
The Ekstrem Chair Isn’t for Everyone, but It’s More Comfortable Than You Think
The Ekstrem chair, designed by Norwegian designer Terje Ekstrøm in 1984, is a peculiar postmodern design that has garnered a loyal following due to its unexpected comfort. It took Ekstrøm twelve years to find a manufacturer willing to produce his unconventional design, which features a winding, exoskeleton-like frame. The chair's aesthetic predated the full arrival of postmodernism in Scandinavia, with the Memphis Group forming years after Ekstrøm completed his official prototype in 1972.
In 1984, Ekstrøm partnered with Norwegian manufacturer Hjellegjerde, despite their initial doubts about selling such an unusual piece. Early advertisements for the Ekstrem chair emphasized its unique silhouette as a key feature, encouraging users to "Sit as you like..." and showcasing a variety of seating positions. This multi-purpose, eccentrically ergonomic function remains a central selling point. Varier, the current manufacturer, promises an "out of the ordinary" sitting experience, while Design Within Reach describes it as "surprisingly comfortable."
Despite its futuristic and playful appearance, many, including a friend in Los Angeles and architectural designer Babette van Faassen, attest to its unexpected comfort after trying it. Meghan Lavery, cofounder of Home Union, a vintage furniture store in Brooklyn, notes that customers are consistently surprised by how comfortable the chair is. This comfort is attributed to Ekstrøm's meticulous prototyping process, where he built and tested crude models from wood and cardboard to refine the design.
Ekstrøm, who studied interior and furniture design and trained as a cabinetmaker and upholsterer, distinguished himself during a period when Danish modernism, with its emphasis on elegant practicality, dominated Scandinavian design. He carved out a legacy as one of Norway’s first postmodern designers. Although he designed other sofas and chairs, none achieved the same recognition as the Ekstrem. Scandinavia's premier design magazine, Bo Bedre, lauded the chair for its originality and Ekstrøm's rebellion against predecessors, uninfluenced by commercial considerations.
Today, the Ekstrem chair remains in production, serving as the unique centerpiece of Ekstrøm's legacy. Contemporary versions feature a rigid stainless-steel frame, padded with polyurethane foam, and are hand-upholstered with a knitted wool-blend fabric. Varier is the sole global manufacturer, with assembly and upholstery conducted in Europe. The chair’s simple yet off-kilter silhouette and materials contribute to its distinctive appeal. Lavery suggests it has a cult following precisely because of its strangeness, noting her shop has sold approximately ten vintage Ekstrems since 2016. Fifty years after its inception, the Ekstrem chair continues to be a notable example of Norwegian postmodernism and is recognized for its surprisingly comfortable seating.
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