Objects of Desire: Grasshopper-Inspired Lounge Chairs Step Lively

With versions made famous by Eero Saarinen and Fabricius & Kastholm, the Grasshopper Chair is an oft-unsung hero of midcentury design. It hopped into the scene in 1946, when Saarinen designed the piece for Knoll. Marked by its ergonomic curves and lively, angled legs, the lounge chair and its accompanying ottoman were the first in a series of sculptural chairs Saarinen designed for the company throughout the 1940s and ’50s, and that Knoll manufactured until 1965.

Three years later the Grasshopper jumped back into the spotlight when Danish designers Fabricius & Kastholm introduced their FK 87 Grasshopper Chair. The tumultuous two — who designed together for only six short years — elegantly balanced a leather chaise atop delicate metal legs which, as in Saarinen’s version, are angled like the rear legs of an insect, making it appear as though the seat is ready to leap into space.

The stylized legs common to both designs enable the Grasshopper Chair to inject a sense of playfulness into the stringent, straight lines of a modern space, and have inspired others to create similar designs for seating.


FK 87 Grasshopper

Henrik Lange obtained the rights to relaunch the Fabricius & Kastholm design by agreeing to follow the exact specifications and materials used in the original.

Details: This modern Grasshopper Chair is made in the same factory as the original, using the original tools and molds.

Why it works here: The Grasshopper’s sculptural nature stands out, adding luxurious sophistication to this midcentury-inspired New York City apartment.

Tip: “This is a piece that is beautiful from all angles. It needs space to breathe and to be seen,” says Suite New York’s Niki Biszantz, who sells the new versions. “Vintage pieces from the ’60s may be found at auction but generally will be considerably more expensive than buying a new one, which is fully licensed in the exact same specifications.”

Source: Suite New York


Osvado Borsani P 40 Lounge Chair

Details: This ’60s design classic is likely one of the original fully adjustable chairs with a reclining back, adjustable leg support and a lower leg rest, and armrests that can be elegantly raised or lowered. “It’s like the old-school, way cooler La-Z-Boy-type chair,” quips owner Wanda Ely.

Why it works here: Ely was looking for an ultracomfortable piece to relax in, whether watching TV or reading. The P 40 fit the bill while adding high-design sophistication to her space.

How she got it: Ely’s parents purchased the chair from a friend who was moving abroad. “I started to covet it the year I started architecture school, and could then appreciate what a fine piece of furniture it was,” she says. “They gave it to me when I graduated architecture school.”

Tour Eli’s rooftop retreat


Modernica Grasshopper Chair

Taking up little volume, this sturdy lounge chair — based on Saarinen’s original design for Knoll — provides a supportive place to recline and relax.

Details: Modernica tweaked Saarinen’s original design to improve durability, and released it in 1995 in more than 50 fabric and leather choices.

About this room: Designer Suzette Sherman’s client had Danish roots and was inspired by memories of his childhood home, which featured furnishings in clean, modern lines. “His whole house had Scando-inspired furniture and designs. This is his office, and he wanted a reading chair that made him happy,” she says.

Why it works here: This was the smallest space that Sherman had ever designed. Since her client works on his laptop for short periods, she was able to use a small desk and ant chair. “This allowed the lounge chair to sit within the remainder of the space alone,” says the designer. “It has a good-size footprint but is very light and airy, so it fits beautifully in the space [and makes] the small room feel bigger.”

Source: Modernica


Edie Lounge Chair by Younger Furniture

The angled legs on these Grasshopper-inspired lounge chairs are a creative salute to the original Saarinen design.

Details: Hardwood frames and button-tufted upholstery anchor these chairs as solidly midcentury inspired.

Why they work here: The pieces in this room are all about curves and angles, from the tapered legs of the ottoman to the welcoming arms of the sofa. The addition of these lively Grasshopper Chairs in a bright cerulean makes this room come to life.

Tip: Beware of seat heights in midcentury-inspired pieces; many seats can be very low to the ground. Disparate heights can make social situations feel awkward, so keep seat heights within 3 inches of one another to stimulate conversation.

Source: Younger Furniture


Sam Moore Grasshopper Exposed Wood Chair, Quince - $990The details: Available as both a lounge chair and a recliner, Sam Moore’s take on Saarinen’s design brings those lively legs to a more affordable price point.

What’s new: The curved legs make this reimagining more contemporary than midcentury, while still preserving the chair’s character.

Source: Hayneedle

More: 18 Great Midcentury Modern Chairs

URL: Objects of Desire: Grasshopper-Inspired Lounge Chairs Step Lively http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24280.html