Skip to main content

Chrome Chairs

to
91
468
352
739
107
29
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
466
370
165
288
135
196
125
147
118
134
115
148
470
76
33
16
5
4
1
738
136
35
318
321
9
30
7
16
105
195
71
15
19,621
17,667
9,725
9,621
4,982
622
268
162
153
114
875
770
783
37
35
33
33
31
Material: Chrome
Mid-Century set of "Tulu" Chairs by Kazhuide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy 68
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of four "Tulu" chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina Studio Simon, 1968. This set is for the first series because is without the crossbar on the front of the seat. New foa...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Art Deco Revival Chrome and Upholstered Accent Armchair, 1970-1980
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Art Deco Revival accent armchair in chrome rectangular tube with upholstered seat and back. It is in wonderful vintage condition with no outstanding flaws. The original vint...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Cantilever Chairs Kem Weber Newly Reupholstered in Leather - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco Cantilever Chairs Attributed to Kem Weber for Lloyd’s Manufacturing Newly Reupholstered in Holly Hunt Teal Metallic Full Grain Leather wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage James Peade Drexel Abacus Chromed Steel and Upholstered Side Chair
By Drexel, James Peade
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual and newly upholstered and chrome side chair has wonderful period wheels. This is designed by James Peade for Drexel's Viewpoint 70 Collection...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Pair of Knoll Bruno Style Flat Bar Chairs with Black Leather Upholstery
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of Knoll Bruno style flat bar chairs with black leather upholstery. Bought in the D & D building in NYC in the early 1980's. No Knoll markings but heavy. Very comfy. Very minor ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

20th Century chrome and leather chair with stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
20th century chrome and leather chair with stool circa 1980. Good quality lounging chair with matching stool for when you need to put your feet up, very comfortable deep and wide se...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Four Comfortable Turquoise Fiberglass Armchairs on Chrome Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 comfortable turquoise fiberglass armchairs on chrome bases.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Six Italian Chairs in Chromed Metal Structure and Lucite Seat and Back
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of six clean line Italian chairs. The chromed metal structure holds the seat and back, made of Lucite. Comes with seat cushions.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of 4, Mid-Century Modern Thonet Mies Van Der Rohe Brno Red Chairs, 1970s
Located in Basel, BS
Set of 4 awesome Mies van der Rohe style Brno chairs made by Thonet, in a fantastic bold red! Clean, Modern & Sculptural lines are shown through this classic and collectible early Ch...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Armchair, by Mart Stam, Chrome, Beech, Plywood, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939. Material: Beech plywood and chrome-plated steel Source: Germany Maker: Mart Stam. Designed by Mart Stam, a renowned Dutch designer, and architec...
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bauhaus Diagonal Chairs by Willem Hendrik Gispen for Gispen, The Netherlands
Located in Almelo, NL
Bauhaus Diagonal Chairs by Willem Hendrik Gispen for Gispen, The Netherlands — Design 1927, Production 1970s A remarkable pair of Diagonal Chairs designed in 1927 by Dutch industria...
Category

1970s Dutch Bauhaus Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Four Side Chairs by Börge Lindau, 1980s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four side chairs, in ash wood, leather and chrome frame. Designed by Börge Lindau for Blå Station. Original condition.
Category

1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Six Stamped S33 Mart Stam 1-06G Marcel Breuer Leather Armchairs Made in Italy
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this set of six fully stamped, original Mart Stam 1-06G, Marcel Breuer S33 armchairs in brown leather circa 1980’...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Chrome and Velvet Chair, Sergio Asti, 1970s
Located in PARIS, FR
Console-leg chair designed by Italian designer Sergio Asti in the 1970s. Made of polished chrome-plated steel and upholstered in its original orange velvet. The fabric shows light we...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern BRNO Style Chrome Cantilever Lounge Arm Chairs (C) - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern BRNO Style Chrome Cantilever Lounge Arm Chairs (C) - a Pair. Item features heavy chrome plated steel cantilever frames, quality American craftsmanship, sle...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Early Red Aniline Dyed Eames LCM "Lounge Chair Metal", Signed with Evans Label
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very early Charles Eames and Ray Eames LCM, for Evans Products Company, Venice, CA, circa 1945. Red aniline-dyed molded plywood, polished c...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1930s Bauhaus Tubular Chair by Robert Slezak , Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with some signs of use - seat height: 44cm
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Six Italian Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful set of sleek chrome and black fabric dining chairs from the Italian brand IMS SRL. A comfortable padded seat and high arched back offers plenty of su...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Bauhaus Chrome Chair by Robert Slezák, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1930s - Maker: Robert Slezák (marked) - Published in catalogues - New color with patina already (see the photos) - Very early model, connected with small rivet.
Category

