Timeless Chairs That Will NEVER Go Out Of Style!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Windsor, Queen Anne, wing chair - so many were on the list but were cut for time! Once my videos go into 20+ minute territory, people don’t click as often. Maybe a part 2 in the future!?

[@ShiningSakura]

yes a part 2. Also possibly a video on sofas, settee, and couches video like this one; since this was a very useful fun video.

[@halpen]

Part 2? Yes, please!

[@barbaraludlow278]

Definitely a part 2! Please include Chinese Chippendale also.

[@ziggy9700]

I’m new as this can we ask questions? Do they get answered if we do

[@JuliaARubin]

Yes, please, part 2 would be great!

[@Coladene]

I LOOOOOVE CHAIRS!! They're like the "shoes of furniture". Functional sculptures!!

[@TheDenisedrake]

Love hearing the history of these designs. Thank you Professor Nick.

[@DawnRenae22]

Ditto

[@Nick_Lewis]

I love the history of design and I’m glad you all do too! 📚

[@888fluffy]

Same, I'm such a nerd when it comes to history. I also love learning that someone actually invented all these things I took for granted

[@raz7573]

Love this too. I studied fashion design and we had two semesters of the history of fashion. I loved those classes. I’m interested in interior design as well and I’m thoroughly enjoying the history of furniture.

[@MinkaSchlossberger4ever]

Yay! You mentioned my ,,Louis XVI.- Chair" Yes! I love them....100 x better in real wood and upholstering with Cotton-Brokat, than the ,,Ghost- Chair".....and I got 4 of them second- hand at the price of 1 ,,Ghost"- knock-off!!! I allways enjoy Your programm!!! Your fun!!!

[@seaside2001]

My Dad was an artist in the 1940-50's and we had many of these designs in our house over the years. While they were beautiful, only a couple of them are comfortable to sit in for more than 15 minutes. The low back chairs for the dining room particularly uncomfortable as they hit the back in the wrong place unless you are a tiny person. The Barcelona was the most comfortable, but so many of these designs are so profunctory as you say, you find them in any office you go to, so has cheapened the looks for me. One thing for sure it is easy peasy to decorate with mid century furniture. Simple and to the point. The Eames chair is incredibly comfortable. We always had one in the family home in various degrees of wear. lol Thanks for the video. It was fun to see all the lovey chairs.

[@K3r0411]

I can relate to the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world” of the table and chair leg chaos. Having to look at it made me so unhappy that I got simple Parsons type chairs with linen slipcovers, and a round table with one leg in the center. What a relief it was. Some people are just highly sensitive to clutter and chaos.

[@hunterrat]

me too! i have 2 6 seater dinettes and i just scatter most the chairs strategically throughout the house unless i have company

[@lizasoliman723]

"HSP" describes people who may have visual/audio/tactile sensitivities... often minimalists

[@janis902]

I agree 100%. I'm also a minimalist & a vegan. It all fits together for me.

[@texasliz69]

I think that's where the dining bench comes in. BUT I HATE IT. Who wants to sit on a freakin bench?!😜

[@markwhitney4580]

I also opted for parsons chairs for my dining room. I prefer the look of a glass dining table, but didn't want to amplify the look of a centipede underneath. The parsons chairs give a really simple understated look.

[@sandyd4922]

We had a oblong tulip table and 6 bright yellow tulip chairs growing up but the base on ours had wheels. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother and we would spin each other as fast as we could until we fell out dizzy and couldn’t stand up straight. 😂 We had so much fun. Entertainment before technology consumed the world.

[@bruckssarah]

We don't deserve Nick. Excellent research, pictures, Nick's candid input, I love it!!!!!

[@erikabraga100]

Ohhhhhhhh the elbow chair is also GORGEOUS

[@clarasalinassanchez3705]

I have two wishbone chairs, love them. They hug you in a sense.

[@erikabraga100]

Omg this video came in the right time, I’m looking for dining chairs and I LOVE wishbone chair and didn’t even know it was a timeless design

[@ljspayd]

Ugh….now I have a new pet peeve….lots of legs under a table.🙃 Thanks Nick!😅

[@bettenotap4791]

We would all welcome a part 2 video! Bring it!

