Utility Chair

Clean with a damp cloth

The philosophy behind the beloved UTILITY CHAIR is simple — enduring, timeless design, constructed using humble, straightforward materials and hand-built to last for generations. With these values in mind, Lucian Ercolani launched the first UTILITY CHAIR in 1945, marking a new and defining chapter in British design history.

Today, the distinctive, ergonomic contour of the UTILITY CHAIR is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in mid-century history. Functional, efficient and refined, the UTILITY CHAIR’s precise form embodies the utilitarian principles of post-war era Britain. Conducive to a wide array of dining environments and settings, the iconic UTILITY CHAIR is an appealing merger of industrialization and thoughtful, emphatic design, imparting an innate sense of comfort and practicality that is both seen and felt.

Meticulously crafted and honed to minimalistic perfection, the UTILITY CHAIR boasts a classic Windsor backrest with six, finely-carved spindles protruding from its curved base. A smooth, steam-bent ash bow encases the spindle structure, creating an elegant, sweeping arc that unites the chair’s design elements in a simple, harmonious curve. Hammer-shaft joints and gently tapered, out-turned legs provide a supple yet dependable profile, allowing the UTILITY CHAIR’s lithe form to shine through its honest build. Lastly, traditional wedge and tenon joinery combined with a supportive H-frame inserted underneath the UTILITY CHAIR’s saddle seat enhance the overall strength and durability of the chair’s construction.

Forged in solid ash timber, the UTILITY CHAIR is available in nine protective finishes, including a warm natural finish and the new MODERN TONES series by Christian Møller Andersen.