair in our office and even though it has a pillow in it nobody wants to use it. Maybe it's because it's nicer to look at than to sit in it :)
This is really nice collection! They are so beautiful but personally, I think they are not comfortable enough to consider them as "propper" dining/desk chair.
@prometheanne: As you see I would not recommend the classic Bertoia designs for a desk chair, it's very hard to sit in it for a longer period of time. We have a diamond chair in our office and even though it has a pillow in it nobody wants to use it. Maybe it's because it's nicer to look at than to sit in it :)
Well put! :)
Simple and subtle: great design.
Thanks for the input! Much to my husband's relief I am tabling this option for desk chairs. I'll find a place for one someday! : )
Doesn't anyone find the position of the chairs in the 7th photo (the bedroom) a little unsettling. It's like they are there for watching "the action". A little weird in my opinion.
They weren't originally $500. My Grandma had these on her patio too. I loved them so much!!! It's nice to see them make a comeback, I just wish I could afford a few.
These are incredibly uncomfortable chairs. Even with pads, they are not good for long periods of sitting. The front edge of the chair curves up in a way that ends up cutting into your thighs. Boneheaded design.
For anyone sitting a long time I would not recommend a chair like this for a desk. Proper lumbar support with adjustable features are key for any desk-sitter.
Love this collection of bertoia chairs though, especially love how they're used in picture #5. They look great with these colors.
The first photo is a far too elegant setting for the lawn furniture. They fit fine in the other venues.
get this- I bought FOUR immaculate chairs VERY VERY similar to these today online.... and the seller dropped them off... for $100. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love them. My gad I love them. They might not be labelled or designer, but they're AWESOME.
I had a functional Ikea Jokkmokk dining set which has been banished to the basement. ;) Now to find a table I love as much....
are these originals in the photo? or did you buy some like gma's? they look so new! and they look great!