1920s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1930s Marcel Breuer B34 Chair, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly Chromed - New canvas - Originally painted wooden armrests with some signs of use - Manufacturer: Thonet (TON).
Category

1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Set of 2 Pagwood Chairs by Flototto, 1982
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with signs of use. Made in Germany. Marked with the number 1410-20. Measures: Seat hight 47cm.
Category

1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 7 Brown Gerd Lange Nova Chairs for Atelier International with Chrome Base
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 7 Nova chairs in brown polypropylene by Gerd Lange for Atelier International. The chairs were originally designed for Drabert (West Germany) in the 1960's and licensed to A...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 2 Restored Bauhaus Chairs, by Stam and Slezak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939. Material: beech and chrome-plated steel Source: Germany Maker: Mart Stam. Designed by Mart Stam, a renowned Dutch designer, and architect pivota...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

2x Original Vitra EA 108 Bürostuhl Vitra Charles Ray Eames hopsak
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Vitra EA 108 Konferenzstühle mit schwarzem Hopsak Stoff zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle wurden professionell gereinigt und aufgearbeitet. ***Der Preis bezieh...
Category

2010s German Post-Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Four Chrome tubular steel Bauhaus Chairs by Fritz August Breuhaus/Thonet - 1930
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - Designer: Fritz Breuhaus - maker: marked by maker, see the paper label - Good, absolutely original condition, upholstery in perfect condition - chrome in original good cond...
Category

1920s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Midcentury English Upholstered Chairs
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Pair of midcentury English upholstered chairs, circa 1950s-1960s. Pair of matching midcentury chairs upholstered in Velvet. Excellent form. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Papillonne Armless Matt Chrome Bar Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Papillonne armless bar chair comes to your living area with its details, combining comfort with elegance. Materials:Matt chrome Alternatives: Brass, black painted metal, brass plat...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Cantilevered SS33 Armchairs by Anton Lorenz for Thonet, c1970s
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale, we have a stunning collection of Mid-Century SS33 Cantilevered Dining Chairs, designed by the legendary Anton Lorenz for Thonet. These chairs are iconic pieces of mid-centu...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1980s Herculon Breuer Cesca style Chair NOS New in Box
Located in San Gabriel, CA
1987 Herculon Breuer chair, for the Cesca collector, this new-in-box Breuer-style chair is likely the last of its kind. Sealed in box and ready for your asse...
Category

1980s Taiwanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Knoll Bertoia Bar Stool with Beautiful Original Cushion, 1970
Located in Oirlo, LI
Knoll Bertoia bar stool with beautiful original cushion, 1970 The Bertoia side chair is available with a seat cushion. The frame is a welded steel ...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1960s Hollywood Regency Milo Baughman Chrome Upholstered High Back Chair
Located in Monrovia, CA
Vintage Milo Baughman 1960s Hollywood Regency Single Chrome And Upholstered Chair. Beautiful Single Chrome And Upholstered Chair Is In Excellent Vintage Condition, Chrome Is Thick An...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Two Restored Beech Armchairs by Mart Stam, Robert Slezak, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Set of two restored beech Bauhaus Armchairs designed by Mart Stam. Style: Bauhaus Designer: Mart Stam Maker: Robert Slezak Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material: Beech, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Shelby Williams Post Modern Royal Blue Chrome Armchair - One Chair, 1980s
Located in Basel, BS
Post Modern / Mid Century Modern Vintage Original Chrome Arm Chairs by Iconic Shelby Williams circa the 1980's This classic chair is a beauty. These chairs are POPPING. The chrome s...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Set of six dining chairs "Gaja", Italy
Located in Argelato, BO
Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Set of four six chairs "Gaja" an elegant but essential project, which combines the Japanese conceptual universe with Italian style. Upon request i...
Category

