The Hole Chair Brings the Whole Package

From the Maison et Oject in Paris to the Stockholm Furniture Fair, and onto the exhibition “Masterly – The Dutch in Milano,” a new chair by Dutch designer Marc Th. van der Voorn has been making rounds and turning heads. Dubbed “the Hole Chair,” his latest piece of furniture captures the essence of his successful designer process by uniting a well-made product with an essential component, the element of surprise.

Built for the brand Spoinq, the Hole Chair earns its name from the unusual relationship the front legs have to the seat, piercing through the upholstery in a way that catches one off-guard. This playful note draws far more attention than a more outlandish design would, as it relies on inverting what’s expected rather than loudly shouting, “I am different!” Upon closer inspection, one finds the holes to be a thought-out part of the design rather than a flaw, and this close look draws you to further notice the exceptional quality of its craft. Built with sturdy European Oak and upholstered with 100% Danish wool, the chair hits the ideal sweet spot of being pleasing to the eye as well as restful to the rear. Its comfort and style is enhanced by its deceptively simple forms, which highlight the minimalism of many revered Dutch designs, but it’s all tied together by the simple decision to have the front legs extend slightly past our preconceived notions. But this simplicity does not translate to easy work, as it takes true dedication to upholster around the holes left by these legs, adding a wrinkle of unique handcraft. By giving its audience a design that is practical, stylish, comfortable and fun, the Hole Chair truly brings the whole package, and is sure to keep turning heads for years to come.