When discussing Polish furniture that has firmly established itself in the canon of classic design, one cannot overlook the 366 armchair. This chair is the work of Józef Chierowski, one of the most recognizable Polish designers of the 20th century. Minimalism, elegance, and timeless design are just a few of the characteristics that define the iconic 366 armchair.
Model 366, or Chierowski's armchair
The 366 armchair, often referred to as Chierowski's armchair, owes its name to the architect who designed it. The 366 is a piece that gained popularity in the 1960s and continues to be appreciated by lovers of classic design.
The 366 armchair was created in 1962 for the "ŁAD" furniture factory in Świebodzice. This piece was part of a larger series of furniture intended to be sold as part of the Polish pavilion at the exhibition in Brno. The 366 armchair was designed to be easy to produce, compact, and available at an affordable price.
A distinctive feature of the 366 chair is its shape - a low, minimalist chair with a wide seat and backrest, which are connected by a single flowing curve. The chair's structure is made of wood, and the seat and backrest are covered with soft fabric or leather. The 366 chair is very comfortable and works perfectly in both the living room and the office or reading room.
The 366 chair was one of the most popular pieces of furniture in Poland during the 1960s, but due to limited production, it gradually became harder to obtain. In recent years, interest in this classic piece of furniture has increased, leading to its re-production. Today, the 366 chair can be purchased in many furniture stores in Poland and abroad.
Architect, visionary, artist - a brief history of Józef Chierowski's life
Józef Chierowski is a Polish architect, designer, and academic teacher, known primarily for his contribution to the development of Polish design and post-war architecture.
Chierowski was born on March 9, 1927, in Warsaw. He studied at the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology, where he graduated in 1952. In the same year, he began working as a designer at the Central Bureau of Artistic Exhibitions.
Just a year after graduating, Chierowski began working at the Design Studio 'ŁAD' in Świebodzice, where he developed his talent and… passion. During his time at the ŁAD studio, Chierowski created many wonderful projects that have left a lasting mark on the pages of Polish design history, including the iconic 366 chair. He was also the author of interior designs for many public utility buildings, including the exhibition hall in Poznań, the musical theater in Lublin, and the theater in Zielona Góra.
In 1965, Chierowski took on the role of lecturer at the Faculty of Industrial Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, where he led the Furniture Studio. However, his promising academic career did not satisfy his thirst for creation, so he also collaborated with many furniture and design companies, including HSW in Pabianice, Biotap in Warsaw, and Zamel in Łódź.
In the 1970s, Chierowski became involved with the Projekt association, of which he was one of the founders. This association aimed to popularize design and industrial design in Poland.
Chierowski was also the author of numerous publications on design and architecture. In 1994, he received the title of Professor of Fine Arts, and in 2000, he was awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.
The architect passed away on January 9, 2021, in Warsaw, at the age of 94. His contribution to the development of Polish design remains unforgettable, and his projects continue to be appreciated by design enthusiasts from around the world.
The 366 chair and its journey to the top
The 366 chair is an icon of Polish design that, despite the passage of time, still delights with its minimalist style and user comfort. Its simplicity and elegance make it suitable for many types of interiors and an excellent choice for those who value comfort and original design.
The history of the 366 chair project by Józef Chierowski begins at the Lower Silesian Furniture Factories in Świebodzice, where Chierowski was employed as a designer in the 1960s. In 1962, the factories were affected by a fire that caused significant material losses. At the same time, it turned out that many of the furniture destroyed in the fire were outdated and unattractive to customers.
The first produced 366 chair
At that time, Józef Chierowski proposed a new design - a simple and modern chair that would replace older models. This chair was to be easy to produce, ergonomic, and visually appealing. Soon after, the 366 chair was designed, gaining popularity due to its simplicity and elegant form.
The 366 chair was designed as a piece of furniture with a minimalist form, consisting of a simple upholstered part and wooden supports. Its ergonomic construction provided comfortable seating, while its elegant design attracted customers' attention. The 366 chair quickly became a bestseller at the Lower Silesian Furniture Factories and began to be produced in large quantities.
The 366 chair gained popularity not only in Poland but also abroad. In the 1960s, it was exported to many countries in Europe and Asia. To this day, it remains an icon of Polish design and one of the most well-known pieces of furniture designed by Józef Chierowski.
What is the phenomenon of the 366 chair?
The 366 chair, designed by Józef Chierowski, is considered an icon of Polish design and one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture in Poland's history. Its phenomenon did not arise from nowhere. This extraordinary piece is characterized by a minimalist and elegant design that is timeless and fits many different interior styles. The simple form of the chair, consisting of a single upholstered part and wooden supports, makes it very easy to produce. Perhaps this is why the 366 model captivated Polish homes during the PRL era. Thanks to the relatively easy production process, the 366 chair began to be created almost en masse, which directly contributed to its popularity.
