Classic Modern Chairs: A Guide to Buying Original and Knockoff Designs

Classic modern furniture is iconic, beautiful, timeless and versatile. The clean lines and elegant forms of classical designs of the 20th century are not only sustainable and organic in their shape and structure, they are works of art. Many featured in this article are part of the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) permanent collection, but you can own a quality reproduction for a fraction of the cost, if you’re a smart shopper. You also need not be fearful of introducing modern pieces of furniture into a more traditional setting. All you have to do is to remember a few good design rules of thumb.

As a member of a modern design team I know that it’s ok to mix classic modern furniture with classic antique furniture as long as the quality, harmony and scale of all your furnishings are taken into consideration. The quality is the easiest to weigh, but scale and harmony of style can get a little tricky. A designer can help you create the perfect mix, but if you’re on your own here are some tips:

- Look for clean, geometric lines. Carvings, moldings, symbols and embellishments will blend more successfully with modern pieces if they incorporate circles, squares and straight lines.

Balancing Quality....

The quality of your furniture should have a harmonious balance too. Mixing in cheap pieces of furniture with quality furniture can destroy everything good about your design. It’s better to have fewer pieces of better quality furniture than a room filled with junky furniture, unless it’s all you can afford or if you plan on replacing it in a few years. Think about your future needs as well as your attitude towards the environment. A well-made chair can last a lifetime and beyond.

.....and Weight

- Heavy, ornate woods or fanciful carvings will weigh down the room as will drapery valances and sofa skirts with ruffles.

- Fabric designs don’t have to be plain or solid to be modern. Don't be afraid of bright colors or geometrics and feel free to use the same fabric on different pieces.

A lot of people don’t know why it pays to buy expensive furniture, even if they can afford it.

In comparing high quality modern reproductions with lower end knockoffs, you’ll find that many pieces look remarkably similar and appear to be just as comfortable. So what’s the difference?

The fact is, just like all furniture it depends on the manufacturer, but whatever your budget it pays to know a few facts before you buy.

1- Guaranteed Authenticity

Just for the record, reproductions of classic modern furniture designs deemed “original” are manufactured by companies properly certified by a Registered Quality Assurance firm. Examples of such manufacturers are Knoll (worldwide), Vitra (Switzerland& Germany), ClassiCon (Germany) and Republic of Fritz Hanson (Denmark). These reproductions are built to the exact specifications of the designer’s original piece. There are also first-run reproductions dating back to the designer’s original workroom that are museum quality, (and priced accordingly), but this article focuses on the consumer market, featuring licensed reproductions, (that can still gain in value) and unlicensed reproductions, (knockoffs) that appeal to the mass market.

The furniture industry is not unlike the fashion industry where there are collector’s originals, designer originals, and ready to wear fashions.

Factoid: The popular TV show, "Start Trek", featured the Tulip chair by Designer Eero Saarinen on the bridge set and throughout the "U.S.S. Enterprise". When the show was cancelled and all sets were dismantled, several Tulip chairs were salvaged from the dumpster. They are now highly prized collectibles worth thousands of dollars.

2 – Environmental Impact

Well-made furniture is designed with the environment in mind. It’s sustainable in the truest sense of the word because you’re not likely to throw out a classic. Also, the quality craftsmanship will ensure that it will last.

3- Quality of Product

- Original designs are almost always more ergonomic. The dimensions of a licensed reproduction always matches the designer’s original classic. All knockoffs, (even some of the higher quality ones) have different dimensions and different factory standards.

4- Shop with Confidence

- The website of the licensed manufacturer can direct you to stores and approved on-line vendors. If you are a professional designer you can often register and buy directly from the manufacturer.

The Facts of Reproduction

1 - Don’t be fooled by the word “reproduction”. It’s not proof enough that you're purchasing a licensed original reproduction. There are high end reproductions that are not made from the licensed manufacturer so it's best to know something about your vendors. A good designer knows, but if you're working on your own do some research.

2 - Cheaper knockoffs come from China and other Asian locations. They are almost always of a lower quality than the higher priced knockoffs that are made in Europe.

3- Some websites that offer knockoffs display photographs of the licensed, originals, but when you receive your product you find you have purchased something quite different.

4 - Some of the lower end copies may not have fire retardant foam labels.If you do purchase a knockoff, make sure to look for those labels.

5 - Swivel chairs that are knockoffs of the originals do not swivel as smoothly so be prepared to compromise on this feature.

6 - Fabrics come in many grades and the cheaper grades may look and feel cheap. The price of the reproduction and the reputation of the company that sells the product usually indicate whether you’ll get an acceptable fabric. Some sellers offer samples or let you choose your grade of fabric.

7 - Be advised to buy from only reputable sources that offer a warranty on craftsmanship. A designer can help, but if you're purchasing directly on-line, choose sites that link to the Better Business Bureau or have been rated by other services.

Furniture reproductions vary in price depending on the manufacturer. It goes without saying; Higher priced non-licensed reproductions will last longer than a cheap knockoff. You’re also more likely to get what you see in the on-line photograph.

The prices and availability of products listed here, are accurate as of Oct, 2010. Featured products are for demonstration purposes only and the author neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products shown.

Having said that, here's a guide to some classic modern chairs available to on-line buyers and/or through your designer.

The Original Moorea Swivel Chair
Design - Vico Magistretti, 1999.
Upholstered w/ chrome base.

Made in Italy by Kartell.

23.6" w | 31" h | 23" d
adjustable seat: 17" - 20" h
arms: 24" - 27" h

Retail price $966.00

This red hot desk chair also works in the dining room, as a living room side chair, in the conference room or in a rich kid's room. If you demand extreme comfort and classic good looks, consider the Moorea Swivel Chair by Italian designer Vico Magistretti. The back is flexible and the padding will hold up under years of use.

