Contemporary Chairs
Contemporary chairs are developed through silhouette, seat angle and upholstery volume. Curved profiles, cleaner junctions and balanced proportions distinguish the collection, while traditional English construction provides the structure required for comfort, durability and repeated use.
Anchor
A visual delight that marries bold angles with soft curves
Sloop
Smooth and graceful contours with a feeling harmony
Bowler
A generously proportioned chair symmetrically curved
Chop
A comfort-centric emblem of the Art Deco era
Dali
Clean and crisp lines with an emphasis on form and elegance
Cloud
A modern chair with geometric styling with detailed veneer banding
Busby
An arched full-bodied backrest inspired by the busby hat
Belvedere
Contemporary chairs with barrel shaped and fluted with a scalloped side profile
Diner
A backrest form reminiscent of a gently curved spoon
Davenport
A celebration of woodcraft where nature and artistry confide
Jonathan Swift
A sculptural object celebrating art and utility
Georgian Curve
Impressive proportions with a beautifully crafted curved back
Tank
An opulent bucket seat design epitomizing the art deco era
Henry Thoreau
An elegant contemporary design built for both comfort and style
Deco Diner
Geometric curves accentuated by wraparound veneer banding
James Boswell
A graceful dance of lines with intertwining angles
Belvedere
Barrel shaped and fluted with a scalloped side profile
Blower
Graceful aesthetics that achieve perfect visual balance
Havelock Ellis
A reading chair with sleek contours and padded armrests
Oliver Goldsmith
An unapologetic contemporary celebration of form and luxury
Ribble
An evolution of functional seating
Samuel Johnson
A sense of deep seat amplitude and back support softness
David Hume
A chair devoted to relaxation and ergonomic comfort
Bridge
A curvaceous dining chair as comfortable as it is beautiful
Contemporary chairs use proportion and curvature to create support without relying on visually heavy forms. Their compact scale, controlled upholstery and varied profiles make them particularly adaptable across living rooms, bedrooms, studies and hospitality interiors.
Colour Guide
Contemporary chairs use colour and material to reinforce their silhouette, whether low and horizontal, softly curved or more upright in form. Tonal upholstery can keep the geometry restrained, while stronger colours give individual chairs greater definition within a wider scheme. Leather, velvet and textured fabrics each change how light moves across the surface. The Colour Guide explores how these choices shape the presence of contemporary chairs within an interior.
Discovery Box
The Discovery Box allows materials for Fleming Howland contemporary chairs to be assessed against the form of each design. Full-grain leather brings natural variation, velvet adds richer colour, and mohair introduces a fine lustre that responds subtly to light. Reviewing these alongside wood and decorative nail finishes helps establish how each chair will sit within the wider material palette of the room.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contemporary chair?
A contemporary chair reflects current approaches to form, comfort and material rather than reproducing a specific historical style. Clean lines, sculptural curves, restrained detailing and an emphasis on proportion are common, although contemporary furniture can range from minimal to highly expressive.
What is the difference between a modern chair and a contemporary chair?
Modern can refer broadly to current looking furniture, but in design history it may also describe specific twentieth century modernist movements. Contemporary usually refers to present day design and can incorporate a wider range of influences, materials and forms.
Are contemporary armchairs comfortable?
Yes, when the geometry is properly resolved. Back angle, seat depth, cushion composition and arm position can provide substantial support without visible bulk. Comfort should be assessed in relation to how the chair will be used rather than by appearance alone.
Can contemporary chairs be upholstered in leather?
Yes. Leather is highly effective on contemporary chairs because natural grain and patina add depth to simplified forms. Wool, cotton velvet and mohair can create different surface qualities while preserving the same modern silhouette.
Can a contemporary chair be made bespoke?
Fleming Howland makes furniture to order and can offer bespoke alterations to selected designs, including upholstery, comfort, decorative detail and certain dimensions. Any dimensional change is reviewed to maintain the original balance and structural integrity of the chair.