The Trinidad Chair. Designed by a female Danish furniture designer known to be a rebellious woman even into her 70’s. Nanna Ditzel (1923-2005) is an icon herself along with her designs. With a strong post modernist attitude, Nanna Ditzel had a passion for challenging materials and new production techniques. She was certainly a woman we should all be inspired by. I really admire her uncompromising approach to design and passion for modernism.

The design of this chair was inspired by her travels to the Caribbean island of Trinidad, in particular the architecture of the “gingerbread’ houses.

“On Trinidad I saw how the facades of the houses nearly dissolves in light and shadow – almost like a lace – and I thought to myself: How can I use this for a chair?” – Nanna Ditzel

Utilising the new CNC technology in the early 1990’s Nanna Ditzel designed the Trinidad chair to cut fretwork out of the shell shaped back and seat. Something that had never been done before. This allowed light to cast through the simple yet decorative gaps, which also cast beautiful shadows too. The Trinidad chair was celebrated as a breakthrough in design and technology. 25 years on it maintains its modernist aesthetic and now a modern classic.

“In Trinidad, I fell in love with the detailed carvings that decorated houses from the colonial era, which were almost dissolved in light and shadow – and this lavish ease I wanted to think in the design of a chair.” – Nanna Ditzel

To celebrate the 25 year anniversary of this chair I’ve styled the Trinidad in my home in the new available finishes. Light grey stained oak and dark grey stained oak. Other than the obvious beauty of this chair, I must highlight the comfort. Oh my gosh this chair is SO comfortable. I understand know why it has been used in conference halls and meeting rooms, you really can sit in it for hours. But I see it now as much more than just a meeting chair. It’s so beautifully simple, elegant  and comfortable (did I mention that?!) it’s a perfect stackable chair for the home.

The fret work style pattern makes the large shell like back seem visually lighter. It can work in smaller spaces and a perfect place by my dressing table.

The light grey is a softer feminine tone. 

The natural grain and texture of the wood is visible creating a beautiful contrast to the cut out sections. The Trinidad chairs can also come with upholstered seats. Making dining at home that little more luxurious. 

It’s a stunning chair that I must admit I had overlooked in the past. But not anymore, it is a chair that I praise highly in comfort and design.

What do you think?

H x

*disclaimer – this is a sponsored post. Written and styled in collaboration with Fredericia. All words and thoughts are my own and true. I really do love the chair. 

Photography/images © Hannah Trickett/Hannah in the house

For more information about the Trinidad chair visit Fredericia.com