There’s no denying it, designer furniture pieces are expensive. Carefully designed and lovingly crafted from luxurious materials, designer furniture has a certain je ne sais quoi that high-street buys simply can’t replicate. The use of shape, colour and texture is masterful while the construction is solid and long-lasting, which is exactly what you want when paying for a premium product. However, not all furniture pieces achieve cult status or weather the turning tides of trends. Fortunately, Richard Munao, founder and director of leading Australian designer furniture retailer, Cult Design, has some sage advice on the 10 best pieces that are worth investing in.
Fritz Hansen ‘Egg Chair’ by Arne Jacobsen, 1955
Fritz Hansen ‘Egg Chair’ by Arne Jacobsen, 1955
“This chair is without a doubt one of the most recognised chairs, a Danish design icon. Architect Arne Jacobsen designed the chair in 1955 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, one of his most notable buildings and an opportunity to test his theory of integrated design. This piece retains its value with design devotees often paying well over the price of new for a preloved piece,” says Richard.
“I love its organic shape, and I understand that Jacobsen sculpted the ‘Egg’ out of clay so he could perfect it. Its form is beautiful, comfortable and provides a sense of privacy when used in a public space. It’s also versatile and successful within all styles of interiors from residential to commercial, classic to contemporary.”
Carl Hansen ‘CH 24 Wishbone Chair’ by Hans J. Wegner 1949
Carl Hansen ‘CH 24 Wishbone Chair’ by Hans J. Wegner 1949
“The ‘Wishbone Chair’ is a clear contender in my top 10 as I’m fortunate to have a set that are my dining chairs at home. They are 12 years old and after all those years of family dinners and dinner parties, they’re still in perfect condition,” says Richard. “The form is uniquely its own with back and armrest combined into a single piece and the distinctive Y-shaped back provides comfortable support. It’s the ‘Y’ that gives this chair its name.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the factory several times to witness the quality craftsmanship that goes into every original and licensed ‘Wishbone Chair’. More than 100 steps are involved, most of which are carried out by hand. The durability and stability of this chair ensures strength and longevity – an investment for life,” says Richard.
Fritz Hansen ‘3107 Chair’ by Arne Jacobsen
Fritz Hansen ‘3107 Chair’ by Arne Jacobsen
“The ‘3107’ was also designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen as part of Jacobsen’s theories of integrated design. It’s another Danish design icon commonly known as the ‘Series 7’ and is the most recognised silhouette in furniture history,” says Richard. “I admire the engineering of this chair, with its then-revolutionary lamination technique and pressure-moulded plywood frame. It’s in my top 10 because of its beautiful silhouette, flexibility for comfort and strength. It’s a timeless piece which suits a variety of interior design styles. Another great investment piece highly sought-after second hand.”
PP Mobler ‘PP225 Flag Halyard Chair’ by Hans J. Wegner
PP Mobler ‘PP225 Flag Halyard Chair’ by Hans J. Wegner
“This is a unique design for Hans Wegner as it’s constructed from a stainless-steel frame and rope, not his usually preferred timber, and I love the story of how the design was conceived,” says Richard. “On a summer afternoon at the beach while his children were playing in the water, Wegner dug himself in the sand to build a comfortable chair. His first sketches used the angles that he had formed at the beach. This chair is a true classic, which many people dream of owning and I’ve seen it take pride of place as a signature piece, whether in a castle on the outskirts of Copenhagen or a contemporary loft apartment.”
Cappellini ‘Thinking Man's Chair’ by Jasper Morrison 1986
Cappellini ‘Thinking Man's Chair’ by Jasper Morrison 1986
“I continually see people intrigued by this chair at first sight. To me, it has character with its flat bar structure and tubular frame, complete with armrests that are playfully equipped with integrated drink rests. It’s for indoor and outdoor use, and can stand alone as a signature piece,” says Richard. “Jasper Morrison envisioned this design with all elements as functional contributions that ensure comfort for long periods of relaxation and pondering – thus its name ‘The Thinking Man’s chair’.”
Fritz Hansen ‘PK22 Lounge Chair’ by Poul Kjaerholm 1956
Fritz Hansen ‘PK22 Lounge Chair’ by Poul Kjaerholm 1956
“I fell in love with this chair for its elegance. The piece has an industrial dimension – which is always present in Kjaerholm’s work – only here it appears elegant, I would even say fine. The stainless-steel flat bar frame gives the appearance that the shell – of leather, canvas or wicker – is simply floating. From its release it was an instant success and won Kjaerholm the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957, catapulting his career to immediately become a name on the international scene,” says Richard.
&Tradition ‘Little Petra’ by Viggo Boesen 1938
&Tradition ‘Little Petra’ by Viggo Boesen 1938
“The ‘Little Petra’ makes my top 10 as its petite sculptural form instantly appeals and sitting in this chair feels like a warm hug,” says Richard. “Viggo Boesen became associated with Denmark’s signature design aesthetic, ‘Funkis’ in the 1930s. Its petite stature low to the ground makes this a versatile and comfortable lounge chair that fits into a variety of spaces, whether residential, hospitality or commercial.”
Zanotta Mezzadro stool by Achille Castiglioni 1957
Zanotta Mezzadro stool by Achille Castiglioni 1957
“I love Castiglioni’s playful and cheeky reference to a tractor, turning this humble machine into a piece of classic furniture. It’s so playful and unique that it can sit as a piece on its own in any room; it even has a spring like the shock absorber of a tractor seat,” says Richard. “It’s colourful and fun in four ways: a coloured enamelled metal seat, a wing nut, a leaf spring and a cross bar – and endless applications for interior environments.”
Fredericia ‘Spanish Chair’ by Børge Mogensen 1958
Fredericia ‘Spanish Chair’ by Børge Mogensen 1958
“What draws me to this chair is its strong and unique aesthetic which makes it a distinctive modern classic. I love the combination of leather and timber which naturally patinas over time, a natural wear that many people seek out to buy second hand,” says Richard. “The design is also clever, featuring adjustable straps that you can tighten over time, which add to the longevity of this piece.”
Carl Hansen ‘CH25’ by Hans J. Wegner 1949
Carl Hansen ‘CH25’ by Hans J. Wegner 1949
“The ‘CH25’ is one of the first four chairs Hans J. Wegner created exclusively for Carl Hansen & Søn at the beginning of their collaboration which started in 1949,” says Richard. “I love its clean, simple and elegant form and the material of woven paper chord, which at the time of design hadn’t been used in furniture before.”
“The paper-based material is non-stretch, durable, comfortable and its quality can be understood by the fact it takes a skilled craftsman 10 hours and 400 metres of paper cord to complete one seat by hand.”
