Crisscross: The Folding Chair for Everyday Use

A Stylish Solution for Flexible Living Spaces

Most folding chairs are designed to be lightweight and portable for temporary use and give up quality, comfort, and appeal. However, designer Cameron Smith has revolutionized the folding chair concept with his innovative design, the Crisscross chair. This chair provides flexible seating without sacrificing quality, making it the perfect solution for everyday use in smaller living spaces.

The Crisscross chair is not your typical folding chair. It is designed to be an everyday chair that can be easily folded and stored or relocated to another room. The chair features a geared mechanism concealed within the back leg, creating a synchronized motion with the seat and legs. This mechanism allows the chair to fold seamlessly, without compromising its sleek and stylish design.

When folded, the entire chair nests within the front legs, making it easy to transport or store. This unique feature sets the Crisscross chair apart from other folding chairs on the market. It combines functionality with aesthetics, providing a high-quality seating option that can adapt to different living situations.

The Crisscross chair is crafted with attention to detail and premium materials. The frame is fabricated from bent sheet steel and machined steel parts, ensuring durability and stability. Wood inlays, steam bent and fitted to the exterior sides of the front and back legs, add a touch of elegance to the design. The seat and backrest are finished in Alcantara ultra suede, providing both comfort and style.

Operating the folding mechanism of the Crisscross chair is simple and intuitive. By depressing the buttons under the armrests, the armrests can be lowered to the legs. Once the armrests are lowered, the chair can be tilted on the front legs, and the seat folds into the front legs. The back legs are geared with the seat, ensuring a synchronous motion during the folding process.

The Crisscross chair was conceived and designed by Cameron Smith in March 2020. Engineering began in the fall of 2021, and the first chairs were released in May 2022 at ICFF in New York. The design process involved extensive research on existing folding chairs and dining chairs, analyzing the need for an everyday chair with folding capabilities. The questionnaire conducted among potential users revealed a demand for a chair that could be easily stored or transported, especially for those with expanding dining tables or frequent moves.

The Crisscross chair overcame several design challenges to achieve its seamless folding mechanism. Unlike most folding chairs with visible linkages, the Crisscross chair's geared mechanism is completely concealed inside the back leg. This design choice ensures that the chair maintains a clean and minimalist appearance when opened, while providing the necessary functionality when folded.

The Crisscross chair has already received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges the chair's outstanding creativity, technical excellence, and contribution to improving the quality of life. The Crisscross chair is a testament to the fusion of art, science, design, and technology, making it a valuable addition to any modern living space.

With its unique folding mechanism, sleek design, and high-quality craftsmanship, the Crisscross chair is the perfect solution for those seeking flexible seating options without compromising on style. Whether you have a small apartment, a dining table that expands for larger gatherings, or simply appreciate the convenience of easy storage and transportation, the Crisscross chair is a versatile and elegant choice.