Most eating chairs are chosen for the way they appear. However in response to award-winning inside architect Alyssa Anselmo, that’s the improper start line.
Nicely—technically—she’d in all probability by no means say something is improper. Alyssa isn’t one for design absolutes. However in terms of selecting the proper seat, she believes one thing issues greater than aesthetics: the way it feels.
“A eating chair isn’t only a seat, it’s a basis for dialog, a sculptural assertion, and a mirrored image of expertise,” she advised me.
“A eating chair isn’t only a seat, it’s a basis for dialog, a sculptural assertion, and a mirrored image of expertise”
It’s this mindset that’s led her to an surprising favourite: repurposed Nineteen Seventies workplace chairs. She’s at present utilizing a classic set round her personal eating desk—assume heavy metal frames, wealthy purple leather-based, and a vibe that feels equal components educational and welcoming.
Her love for astonishing design pairings additionally reveals up within the initiatives she leads at her Milan-based studio, Studio Anva, and in her standout interiors—just like the ultra-chic daycare area she just lately created for Bambini Middle (sure, a daycare, and sure, it’ll make you want you have been a pupil once more). However you don’t should be a consumer to study from her—her Instagram is principally a crash course in design literacy, from decoding “heat minimalism” to spotlighting architectural kinds you in all probability by no means discovered at school.
After I reached out to Alyssa to speak eating chairs, the dialog shortly shifted from “what’s trending” to “what really issues.” And to say she is aware of a factor or two about chairs is placing it evenly. With a background in industrial design, Alyssa is laser-focused on ergonomics and supplies—type comes second to perform.
Beneath, she shares her favourite sources, what to search for in a standout eating chair, and why nice design isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.
So, What Makes a Nice Eating Chair?
“When selecting a chair, I naturally gravitate towards items with a heavy, high quality base—typically one thing visually weighted.”
For Alyssa, all of it comes all the way down to weight. Not simply how a lot it actually weighs (although, sure, that issues), however how grounded, balanced, and intentional the piece feels. It’s why she leans towards classic over mass-produced—these older chairs have been constructed to final, with weighted metal, structured leather-based, and actual wooden.
The best way a chair helps your physique—or works in opposition to it—turns into obvious inside seconds of sitting down
That fast, bodily response—whether or not you lean again and really feel comfy or begin fidgeting straight away—is her litmus take a look at.
The Workplace Chair Turned Eating Staple
Scroll via her Instagram, and also you’ll in all probability spot them: sculptural, steel-framed workplace chairs repurposed round her eating desk. They’re classic ’70s finds, pulled out of their unique context—and that’s the purpose.
“To me, the very best designs emerge when an object is positioned in a totally new context.”
Photograph by Alyssa Anselmo
To me, the very best designs emerge when an object is positioned in a totally new context.
It is not only a intelligent fashion transfer—it’s deeply useful. Workplace chairs have been made to be sat in for hours, which makes them surprisingly good for dinner events and lengthy conversations. In Alyssa’s phrases, reimagining institutional furnishings brings each character and luxury to an area.
“Past performance, I really like incorporating chairs in surprising methods.”
And the very best half? You don’t should be scouring Milanese flea markets to drag it off. Simply hold a watch out for a similar cues she does: sturdy silhouettes, actual supplies, sculptural strains, and a presence that doesn’t fade into the background.
Chairs That Work Tougher Than Your Couch
Whether or not classic or new, Alyssa believes the very best eating chairs examine 4 bins: weight, materiality, consolation, and historical past.
And perhaps somewhat quirk doesn’t damage both.
“Whether or not it’s a classic discover from an Italian workplace or a up to date design that nods to the previous, the very best chairs maintain a presence in a room—they’re each useful and deeply intentional.”
Learn how to Store for a Chair That Truly Lasts
Should you’re making an attempt to recreate the look, or simply need a eating chair that doesn’t really feel prefer it got here out of a flat-pack field, Alyssa suggests searching for these key particulars:
- Tender but structured upholstery (leather-based, particularly, can hit each)
- A weighted base (metal or stable wooden = good indicators)
- Refined however placing shade or form (daring doesn’t at all times imply loud)
- Historical past (a chair with a previous provides soul to a room)
Alyssa’s Favourite Eating Chair Manufacturers
When she’s not repurposing classic items or designing her personal, Alyssa gravitates towards manufacturers with sturdy materiality and a definite perspective:
- HAY – Fashionable, high-quality, playful takes on traditional kinds
- Cassina – Timeless Italian craftsmanship with critical design heritage
- Thonet – Bentwood and tubular metal icons—the OGs of iconic seating
Her Dreamiest Chair Picks
A few of Alyssa’s all-time favorites channel the utilitarian really feel of ’60s and ’70s institutional furnishings—assume library chairs or classic faculty seating, reimagined with softer curves and elevated finishes.
“There’s one thing about their utilitarian nature that feels each nostalgic and superbly easy.”
Now that she’s pointed it out, I can’t cease seeing them all over the place. Listed below are some favorites at present on her radar:
“Certainly one of my favourite modern takes—it captures that institutional essence however refines it for contemporary eating areas.”
Ultimate Ideas
An excellent eating chair appears good. An amazing one feels prefer it was constructed only for you. And if this taught me something, it’s in all probability somewhat heavier than you anticipated.
As Alyssa likes to place it: Good design isn’t about cash—it’s about intention.
What’s your go-to eating chair—and what makes it nice?
We’re at all times on the hunt for design tales that transcend the floor. When you have a favourite piece with a backstory, a intelligent repurpose, or a eating setup that deserves the highlight, we’d love to listen to from you. Attain out to me to share your area—we simply would possibly characteristic it subsequent.
