Secretly iconic office furniture you probably haven’t heard of yet

While there are some pieces of furniture – such as the Wiggle Chair by Frank Gehry, Eames Chair by Charles and Ray Eames, and Tulip Table by Eero Saarinen – that have developed almost cult-like status, others have gone under the radar. Particularly when it comes to office furniture.

No less iconic, yet infinitely more underrated, these classic and contemporary pieces elevate workspaces, providing them with the same thoughtfulness and care afforded to residential spaces. Office furniture supplier Bowermans has been at the forefront of the industry for more than 75 years, identifying timeless classics while keeping up with current trends. We tapped the Bowermans team for their expert opinion on the top three underrated workplace furniture pieces you need to know about.

Conceptualised by Icelandic designer Valdimar Harðarson in 1982, the Sóley folding chair celebrates four decades of design excellence in 2022. Bold and daring, the design is virtually ageless with its simple, pared-back style and ingenious construction enabling it to withstand the test of time. Following Valdimar’s 'less is more' ethos, Sóley is dominated by two geometric shapes; an optional upholstered seat and backrest that stand in contrast to the straight lines of the steel frame. Uniting beautiful design and functionality, its minimalist aesthetics makes Sóley an eye-catching yet comfortable addition to offices as well as museums, art galleries, hotels and bars. Named after Valdimar’s daughter, Sóley means ‘sun island’ in Icelandic, an apt fit considering the seat’s bright and airy nature.

A distinctly contemporary design that places an emphasis on ergonomics and comfort, the Xenium Duo-Back Task Chair is the ideal office desk chair. Recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach often doesn’t work for everyone, the Xenium Duo-Back Task Chair provides an innovative solution that caters to people with different body shapes and sizes. Two lung-shaped backrests allow for a large scope of adjustment options and configurations, with the ability to choose additional functions to ensure optimal comfort during use.

An unusual take on the classic bar stool, the Belise Stool is for dynamic people who like to get things done. Fitted with a moveable seat with adjustable height, it ensures freedom of movement and has a seamless, fluid action. Designed by CRABUS Design Studio, the Belise Stool encourages fast-paced work and brief yet efficient conversations, making it the ideal addition to meeting spaces and breakout rooms. With a plethora of upholstery options, colourful styles can be mixed and matched to create a striking visual effect.

Explore more evocative and stylish office and home furniture by Bowermans on ArchiPro.