Pair of Contemporary S 35 Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Thonet

In design, there is no greater endorsement than the triumph over time. Since its debut in 1930, the S 35 lounge chair has remained a coveted staple of modern seating; a testament to Marcel Breuer’s visionary design and the superior craftsmanship of Thonet.
The S 35 is known as the sleekest and airiest of all the Bauhaus cantilever chairs, perhaps because it is able to achieve so much with so few ingredients. The tubular chrome is ingeniously bent to create a sturdy and continuous frame, with only one seam and two perpendicular vertices. The leather seat and backrest are one continuous piece – further reducing the visual noise of unnecessary seams and breaks. Where the leather bends upwards, two curved cutouts add visual interest and create a smooth hinge. Finally, the cantilever silhouette serves dual functions: providing the practical comfort of a subtle bounce and delighting the eye with the visual magic trick of a chair that seems to float between its two armrests. It is the harmonious combination of all of these elements which makes the S 35 chair truly special, ensuring that its legacy will last another 100 years.