Dirk Van Sliedrecht easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, attributed to Dutch designer Dirk Van Sliedrecht and produced in the Netherlands during the 1950s, exemplifies the restrained yet expressive character of postwar European modernism. With their bold structural clarity and combination of natural and industrial materials, the chairs reflect Van Sliedrecht’s commitment to functional design that embraces both comfort and material honesty.

The chairs are constructed with black lacquered steel frames that form a strong, angular outline. The legs, arm supports, and seat frame are unified through a continuous geometric language, emphasizing minimal intervention in structure while achieving a visually striking presence. The frames are lightly patinated, with minor surface wear consistent with age, which adds a sense of authenticity and underscores the vintage character of the pieces.

Seated within the frames are meticulously woven rattan panels, forming the seat, backrest, and arm surfaces. The rattan exhibits a warm beige hue and is tightly and evenly woven, contributing both to the tactile quality and the structural integrity of the chairs. The natural variation in the rattan grain and tone introduces visual softness to the otherwise linear construction, creating a harmonious contrast between the organic and the engineered. The integrated rattan armrests complete the composition, enhancing the functional continuity of materials.

The angular silhouettes of the chairs are subtly reclined, offering an ergonomically responsive seating experience. This combination of form and function is emblematic of Van Sliedrecht’s design approach, which often sought to balance modernist efficiency with everyday usability.

Each chair measures 64 cm in width, 90 cm in depth, 89 cm in height, with a seat height of 36 cm (approximately 25.2 × 35.4 × 35 inches, seat height 14.2 inches). These proportions support a generous yet contained seating area suitable for residential or gallery settings, and their architectural quality allows them to function as both utilitarian objects and sculptural elements within a space.

Dirk Van Sliedrecht (1920–1999) was a key figure in mid-century Dutch industrial design. Known for his work in furniture, lighting, and interiors, he often employed tubular steel, wood, and rattan to create practical designs imbued with elegance and lightness. While not every piece he designed was mass-produced, his influence on postwar Dutch design is evident in his pared-back forms and focus on material contrast and clarity.

This pair of easy chairs remains in good vintage condition, with structurally sound frames and well-preserved rattan. Their minimal form, material tactility, and historical significance make them highly desirable examples of Dutch mid-century design, suitable for both collectors and discerning interiors.