Design Classic High & Low: Cantilever Dining Chairs

It all started with the Mart Stam S43 in 1931. A very pleasing chair design that made seating seem lighter than air, a little magical and very modern for the time. This now-classic style is still going strong - jump below for a list of 5 available right now in prices varying from over $2000 to under $100.

Shown above, left to right:

1. Berlin Chair for $399 at Room & Board

2. Tobias Chair for $99.99 at IKEA

3. Brno Tubular Chair for $699 at Room & Board

4. Brno Flat Bar Chair for $1915 - 2198 at Design Within Reach

5. Lange Chair for $399 at Room & Board

Comments (9)

Any firsthand reports on the comfort level of the Tobias chair? I love the look and the price. If it's actually comfortable as well, I'll be over the moon.

Bepsf- my exact thoughts, especially paired with the Saarinen table.

Gordon International is the best non licensed manufacturer of the Breuer chair and other classics they make it to the exact specifications as the original and of the best quality.

http://www.gordoninternational.com/collection_marcel_breuer.htm

Heather77 - I have the Tobias as my home office chair. Granted, I don't sit in it for extended periods of time, but I find it to be quite comfortable. The seat is molded a bit, so I think that helps.

heather77 - The Tobias chair is comfortable. I had to test it out on my last trip to Ikea.

Glorious! Srw and Sarah627, thank you for your responses. Now to check stock at my local Ikea.

The Cesca & Clones was the stereotype of the 70's and 80's - even the Conners had them (I think) - you could buy them at KMart even. Just shows that popular taste can include high style & concept furniture.

Cesca's cute, but they don't really go with the post, which are more updated versions of cantilevers... My fav is the Brno flat... but there's always something so magical about transparency... IDK. lol

"Cesca's cute, but they don't really go with the post, which are more updated versions of cantilevers... "

Huh???

Mart Stam designed his cantilevered chairs in 1926.
The Mies CR20 Chair (R&B's "Berlin" chair) was designed in 1927.
Cesca Chairs were designed by Breuer in 1928.
Brno Chairs (both the tube and flatbar) were designed by Mies in 1929-1930.

There was even a patent lawsuit brought by Stam in the late 20's against Breuer through the German courts because Stam clamed that he had invented the cantilever chair concept and the Breuer was unfairly profiting from Stam's idea.
(Stam won the lawsuit)

So if anything, the Cesca is the more "updated" chair - particularly since upholstered versions were introduced at a later date.