New Classics: Frank Gehry's Hat Trick Chair
Hockey and apple baskets, not magic, inspired this bent-ply beauty, but the way it can change up a room's look is pure alchemy
You may know of Frank Gehry for his designs, like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or for his helping Brad Pitt "make it right" in New Orleans, but did you know he is a die-hard ice hockey fan? Born in Canada, Gehry has honored the sport not only by designing an ice rink in Anaheim, California, and a championship trophy for the World Cup of Hockey, but also by naming pieces of furniture after hockey terms, like hat trick, power play, high sticking and face-off. Today we'll take a look at the Hat Trick chair, which is most often used as a dining chair but plays hard all over the house.
Gehry's Hat Trick chair, which comes in side and armchair versions, is already popular on Houzz.
Gehry Hat Trick Chair | Hive Modern
Gehry approaches each building he designs as a sculptural object, and his approach to furniture is no different.
The chairs are composed of bent laminated maple strips. Apple baskets inspired their construction. Even just the tops of the chair backs are eye catching.
This table base is also by Gehry; you may find the same base on his Face Off café table.
The strips of the chairs play off modern elements like exposed rafters and clean, straight lines, but the shape of the chairs throws rooms a curveball. (Pardon my mixing of sports metaphors; my hockey team abandoned Atlanta for Winnipeg, and I'm out of touch with hockey this season.)
The chairs play nicely with iconic midcentury furniture like Eero Saarinan's Tulip Table. I also love this designer's choice of Fucsia pendants hanging overhead.
The chairs are right at home in a contemporary eat-in kitchen.
People who live in glass houses should throw a few of these chairs around for looky-loos to admire from outside.
Don't quarantine Hat Trick to the dining room; it also makes a statement as an occasional chair in any other room in the house.
More:
Modern Icons: Frank Gehry's Wiggle Chair
Browse more Gehry furniture
More:
Modern Icons: Frank Gehry's Wiggle Chair
Browse more Gehry furniture