1970s Italian Minimalist Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of 4 Vintage Mid-Century German Modern Cantilever Dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of four cantilever chairs was manufactured in Germany during the 1960s. These chairs are a perfect example of modernist design inspired by Bauhaus aesthetics, combining func...
Category

1960s German Bauhaus Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Alias 417 Highframe 40 Chair in Black Leather Seat with Chromed Aluminium Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alias 417 Highframe 40 Chair in Black Leather Seat with Chromed Aluminium Frame by Alberto Meda Stacking chair with arms, structure composed of extruded aluminium profile and die-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Alias 434 Rollingframe 44 Chair in Grey Seat with Chromed Aluminum Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alias 434 Rollingframe 44 Chair in Grey Seat with Chromed Aluminum Frame by Alberto Meda Height adjustable chair with soft (or hard or soft breaking ***) ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Six Mid-Century Tri-Mark Designs Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Well-crafted chrome chairs with decorative fastening on the back. Set of six for home or office use. Please confirm item location with dealer (NJ or NY).   
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Alberto Salvati Ambrogio Tresoldi for Saporiti Set of Ten Dania Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alberto Salvati e Ambrogio Tresoldi for Saporiti, set of ten 'Dania' swivel chairs, fabric, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1980s These swivel chairs are designed by designer duo Albert...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Italy Light Grey Leather Dining Chairs Armchairs Cantilever Set of 4
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These Cantilever vintage chairs are Italian classics. In the manner of Marcel Breuer this chairs are strongly inspired by the Bauhaus Movement. It is the thick smooth saddle anilin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mauser Cantilever Chairs, Germany Circa 1920
Located in Culver City, CA
*Please note the price is per unit, and the chairs are sold individually* Mauser Cantilever Chairs Germany circa 1920 Painted black seats and back on chromed tubular steel f...
Category

20th Century German Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1970s Chairsm Space Age
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic dining chairs from the 1970s. Chrome-plated steel frame with a polypropylene seat shell in off white. Made in Germany. The offer includes 4 chairs.
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Erla Solveig Oskarsdóttir Bessi Chair For One Collection
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Erla Solveig Oskarsdóttir Bessi Chair Frame: Black, Wood Types: Walnut , Upholstery: Sand For One Collection Designed in 2000 by Erla Sólveig Óskarsdóttir, the Bessie Chair present...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Erla Solveig Oskarsdóttir Bessi Chair For One Collection
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Erla Solveig Oskarsdóttir Bessi Chair Frame: Black, Upholstery: Cognac For One Collection Designed in 2000 by Erla Sólveig Óskarsdóttir, the Bessie Chair presents a balance of desi...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Bauhaus Children s Chrome Chair
Located in Praha, CZ
- Producer: Unknown, maybe Thonet - Original orange color - Chrome with patina - Original condition (see detailed pictures) - circa 1930.
Category

1930s Bauhaus Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Bauhaus Children
s Chrome Chair
Bauhaus Children
s Chrome Chair
$1,282 Sale Price
20% Off
Saturn Pouffe Small, Ottoman, Modern, Sculptural, Chrome Frame and Ivory Boucle
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Saturn pouffe utilises gathered bilboquet seat construction, to create a more simplified but still incredibly distinctive form. The The Saturn pouffe utilises gathered bilboque...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Rodney Kinsman Space Age Yellow Omstak Chair for Bieffeplast, 1971, Set 0f 18
Located in Vicenza, IT
This set of 18 yellow "Omstak" stackable dining chairs was designed by Rodney Kinsman's eponymous company in London in 1971 and produced in Italy by Bieffeplast. They feature a chrom...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of swivel chairs with metal base. Bucket seats with swivel action. Please confirm location.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Bauhaus Style Mid-Century Modern Style Chairs by Bernhardt
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of sharp looking stripe upholstery side office lounge chairs on chrome frame in style of Bauhaus.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

