About the Designer
The Platner stool is the namesake of Warren Platner ? the mastermind behind the entire Paltner collection that comprises of coffee tables, end tables, chair, and more. A graduate of Cornell University, Platner had a degree in architecture and went on to work with some of the biggest names in the industry during that era, including the legendary Eero Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Raymond Loewy. After gaining sufficient experience in the field, Platner then opened his own office.
Throughout his career, he worked on many notable architectural buildings. His contributions included the Georg Jenson Design Center and Windows on the World restaurant in the World Trade Center. However, he gained much more renown for his furniture pieces. Today, we?ll be looking in detail at the Platner stool and everything you need to know about it:
About the product
The Platner collection as a whole was introduced by Knoll in 1966, and the Platner stool an intrinsic part of it ? although it can be used as a standalone product as well. The whole collection is a modernistic icon and although its design looks minimalistic up front, the production technique actually required a thousand welds and more than one hundred cylindrical steel rods. Platner had a very personal hand in formulating the production techniques for the complicated designs of this entire collection.
About the concept
While simplicity was the driving force behind most of the modernist aesthetic, Platner was never afraid to delve into the intricate detailing that presented a cohesive front in his furniture. His experience working alongside Eero Saarinen had him donning the mantle for the second generation of pedestal and wire furniture. His expressive way of articulating this concept came out beautifully. Platner was also extremely introspective during the design process of this stool ? and collection. He wanted to stray away from the concepst of ?aggressively technological? or ?aggressively handicraft.?
Instead, he opted for a gentler, more graceful approach to the design that was inspired by the period pieces like Louis XV. Of course he strayed away from the excessive d?cor and ornamentation that defined these pieces, but the silhouette of inspiration remained. In the end, this is what made him finalize the design, ??I thought why separate support from the object? Just make it all one thing.?
Platner wanted the wire of this stool ? and subsequently, the entire collection ? to be complementary to the person sitting atop it. In the end, it ended up being exactly what he had been aiming for; a self-contained accessory in the shape of furniture.
About the material
The Platner stool has a very homogenous physique, but its construction is extremely intricate. Its cushion is upholstered in a variety of different fabrics while its shell is molded fiberglass with a latex foam cushion. The base is entirely constructed from vertical steel rods. Each one of these has been welded to circular horizontal and edge-framing rods and you can even find diverse finishes a la nickel plating, gold plating, or metallic bronze paint. There?s also a clear plastic extrusion ring on the base for a smooth bottom surface.
Matching with an interior design style
Matching the Platner stool with an interior design style is quite easy, as it is largely used in the capacity of an accent piece. Here are a few options to get you started:
- Eclectic: The mix and match of the eclectic set-up is perfect for showcasing the unique build of the Platner stool. It can be used as an accent piece and paired up with a number of different furniture pieces.
- Modern: The modern style is renowned for its simplicity but once in a while it needs
some unique accenting to feel interesting and the Platner stool is an amazing
way to do that.
- Contemporary: The contemporary style is another collaborative venture that features a lot of interesting latest furniture pieces and it?s a testament to the timeless beauty of the Platner stool that it can be emulated in such an ambiance.
- Bohemian: The old-school vintage kitsch vibe of the boho chic style is a combination of bright vivid colors and neutral tones alike, and the classy presence of the Platner stool would be a welcome addition here.
As you can see, the history of the Platner stool is enriched with a lot of innovation and expressive designing. It?s a timeless classic that is relevant even today, so it?ll definitely be an awesome addition in your own homes.