20 Iconic Chairs (and Their Awesome Dupes on Spoken)

When it comes to interior design, few pieces make a statement quite like a truly iconic chair. From sculptural silhouettes to groundbreaking materials, these legendary designs have shaped the way we think about form, function, and flair. But let’s be real—owning an original Eames Lounge or a Panton Chair Classic isn’t exactly in everyone’s budget.

That’s where this list comes in. Whether you’re a die-hard design enthusiast who knows your Wegners from your Saarinens, or you're just looking for beautiful, high-style seating without the high price tag, we’ve got you covered. We’re highlighting 20 of the most iconic chairs of all time and sharing incredible dupes you can find on Spoken—so you can get the look without the luxury markup.

Pull up a (very stylish) seat—this one’s for you.

Swan Chair

Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, the Swan Chair is an elegant, sculptural lounge chair with smooth curves and a distinctive organic shape. Originally created for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, it remains a mid-century modern and Scandinavian-style classic. From a cozy bedroom sitting area with your favorite throw blanket to a stylish statement desk chair in your home office, the Swan Chair adds a touch of luxury to your favorite spaces—even if it's a dupe!

• Designer: Arne Jacobsen (1958)
• Produced by: Fritz Hansen
• Best for: Living rooms, reading nooks, or stylish office spaces.
• Styling Tip: Pair with a sleek side table and a soft area rug for a cozy yet modern look. The swivel feature makes this chair functional and interactive in a modern or minimalist living room. Also pairs well with clean-lined sofas!

Panton Chair

A true design revolution, the Panton Chair by the Danish furniture designer, Verner Panton, was the first single-piece, cantilevered plastic chair. Its fluid, futuristic "S" shape makes it both a functional seat and a sculptural statement. Modern furniture collectors love these, and it's easy to see why! Although it sold for around $75 when it was first released, Vitra's authentic Panton Chair today retails for around $500, before you choose your custom cushions and pay for shipping. If you can splurge on the real deal, then you totally should. Otherwise, Panton Chair dupes are a great way to go.

• Designer: Verner Panton (1960s, fully developed in 1967)
• Produced by: Vitra
• Best for: Dining areas, contemporary offices, or bold accent corners.
• Styling Tip: A set of these around a minimalist dining table creates a futuristic, avant-garde feel. Also great as a statement piece in a monochrome or colorful modern space.

Shell Chair

The Shell Chair, or CH07, by Hans Wegner (1963), is a Danish modern masterpiece known for its floating seat, curved plywood frame, and minimalist yet inviting design. It’s not the kind of chair that blends into the background. With its wing-like seat and floating form, the Shell Chair is basically functional art. It's minimal yet incredibly distinctive—instantly elevating any space with its smiling silhouette. Whether in walnut, oak, or upholstered in leather or bold textiles, it always gets noticed.

• Designer: Hans J. Wegner (1963)
• Produced by: Carl Hansen & Søn
• Best for: Lounge areas, bedrooms, or chic office spaces.
• Styling Tip: Perfect as a sculptural focal point in the living room, it pairs well with a cozy throw and a contemporary floor lamp. Ideal for Scandinavian and modern interiors. One Shell Chair can make a bold first impression in your entryway—great for slipping on shoes or adding a stylish landing zone.

Louis Ghost Chair

Designed by Philippe Starck in 2002, the Louis Ghost Chair is a contemporary take on the classic Louis XVI armchair, made entirely of transparent polycarbonate, blending baroque elegance with modern innovation. From design museums to weddings and runway shows to stylish restaurants, the Louis Ghost Chair moves effortlessly between art and function—like a design chameleon with timeless flair. Visually light, durable, and even stackable, this is the ultimate space-saving statement chair!

• Designer: Philippe Starck (2002)
• Produced by: Kartell
• Best for: Dining rooms, vanities, or small apartments needing a space-saving aesthetic.
• Styling Tip: Its transparency makes it perfect for small apartments or studios. These chairs are simply stunning around a glass dining table or paired with a vintage wooden desk for a mix of old and new. Even in bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices—it adds elegance without heaviness. Looks especially chic paired with a glam vanity or floating desk.

Tongue Chair

Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967, the Tongue Chair is a sleek, low-slung lounge chair with a smooth, flowing silhouette that feels both playful and futuristic. It practically begs you to kick off your shoes and sink in. With its bold curves and space-age vibe, it’s the kind of chair that makes a statement without saying a word—equal parts sculpture and chill spot. You’ll find it in the homes of design lovers who aren’t afraid to have a little fun with their furniture.

