Space-Age Seating

Featured on exhibition in renowned design museums around the world, Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo’s striking ICONIC 1960s furniture, lighting and decor is well-known for its innovative yet functional forms. Even after his unexpected passing in 1971 at age 41, Colombo’s contemporary works continue to inspire and delight, carrying on his innovative spirit. 

Named lovingly after his wife, Colombo’s illustrious Elda chair revolves 360 degrees and looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. One of the first furniture pieces he designed, the ergonomic chair was brought to life in 1963 by Italian manufacturer Comfort and was most recently crafted by LONGHI S.P.A., an Italian contemporary living brand.

Elda chair frames are built with fiberglass and come in both white and black and metallic finishes. The unique foam cushions—make that seven cushions—are anatomically designed to support as you sit, making it the ultimate comfy chair. The deep seat is the cherry on top, allowing the sitter to relax and unwind with ease. Designed with either leather or fabric upholstery, the Elda chair is the definition of a functional statement piece that will have people asking, “Where did you find that?”

Colombo studied at the School of Architecture of the Polytechnic Institute in Milan until 1955 when he had to take over the family business (which entailed manufacturing filaments) following the death of his father. His knowledge of architecture is evident in the mathematical way he approaches furniture design, and his futuristic look is what makes his pieces truly unforgettable.

Although the Elda chair was designed in the 1960s, Colombo’s unique forward-thinking approach makes this piece timeless. Some other examples of his remarkable and well-known works include a small rolling kitchen that resembles a tiny version of modern-day kitchen islands and a tube chair, which was made with just four white cylinders in varying sizes covered in fabric.