Zanotta Chair Karelia Chair

Karelia Chair

$3,078

Made by Zanotta

Liisi Beckmann designed the Karelia in 1966 as a direct refusal of convention. There is no frame, no legs, no visible structure of any kind. The form is entirely polyurethane foam, shaped into a continuous wave that supports the body through contour alone.

The inspiration came from the bays and inlets of Beckmann's native Finland, landscapes defined by soft, undulating edges rather than hard geometry. That sensibility translated into a silhouette at once sculptural and inviting, as organic as it is considered.

  • Frameless construction in continuous polyurethane foam
  • Wave-form profile rooted in Finnish coastal geography
  • Updated fabric covering compatible with contemporary interiors
  • Original design by Liisi Beckmann, 1966, produced by Zanotta

Karelia belongs to a generation of Italian and European design that treated furniture as a cultural statement. Its Pop spirit has not softened with time. If anything, the chair reads more clearly now as an object that understood freedom of form before the discipline had a language for it.

Color
Color: Red

Typically ships in 12-14 weeks.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Made in Italy.
  • Designed in 1966.
  • Removable Cover.
  • Graduated polyurethane foam frame
  • Flame Retardant.
  • External cover only available in bielastic Samba fabric
Measurements

H × W × D × Seat H
23.5 × 27.25 × 31.5 × 13.75 in.
60 × 69 × 80 × 35 cm.

Fabric, Polyurethane Foam

Shipping & Returns

Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.

Warranty

Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Zanotta. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Karelia Chair and when?

The Karelia was designed by Finnish designer Liisi Beckmann in 1966 and has been produced by Zanotta ever since. Beckmann was one of few women working at the forefront of Italian radical design during that period.

What is the Karelia Chair made of?

The Karelia is constructed entirely from polyurethane foam with no internal frame. The form itself provides structural support, with the upholstered cover shaping the wave-like silhouette.

Is the Karelia Chair comfortable despite lacking a frame?

Yes. The frameless construction is precisely what makes it comfortable. The continuous polyurethane form is shaped to distribute weight through contour and volume rather than rigid support points.

What design movement does the Karelia belong to?

The Karelia is associated with the Pop and Anti-Design movements of 1960s Italy and Europe, which challenged conventional notions of furniture construction in favor of sculptural, often provocative forms.

How does the Karelia fit into a contemporary interior?

Its organic silhouette reads well against both minimal and expressive interiors. The updated fabric covering makes it adaptable, while the form itself carries enough presence to anchor a room on its own.

Brand

Zanotta
Mezzadro Stool

Zanotta

Zanotta, a trailblazer in Italian design since 1954, is celebrated for its fusion of artistic innovation and functional elegance.