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Fritz Hansen’s Monolit Chairs Are More Than Statuesque

10.30.24 | By
Fritz Hansen’s Monolit Chairs Are More Than Statuesque

Founded in Denmark over 150 years ago, Fritz Hansen is synonymous with the best of Nordic design. They are well-known for their collaborations with designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, and Hans J. Wegner, titans within their own right. The embracing of design culture and collaboration, truly leaning in to what cutting edge technology through the scope of our best minds has to offer. This time, they’ve partnered with Copenhagen-based designer Cecilie Manz to create Monolit, an elegant yet welcoming dining and lounge chair.

A minimalist room with two green chairs, a light wooden table, and a simple floral arrangement in a vase. The setting features wood accents and a light, neutral color scheme.

This elevated design features a fully upholstered, veneer and steel construction. Formed of enveloping planes, the seat invites for a comforting respite, while underneath can act as temporary storage. This is especially helpful in lounges and restaurants, most of us carrying many essential items with us throughout the day.

Elegant dining room with a circular table, six armchairs, a modern pendant lamp, large windows, and a geometric painting on the wall. Minimalist decor with natural light.

A sculptural, solid design, the inviting tilt of the front angle welcomes the user, holding them in a soft, luxurious seat. The fully upholstered body features leather piping, which can be customized upon request. It captures the beauty of the fabric it happens to be adorned with, in a form that is immediately modern. Sensitivity to proportion is exemplified here, elegance apparent in any hue.

A modern dining area with two cream chairs, a round table set with glasses, a carafe, and candles, under a hanging orange lamp. Wooden shelves with decor fill the background.

A modern dining room with a long table set for eight, featuring beige upholstered chairs. The room has wooden floors, exposed beams, and a large window offering a view of the sky and sea.

Feeling as natural in a dining room as a lounge, these chairs embody what Fritz Hansen does best: the highest quality materials paired with hand-rendered details at every step of the process. Their storied past, illuminated by Cecilie Manz, shines through in the Monolit collection.

A beige upholstered chair with a curved back and seat, placed next to a round wooden table on a light wooden floor.

Close-up of a beige fabric chair with brown piping, showcasing the smooth curve of the armrest.

The edges of leather just peeking through the seam where the upholstery meets are a real treat. Usually, we see leather as a rolled or folded hem. Here, the natural edge of the hide is shown, celebrating the material’s origin. This fairly rough finish, paired with the elegance of the upholstery, allows the warmth and delicacy of the form to shine through.

A modern dining room with a wooden table, six brown chairs, and two pendant lights. Large windows and white walls create a bright, airy atmosphere. A small artwork hangs on the wall.

Modern dining room with round tables, brown chairs, and large windows overlooking a scenic outdoor view. Wood paneling and light curtains enhance the minimalist decor.

Fritz Hansen values a different type of producer/designer relationship. Choosing to focus almost exclusively on collaborations, this ensures that a sense of hierarchy is intentionally kept low. This allows for more flexibility within their design process, with more voices heard and respected. The design community is all about maintaining healthy relationships, and they are committed to this notion for all future projects as well.

A modern dining room with a light wood table, set with glassware and plates, surrounded by brown upholstered chairs on a light wood floor.

Close-up of a modern chair with brown and dark gray fabric, featuring a curved backrest and beige stitching along the edge.

Dual tone upholstery is available within the Monolit collection as well, in the full range of fabric colors.

A modern, minimalist dining area with yellow and green chairs around a table, a wine rack in the background, and a vase of flowers on a sideboard.

A dining room with a round table set for four. Yellow chairs surround the table. A wooden wall with wine storage and a ladder is visible. A cabinet with flowers and glasses is on the right.

We’ve been seeing butter yellow everywhere lately, and this collection does not miss a beat with their signature colorways. Full of rich jewel tones and light, more textured wovens, Monolit has all the trappings of a luxurious lounge – yet pared down, simplified.

Two modern yellow chairs are positioned around a round marble table. A wine glass and bowl with a spoon are set on the table, and the floor is wooden.

Cecilie Manz is a multidisciplinary designer, born in Denmark and currently living in Copenhagen. With a strong, sculptural eye, Manz creates reserved, considered projects, from product to furniture. Founding her studio in 1998 gave her a platform to share her vision, releasing the Micado in 2003 that currently resides within the MoMA collection.

Close-up of a modern, rust-colored fabric chair on a light wooden floor.

Fritz Hansen has always been committed to providing innovative, creative products. Heirloom quality, they have endured as a lasting bastion of Nordic design.

For more on the Monolit Collection, click here. For more on Cecilie Manz, click here.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.