When discussing the advantages of the Chierowski chair, it is worth mentioning that it features a comfortable finish and ergonomic shape, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and work. The wide seat and backrest, connected by a single flowing arc, ensure that this model is not only comfortable but also stylish. It is important to emphasize that the 366 chair is a Polish product designed during the PRL era and has become a symbol of that time. This gives it historical and cultural value for Poles who are connected to that period.
Then and now
Interestingly, this iconic design is not just a relic of the past century, but a timeless work of art with functional applications. The 366 model has been revived thanks to 366 Concept, which acquired the exclusive license. The brand took a bold step and decided to create 366 armchairs in accordance with their original design.
With the return of the 366 armchair to the market, 366 Concept also introduced new furniture from the same series, including a table, sofa, rocking chair, and footrest. These pieces were designed in the spirit of the minimalist form of the 366 armchair and are available in various color and material options. This allows for the entire living room or office to be styled in the spirit of the iconic 366 armchair.
Today, the 366 armchair is not only a symbol of PRL culture but also a coveted item for design enthusiasts around the world. Its re-production has allowed for the preservation of the original design by Józef Chierowski and a reminder of his contribution to Polish design and post-war architecture.
What you should know about the 366 Concept brand
366 Concept is a furniture brand that specializes in producing pieces inspired by Polish design from the 1950s and 60s. The company was founded in 2014 by two friends - Agnieszka Wilk and Mikołaj Wierszyłłowski, who decided to revive classic furniture designs from that era. Their dream was to create modern furniture that would reference classic patterns while also aligning with contemporary trends.
The brand offers furniture that is immensely popular among design lovers. The flagship product of 366 Concept is, of course, the 366 armchair. The company has brought it back into production, preserving its original form while adding modern accents. Currently, the brand's offerings also include sofas, rocking chairs, chairs, and coffee tables that perfectly fit the retro and contemporary design aesthetic.
366 Concept also pays attention to the quality of its furniture. All products are made in Poland, based on the highest quality materials and production technologies. The brand uses natural materials such as wood, leather, and fabrics, ensuring the durability and resilience of the furniture.
It is also worth emphasizing that 366 Concept cares for the natural environment. All materials used to create the furniture are carefully selected and processed in an eco-friendly manner. The company is also involved in social and charitable initiatives, taking actions to protect the environment and improve quality of life.
Thanks to innovative solutions and the courage to blend tradition with modernity, the brand 366 Concept has gained recognition from customers around the world. Its furniture enjoys well-deserved popularity among both retro style enthusiasts and those seeking modern solutions that reference the best examples of Polish design.
The 366 armchair in various arrangements
Although many people may associate the 366 armchair solely with outdated interiors and large-panel apartments, it should be emphasized that it is a multifunctional piece that, thanks to its minimalist finish, fits perfectly into almost any style. Below you will find some ideas on how to incorporate the 366 armchair into various interior arrangements.
In Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style, which is gaining popularity worldwide, perfectly complements the minimalist and natural form of the armchair. In such an arrangement, it's worth opting for light colors and wood that highlight its elegant simplicity. The 366 armchair pairs beautifully with a wooden table and chairs, white walls, and pastel-colored accessories. When choosing fabric or leather for upholstery, it's advisable to go for light shades that will add lightness and harmony to the interior.
In industrial style
Industrial style is another trend in interior design that pairs perfectly with the minimalist form of the 366 armchair. The armchair can be combined with a metal coffee table, a lamp with exposed bulbs, and dark walls to create a raw and modern arrangement. It can also be paired with an upholstered sofa in thick fabric or leather to emphasize the bold character of the interior.
In retro style
The 366 armchair can successfully become the centerpiece of an interior in retro style. By combining it with a colorful sofa, a rug with geometric patterns, and retro-style accessories, we can create a cozy interior that evokes the 1960s and 70s. Adding a low table with brass legs and a lampshade in the style of the 60s will complete the retro interior design effect.
In minimalist style
The simple form of the armchair perfectly fits into minimalist spaces, while the texture of natural wood or leather adds warmth. The armchair can be paired with white and black, enhancing its elegant and stylish character. In such an arrangement, it's best to keep accessories to a minimum, allowing the beauty of the furniture itself to take center stage.
In glamour style
The 366 armchair gains value through its elegant form and the use of noble colors like gold, navy, and burgundy. By combining it with accessories in glamour style, such as mirrors, crystal lamps, and ornate furniture, we can create an interior that will delight any design and elegance enthusiast.
