Designer Tom Dixon launches a flexible new chair for the contract market during the London Design Festival next week. It’s made of glass-reinforced nylon and has a faceted back resembling bunny ears. The one-piece seat and back of Y Chair is made of nylon strengthened with overlapping glass fibres, giving it strength and flexibility. The chair comes in black and white versions with the option of sled, swivel or wooden bases.

Y Chair – A new silhouette. Super Ergonomic. Hyper-flexible, and Ultra-robust.

Our recent adventures in hotel, restaurants, bar and office design got us looking for a chair to withstand heavy use, constant knocks and the daily abuse of the professional world. But we also wanted a recognizable silhouette, an ergonomic shape and a modern attitude.

Not too much to ask we thought. But after much fruitless searching we decided it was time to make our own. Two years of complex engineering, significant tooling investment and intense shape-making later we think we may have got it.

The Y Chair’s expressive form is injection moulded in glass-reinforced nylon which is extremely fatigue resistant – absorbing shock and load through its flexibility. Tested to contract level it will withstand the most demanding environments.The shape of the Y chair is prompted by ergonomics – with lumbar support, space for the spine and a generous brace for the shoulder blades. All adding to its instantly recognisable silhouette.

Available in two shell colour options; Black and White. Also available with upholstered felt seat and back pads. Three base options: Sled, Swivel and Wood.
Sled: Black or White Powder Coat base; Stackable up to 8 high; 100% recyclable; Suitable for outdoors.
Swivel: Sand Blasted Die Cast Aluminium base; Clear lacquered and Black Powder Coat options.
Wood: Oak base; clear lacquer or black stain; Copper cross brace.

designer: tom dixon
period: 2013