A well-designed chair offers more than just a place to sit — it elevates the entire space. South African designers have taken the humble chair, coalescing its everlasting practicality with modern design sensibilities to create works of art that are functional and rich in form. We’ve put together some of our favourite locally-designed seating options guaranteed to make a statement in your home.
Noah Chair by STUDIO KÁJA
Studio KÁJA believes in locally crafted, sustainably produced, multigenerational lasting furniture. Their collections are made by the hands of talented local artisans using time-honoured techniques that have been passed down over decades. The solid wood used to handcraft the Noah Chair is purposefully sourced from FSC-approved forests around France and Knysna. Designed with a stain-resistant and durable fabric made of recycled polyester and organic cotton — The Noah Chair is stylish and suitable for everyday living — a coup de maître in modern design.
Umpire Outdoor Chair by Pedersen + Lennard
The Umpire Outdoor Chair by globally renowned South African brand Pedersen + Lennard brings a colourful and playful touch to any outdoor entertainment area. The chair’s bold lines and playful round forms define its distinctive silhouette, while its open structure minimises visual noise, allowing for a clean, refined look and feel. The chair is made out of stainless steel with a powder-coated finish and is available in a range of colours from sage green to powder blue, making the Umpire Chair a versatile, durable and stylish seating option.
Charisa Swivel Chair by Anatomy Design
Over the years, Anatomy Design has grown into a multi-award-winning product design store, solidifying its reputation as one of the leaders in the South African design industry. The Charisa chair is one of their standout pieces — a slight hint of a streamline moderne design style combined with a unique silhouette, reminiscent of a fingernail, that instantly catches the eye. The Charisa Swivel Chair is made from steel and is available in a range of colours such as black, navy, olive green, and sand.
The JB001 Chair & SP002 Bench by AOS Creations
AOS Creations’ vision is to, “blend old-school craftsmanship with a love of contemporary design, to create furniture pieces that sustain in aesthetic and build quality.” The studio works alongside other designers to manifest their vision and to ensure that the best products are crafted at the end of the process. Firstly, the JB001, a dining chair that is versatile as it is contemporary, a perfect blend of a unique silhouette and exceptional wooden craftsmanship.
The SP002 bench follows the wooden motif, with a sinuous, asymmetrical backrest that gives the piece its distinct look.
Text by Shai Rama
