Designers Rate: Guest Chairs

Sarah M. Dornbusch, ASID
Interior Designer
Hollis + Miller Architects, Overland Park, Kan.
www.hollisandmiller.com

Arcadia, Sign
www.arcadiacontract.com
With such beautiful lines, Sign can work in many places. I've turned to this chair for reception areas and pulled it up to conference tables. The cantilever of the seat over the sled frame allows enough flex to give the user good, passive comfort.

Eko, Cayman
www.ekocontract.com
I like the combination of steel and wood and the softness of upholstery on this straightforward guest chair. Although it is conventional, the mix of materials allows it to work in a variety of stylistic settings—traditional, transitional, and contemporary.

Leland International, Hammock
lelandinternational.com
The design of Hammock seems whimsical; it's hard to conceive it as a guest chair! The form and angle of the seat and back hold the body so nicely. It is very inviting. The flex just gives a nice added motion—a great option for hospitality use.

Kathleen Peters, IIDA
Director of Interiors
Arete3, Tinley Park, Ill.
www.arete3.com

Kimball Office, Beo Seating
www.kimballoffice.com
I like the flexibility of this chair. With many back options and an excellent price point, it can be used throughout a facility. I recommend it for smaller offices and waiting areas because the back leg flare brings it away from walls.


Gunlocke, Napoli
www.gunlocke.com
Napoli is elegant and clean with a sense of motion. Comfort is always important; I particularly specify this chair because of the 20.5-in. seat dimension between the arms. It's perfect for a transitional design.

Bernhardt, Forum
bernhardtdesign.com
Many clients like the feel of a fully upholstered chair without the "bulk." The Forum is a great balance with thin wood legs supporting upholstered seat and back. The "notch" between the seat and back adds a modern detail.