[@monique1163]

Wow! This is the most comprehensive video on chairs that I have ever seen!

[@petitefashionnovice2377]

My grandparents bought an orange leather egg chair in the 70s and after they passed my cousin inherited it and it fits perfectly with her aesthetic 👌

[@Anamarie157]

I agree..👏👏👏 I have a tan colour egg chair that I got from my grands that I still love & so do my friends that call in for coffee.. It also has the "button back" effect of the Barcelona chair..such a comfortable chair for reading or watching TV..

[@peterk4134]

Great presentation of timeless taste. Including the clock that shows no time - it’s timeless 😂

[@brittanycook836]

oh wow, I would LOVE to have videos dedicated to other categories of timeless design. Super helpful!

[@katrussell6819]

I recently purchased two matching Neo-Renaissance carved oak chairs. I have traditional furniture and it works.

[@catherineginn3232]

I feel like an interesting - and potentially challenging - addition to this series about “timeless” furniture would be “timeless bed frames.” I’m in the midst of attempting to decorate a space that functions similarly to a studio apartment, and I’m having such a difficult time finding an appropriate bed frame.

[@patriciatuite1522]

I know your dilemma. I designed one years ago and had my husband make it for me. I’m on my second one now and my son made it. In both homes I needed convenient, accessible storage underneath also. Good luck finding something commercially available.

[@cecilyerker]

Four poster bed.

[@sherrinunya4079]

@@patriciatuite1522 Ikea has bedframes with underbed storage available. I got one for my son when he was a teenager. It was very simple for him to tidy his room by using one of the big rolling drawers. It was also a bug space saver!

[@lilolmecj]

I expect you have a bed by now, but I think Sleigh beds are very flexible style wise. They have a curve without being over the top.

[@RIXRADvidz]

Granted, the Barcelona chair absolutely screams MCM, BUT, once you have seated yourself in one, the effortlessly cool chair, it is a gargantuan effort to get up out of the chair, it is comfy, it is cozy and purrrrrfect for curling up with a chunky throw and a warm mug, until you need to get out of it. Good Luck. I know, I have one.

[@peppaf286]

Love Love Love the Barcelona Chair! ❣

[@dougkelley2781]

What I love about “the chair” in general is that it instantly speaks of a particular time. Yes, as Nick mentions, some designs are so beautiful that they become classics and popular beyond their time, but the form, detail, construction all point to their origin. Because a side/dining chair especially is the most used piece in a home, it endures a lot of wear and tear. It wears out more quickly , is less expensive than larger furniture, and is more often replaced. That in itself drives a faster style evolution than most furniture. If you are into vintage and classic pieces, you can count on finding an oddball single chair for about nothing, so they are great “first pieces” when starting a home or a collection. P.S. - Have to add the Windsor chair to the list of icons.

[@rmonson5002]

Yes, the Windsor. Absolutely.

[@JustYFriend]

I didn't know I would find the history of chairs this interesting. Thank you, Nick. 😊

[@Renzsu]

Designing a really nice chair is kind of a holy grail project for many of us designers :)

[@great-garden-watch]

Favorite topic! Just had a tulip table reproduction with marble top delivered after wanting one forever. Saarinen also designed the terminal at JFK Airport. Also the Barcelona chair became super popular in the 70s. Oh no! No Wassily chair or Corbisier LC4 lounge!

[@shareenlawson2666]

Such a timely video. I need living room side chairs today!

[@gabriele7921]

I personally think that in these timeless videos you are at your best. .

[@jbedard]

I love this video format with some little history lessons sprinkled in

[@nellel2554]

I never appreciated the tulip chair aesthetic but now learning that the designer saw 4 legs contributing to an "ugly, confusing, unrestful world," I get it! There really are so many legs all around my dining table lol. I won't see it the same again. BUT I am still a 4 leg gal.

[@3amigos919]

I agree 100% - if it worked a hundred years ago, it will work in another 100 years. 👌

[@elizabethrichards2085]

Loved this video. The Barcelona and the Eames Chairs are soooooo comfortable. I live with 4 big men, and they love them. They also love my generously sized Queen Ann dining chairs, which I like so much more than the Louis'.

[@denver1865]

Barcelona chairs are so stylish, never a bad choice!

