8 Chairs Rethinking a Familiar Form

A chair may be one of the most familiar forms in furniture design, but there are still plenty of ways to rethink it. The latest chair designs span new introductions, updated classics, and seating made for an increasingly blurry divide between home, work, and hospitality spaces. Some reconsider how a chair moves with the body, while others focus on circular materials, craftsmanship, flexibility, or simply giving a familiar silhouette new character.

From Mario Bellini’s newly colorful MB 1 Lounge Chair to Ineke Hans’ circular Rex and a refreshed Eames classic, these eight modern chairs offer a snapshot of where seating design is headed in 2026.

Three modern office chairs with mesh backs and wheeled bases are placed on a wooden floor against a plain light-colored wall.

Photography courtesy of Teknion

1. Blink by Teknion

Designed in partnership with Formway, Blink by Teknion delivers ergonomic support with minimal adjustment required. A precision-molded shell with more than 1,000 perforations forms a breathable, flexible surface for all-day comfort. Its Keel mechanism uses body weight as a counterbalance, automatically calibrating support as the user moves. Internal gears ensure controlled movement, while the high-performance springs offer a smooth sit. Made of regenerated nylon and recycled polypropylene, the chair also puts material efficiency at the center of its design. Color-matched components create a cohesive look that complements a range of interiors.

A rustic kitchen with a round wooden table, four chairs, food items on the table, and a large fireplace in the background.

Photography courtesy of Olive Ateliers

2. Livery Dining Side Chair by Olive Ateliers

Los Angeles-based design house Olive Ateliers presents the Livery Dining Side Chair, a solid hardwood design inspired by antique furniture. Made in India and hand-finished by skilled artisans, it evokes the classic beauty and character of a piece passed down from generation to generation. The hand-turned back rail enhances the chair’s rustic charm, while a 16-inch-deep saddle seat completes the pared-back form.

Two green armchairs and a small coffee table with a cup on it are arranged on a brick patio surrounded by desert plants.

Photography courtesy of Heller

3. MB1 Lounge Chair by Heller

Designed by Mario Bellini, the MB 1 Lounge Chair by Heller is made of a self-cushioning polymer and includes an integrated channel along its perimeter for easy water drainage when used outdoors. The sculptural chair now comes in five additional nature-inspired shades: Olive, a verdant green; Cookie, a deep golden hue; Slate and Silver, two stone-like neutrals; and Terra Cotta, a rich earthen hue. The expanded palette gives the established design new possibilities across indoor and outdoor spaces.

A modern yellow chair with angular legs and armrests sits on a wood floor against a background with pink and white gradients.

Photography courtesy of Hightower

4. Rex

Rex from Hightower, in partnership with Circuform, is a chair made with circularity in mind. Produced in European facilities using green energy, it is made from 98% recycled ECONYL, derived in part from waste including fishing nets and carpets. Designed by Ineke Hans, the chair’s unique form allows for stacking, which means easy storage. It also has individual parts that can be replaced or repaired to extend its life. A matte seat finish prevents sliding, while the slightly flexible back allows micro-movements. With 80 possible color combinations, users can personalize Rex to suit a range of spaces.

Gray office chair on wheels is positioned in front of a wooden desk, with framed pictures on the wall and a large window in the background.

Photography courtesy of Room & Board

5. Penny

Penny by Room & Board for Business brings a more residential sensibility to the office chair. Upholstered in North Carolina, its semi-attached cushions and soft, tailored silhouette bring warmth to corporate workspaces. Designed for everyday use, Penny features a 360-degree swivel base and adjustable height for ease of movement. The 18-inch seat depth adds to its relaxed proportions, while casters glide smoothly on hardwood or carpeted floors. Specifiers can choose from a range of performance fabrics suited to high-traffic environments. A top-grain Pesaro leather option gives the chair a more traditional finish.

Modern swivel office chair with a high back, navy blue leather upholstery, grey fabric sides, and a five-wheel base, set against a plain dark background.

Photography courtesy of Madheke

6. Odyssey

Madheke introduces Odyssey, an office chair with a high-backed, two-tone silhouette. Smooth leather upholstery is paired with textured fabric along the wings, while a quilted backrest and integrated armrests give the chair its enveloping form. Wood veneers like gray oak and walnut add an organic touch, while brushed nickel and antique brass finishes provide just enough sheen. A leather-wrapped swivel base and chrome-accented casters complete the design.

Two modern chairs are shown, one beige without armrests and one dark gray with metal armrests and legs, both on a light grey background.

Photography courtesy of Allseating

7. Gemelli

Allseating presents Gemelli, designed in collaboration with Carl Gustav Magnusson. Inspired by evolving commercial interiors, this polypropylene stackable chair—with or without arms—balances sculpted comfort with performance. The single-shell form is gently contoured to support the body’s natural seated position. A cufflink-inspired connection detail and racetrack leg profile give the chair its distinct visual signature. Even the name reinforces the reference: Gemelli translates to “cufflinks.” Six shell colors and six coordinating painted frame finishes (plus a chrome frame option) are available. An optional upholstered pad can be added, allowing the chair to move easily among hospitality settings, workplaces, and education spaces.

A green upholstered chair with metal legs sits next to a round white table on a black and white checkered tile floor by a window with sunlight streaming in.

Photography courtesy of Herman Miller

8. Eames Molded Plastic Dining Chair

The Eames Molded Plastic Dining Chair brings a more sustainable material palette to a design Charles and Ray Eames originally introduced as the EC-127 in 1970. The latest version uses 99% post-industrial recycled plastic for its molded seat and back. Its curved seat and back provide support while retaining the familiar Eames silhouette. Legs can be specified in chrome or powder-coated primary shades to bring splashes of vibrant color indoors. Upholstered versions add another layer of color and texture to the enduring design.