Through both his bold furniture designs and his teaching and administrative positions within the architecture and design industries, the solution-oriented Friso Kramer helped elevate industrial design to a venerated place in the modernist canon.
While the mid-century years saw no shortage of function-minded modernists, Kramer may have been the most extreme of them. “If form does not contribute to the function, it has no right to exist,” the Dutch designer once said. Born in Amsterdam in 1922 to the pioneering architect Piet Kramer, Friso studied architecture, industrial design, electrical engineering and interior design. He cut his teeth in the studios of architect Jan Piet Kloos and interior designer Frans Paulussen, then, in 1948, went to work as a designer at the steel furniture manufacturer De Cirkel (part of the Ahrend group), where he would design some of his best-known work.
The 1953 Revolt chair, which is among his most celebrated seating and a darling of Dutch mid-century modernism, embodied Kramer’s function-first design; its skeletal, industrial form provides for maximum comfort and ergonomic support with minimal material. He joined forces with Wim Rietveld, son of celebrated Dutch modernist Gerrit Rietveld, for the 1958 Result chair, which married elements of the Revolt with forms from Rietveld’s Pyramid series. Kramer found numerous ways to riff on and perfect his brand of minimalism: The 1960 Resort and Repose armchairs demonstrate how he slightly tweaked the skeletal frames for different postures and uses.
In 1963, Kramer left Ahrend to found Total Design Studio with Wim Crouwel, Benno Wissing and Paul and Dick Schwartz. The firm grouped graphic, industrial and spatial design under one roof with the shared belief in functionalism. Though Total Design Studio is still in business today, Kramer left the company to return to Ahrend in 1971, serving as art director until 1983. Following Kramer’s death in 2019, Ahrend teamed up with Danish design brand HAY to relaunch the Result and Revolt chairs.
Find vintage Friso Kramer chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Result Chair by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1958
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel, Wim Rietveld
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The industrial Result chair Result was designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. This chair is from the first series. It has a grey sheet steel frame an...
Steel
1960's Set of Four Grey Velvet Friso Kramer 'Result' Chairs for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld during their tenure at Ahrend de Cirkel, the Result chair stands as one of the most recognized examples of Dutch Mid-Century institutional d...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs for Ahrend de Cirkel 1963
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice and scarce set 6 Revolt chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs Set 1953 Black Blue Liver Colors
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice set of six Revolt chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1958. The c...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs Ahrend duo tone Netherlands 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This set of four rare duo-tone Revolt chairs, designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland in 1953, is a fine example of Dutch industrial design. Although the Revolt chai...
Metal
Set of Six Early Edition Red Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs with Black Frames
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally designed in 1953 by possibly the greatest of all Dutch Mid-Century designers, Friso Kramer, and created for renowned furniture maker Ahrend de Cirkel The Revolt was intend...
Steel
Friso Kramer "Repose" Armchair in Shades of Gray with New Upholstery, 1960
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing Mid-Century "Repose" lounge chair by Dutch design great Friso Kramer. Chair is outfitted with an enameled metal frame, matching Skai arms and is newly upholstered in grey fa...
Metal
Set of 6 Revolt Chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1956
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The 'Revolt' chair was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. An award winning design that has become an icon of Dutch industrial design from the 1950's. This solid chair has...
Metal
Set of 4 industrial Resort Chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1960s
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
the comfortable office. dutch designer friso kramer presented an impressive range of modern furniture in the 50’s. you may know the „revolt“ and „result“ series – and this is the mo...
Metal
S201 Dining Chair by Ynske Kooistra for Marko, - Set Of 4
By Friso Kramer
Located in Hook, Hampshire
S201 dining chair by Ynske Kooistra for Marko, good quantity available. The Classic Dutch compass leg chair was perhaps originally created by Prouve who then inspired a number of bea...
Laminate
Friso Kramer Revolt folding chairs Ahrend Netherlands 1958
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Revolt folding chairs designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland, 1953. This exceptional pair represents one of the lesser seen and most intriguing...
Metal, Aluminum
$995 / set
HAY Result Chair Blue (2 Pack)
By Friso Kramer
Located in Commerce, CA
Regular retail $995 a set Designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld in the 1950s, the Result Chair by HAY features a thin steel-sheet base with an oak-based seat and backrest with ...