[@agnieszkas.5925]

Brilliant idea to present timeless chairs. Please do a follow up about kitchen chairs, versus kitchen style.

[@wholesome122]

Imo a true Windsor Chair is the most timeless chair you can get. It has history, natural look of wood, and is extremely comfortable for a wooden chair.

[@ksprincess]

I can't believe the Windsor chair wasn't on this list. Definitely want a part 2! Thanks, Nick!

[@ArnaAlayneMorton]

I think the elbow chair really channels Japanese Zen design when it’s in a dark stain, too! So versatile!

[@ChurchladyHmm]

You are my favorite home designer on KZbin! Thank you for keeping me level headed. You really help me think through my decor

[@cooperwesley1536]

Okay.... and thanks for throwing in a quick reference to the French "Louis" styles, but with respect to traditional styles, the English Chippendale chair is probably #1 on the list of "classics." It pretty much goes with anything!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

Great list. The egg chair reminds me of the wing back chair. So comfortable. In the early 70's, our college lounge rooms were furnished with an abundance of Barcelona chairs, covered in vinyl.

[@guyplay]

I’m fortunate and have two of the Eames LCW chairs. They are beautiful and incredibly comfortable. I also have the lounge chair and ottoman. I love it for its look however it’s not as comfortable as I would have wanted. Still an excellent chair and a beautiful design.

[@georgemohr7532]

Great follow up to the timeless lighting video. Sadly, my favorite, the womb chair only received a mention....or more. Talk about a comfortable chair ,the womb chair is the bomb.

[@TheKhaugen]

Love these Nick!! Agree wholeheartedly. Quick note about the Tulip chairs and the Panton chairs - as an owner of 5 Panton and 2 tulip chairs myself, the higher end ones are actually made out of fiberglass - not plastic. They are weighty and substantial and gorgeous. I also own a ball chair, which though a bit more playful and out there, is another fiberglass chair that I feel is somewhat classic.

[@KyllanMan]

Hello Nick, I am a furniture upholsterer and have recovered many of these chairs across my career. Loved the video! Hate doing those Barcelona chair cushions, nightmare!

[@merrywalsh2809]

The Eames Lounge Chair is my all time favorite. It is a work of art, and sooo comfortable. I wanted one forever, but they were out of my budget. Now that I have the budget, it would not fit my current design, so, oh well. The Eames LCW, I knew it as the potato chip chair, probably the name used by a knock off. I just got four of the S shaped chairs in a really beefy all-weather wicker, to go around a table on my patio. They weren’t cheap, but I fell in love with the look, they are comfortable, and built to last.

[@deborahmatatall]

Excellent, sir! I loved that you explained the history and then showed each chair in more than one styling. I would love a part 2 on this!🌸

[@lsamoa]

Ah man, what an excellent selection. I love all those chairs so much! I used to have some of them in fact (tulip+table, elbow, egg) but had to sell half of them when I downsized and the rest got damaged in the move. Heartbreaking. I looked into buying them again but they go at a shockingly high price now, while they were so cheap back when I lived in Sweden. Sigh. Another type of iconic chairs I really like are vintage school canteen/refectory chairs, with those metal tubular structures and that curved laminate wood. I have these as my dining chairs now. They're so cute and remind me of my school days hehe.

[@angellynn7701]

I like this… thanks Nick. I have heard names of designers and items but you are good at explaining. These designers are getting recognition among us plebs bc of you. 👍🏻

[@patjackson1657]

You are such a fine resource for ideas! Your overview of chair design inspires me! I am too old to create another house, but I can create the furnishings for my final house! I know you are (justifyabley) cautious about DIYers, but some of us are good, and value inspiration. Thank you!

[@simplelifesg3459]

Thank you for this highly educational video. When I bought chairs for my home, I just picked whatever I thought I would still love years later. Today I learn that they are called “elbow chairs” and “Takashi chairs” 😀

[@susandamsen1218]

Like you, I love the Scandi/ mid century ish vibe. We are planning a move where we’re mostly starting over as far as design and furniture goes. I love those first few you showed. I’m keeping notes… 😁

[@lesleythompson6801]

I love, love, love the Barcelona chair. I think a lot of airport seating is inspired by it. The Cesca chair has always put me off, I think because I first saw it in the 70s, with peeling vinyl upholstery. We had a tulip kitchen table and my aunt's family had a an Eames lounge chair. I had (still have) a dollhouse version of the Egg and ottoman, in red felt. I think that was supposed to be like a modern wingback chair.

