Originally conceived in 1918 by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld, the Red & Blue Chair remains one of the most celebrated icons of the 20th century. More than just a place to sit, it stands as a sculptural embodiment of the De Stijl movement, a philosophy that sought harmony through geometry, balance, and the purity of primary colours.
This faithful reproduction pays homage to Rietveld’s visionary design. Its bold composition of intersecting planes — the vivid red backrest, deep blue seat, and a black frame punctuated with yellow accents — transforms the chair into a three-dimensional manifesto of Neoplasticism. What results is not simply furniture, but a striking work of functional art that has inspired generations of designers and collectors alike.
De Stijl (the Style) was one of the most cohesive groups within the Modern Movement, and Rietveld was a member. Despite his role in De Stijl , Gerrit Rietveld's work is still steeped in the craft tradition he learned. His early years were spent as an apprentice cabinet builder to his Father until 1911, when he began his cabinet-making business in Utrecht.
Condition
The chair has been inspected, and some of the paintwork has been carefully restored to preserve its integrity. Overall, it remains in good used vintage condition, with the blue seat showing slightly more wear than the rest of the piece. This natural patina contributes to its authentic presence while still allowing the iconic colours and geometric form to command attention.
Dimensions:
65cm W X 66cm D X 84cm H
Seat Height: 33.5cm H
Shipping Information:
If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.
Please be aware that we cannot reserve any items until transportation or shipping arrangements have been finalized. Therefore, it is important to purchase the item and proceed with the checkout process.
After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions of the item(s) you have bought. Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item/s description. Although every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to represent its original state best, it must be noted that most of the items we source date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For this reason, and although restored, signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We will normally point out any visible/notable concerns. Take note of all photos or view the item in-store prior to purchasing.