Seating

A seat, which derives from the Latin word, sedes, and sedere in Italian, is a design object or article of furniture used for sitting or decor. The style and overall functionality of a seat have evolved over time, reflecting the era, culture, or location in which it was made.

When analyzing the course of history, the act of sitting on designed objects was influenced by societal hierarchies, morality, and customs. Hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago seats were typically reserved for royalty. This was seen throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. There is of course a throne, which typically was attached to a mounted platform. The throne is a symbol of power, for it is only the king who is allowed to sit upon it. Kings rested upon their thrones, while their subjects kneeled before them. This particular seat allowed kings to present themselves as the tallest, largest, and highest figure in the room, while also protecting their backsides from any possible attacks.

Throughout antiquity, chairs were specifically reserved for women, the elderly, and those who were ill. In Rome, there is the Curule chair, sella curulis in Latin, from which the word “chariot" finds its origins. This particular seat is a symbol of power in ancient Rome, as it was reserved for Roman civil officers who had the authority to punish civilians who committed offenses. And in France, specifically at the French court, the right to sit upon a stool was designated to duchesses.

The design and functionality of chairs have come a long way, especially throughout the 20th and 21st-centuries. Nowadays, chairs have become everyday objects, accessible to all. However, it is also a piece of choice for designers, who like to reinvent this ancient object to make a unique creation.

Explore our collection of modern and contemporary chairs and discover the range of materials explored by designers throughout the last century!