Tubular steel in modern Dutch Design
Tubular steel furniture is a key part of Dutch Design. It combines lightweight metal frames with materials like rattan, leather, or fabric, creating pieces that are practical, comfortable, and visually appealing. Its clean lines and minimal decoration make it a timeless choice for modern interiors.
Origins and development
Tubular steel furniture began in the 1920s with designers at the Bauhaus in Germany, such as Marcel Breuer and Mart Stam. They used steel tubes to make strong but light furniture, including the cantilever chair (a chair without back legs), which was a major innovation of the time, influencing other designers and manufacturers across Europe.
Dutch adoption
In the Netherlands, Gispen and the d3 factory popularised tubular steel furniture. Dutch designers created chairs, tables, and stools that combined industrial materials with craftsmanship, making them both elegant and practical.
Why collectors love them
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Combines industrial design and craftsmanship
- Timeless, minimalist style suitable for modern interiors
Key names (Dutch designers and manufacturers)
Ahrend, Arie Verbeek, Artifort, Cees Braakman, Cor Alons, De Cirkel, Dirk van Sliedregt, Friso Kramer, Pastoe, Paul Schuitema, Rohé Noordwolde, Willem Hendrik Gispen.
