We've talked about the sensation and obsession that are Vitra Mini Chairs. They're much sought after and there's certainly no wondering why (well maybe except for how in the heck can you afford them all?).
The description on each Vitra Miniature Chair (being sold through Unica Home) states: "The miniatures collection present the most important classics of modern furniture history in miniature scale of 1:6. their construction, materials and colors correspond to the historical Vitra design museum collection original, right down to the last detail. Because they are so true to the originals, the miniatures are not only valuable collector’s items, but also ideal illustrative materials for universities, colleges of design and architects. The miniature collection is unique worldwide. For each miniature there is a license agreement with the designer or his heirs."
Remarkably, the chairs are manufactured with the exact same materials (and quality) used to make the originals — true miniature replicas. We are given an opportunity to own a piece of history with these miniatures, most of which have been designed with the help of the original designer! The chairs range in price from $130 to well over $700! Wouldn't you just love to come home and see a collection of Vitra Miniatures every day? We know we would! Do you own a Vitra miniature? Do you have a favorite?
Images: 2 & 3. Mid-Century Modernist, 4. If It's Hip, It's Here, 5. Twiice
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Comments (19)
"Wouldn't you just love to come home and see a collection of Vitra Miniatures every day?"
Um, Yes! Can this PLEASE be a giveaway?
I like to come home to real furniture that I can sit on. I mean, these are cool, but $130 to well over $700?
Ebay has sellers with reduced prices. That's how I got my collection!
ghunt--
Price the real chairs and get back to us.
These are amazing, meticulously made, scale replicas.
I've always loved these! But for the money, you can buy a real sized piece which is also a collectible. I get that the smaller pieces are really just scaled down originals that have all the details of the life-sized thing, but for my purposes spending $350 for a little chair that I can't use isn't the best idea I've ever had.
When I was in design school I really wanted a little collection of these, but practicality has always overtaken me as I'm about to place a bid on ebay. As adorable as they are, and regardless of the quality, I agree with ghunt and cindy44. I could get a pair of very stylish armchairs at Homegoods for "well over $700". Not to mention, if we're talking about that price, I just think of the amount of art supplies that would buy... or nearly two months worth of groceries!!
although i have 3 of these miniatures (all gifts) i do agree that a chair that you can actually lounge about it in is alot better.
google mini designer chairs... there are versions out there for under $10 a pop.
I love mid-c design, but when I look at these miniatures, I think clutter.
I agree with David. They are adorable...but it's clutter.
It's a cool idea to acquire design without compromise.... but they are so absurdly overpriced.
FYI for any boulderites out there (boulder, co, that is): amazing garage sale currently has two of these "used." i think they were still quite pricey, though.
I'd much rather come home and see some of those tiny champagne cork chairs like people make for that contest. Tiny, and so creative. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/news/design-within-reach-champagne-chair-winners-076342
Don't remember what got me started, but have been collecting Vitra miniatures for a number of years. Ebay, as someone mentioned, and gifts. Put some thought into their display and they don't have to look cluttered. They're so beautifully made! Visiting the museum in Switzerland is on my wish list.
Save some bucks by not giving in to this madness -- then buy an original classic that you can use... and enjoy!
That last picture is hilarious! It's like a miniature DWR explosion.
Personally, if I owned any of these, I'd need little dolls to sit in them and read or have a martini (or both).
If I didn't have all my OTHER collections, this is one I'd adore. I see each chair in it's own separate lighted cubic space (Expedit look, only custom!)
Only people who have never tried to make absolutely perfect scale miniatures would diss the prices for these. It's one thing to not be able to afford them, I know I can't. It's another to think they aren't worth the money. I've done 1/12 scale work for dollhouses. I appreciate what these take to make.
Collecting miniatures anything is fun. There is something exciting about looking at small scale replicas. I agree that collecting is cluttered. I store mine in boxes and I would take them out to admire occasionally, or I would display one or two at a time.
Cindy44--
You can most certainly NOT by the life-sized versions of these for $350.