Eating Chair Design Ideas From Inside Architect Alyssa Anselmo

Most eating chairs are chosen for the way they give the impression of being. However in keeping with award-winning inside architect Alyssa Anselmo, that’s the incorrect start line.

Nicely—technically—she’d most likely by no means say something is incorrect. Alyssa isn’t one for design absolutes. However with regards to choosing 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 informed me.

It’s this mindset that’s led her to an surprising favourite: repurposed Seventies workplace chairs. She’s at the moment utilizing a classic set round her personal eating desk—suppose heavy metal frames, wealthy purple leather-based, and a vibe that feels equal elements tutorial and welcoming.

Her love for astonishing design pairings additionally exhibits 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 lately created for Bambini Heart (sure, a daycare, and sure, it’ll make you want you had been a scholar once more). However you don’t must be a shopper to study from her—her Instagram is principally a crash course in design literacy, from decoding “heat minimalism” to spotlighting architectural types you most likely by no means realized in class.

After I reached out to Alyssa to speak eating chairs, the dialog rapidly shifted from “what’s trending” to “what truly issues.” And to say she is aware of a factor or two about chairs is placing it frivolously. With a background in industrial design, Alyssa is laser-focused on ergonomics and supplies—type comes second to operate.

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 had been constructed to final, with weighted metal, structured leather-based, and actual wooden.

That speedy, bodily response—whether or not you lean again and really feel relaxed or begin fidgeting immediately—is her litmus take a look at.

The Workplace Chair Turned Eating Staple

Scroll via her Instagram, and also you’ll most likely 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, one of the best designs emerge when an object is positioned in a very new context.”

It is not only a intelligent model transfer—it’s deeply useful. Workplace chairs had been made to be sat in for hours, which makes them surprisingly excellent 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 one of the best half? You don’t must 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 traces, 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 one of the best eating chairs test 4 containers: weight, materiality, consolation, and historical past.

And possibly a little bit quirk doesn’t harm both.

“Whether or not it’s a classic discover from an Italian workplace or a up to date design that nods to the previous, one of the best chairs maintain a presence in a room—they’re each useful and deeply intentional.”

Find out how to Store for a Chair That Really Lasts

Should you’re attempting 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 in search of these key particulars:

• Smooth but structured upholstery (leather-based, particularly, can hit each)
• A weighted base (metal or stable wooden = good indicators)
• Refined however placing colour or form (daring doesn’t all the time 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 standpoint:

• HAY – Fashionable, high-quality, playful takes on traditional kinds
• Cassina – Timeless Italian craftsmanship with severe 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—suppose library chairs or classic college seating, reimagined with softer curves and elevated finishes.

“There’s one thing about their utilitarian nature that feels each nostalgic and fantastically easy.”

Now that she’s pointed it out, I can’t cease seeing them in all places. Listed below are some favorites at the moment on her radar:

“Considered one of my favourite up to date takes—it captures that institutional essence however refines it for contemporary eating areas.”

Last Ideas

A great eating chair appears good. An important one feels prefer it was constructed only for you. And if this taught me something, it’s most likely a little bit 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 all the time on the hunt for design tales that transcend the floor. You probably 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 function it subsequent.