S 533 RF Armchair

An armchair with a dynamic design made of chrome and wicker

The S 533 RF armchair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Thonet . From technology to furniture, from a striking invention to an elegant piece of furniture: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was the first to imbue the armchair with aesthetic lightness and to integrate it into the space with sweeping lines. In the run-up to the Weissenhof Exhibition, which he organized, Mies van der Rohe was introduced to the cantilever chair principle by Mart Stam. Although this approach was new, Mies van der Rohe was not particularly impressed by Stam’s initial implementation. He immediately responded to this technological innovation with his own aesthetic solution, which he presented in 1927. The S 533 is one of the first cantilever chairs, and at the same time, with its elegantly curved, large circular steel tube form, it defines the space around it. Deliberate restraint in the use of materials, elegant lines, and a sense of transparency are the defining characteristics of the S 53 3. It owes its exceptional comfort to its ability to provide lasting elastic springiness. While most designs from the 1920s emphasize functional aspects by highlighting simplicity, this armchair reflects the architect’s signature style: Mies van der Rohe’s deliberately luxurious design combines functionality, comfort, and timeless aesthetics. The S 533 represents a new perception of quality.