• Designer: Pierre Paulin (1967)
• Produced by: Artifort
• Best for: Creative studios, lounge areas, or futuristic-themed interiors.
• Styling Tip: This chair is a showstopper—use it as an accent piece in a minimalist setting or mix with bold, colorful decor for a retro-modern vibe. Pair it with bold, geometric rugs or funky patterned wallpaper to play up its retro-futuristic vibe. The Tongue Chair has a sculptural presence, so leaning into vibrant, graphic surroundings helps it feel like part of an intentional, artful space—not just a cool chair in the corner. Bonus points if you add a low, round coffee table nearby to echo its curves.

Eames LCW Plywood Chair

Charles and Ray Eames' 1946 LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) was groundbreaking for its molded plywood construction, which provides both ergonomic comfort and sculptural beauty. The LCW's gently curved seat and backrest are designed to conform to the body without needing upholstery. It’s low-slung and relaxed yet still supportive, making it feel surprisingly cozy despite its minimal form.

• Designers: Charles and Ray Eames (1945)
• Produced by: Herman Miller (U.S.) and Vitra (Europe)
• Best for: Living rooms, offices, or stylish bedroom corners.
• Styling Tip: Complements mid-century modern aesthetics perfectly. Add a wool throw and a small bookshelf nearby for a cozy reading corner. Or, place it next to a tall plant and a minimalist floor lamp to create a serene, sculptural reading corner. The natural wood tones of the LCW pair beautifully with greenery, and its low profile leaves visual breathing room—perfect for airy, modern spaces. Add a small woven or stone side table for texture and balance.

Cesca Armchair

Designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928, the Cesca Chair (named after his daughter Francesca) is an icon of Bauhaus design, featuring a tubular steel cantilever frame and a woven cane seat and back. Knoll owns the rights to the original design and manufactures authentic Cesca chairs with high-quality materials, including solid beech wood, handwoven cane seats, and tubular steel frames. Since the design isn't trademarked, many other brands create replicas of Cesca armchairs and sell them at a lower price point—including Thonet, Eternity Modern, and other sellers on Wayfair and Amazon.

• Designer: Marcel Breuer (1928)
• Produced by: Knoll
• Best for: Dining areas, home offices, or stylish waiting rooms.
• Styling Tip: Works beautifully in both contemporary and vintage spaces. Here's a fun idea: Pair it with a sleek marble or travertine dining table for a perfect balance of warmth and sophistication. The Cesca’s mix of woven cane, wood, and tubular steel makes it incredibly versatile, but it looks especially chic when contrasted with the natural elegance of stone. To complete the look, opt for a minimalist table setting—think ceramic dinnerware, linen napkins, and sculptural candle holders for an effortlessly refined vibe.

Pierre Jeanneret Office Chair

Part of the Chandigarh collection designed in the 1950s, the Pierre Jeanneret Office Chair is known for its V-shaped legs and handcrafted teak and cane materials, exuding timeless simplicity. The authentic Pierre Jeanneret chairs from the mid-20th century are available on resale sites for many thousands of dollars. However, the Italian furniture company Cassina offers the Capitol Complex Office Chair, an homage to Pierre Jeanneret's design.

• Designer: Pierre Jeanneret (1950s, Chandigarh collection)
• Produced by: No single official producer;
• Licensed versions: Cassina
• High-quality re-editions: Srelle, Dimo Chair, Phantom Hands, Object Embassy
• Vintage pieces: Found on 1stDibs, Galerie Patrick Seguin, etc.
• Best for: Home offices, libraries, or design-forward workspaces.
• Styling Tip: This chair is perfect for those who appreciate handcrafted furniture. Pair it with a sleek, minimal desk in black metal, marble, or glass to contrast old-world craftsmanship and contemporary design. And, of course, layer with a statement rug—a bold geometric or abstract pattern will add a fresh, modern twist to its classic mid-century appeal.

