The Chord Chair
The Chord Chair
A sculptural laminated easy chair with corded lumbar support, designed for adaptable comfort in refined contemporary interiors.
Project Summary:
The Chord Chair is a contemporary lounge chair combining sculpted timber construction with woven cord lumbar support for adaptable comfort.
Project type: Made to order edition
Cost: £3200 (Discount offered on multiples of 2+)
Lead time: 3-5 weeks
Materials: English oak, synthetic cord
Project info
The Chord Chair is a bespoke lounge chair developed as a study in comfort, structure and material. Designed as a contemporary easy chair, it combines laminated timber construction with a corded lumbar support, creating a piece that balances sculptural clarity with everyday usability. The intention was to produce a handcrafted armchair that feels resolved in form while remaining generous and adaptable in use.
The primary structure of the chair is formed through lamination, allowing the timber to be shaped into smooth, continuous curves. This process provides structural strength while enabling a refined, flowing profile that would not be achievable using solid sections alone. The laminated seat and back establish the overall silhouette, giving the chair a calm yet confident presence suited to both residential and commercial interiors.
Integrated within this form is a corded lumbar support, introducing a flexible and tactile element to the backrest. This woven section responds subtly to the sitter, offering targeted lower back support while maintaining visual lightness. The contrast between the rigid laminated frame and the flexible corded region creates a considered dialogue between firmness and responsiveness, reinforcing the chair’s focus on comfort without excess bulk.
The geometry has been carefully refined to support multiple relaxed seating positions. The seat depth, recline angle and lumbar placement are calibrated to encourage a natural, informal posture. Rather than prescribing a single upright position, the Chord Chair accommodates variation, making it suitable as a reading chair, lounge chair or statement armchair within a contemporary interior.
Edges and transitions are kept precise and restrained, allowing proportion and curvature to define the character of the piece. There are no applied decorative details; the visual interest comes from the laminated construction, the rhythm of the corded support and the clarity of the overall form. The design remains minimal, allowing the material and craftsmanship to take precedence.
Shortlisted for both the Wood Awards and the New Furniture Makers Award, the Chord Chair reflects a balance between technical resolution and refined furniture design. The laminated structure demonstrates careful timber knowledge, while the woven lumbar detail introduces innovation within a traditional material context.
As a bespoke timber lounge chair, the Chord Chair represents an approach to furniture making that prioritises proportion, durability and tactile quality. It is designed to sit comfortably within modern interiors, offering a sculptural yet practical seating solution defined by clean lines, considered joinery and thoughtful craftsmanship.
