Magnus Chairs by Erik Magnussen for Paustian Stackable, 1989

These chairs called the ‘Magnus’ chairs, designed by Erik Magnussen. Magnussen was a celebrated Danish designer, recognized for his minimalist and functional approach to design. His quote, “To complicate things is simply just foolish,” aptly reflects his design philosophy, which favored simplicity and clarity over unnecessary complexity.

These ‘Magnus’ chairs were designed in 1989 specifically for Paustian, a famous design warehouse in Copenhagen. Paustian has been associated with high-quality, innovative furniture design, often showcasing the work of prominent designers. The ‘Magnus’ chairs, with their sleek and minimalist aesthetic, are exemplary of the modern design movement that has its roots in the functionality and simplicity of Scandinavian design.

The chairs’ design is characterized by a unique frame that forms both the legs and the continuous backrest/armrest, with a simple circular seat mounted in the middle. The use of metal for the frame and the choice of color and material for the seat reflect the industrial and modern materials that were prevalent in late 20th-century design. The images show the chairs in different views, highlighting the fluidity of the design and how the form follows function, a key principle in modernist design.