Wishbone Chair

Hans Wegner’s 1949 CH24 Wishbone Chair is a classic Danish design with an elegant Y-shaped backrest and handwoven paper cord seat inspired by Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs. The handwoven paper cord seat, crafted with over 120 meters (nearly 400 feet!) of cord, adds a layer of texture and craftsmanship that makes each chair truly unique. Designed for Carl Hansen & Søn, the Wishbone Chair embodies Wegner’s belief in organic, people-centric design—making it as comfortable as it is elegant. Its airy silhouette and mid-century appeal has remained a favorite for over 70 years, effortlessly fitting into classic and contemporary interiors.

• Designer: Hans J. Wegner (1949)
• Produced by: Carl Hansen & Søn
• Best for: Dining rooms, kitchens, or airy, open-concept spaces.
• Styling Tip: This chair works beautifully in Scandinavian, Japandi, or bohemian-inspired interiors since it is rooted in Danish and Ming Dynasty designs. Pair it with a light oak or natural wood dining table for a cohesive, organic feel. In an office space, you can pair it with a minimalist wood or black metal desk for a refined yet natural look. A solid oak, walnut, or ash desk will beautifully complement the chair’s craftsmanship.

Tulip Chair

Eero Saarinen’s 1956 Tulip Chair is a space-age design with a sleek pedestal base, eliminating the clutter of traditional legs and creating a smooth, futuristic aesthetic. Designed as part of Saarinen’s Pedestal Collection for Knoll, the chair was his response to what he called the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world” of table and chair legs. Instead of four legs, he created a single, elegant base that gives the chair a floating, sculptural quality. The design became an instant mid-century icon and even made its way into pop culture, famously appearing as seating in the original Star Trek series. Today, it's a popular chair in modern, minimalist, and eclectic interiors.

• Designer: Eero Saarinen (1956)
• Produced by: Knoll
• Best for: Dining rooms, kitchen nooks, or retro-modern interiors.
• Styling Tip: Pairs well with a round Tulip table for a seamless, space-age look. Ideal for minimal and contemporary spaces. For a retro-modern look, place a Tulip Chair at a sleek writing desk with a globe lamp and a few vintage books. The sculptural shape keeps a workspace looking curated and refined. Also, while the chair’s white version is the most famous, try a black, red, or custom-upholstered version for a high-fashion statement.

Egg Chair

Another Arne Jacobsen masterpiece from 1958, the Egg Chair features a cocooning, high-back design that offers privacy and comfort, originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel. The chair’s organic, enveloping shape was inspired by the idea of a protective shell—hence the name “Egg.” Its curves were made possible by cutting-edge foam molding technology at the time, making it both radical and comfortable. The Egg Chair has appeared in movies, fashion shoots, and even James Bond films, further cementing its status as a design icon.

• Designer: Arne Jacobsen (1958)
• Produced by: Fritz Hansen
• Best for: Lounge areas, home libraries, or cozy corners in large rooms.
• Styling Tip: This chair shines in large spaces—place near a fireplace or floor-to-ceiling windows for a luxurious feel. The Egg Chair complements modern and Scandinavian interiors. Use it to create a relaxing sanctuary or reading corner in your living room or a moody, chic spot for meditation and journaling in your bedroom. Place it on a plush rug, like sheepskin or velvet-pile, to anchor it and add softness underfoot.

Delta Chair

The Delta Chair, designed by Jorge Pensi, is a contemporary, stackable chair with a sleek silhouette, often used in modern dining and commercial spaces. Pensi aimed to create a timeless piece that balances realism and surrealism, matter and antimatter, abstraction and emotion. The goal was to maximize emotions while minimizing resources, challenging conventional design logic. The Delta Chair's sleek and minimalist aesthetic makes it a versatile addition to contemporary spaces, blending equally well with exterior or interior settings.

• Designer: Jorge Pensi (for outdoor/indoor use)
• Produced by: Vondom, a Spanish design brand known for its innovative and stylish indoor-outdoor furniture.
• Best for: Dining rooms, conference spaces, or contemporary offices.
• Styling Tip: Works well in minimalist or industrial settings. It would be fun to transform a small outdoor space—like a balcony, rooftop, or minimalist patio—into a sleek, design-forward escape using the Delta Chair as the anchor. Pair a set of Delta Chairs with a round concrete or terrazzo bistro table, incorporate layered textures to soften the chair’s modern lines, and hang an overhead lantern or string lights to warm up the space at night and highlight the Delta Chair’s subtle curves and matte finish.