[@victorialove9104]

I adore all these chairs. My favorite is the Barcelona chair. From my early twenties when I encountered this chair at an artist's apartment I lusted after it. I wanted this chair but it was so expensive and there was always something else I needed to spend that money on. Finally, 3 years ago I spotted a pair of Barcelona chairs with their footstools at an estate sale in Florida. Beautiful brown leather worn just enough to be interesting. I got them all for $350! I love them so much. They are gorgeous as well as comfortable. Dreams do come true.

[@judis4900]

Absolutely love the Eames lounge chair. So comfortable. It's on my wish list. Also love the simplicity of the Elbow chairs too! Thanks for such an informative video.

[@fazdoll]

Unfortunately I see the Elbow chair as a hazard. I always get visions of a kid falling right through the back of it.

[@lizasoliman723]

my grandmother's engagement gift was a king louis XVI living room set in gold leaf with romeo & juliet upholstery; 4 chairs, a settee, curio, 2 mirrors & an accent table... this is still her living room, now upholstered in floral with plastic upholstered overtop.

[@MinkaSchlossberger4ever]

😂😂😂😂😂😂the plastic topic is so typical grandma!!!!

[@EmpressG]

I'm liking this 'timeless' series. How about timeless window treatments? Is there such a thing? Blinds (vertical vs horizontal, wooden vs rattan/grasses etc.) Curtains vs drapes. No window treatments at all! 😄

[@Theresakg_]

Yes please!! I have bare windows because I couldn't decide in my living room

[@aizhan229]

I have had the cesca chair replica as an office chair for 12 years. Same one chair. I looooved it. Very comfortable.

[@mrsboz777]

Omg you actually mentioned traditional. Thank you !

[@lilybear9965]

I have 1980s Henredon Ming style chairs with a carved back in a light lacquer and they are just so beautiful. They actually look modern and cool in my dining room.

[@bubblemummy1]

Love this! In an ideal world each of my rooms would have ones of these statement chairs in!

[@colinkulowcreative]

I love this so much! Honorable mentions might be the Wassily Chair and the Coconut Chair. There’s probably enough to do a part 2!

[@Nick_Lewis]

I had to cut so many!

[@olga138]

@@Nick_Lewis I know you're not into traditional furniture, but the wing chair has been a classic in homes for 400 years.

[@jeanvignes]

@@olga138 - They're still so popular because unlike so many modern chairs, people over 55 can actually get into them and then get back out again with dignity intact. If I parked myself in a coconut chair I'd need a crane to get back up. But seriously, there's NO chance I could do it without at least two people to help me. All these low sofas with low arms and armless chairs may be lovely design, but a person who is not young & spry looks at them and cringes. It's so thoughtless to invite over your parents, grandparents, great aunt, etc. and then offer them a chair 1/2 the height they need to rise unassisted. Design should take human needs into consideration. At the very least have a mix and if you're the host, shoo the kids out of the chairs that work best for your older visitors.

[@sherrinunya4079]

Thank you Nick! My (interior designer) mom had a huge Tulip table & chairs in her eat-in kitchen for decades. Our entire family of 7 plus various friends had many hours of fun & family time there. This brought back great memories as I've not seen it in awhile.. One of my nieces took it immediately after my mom passed. As you can imagine, that caused a good bit of bad feelings until I had to let it go. I love watching your videos and hope you keep them coming! ❤

[@blainesaunders3616]

these videos have been incredibly helpful in understanding timeless design. Often people will talk about “timeless” design and then reference pictures of homes that were taken last year. Discussing particular pieces is really helpful to explain the idea that they may go in and out of popularity but nobody will look at these pieces and go “ew what a dated chair”

[@michelletothill8551]

I remember friends getting the Tulip dining room set sometime around 1982/83. They had the perfect home for it.