The Knockoff is slightly different but quite similar.
It's called "The Patrik"
Designed for IKEA by Mia Gammelgaard

This Moorea Swivel wannabe just may be on it's way to becoming an IKEA classic. It looks great and is priced quite reasonably, but like most IKEA products, the padding will take a beating and the nuts and bolts may come loose if you don't screw them on tight enough.

The Original Panton Chair

Designer- Verner Panton
Manufactured by Vitra

Overall Dimensions: 35.25" H x 19.75" W x 23.5" D
Seat Height: 16.25"
Seat Width: 19.25"

Retail Price $1,405.00

This true design classic by one of Denmarks most influential designers Verner Panton, is now manufactured by Vitra to its exact specifications. The original chair was made in the late 60’s and it is part of the permanent collection at MoMa – The New York Museum of Modern Art.

The Panton Chair is perhaps one of the most copied chairs in the world because the form is so iconic. If you want the real thing, you don’t have much choice of color, as the original is only available in white, red and black.

You can identify a Panton original by the raised or embossed Verner Panton signature on the back of the original. If you own this chair, not only will you have a work of art, it will never chip or show any discoloration. Even though it’s plastic, it's comfortable and quite sturdy.  Jumping on it won’t break it, even if you're a big guy.

The Panton Chair Knockoff

Panton Chair copies are not as stable as the original, so the underside of the seat is usually reinforced with ribbing. You wouldn’t want to jump on this one.

If you check out the Amazon link you'll notice that the knockoffs featured come in a wide range of prices. Some may be sturdier than others so check the warranties.

Swan Chair and Egg Chair Originals

Design Arne Jacobsen, 1958.
Aluminum, foam, upholstery.

Made in Denmark by Fritz Hansen.

Swan chair - 29.1" w | 26.8" d | 30.3" h |seat; 15.8" h
Retail Price: $3,678.00

Egg chair - 33.8" w | 31.1" d | 42" h |seat: 14.5" h
Retail Price: $5,934.00

These classic chairs by the Danish designer and architect Arne Jacobsen are made out of one piece of leather and the edges, unlike the copies, are all sewn by hand. The licensed manufacturer of the original design is Fritz Hanson and you’ll find the company logo on the seat base. There’s also a registration number on each chair for your insurance purposes.

Both the originally designed Swan and Egg Chairs have a reclining mechanism and are available in 56 colors. The fabric is extremely sleek, meaning you’ll never get any fabric creases or sags with these chairs, as they wear beautifully; perfect for executive office, recreation room or bedroom.

Check out the stunning details in the video below.

Swan Chair and Egg Chair Knockoffs

At first glance these knockoffs are a dead ringer for the original, but there are subtle differences. It's wise to compare the listed dimensions of the original to the reproduction. Amazon features several vendors for both model chairs and offers a wide price selection. Remember a higher price often brings you a higher quality product.

Le Corbusier LC-2 Chair

Designer Pierre Jeanneret, 1928
Manufactured in Italy by Cassina

Dimensions: 26.4" h | 30" w | 27.6" d | seat; 17" h

This landmark chair of contemporary design by Pierre Jeanneret (a/k/a) Le Corbusier, is both timeless and very comfortable. Made of upholstered cushions and a metal frame, this classic is included in the design collection of the Museum of Modern Art, in fact, it may be purchased at a discount from the museum if you are a member. If not, your designer can get you a similar discount.

At MoMA
$4,160.00
$3,328.00 Members

Le Corbuser Knockoff

Amazon offers a classy, affordable reproduction with dimensions that come close to the original. Some assembly is required, but this is still a high quality knockoff.

Wassily Chair Original
Designed by Marcel Breuer
Manufactured by Knoll under license

Dimensions: 26 x 31 x 28.4 inches
Retail Price: $2,376.47 at Amazon

One of the first tubular framed chairs, the Wassily Chair was created in 1925 and is still “modern”. Marcel Breuer was a “Bauhaus” designer who thought bicycle handles were a cool design that could be incorporated into furniture. Breuer rubbed elbows with Walter Gropius (founder of the famous "Bauhaus" school of design), Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian. The Wassily chair actually takes its name from artist Wassily Kandinsky who inspired Breuer. The Knoll version is the only version today that has been authorized for reproduction by the artist himself.

The original may be distinguished by the superior leather (now in many designer colors), the delicate curve of the chrome, the chrome (not plastic) end caps, black screw-fittings, and the artist’s name and Knoll studio is embossed onto the bottom right corner of the leg.

Bibendum Chair – Original
Designed by Eileen Gray
Manufactured by ClassiCon, Germany, under license from Aram Designs Ltd, London
Available through a few local dealers
or through your designer

Dimensions: 35.43 W / 32.67 D / 28.74 H

Retail Price: $6,803

If you think this chair looks like the Michelin Man, Eileen Gray would be pleased. She not only designed it, she named it after the rotund little guy as “bibendum” in French means obese. Gray designed the chair for a not-so-obese client; a successful boutique owner who sold stylish hats.

High Quality Bibendum Chair Knockoffs may be found at
mattblatt.com.au  (Australia)
regencyshop.com (US)
ecrater.com (US)

Dimensions: 36"W x 33"D x 34"H

Retail Price approx $1,400 including shipping

All of the classic modern chairs featured here, both original reproduction and knockoff reproductions are sure to bring style and comfort to your home or office environment.

I hope this guide will help you reach your goals, whether you are a consumer looking for quality modern furnishings or a design professional looking for classic modern furnishings.

© Copyright Green Lotus, 2011. All rights reserved.