Pacha Chair

​The Pacha Chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1975, embodies a shift towards more relaxed and informal seating that emerged during the mid-20th century. A bold and sculptural lounge chair, the Pacha Chair is known for its exaggerated curves and artistic presence, making it more of a statement piece than just a seat. Paulin pioneered low-level living, a modern approach to seating that eliminated traditional chair legs. The Pacha Chair sits close to the floor, encouraging a more relaxed and casual posture.

• Designer: Pierre Paulin (1975)
• Produced by: GUBI (Denmark)
• Best for: Lounge rooms, creative spaces, loft corners, or bedrooms.
• Styling Tip: A bold, sculptural chair that works best in artistic, avant-garde interiors. Pair with dramatic lighting and modern art pieces. Lean into the Pacha Chair’s soft, sculptural form by creating a “floating cloud” nook—perfect for reading, relaxing, or just vibing. Keep lighting soft and ambient, and layer in tactile accents: a bouclé or faux shearling throw, a velvet cushion, or a chunky knit ottoman.

Memento Armchair

A sophisticated and contemporary armchair with minimalist lines and a cozy form, often featuring luxurious upholstery for a refined look. Seriously, though, that upholstery looks so comfortable!!

• Produced by: Athezza, a French brand known for its furniture and decorative objects. (Various versions of the Memento chair exist, but Athezza produces the one pictured below.)
• Best for: Cozy reading nooks, living rooms, or stylish bedrooms.
• Styling Tip: Perfect for modern luxury interiors. Pair with soft lighting, a plush throw, and a sleek coffee table. Lean into the vintage-inspired curves and bold red velvet vibe of the Memento Chair to create a space that feels glamorous and moody. A patterned rug in jewel tones can create a wonderful contrast with this cozy red chair, plus a gold or brass floor lamp and velvet or fringed throw pillow, and you will have a cozy corner that everyone will be asking about!

TON Hoffmann Side Chair (811)

A classic bentwood chair produced by TON, the Hoffmann Side Chair draws inspiration from Josef Hoffmann’s early 20th-century designs, combining elegance with durability. This chair is made using a century-old steam-bending technique, perfected by Michael Thonet and still practiced today at TON’s factory in the Czech Republic—one of the oldest continuously operating furniture manufacturers in the world. The Hoffmann Side Chair is a timeless piece that bridges traditional European craftsmanship with modern minimalism, making it a staple in everything from cafés to curated homes.

• Designer: Michael Thonet-inspired, based on classic bentwood design (often attributed to Josef Hoffmann)
• Produced by: TON (Czech Republic), which continues Thonet’s bentwood legacy
• Best for: Dining rooms, cafés, or elegant home offices.

Styling Tip: Bring effortless Parisian café vibes into your own kitchen or dining space by pairing the Hoffmann Side Chair with a round bistro-style table—think marble, wood, or even metal with a vintage patina; a pendant lamp in brass or rattan to warm up the space above, and a tiny vase of fresh herbs or wildflowers for that casual, just-stepped-out-of-a-bakery feel. Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix them with other vintage-style or modern chairs for an eclectic, collected-over-time look that feels intentional and creative.

Eames Molded DAR Plastic Armchair

This molded plastic armchair with Eiffel-style metal legs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950, is an enduring symbol of modern, functional design. Originally developed for a MoMA design competition, the DAR chair was one of the first to bring mass-produced, affordable, and stylish seating into American homes. Its blend of ergonomics, futuristic lines, and playful practicality made it an instant classic—and it's still beloved today for exactly those reasons.

• Designers: Charles and Ray Eames (1948)
• Produced by: Herman Miller (U.S.) and Vitra (Europe)
• Best for: Dining rooms, offices, or casual seating areas.
• Styling Tip: Give your dining space a mid-century-meets-modern refresh by pairing the DAR chairs with a natural wood or marble table—the hard/soft contrast brings out the best in both materials. Want extra visual interest? Mix and match DAR shell colors (like white, black, and muted olive) around the table for an artsy, curated vibe. Finish the look with a graphic rug and a globe pendant light for a setting that feels effortlessly cool and magazine-worthy.

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

First released in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman combine luxurious leather upholstery with molded plywood, offering the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman were Charles and Ray Eames’ take on the classic English club chair—but reinvented for the mid-century modern home. It was the first Eames chair specifically designed for luxury, combining molded plywood, rich leather, and reclined ergonomics to offer indulgent yet modern comfort. It debuted on national television and quickly became a cultural icon, appearing in everything from Mad Men to design museums worldwide.

