KLISMOS CHAIRS - THEN & NOW…..

So how many of you realize that these chairs from Restoration Hardware were directly inspired from the Greek Klismos chair (circa 500 BC) ?

The Klismos chair was a light, elegant chair made by the ancient Greeks.  It was perfected in 5th century BC and became very popular around 400 BC.  It had four curving, splayed legs and curved back rails with a narrow concave backrest between them. 

Often the chair back & rear legs were carved from single piece of wood.  The seat rail was generally lower than the tops of legs.  The seat was not upholstered but had interwoven thongs made of a piece of fabric or animal skin.  It was praised for it’s portability, as it was light and easy to carry. Primarily, women sat in this chair – bouncing babies, spinning thread or getting their hair done.  The Klismos chair was long forgotten until excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum in the mid-eighteenth century created a frenzy of designs and fads for all things Grecian and Roman.  The clean lines matched very well with the neoclassical style of the time.

Though, none have survived, it is seen on Greek pottery, sculptures, paintings.

It has become one of the most popular chairs ever invented and it’s been reproduced, redone and reinvented many, many times.  In France, it appealed to those who reacted against the excessive rococo style and in England, it was popular during the Regency period in the early 19th century.  Then it was embraced by North America.

                                      James Newton Klismos Chair ca. 1760-1829 at the V&A Museum

                                       Saridis T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chair 1960’s

                                 Victorian Klismos Chair with upholstered seat

 
The Klismos chair is primarily made of wood, although as you can see, even some metal chairs have been made. 
 


During the 20th century, the chair was manufactured in lots of new materials – even some lacquered in gold leaf and formed in acrylic.  You’ll even find examples that are fully upholstered (as shown above).

   

I just finished watching Thom Filicia's Greek Peak Chair on the latest edition of House & Home Online Episode.  Click on this link Modern Kitchen Tour & Thom Filicia's Inspiration  to watch this episode and see how his chair was directly inspired by the Klismos chair.

Thom Filicia’s Greek Peak Chair

So what do you think? Do you have this chair in your home already?  Or would you like to incorporate it into your home?  

 
 Info and photos via Britannica Online Encyclopaedia, Wikipedia, House Beautiful, House & Home Online

I believe that every space can be comfortable, warm, elegant and beautiful. I would love to help you achieve your beautiful space! Email me at lisa@lisagouletdesign.com or if in the Ottawa area call me at 613-762-0818.

 

Lisa