Simple Solid Wood Chairs // Our Top 7 Picks

by aetava   //   26/07/2022

The style and character of a chair is often determined based on its level of detail and sophistication. The finer the details become, the more a chair is restricted to a specific style or mode. It also requires more effort to match it with other pieces or to integrate it into an existing interior setting.

A simple or minimalistic chair, on the other hand, provides a wide range of options and arrangements to work with. They can easily be integrated into almost any kind of style and seamlessly match a wide range of design profiles and even detail levels.

Here, we have handpicked 7 of our favorite solid wood chairs that have a unique character with a simple aesthetic and can effortlessly fit into the interior setting of your home.

1- SQ Dining Chair

The SQ dining chair is part of a larger collection of seatings by David Gaynor Design made from solid wood. The unique honesty of the design creates a sense of awareness and a thoughtful connection between the user and the natural material of the chair.

The SQ collection consists of solid and upholstered dining chairs, bar and counter stools, lounge chairs, and even a sofa. They are available in 4 different finishes including ash, maple, walnut, and white oak.

2- pp501/pp503 Round Chairs

The pp501 and pp503 Round Chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner are one of the most well-known pieces of furniture with a distinct Danish character. Ever since their introduction in 1949 / 1950 they have become a reference for a wide range of designs from around the world and pieces that have defined the Danish Modern philosophy.

“In its own modest and simple way, it sums up the very essence of traditional Danish woodworking and design philosophy. It is considered the magnum opus of Hans J. Wegner.”

quote from pp.dk

The armrests of each Round Chair consist of three pieces carved out of solid wood while they are cut in line with each other and paired to match. The parts are then conditioned which can extend between one to two years depending on the wood in a delicate process that cannot be rushed.

3- Molloy Chair

The Molloy collection designed by Adam Goodrum for nau design is an elegantly sculpted group of furniture pieces that are inspired by the fluid and organic forms found in nature. The collection includes dining tables, dining and armchairs, as well as stools and shelving units.

The entire collection follows a simple design language where the joints are delicately smoothened in order to make seamless connections. This resembles the unusual connection of 2 rivers to form the Molloy River in Western Australia – a place where Adam Goodrum hand-built a holiday home with his family.

4- CH23 Chair

The CH23 was one of the very first pieces Hans J. Wegner designed for Carl Hansen & Søn. Its simplistic expression, ergonomic form, and craftsmanship set new standards for modern furniture design in 1950; each piece now had a unique character despite its fine and sophisticated details.  Although the CH23 appears simple and uncomplicated at first, its small artistic features such as the frame cover caps through the backrest, the natural woven seat, and the rounded arched rear leg give it its unique timeless appeal.

The chair was re-introduced in 2017 by remaining true to Wagner’s vision and design. It is now available in various colors and finishes including Oak, Walnut, and black with natural paper cord seats.

5- Hiroshima Chairs

The Hiroshima chair is an excellent expression of Japanese minimalistic design with a great appreciation for the cultural concept of “love of emptiness”. Inspired by the aesthetics of traditional Zen Buddhism, life should be kept clean from any kind of unwanted thing or clutter and the focus should instead be on the emptiness, space, or no-thing-ness that is present in between them.

Designed by Naoto Fukasawa in 2009 for Maruni, the Hiroshima chair is part of a larger collection that includes chairs, stools, sofas, and even ottomans. They are available in a wide range of colors with 3 main finishes in Oak, Beech, and Walnut.

6- C01 Side Chair

What makes the C01 so incredibly appealing, is perhaps its carefully sculpted backrest and its connection to the frame. Designed by Jason Lewis Furniture, the chair is made entirely from solid wood and is available in Oiled black walnut, Oak or Ash, Ebonized Walnut, as well as Bleached Ash.

With its dramatic aesthetics, it can be used as a dining chair, an accent chair, or even an occasional chair. This is due to the curved shape of the seat and backrest which make it surprisingly comfortable for a solid wood chair.

7 – CH20 Elbow Chair

Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1956, the stackable elbow chair is considered a timeless classic with several awards and honors to its name. It was brought back into production by Carl Hansen & Søn in 2005 with various frame and upholstery colors and finishes to choose from.

The unique steam-bent backrest of the elbow chair is crafted from a single piece of solid wood and since it sits a bit lower than the backrest of a usual side chair, it allows for a variety of sitting positions by providing elbow and lower back support. This makes it an incredibly versatile chair that can be used for different purposes and functions.