• Designers: Charles and Ray Eames (1948)
• Produced by: Herman Miller (U.S.) and Vitra (Europe)
• Best for: Living rooms, reading corners, or sophisticated offices.
• Styling Tip: The ultimate relaxation chair, best placed near a bookshelf and soft lighting. Works beautifully in mid-century modern, industrial, and luxurious interiors. Create a high-design reading nook by placing the lounge chair near a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, with a low arc lamp overhead and a graphic-patterned rug underneath. Add a stack of design books on the ottoman or a sleek side table. Let the chair be the star—surround it with soft lighting and rich textures to highlight its sculptural warmth.

Butterfly Chair

Designed initially in Buenos Aires, the Butterfly Chair—also known as the BKF or Hardoy Chair—is a brilliant example of minimal form and maximum impact. Its sling-style leather or canvas seat is suspended from a lightweight metal frame, creating a portable, affordable, and incredibly comfortable chair. It became a post-war design darling in bohemian homes and modernist settings alike.

• Designers: Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy (1938)
• Produced by:
  • Knoll owns the license for the original design, but they aren't currently producing any
  • High-end versions are also made by Cuero Design and various artisan makers
  • Many unlicensed versions exist
• Best for: Boho-style lounges, outdoor patios, or casual reading corners.
• Styling Tip: Works well with leather or canvas covers. Pair with woven rugs, textured pillows, and wooden side tables for a relaxed, natural feel. Set it up in a sun-drenched corner with a layered sheepskin or woven textile draped over the seat. Pair it with a Moroccan pouf, cactus, and rustic wood side table for a laid-back, global vibe. It’s perfect for a chill nook with eclectic charm.

Méribel Side Chair

Named after the French alpine village where Charlotte Perriand designed ski resort interiors, the Méribel Chair is all about simplicity, warmth, and craftsmanship. Its low, curved backrest and solid wood frame reflect Perriand’s love for natural materials and honest design. It’s both rustic and refined—perfectly embodying the alpine modern aesthetic she pioneered.

• Designer: Charlotte Perriand (1950s)
• Produced by: No longer in production, but vintage pieces and high-quality reproductions remain accessible for those seeking to incorporate this classic design into their interiors.
• Best for: Cozy cabins, rustic-inspired interiors, or Alpine-themed spaces.
• Styling Tip: Looks best in wood-dominant interiors. Pair with a wool throw and a stone fireplace for an ultra-cozy vibe. Use it as an accent chair in a cozy cabin-inspired bedroom or nook. Pair it with textured throws, a chunky knit cushion, and a soft wool rug. Add a vintage lantern-style lamp nearby to create a perfect hygge-inspired retreat.

Thonet Café Chair (218)

Also known as the Vienna Coffee House Chair, this classic bentwood chair by Michael Thonet (c. 1876) is lightweight yet sturdy, with an elegant curved backrest, making it a staple in European cafés for over a century. The Thonet 218 Chair is one of the most iconic bentwood café chairs ever created—featuring a steam-bent wood frame, a rounded backrest, and a woven cane seat. It became synonymous with Parisian cafés and Viennese coffeehouses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lightweight, graceful, and stackable, it’s a perfect example of timeless functional beauty.

• Designer: Michael Thonet (circa 1876)
• Produced by: Thonet (Germany – the original company) & TON (Czech Republic – spun off from Thonet in the 19th century, still producing bentwood chairs using traditional methods)
• Best for: Dining rooms, cafés, or vintage-style kitchens.
• Styling Tip: Go full café chic by pairing several 218 chairs with a bistro-style table, linen tablecloth, and soft pendant lighting overhead. Add a few fresh flowers in small glass vases and a vintage espresso machine nearby to complete the Euro-café fantasy.

From sculptural silhouettes to mid-century masterpieces, these iconic chairs have earned their place in design history—and now, thanks to smart dupes and curated finds on Spoken, you can bring that same timeless style into your home without the designer price tag.

Whether you're a design enthusiast or just looking for a few statement pieces to elevate your space, Spoken makes it easy to compare prices across top retailers, discover lookalikes you’ll love, and save money while shopping smarter.

Ready to find your perfect chair dupe?
Head to Spoken.io and start browsing—your dream chair is waiting (for way less than you think).