[@katiewatts8046]

We have something very similar to the Elbow Chair (the back piece is just slightly thicker on ours) and we LOVE it. Bought it with our table. Our table is wearing and will eventually be replaced (maybe once we don’t have toddlers lol) but looove the chairs still.

[@ambern0409]

I am loving these timeless videos, keep them coming!

[@JENTHINKSO]

I love these "timeless styles" videos of yours! Thanks Nick!

[@timriehl1500]

Looking for a Barcelona chair with an ottoman; great design. Would look great in my office area. Changed my mind: Just saw the Emes lounge chair; now I want that!

[@Diva380]

I really, REALLY like the super-modernized versions of the Louis XIV XV XVI Chair & the Queen Anne Chair. Jimmie Martin comes to mind. Seems like those chairs can literally go with ANY design style since they can be upholstered and have the frame repainted & still look good. The Egg Chair follows right behind them for me.

[@lael5327]

Agreed! I came looking for this comment. I've seen some incredibly fun Louis chairs that have been recovered with mordern fabrics, colors, and patterns.

[@LlyleHunter]

I love my Bergere club chairs. They’re timeless and when you’re ready to reupholster you don’t necessarily need to reupholster the entire chair if the sides and arms are still in great shape. You can find a nice blending or correlate fabric that goes well with the surrounding fabric and have new cushions made up and even upgrade the quality and switch it out in seconds and then you have decades more years of use from them. And Bergere club chairs are so comfortable because they’re very deep seated for people with long legs.

[@wiggydebates3944]

I have my grandparents Dog bone Heywood Wakefield dining set (with buffet) and I absolutely adore it! It's a little on the honey side with the blond wood, but the correct seat fabrics have kept it fresh for YEARS. It's a gem! Yes, I think you're going to need a part 2 for this one!

[@vanessammiller3436]

I love traditional style. It makes me feel warm, soothed and luxurious, but I also adore you and your style. I must admit though that I feel bad liking that style cause you don't. How do I watch you and still love my style? Such a conundrum.

[@reglikesbutts5925]

For me, its the taksashi, eams lounge, louis and barcelona chairs. (not that anyone asked 😁) Nick, This was a fun video! thanks!

[@shelleymolinaro5866]

Love all this info. I now know that I have 4 elbow chairs around my table. I purchased them from home depot online. $90 each. Who knew! I just love the simplicity of the design. What a great deal and they are so comfortable. Thanks Nick

[@johnjohnson3709]

Great video about chairs. I make chairs myself because I love chairs. I use natural and found materials and paint. Thank you so much Nick

[@KatCat2004]

‘You had me at hello’ with this video. Excellent content, Scandinavian designers and a little history… Amazing 👏🏻🙌🏼 😍 Subscribed and yes to Part 2!!

[@MlSchofield]

Thanks for the added wonderful, unexpected history lesson as well as stunning options

[@loistverberg900]

I've been using two Cheska chairs in my kitchen daily for 30 years now, and I have no style whatsoever. I'm just frugal and never throw things out. Hooray!

[@susantroche1506]

I agree with you, these chairs are all timeless and beautiful. Perfect!

[@darlagts]

My favorites are the egg chair and the Eames loung chair, someday I'll have one of each. I have always loved the Barcelona chair too, they are gorgeous to look at!

[@jacqueline-jackietorres3455]

OMG Nick ... thank you, I want to change my dining room table and chairs and can't decide what style to go for. I also do like mixing like a settee and then chairs, but not sure. Also, please do a video if you can about the cream colors on the wall like your white walls ... you're the best!

[@rolandaustria7926]

I only found out about "iconic chairs" a few years ago and it changed my perspective towards interior design. Like I'm pretty sure it was the catalyst. The chair that started it all was the Eames Lounge chair. I was just confused why a chair can be "branded" and uber expensive. Now, I want one. I'll probably settle for a dupe, but man finding a real vintage one in an estate sale is my white whale. I actually use a Charles & Ray Eames padded leather chair for my home office, it's gorgeous with my wood desk.

[@lorenlash9174]

Excellent chair selections. They really are investment pieces, but at 44 years old I feel like if it isn't sustainable and timeless I can do without. Unfortunately that means that I don't buy much, but when I do it counts and it will outlive me. Thanks for this awesome overview!

