These chairs are more than furnituretheyre pieces of art and testaments to a long history of design.

Kim Cornelison

The perfect chair can make a room sing, offering both comfort and style.

The 1940s and 1950s was a prolific period in chair design in the U.S., says Otero.

colorful painted dining room with Marcel Breuer Cesca chairs

Credit:Kim Cornelison

Its touted to last 150 years, making this classic seat a practical, long-term investment.

Dating back to the 1700s, the French Bergere (pronounced bare-zhair) is a historically formal chair.

Elegantly upholstered with an exposed wood frame, the original style had a shapely back and fine textiles.

navy chair at wood desk in office nook

Credit:Michael Partenio

It has since evolved to include versions with a simpler profile and fabrics.

The Egg is a modern take on the more traditional wingback chair.

The curvy,oversize shape and swivel basewere intended to create privacy for guests of the hotel.

bergere chair in whiteliving room with bookshelf and fireplace

Credit:Helen Norman

It also tilts back for added comfort.

With its large, comfortable design, the chair is frequently found in modern and contemporary living spaces.

A coordinating footstool is also available.

egg chairs in living room with hide rug and patterned curtains

Credit:Beth Singer

Introduced in 1956 and manufactured by Knoll, the Tulip Chair is one of the first successful one-legged chairs.

“This piece is futuristic and classic, as well as mass-produced and organic, says Otero.

Part of whats made this eye-catching chair a classic is its fluidity.

sewing room open shelving desk

Credit: David A. Land

Today, Cesca chairs are also available with upholstered back and/or seat options.

Its an effortless selection for nearly any dining table, whether traditional or modern, round or square.

The Eames Lounge Chair was instantly recognized as a designer piece, and its still highly desirable today.

dining table with modern caned and metal chairs

Credit: Brian Anderson

Made from outdoor-friendly materials, its a stunning option to elevate outdoor living, too.

The Wishbone Chair earned its name from the Y-shaped backrest.

With a hardwood frame and paper cord seat, its sleek and simple without being stark.

Chair and foot rest with a lamp and gallery of framed images.

Credit:Tria Giovan

Today, its available in multiple colors and finishes.

The molded shape allows room for various positions as well as space for propping books.

The Womb Chair has an ottoman, too, for increased flexibility and comfort.

breakfast nook with bright blue booth and pink flowers

Credit: David Tsay

Its generous size and unique femininity make this piece the highlight of any space, says Otero.

Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura created the Poang for IKEA in 1976.

An ottoman is also available, and the Poang has been developed into a rocking chair style as well.

retro kitchen table and hutch

Credit:Anthony-Masterson

living room gallery wall with modern chair and foot stool

Credit: David Tsay

IKEA poäng armchairs with yellow floral fabric

Credit:Adam Albright