8 "Ant" Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen c. 1985
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of eight iconic "Model 3101" (better known as "Ant") chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen of Denmark. Stamped in 1985 and featuring interlocking metal bases for scho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of 3 Mosquito Munkegård Dining Chairs by Arne Jacobsen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 3 black 'Mosquito' Munkegård model no. 3105 chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark in the 1950s. stackable chairs are stackable a...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Cadrille Chair
Located in Paris, FR
Chair Cadrille with structure in steel in chrome finish, with seat and back hand-crafted with anthracite rawhide.       
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Cadrille Chair
Cadrille Chair
$1,365 / item
Green Velvet Chairs Attributed to Willy Rizzo
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Set of 4 Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs, 1970s Elevate your space with this stunning set of four vintage chairs attributed to renowned designer Willy Rizzo, crafted in the iconic style ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 1969 Chrome Upholstered Tank Lounge Cantilever Chair
Located in Thiensville, WI
Designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Inc., in High Point, North Carolina. Date of manufacturing / order date listed on chair is "7/30/69". Architectural heavy flat bar chrome steel frame. Design features hidden chrome seat support bars to enhance illusion of floating seat. Deep, wide seat offers a subtle inclined design. Original tufted brown polished leather-like (synthetic blend) upholstery with matching upholstered arm cushions / accents at top of each arm rest. Upholstery has a somewhat polished / shiny appearance with variations in brown tones that blend well with any color palette. Solid, intact and a great useable Mid-Century Modern piece as an accent chair; for the home or office. Measurements: (Close approximate measurements noted below. Additional measurements upon request) Height : 30.5" (from base to top of back cushion) Width : 25" (from left edge of armrest to right edge of armrest) Depth : 28" (from back edge of frame to front edge of seat cushion) Seat Height : Approximately 17.5" at front and gradually declines to approximately 16.5" at back. Seat Depth : 20" (front edge of cushion to back) Seat Width : Approximately 22" (left to right) Back Cushion Height : Approximately 14.5" (from seat to top of back). Materials : Exterior cushion...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Tubular Steel Chrome Bauhaus Chair by Hynek Gottwald - 1930 (Eisengarn)
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - Designer: propably Hana Kucerova Zaveska - maker: Hynek Gottwald ( publicated in literature) - Good, absolutely original condition, original isengarn/ iron fabric (repaired...
Category

1920s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Customizable Gebruder S 533 Cantilever Leather Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
RANGE S 533 Technology becomes furniture; a striking invention becomes an elegant interior design object. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was the first to provide the ...
Category

2010s German Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Lucite and Chrome Architectural Side Chairs Attributed to Charles Hollis Jones
Located in North Miami, FL
These unusual square pair of lucite side chairs have high box arms with a slab of clear lucite as the back. Attributed to Charles Hollis Jones. They have a...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Minimalist Antti Kotilainen for Piiroinen, Knoll Chip A Wood and Chrome Chair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous Chip A chair designed by Antti Kotilainen for Piiroinen in Finland and sold by Knoll. The extreme lightness and clean minimalistic shape of the Chip A chair make it suitable...
Category

2010s Finnish Minimalist Chrome Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Charles Pollockk Penelope Stacking or Stack Chairs
Located in Kansas City, MO
Charles Pollock (Pollack) for Castelli sturdy wire mesh and chromed steel stacking chairs with arms. We took each of these chairs apart and replaced the inner screws that break with ...
Category

1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Chromed Foldable Vintage Chairs by Marcello Cuneo 1970 Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage four ( 4 ) chairs designed by Marcello Cuneo 1970s Italy and produced by Mobel. The frame of the foldable chairs is chrome-plated and the upholstery is cov...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chrome Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Read More

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.

Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire

What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.

Kaleidoscopic Upholstery Makes This Edward Wormley Chair a Showstopper

What at first glance seems an unusual choice jibes perfectly with the designer's aesthetic.

Design Icon Ilse Crawford on Her Colorful New Hans Wegner Chairs

If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.

How to Reupholster a Chair

Want to update an old chair that still has good bones? We spoke to experts to find out how they approach reupholstering antique furniture.

How to Spot Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI Chairs

A field guide for anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge of French antiques

The Ball Chair, Eero Aarnio’s Space Age Masterpiece, Was Almost Never Made

Now considered emblematic of 1960s mod aesthetics, the Finnish designer's famous creation was far from an overnight success.