Sleek, squared, moulded, padded, modern... these are just a few adjectives for what is one of the most basic yet endlessly reinvented pieces of furniture: the chair. It’s fascinating to think about how many iterations a simple object like a chair can possibly have. Whether it’s crafted from wood, metal, plastic, or even unexpected materials like concrete or recycled materials, the chair has evolved in both form and function. But no matter how it’s designed, its primary role remains unchanged: to offer a place to sit. And yet, the way it accomplishes that task has been reimagined countless times...
Scroll below through some images of chairs I took at the 2024 Milano Design Week.
All photographs in this article by James Treble at Milano Design Week and Salone Del Mobile (2024)
Loved by creative Designers, a chair can be an aesthetic masterpiece, but the true test of its design lies in its comfort and practicality. Now, functional and practical may seem similar but they are certainly not the same thing. Something is functional if it serves a purpose effectively - like a large stone that can act as a chair. However if that stone can't be moved where it’s needed or shifted out of the way, it lacks practicality. While functional design solves a problem, practical design considers real-world convenience, making it the more desirable outcome in most situations.
Functional is good; practical is better.
So, the best way to choose a chair is still the simplest: sit in it. You need to feel the curve of the backrest, the soft or firm embrace of the seat, and the way it supports your posture. It’s a small but essential moment of connection, reminding us that good Design is not just about appearance, but above all about how an object interacts with the human body.
Traveling the world to attend design fairs is a crucial part of my learning and creative development. These events are like living museums, filled with ideas, trends, and innovative concepts that I might never have encountered otherwise. They give me a chance to refine my taste, stay on top of industry advancements, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow designers ;)
The world of design is exciting, and what’s most thrilling is that it remains an entirely human endeavour. No matter how advanced artificial intelligence becomes, it can’t replicate the deep intuition, emotional resonance, and spontaneous creativity that humans bring to the table. Design is a reflection of our ideas, dreams, and experiences, shaped by individual tastes, cultural backgrounds, and personal stories. In that sense, the chair - just like any design object - reminds us that creativity is unstoppable and inherently human, and it’s this creativity that keeps driving the future of design.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. More of James' knowledge is now accessible via Practical Design downloadable material.
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