Sedia

An icon that is actually comfortable

In collection Classix

EMby Enzo Mari

This is arguably the most iconic design from Enzo Mari's Autoprogettazione (1974). The Sedia Chair commands attention with its unapologetically rough and bulky appearance—bold, raw, and unmistakably iconic (and pretty backbreaking if you want to move it around too!).

In some ways, it recalls Louise Brigham's _Box Furniture _from over 60 years earlier. However, the Sedia is much more refined. Its charm — and its comfort too —lies in details: the front and back boards are offset to create a sloped, ergonomic seat, while the backrest tilts gently for relaxation, prioritizing comfort over rigid geometry.

Unlike so many signature chairs this one was not designed to be admired in art galleries, but to explain what’s good design according to Mari. Here also lies its charm and enduring popularity: It’s both an icon as a comfortable chair to sit in.

Our parametric configurator adapts the original design for easier upcycling, replacing the rare 20 cm-wide boards with more common dimensions. You can also adjust the chair's width, turning it into a loveseat or bench. Of course check the strength of the construction if you go big! We’re working on adding more customization options.

Assembling the Sedia is a fun challenge. The trickiest part is the offsetting of the front and back boards. Start with the sides: attach the legs to the side boards and place them upside down on a table. Then, add the back board, using another board as a spacer to create the offset. Repeat for the front board before completing the assembly. To strengthen the design, use glue when attaching the backrest, as it tends to be the weakest point.

Details
  • difficulty: medium
  • time: 60-130 min
  • materials: Any wooden planks, can be all one section size (like 25x100) but these need to be halved for the legs and back rest
  • tools: Hand saw or miter saw for cross cuts. Screws (25mm-40mm depending on wood dimensions) and screwdriver. Table saw if you need to half the planks.
  • tolerance: 1-4 mm