Metal
'Revolt' Chair by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, the Netherlands, 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The 'Revolt' chair was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. An award winning design that has become an icon of Dutch industrial design from the 1950s. The chair has a folde...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs wood for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice set of eight revolt dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland, 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production starte...
Metal
$3,940 / set
Friso Kramer Result Chairs Set Birch Ahrend 1965
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice iconic and rare set of 6 early Result chairs with birch plywood seats and backs. Designed for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958 and these specific chairs were manufactured in 1965. The R...
Metal
S201 Dining Chair by Ynske Kooistra for Marko, Good Quantities Available
By Friso Kramer
Located in Hook, Hampshire
S201 dining chair by Ynske Kooistra for Marko, good quantity available. The Classic Dutch compass leg chair was perhaps originally created by Prouve who...
Laminate
$497Sale Price / set|50% Off
HAY Result Chair Blue (2 Pack)
By Friso Kramer
Located in Commerce, CA
Regular retail $995 a set Designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld in the 1950s, the Result Chair by HAY features a thin steel-sheet base with an oak-based seat and backrest with ...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt chair TH Delft Ahrend Netherlands 1958
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Revolt Chair designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel in The Netherlands 1953. This rare first production Revolt chair is one of the most significant examples of...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Folding Chair for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1953
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Revolt folding chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1958. The chair...
Metal
$4,283 / set
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Set of 6 Revolt Chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1956
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The 'Revolt' chair was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. An award winning design that has become an icon of Dutch industrial design from the 1950's. This solid chair has...
Metal
$2,741 / set
H 29.14 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
Set of Six Adjustable Architect Stools Designed by Friso Kramer
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Adjustable and swivel Industrial architect stools with seats are made in plywood, the base in gray lacquered metal.-The height is adjustable from 55 cm...
Metal
$19,076 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 19.3 in
Vico Magistretti Midcentury “Carimate” Dining Chair for Cassina, 1963, Set of 10
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 10 “Carimate” chairs designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1963. Initially commissioned for the Carimate Golf club near Milan, they were then produced for ...
Velvet, Beech
Set of Four Mustard Yellow Velvet 'Shell' Chairs, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Four beautiful chairs type 1020 colloquially called "shells" produced by the Slupsk centre of furniture industry in the 1960s. They are after full renovation upholstery and carpentry...
Textile, Beech
$3,450 / set
H 31.89 in W 22.64 in D 19.69 in
Ton Set of Six Armchairs in Bentwood with Red Upholstery
By TON a.s.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ton, set of six armchairs, fabric, bentwood beech, Czech Republic, 1960s This elegant set of dining chairs, manufactured by Ton, features a wonderful bentwood frame. The round shape...
Fabric, Beech
$4,512 / set
H 30.32 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs wood for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice set of eight revolt dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland, 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production starte...
Metal
$6,821 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 19.3 in
Vico Magistretti Midcentury “Carimate” Dining Chair for Cassina, 1963, Set of 4
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 4 “Carimate” chairs designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1963. Initially commissioned for the Carimate Golf club near Milan, they were then produced for t...
Beech, Straw
$2,250 / item
H 31.5 in W 19.3 in D 20.67 in
e15 Karnak Chair with European Oak Base by Ferdinand Kramer
By e15, Ferdinand Kramer
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1925, the elegant and archetypal chair Karnak features Ferdinand Kramer's masterful grip on simplicity. Available in waxed solid European o...
Wood
Set of Six 20th Century Black Velvet Chairs, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chairs designed by prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chair is after a complete upholstery renovation, the woodwork has been refreshed. Seat and bac...
Velvet, Beech
Set of Four 20th Century Black Velvet Chairs, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chair is after a complete upholstery renovation, the woodwork has been refreshed. Seat and back is dressed in black, durabl...
Velvet, Beech
$3,400 / set
H 29 in W 21.5 in D 27 in
Pair 1959, Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel, Oase Chairs, , classic modernist
By Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Buffalo, NY
The Oase lounge chair was designed by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958, and gained the Signe d'Or price in 1959. A beautiful piece of Dutch design! Restored in a wonderful g...
