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Object Lessons: Vico Magistretti’s Carimate Chairs

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Painted FurnitureIssue 46 — Gathering

Object Lessons: Vico Magistretti’s Carimate Chairs

November 11, 2024

This may be the chic-est thing ever to come out of a golf club.

Vico Magistretti originally designed his iconic Carimate Chairs with rush seating in 1959 for the Carimate Golf Club, just north of Milan. One of the greats of Italian design, Magistretti was a trained architect, born into a Milanese family of architects, but he also created furniture, lighting, and everyday objects that have all since become sought-after classics. His Carimate Chair—with its streamlined, simple frame and  textured, traditional rush seat—reflected his desire to marry modernism with humanism.

In 1962, Magistretti entered into a partnership with iconic Italian furniture company Cassina, which promptly took over production of the Carimate Chair. Footstool, armchair, and bench versions followed. Nowadays, the chair is produced under Fritz Hansen.

Recently, we’ve spotted vintage Carimate Chairs popping up in all sorts of stylish interiors—and we approve. Have a look.

the showroom of millefiori interior, a vintage store in copenhagen that does a 17
Above: The showroom of Millefiori Interior, a vintage store in Copenhagen that does a brisk trade in Carimate Chairs. “We adore them for their versatility and classic Italian design. They work beautifully as dining chairs, but are equally at home in an office or hallway,” say owners (and sisters) Natasha and Frederikke. “In fact, we both have them in our own spaces and could never imagine parting with them.” Photograph courtesy of Millefiori Interior.
design forward restaurants have taken note of the chair&#8\2\17;s durabilit 18
Above: Design-forward restaurants have taken note of the chair’s durability and great looks, including one of our faves—Gem, in New York City. Photograph by Sean Davidson, from Gem Wine NYC: 8 Design Lessons from a 25-Year-Old Star Chef’s DIY Restaurant Makeover.
a bright pop of red in the form of a red lacquered carimate chair in this kitch 19
Above: A bright pop of red in the form of a red lacquered Carimate Chair in this kitchen by Little Greene. The first Carimate Chairs were treated with aniline dyes for a semi-transparent color. Later colored versions tended to have red, green, or black lacquered frames. Photograph courtesy of Little Greene, from Double Drenching: Should You Try the Latest Paint Trend?
a green lacquered version in the home of australian designer tali roth, who sou 20
Above: A green lacquered version in the home of Australian designer Tali Roth, who sourced hers from Curated Spaces. Photograph by tk, courtesy of Tali Roth Interior Design.
vintage carimate chairs can be readily sourced at vintage sites like \1stdibs a 21
Above: Vintage Carimate Chairs can be readily sourced at vintage sites like 1stdibs and stores like Millefiori Interior. Photograph courtesy of Millefiori Interior.

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Frequently asked questions

When were the Carimate Chairs originally designed?

Vico Magistretti originally designed his iconic Carimate Chairs with rush seating in 1959 for the Carimate Golf Club, just north of Milan.

Who took over production of the Carimate Chair in 1962?

In 1962, Magistretti entered into a partnership with iconic Italian furniture company Cassina, which promptly took over production of the Carimate Chair.

Where can the Carimate Chairs be sourced from nowadays?

Nowadays, the chair is produced under Fritz Hansen. Vintage Carimate Chairs can be readily sourced at vintage sites like 1stdibs and stores like Millefiori Interior.

What are some stylish interiors where vintage Carimate Chairs have been spotted?

Vintage Carimate Chairs have been spotted in stylish interiors including Millefiori Interior in Copenhagen, Gem in New York City, and in the home of Australian designer Tali Roth.

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