[@JuliaARubin]

If you decide to do a part 2, I’d love to hear about Le Corbusier chair!

[@PostImperfect]

Thanks for the chapters. It made it really easy to find the Cesca chair when you referenced back to it (while discussing the Takashi Chair).

[@kimmyhill]

Hey Nick - I’m with you on the Wegners and the Cesca. I’d take Barcelona chaise longue over the chair, though (that craftsmanship *swoon*). I have a Ming chair - for me, it’s purely an art piece so no one sits on it. Beautifully crafted. Good video!

[@elenatella]

I just bought 4 cesca chairs to put with my smoked glass tulip table. Love them !

[@TheHappyWhisk]

That was fun to watch the chairs. I have a thing with chairs and when I see them, I want to paint them. Oh my gosh. I just love it.

[@youbetcha108]

This was such an interesting show. Would you please do another on chairs? I really enjoyed learning about the designs and materials used to achieve the look. So nice to see pictures of the designers and learn about them too. Thank you😊

[@xphienie]

LOVE THIS!! what's better then talking about good design with some history and advice sprinkled in between? You did such a great job of talking about the topic in an informative but entertaining way. I would watch another 1000 parts of this series.

[@varshinirajkumar4516]

I LOVE this video! So fascinating to hear about the designers and history of these iconic looks. Would love to see more breakdowns of one piece of furniture in the future! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@fluffycheesecake]

Thanks Nick! Your videos have helped us so much with furnishing our first house. This is exactly what I needed today since our table arrived this morning :) Love your videos!

[@kathleenhorlacher1908]

Love this video! I couldn’t help but laugh to myself when it came to the Panton chair. It reminded me of Lola from the Shark Tale movie!

[@Mr.S65]

The Bubble from Roche Bobois is an excellent piece- beautiful and comfortable

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Definitely would like to see a part 2! I love so many of these styles and it'll be so helpful as I'm furnishing my first apartment to know the terms to search for. Would also love too see a video for tables since, lol 😅, I don't have a dining room table set yet.

[@walking_on_sunshine1611]

I think I enjoyed this video the most out of all of your videos. I learned alot, I always recognised these designs, but never knew more about them. And you are so talented and passionated about this, it was a joy listening to you. Thank you, Nick!

[@joeo7257]

I didn’t realize all of those chairs had names. My favorite is the jurors chair. The comfort and craftsmanship is spectacular.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

My chairs were picked up for $5 each at a motel sale. Solid wood, padded back and seat... arms... a throne chair. Super comfortable and sturdy.cross bars on the back with a simple medallion. Time to reupholster, but more complex than the simple parson type chairs I had before. I may send them to a reupholsterer. They are beautiful and STURDY. My hubs broke a few dining chairs in his time. Nice to hear chair history. These have a Chinese feel to them. I will only buy sturdy restaurant chairs in the future, but these feel permanent. When I sized down, I bought an antique leather topped poker table and these 4 chairs. Wabi Sabi. I can sit comfortably for hours working on a tapestry at the dining table. I value comfort in seating miles above sculptural aesthetics. I admit my old table for 10 had too many legs, especially when mom, dad, hubs, 6 kids, and me were seated for dinner. Chaos!

[@markwhitney4580]

One of my favorites has always been the Poul Volther Corona Chair. I love the story of his inspiration for this design.

[@miri_b6786]

Love the "timeless" videos!

[@sarvsfalefitu5832]

Yeah! My Takashi chairs made your list. Don’t know why I’m so stoked with that but secretly maybe because I hang on your every word when it comes to timeless pieces ☺️ loved this list and stories behind each

[@melissahoneybee8493]

My grandparents had versions of the Cesca chair in chromed steel and burgundy leather. I think from the 1930’s or 40’s. My parents have them now. They’re getting pretty worn. The chrome needs re-plating and the leather needs replacing but you can bet your bottom dollar that I will one day be restoring them.

[@christinamo7]

I'm a bit surprised to not see a windsor chair - I know "country" isn't your look, but you have to admit it's timeless.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Totally almost made the list. So many had to be cut

[@caseyyoung8330]

Ugh you make me want all these chairs!!! Love this series of educational videos! Thank you Nick