Room by Room – the Jacobsen Series 7 Chair

This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks looks at an iconic furniture piece that has become a chameleon in the modern home, the Jacobsen Series 7 Chair.

Designed in 1955 for Fritz Hansen, the Series 7 Chair has been a hit ever since. After his popular 3-legged Ant Chair, the Series 7 was reviewed by the press as: “finally a chair by Jacobsen with 4 legs and optional arms”! Arne Jacobsen was both an architect and designer, a clear example of the Danish Modern style. The chair itself can be used throughout the home, equally attractive in the office and kids room as the dining room. It is available in a multitude of finishes, from natural wood to paint to colored lacquer, with or without arms, upholstered or plain, as a standard chair, bar chair or rolling pedestal chair. I am really a fan of the standard model, both in walnut and colored lacquer finishes. The shapely back, comfortable seat and thin legs are delicate, yet substantial. Although there are many knockoffs out there, the original design is still available through Fritz Hansen.

Shape, lightness and color are the cornerstones of this gorgeous chair, and my accessory choices bear this in mind. A modern take on the Danish Modern style, a walnut table is a great counterpoint to the lacquer finish. The undulating curves of the chair are mimicked in the abstract botanical embroidery of a linen placemat. The clean simple lines of a squat white vase complement the ensemble, while the chairs minimalism is echoed in the simple use of industrial felt for a wine rack. A gently curving double-walled glass bowl pulls in an extra shot of subtle color.

Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.