Steel
$5,890 / set
H 45.08 in W 19.3 in D 17.33 in
Early 20th Set of Six Spanish Carved Chairs with Black & Brown Embossed Leather
Located in Miami, FL
A set of 6 Spanish chairs with leather sling seatsand backs on oak and sycamore frames with hand carved decoration. These chairs are true to th...
Leather, Oak
$3,350 / set
H 31.11 in W 15.83 in D 18.19 in
Set of Six French Dining Chairs with Red Wooden Frame and Straw Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, straw, France, 1960s. Stunning set of French chairs with red beech frames and classic organic straw seats. This set of six dining chairs features a ...
Straw, Beech
pair Ahrend de Cirkel Stools Design Friso Kramer 1950s Holland
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Den Haag, NL
very nice set of Industrial Stools . repainted . looking great . 1950s Holland .indestructible Design by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel
Metal
Set of Six Mid Century Chairs
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Look at the picture for now.
Leather, Wood
Collection of chairs curated by Ross
By Friso Kramer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Pair of Friso Kramer adjustable work stools Swiss Atelier working chair Pair of Dutch 1970's Plywood Stepup. chairs for kids
Steel
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Friso Kramer Revolt chair red black Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice “Revolt” chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1953. This chair has an original folded black lacquered metal frame and a red ciranol seat and...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Friso Kramer Revolt chair red grey Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice “Revolt” chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1953. This chair has an original folded light grey lacquered metal frame and a red ciranol sea...
Metal
Sold
H 32.29 in W 25.6 in D 20.87 in
Set of 4 industrial Resort Chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1960s
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
the comfortable office.dutch designer friso kramer presented an impressive range of modern furniture in the 50’s. you may know the „revolt“ and „result“ series – and this is the more...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Friso Kramer Result chairs in teak Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1958
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice large set of twelve 1st edition “Result” dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1958. These chairs have an original light grey lacquer...
Metal
Sold
H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 20.28 in
First Edition Friso Kramer & Wim Rietveld 'Result' Chair Ahrend De Cirkel C.1960
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Rare 1st edition “Result” Chair designed by Friso Kramer & Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1958 In 1958 at the opening of a museum exhibition in Amsterdam Friso K...
Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Set of 10 Result chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1960's/1970's
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The famous 'Result' chair was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in the 1950's. This model was very common to be seen in larger amounts at schools, canteens and office spa...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Friso Kramer Result chairs in black Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1958
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice large set of eight 1st edition “Result” dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1958. These chairs have an original red lacquered metal...
Metal
Friso Kramer Result chair Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1958
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice iconic chair model Result designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1958. The chair has an original black lacquered metal frame with V structure legs w...
Metal
Friso Kramer Red Skai "Result" Chair
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original "Result" chair by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel with oriiginal red skai seating and light grey enameled steel frame. In original condition with visible wear including sc...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs teak The Netherlands 1960
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice set of 6 original Revolt dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Folding Chair for Sandra
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare set of Revolt folding chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 26.38 in D 21.66 in
Friso Kramer Model Resort Desk Chair Ahrend de Cirkel the Netherlands, 1960
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice and rare industrial Resort desk chair designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1960. The chair has a light grey lacquered metal frame with cross legs and wheels. The seat, back and arms are upholstered in black faux leather. The chair is in good condition with a nice patina due time and usage. Very comfortable swivel desk chair, adjustable in height and rotates 360 degrees. It is marked at the rotation knob and underneath the seat with a “Ahrend de Cirkel” sticker. Super nice and strong office arm chair...
Metal
Sold
H 37.01 in W 26.38 in D 21.66 in
Friso Kramer Resort swivel desk chair Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1960
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice and rare industrial Resort desk chair designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1960. The chair has a light grey lacquered metal frame ...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 18.12 in
Set/6 Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs Ahrend the Circkel the Netherlands, 1960s
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Almelo, NL
Set/6 Friso Kramer Revolt chairs Ahrend the Circkel the Netherlands 1960s Friso Kramer "Revolt" chairs for Ahrend de Cirkel designed in 1953. Light grey, nearly white folded sheet ...
Metal