Knoll Bertoia Side Chair

Overview

The Knoll Bertoia Side Chair remains one of the most recognizable pieces of modern furniture design, created by sculptor Harry Bertoia in 1952 for Knoll. Constructed from a grid of welded steel wire rods, the chair forms a seat and back that appears almost woven, like a piece of industrial lace, yet retains enough structural rigidity to support everyday use at a dining table. The diamond-shaped silhouette curves gently to cradle the body, with the open wire lattice allowing light and air to pass through, giving the chair a visual lightness that belies its sturdy steel construction. This balance of sculpture and function is exactly what Bertoia intended when he famously remarked that his chairs were "mostly made of air."

In a dining or kitchen setting, the Bertoia Side Chair brings a distinctive architectural presence without overwhelming the space. Available in a range of finishes including chrome, powder-coated colors, and Knoll's signature bright hues, the chair pairs naturally with wood, glass, marble, or metal tables, lending a mid-century modern or industrial-contemporary edge to the room. The chair can be left bare to showcase its sculptural wire form or outfitted with a seat pad in Knoll's selection of fabrics and leathers, which soften the seating surface while preserving the chair's signature see-through profile. Its compact, armless design makes it especially practical for dining arrangements where multiple chairs need to be placed closely together around a table, such as in open-plan kitchens or smaller dining nooks.

Beyond aesthetics, the Bertoia Side Chair is built for durability, with its welded steel rod frame designed to withstand regular use, including the wear and tear typical of daily meals, long conversations, and frequent rearranging. The chair's legs are fitted with glides that protect flooring, and the design's open structure makes it easy to clean, resisting the buildup of crumbs or spills that can collect in upholstered or solid-paneled chairs. As an authentic Knoll product, each chair is manufactured to exacting standards of craftsmanship, ensuring that the wire grid retains its shape and finish over years of use. Whether placed in a formal dining room or a casual kitchen setting, the Bertoia Side Chair continues to serve as a functional seating solution that also acts as a piece of wearable sculpture, bridging the gap between utilitarian dining furniture and fine art.

What stands out

1. 01Welded steel wire shell form-fitted to body
2. 02Available with or without seat/back upholstery pad
3. 03Chrome-plated finish on diamond lattice frame
4. 04Hourglass-shaped steel rod legs
5. 05Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952 for Knoll
6. 06Indoor/outdoor rated for covered patios

Specifications

Seat Height

18 inches

Overall Dimensions

20.75W x 21.5D x 30.5H inches

Frame Material

Welded steel wire with chrome finish

Weight Capacity

300 lbs

Weight

13 lbs

Pros & cons