Best known for his Red and Blue chair, a modernist icon created using only two plywood plates and 15 connecting bars, Dutch designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld trained as a cabinetmaker, and his bold vision for furniture was supported by his expertise in construction and craftsmanship.
Born in Utrecht, Rietveld learned goldsmithing in addition to the cabinetry apprenticeship he had in his carpenter father’s workshop. He studied draftsmanship with architect Piet Klaarhamer at the Utrecht Museum of Applied Arts and opened his own furniture workshop in 1917. In the 1930s, Rietveld began to experiment with then-unusual materials like plywood and aluminum, and he pursued intellectual concepts through his design, even considering a seat as a resting place for the body and the soul.
Designed in 1918, the minimalist Red and Blue chair is widely coveted by collectors and gained admirers in the likes of legendary American sculptor and designer Donald Judd over the years. (Examples of Rietveld’s designs can be found in Judd’s restored home-museum in New York City.) The Red and Blue chair is so stunning in its geometric simplicity that it is one of the most important symbols of the Dutch art and design movement of the early 20th century called De Stijl, of which Rietveld was an important part. De Stijl means “the Style” and was an effort to express utopian values through pure abstraction in design and the use of primary colors.
Another example of Rietveld’s celebrated seating furniture is the Zig-Zag chair, which was commissioned by the Dutch department store Metz & Co. and intended to be mass-produced. The resulting design — to which the rights to manufacture were bought by Cassina in 1971 — is the essence of the De Stijl movement and an example of Rietveld’s experiments with jointless chairs made from a single material, wood. The Zig-Zag chair’s armless, legless, elegant form is pure abstraction, yet it is also sturdy and comfortable.
Later in his career, Rietveld worked more often as an architect, designing buildings in prestigious settings like the Venice Biennale. He was a pioneer in more ways than one: The first building he designed, Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht in 1924, is a radically modern space and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Find vintage Gerrit Rietveld furniture on 1stDibs.
Gerrit Rietveld red and blue chair Gerard vd Groenekan 1975
By Gerard van de Groenekan, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This is for one of the most iconic modern design chairs ever made, the famous Red and Blue Chair designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1918 and manufactured by Gerard van de Groenekan in th...
Wood, Paint
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Utrecht Armchair for Cassina in purple, red, green...
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Armchair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Available in many dif...
Fabric
Utrecht XL or Baby Armchair Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina in pink, red...
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen color and size of the chair. Available in three sizes: Standard: 64 width, 85 depth, 70 height, 37 seat height XL: 66 width, 89 depth, 75 height...
Fabric
Utrecht “637” lounge chair in green/grey velvet by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in amstelveen, NL
An authentic Utrecht lounge chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and manufactured by Cassina, Italy, As part of the renowned I Maestri Collection. Originally designed in 1935 f...
Velvet
$58,252 / set
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht lounge chairs Metz & Co 1960
By Gerrit Rietveld, Gerard van de Groenekan
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Utrecht Lounge Chairs designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and manufactured by Metz & Co in The Netherlands 1960. These two exceptional and historically important lounge chairs mark a...
Upholstery
Utrecht Lounge Chair by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Purple wool upholstery with blanket stitch.
Upholstery
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" Armchair for Cassina, 1935
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" armchairs for Cassina, wool and steel, Netherlands, 1935. The designer came up with the idea of the “Utrecht” armchair in 1935 while working for t...
Wool
$2,715Sale Price|60% Off
Red Blue Chair by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina, Italy, De Stijl Modern, 1918
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gerrit rietveld Bauhaus red blue chair by Cassina. Early production. Authorized by Rietveld estate. Made in Italy. Labelled and numbered 556. In the red blue chair, Rietveld manipula...
Wood
Utrecht Lounge Chair by Gerrit Rietveld Limited Edition Boxblocks Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Utrecht lounge chair. Design by Gerrit Rietveld for Metz & Co.,1935 This is a Cassina Limited Edition (no. 66 / 90) from 2016 called Boxblocks with fabric of the...
Fabric
Gerrit Rietveld Unesco Press Room Chair for Spectrum, 'Colourful Vintage'
By Gerrit Rietveld, 't Spectrum
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gerrit Rietveld designed in 1958 Unesco press room chair for Spectrum - 'Colourful Vintage' Edition 'Colourful Vintage', which means: fabric: Sprinkl...
Metal
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Original Leather
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, upholstered in their original leather. Cassina labels to the underneath. Mino...
Leather
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, and newly upholstered in a soft, brown/grey premium 100% alpaca wool fabric. Cassina labels to the underneath. Price...
Alpaca
$67,078 / set
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht lounge set Metz & Co 1950
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exceptional sofa and lounge chair set stands out as one of the very few comfortable designs by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld. Created first in 1935, it mar...
Canvas, Wood
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" Armchairs for Cassina, 1935, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" armchairs for Cassina, wool and steel, Netherlands, 1935, set of two. The designer came up with the idea of the “Utrecht” armchair in 1935 while w...
Wool
Crate Lounge Chair, WB Lacquered Pinewood/ F Cushion by Gerrit Rietveld for HAY
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Initially designed to make use of surplus wooden shipping crates by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld in 1934, the Crate Collection has been relaunched in a Rietveld Originals...
Pine, Lacquer
Crate Lounge Chair, Wb Lacquered Pinewood/ Q Cushion, by Gerrit Rietveld for Hay
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Initially designed to make use of surplus wooden shipping crates by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld in 1934, the Crate Collection has been relaunched in a Rietveld Originals...
Pine, Lacquer
Crate Lounge Chair-BWB Lacquered Pinewood/ Q Cushion- by Gerrit Rietveld for HAY
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Initially designed to make use of surplus wooden shipping crates by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld in 1934, the Crate Collection has been relaunched in a Rietveld Originals x HAY collaboration. Made with respect for the original design, the Crate Lounge Chair shares the same precisely balanced proportions and transparent construction to minimize production costs and optimize the assembly process. Featuring low proportions with a gently sloping back and seat with supportive armrests, the chair’s simplicity and spatial design mirrors the designer’s architectural style – providing functionality and comfort without absorbing space. Crafted in solid pine, with a water-based lacquered finish in different color options, the Crate Lounge Chair is suitable for a wealth of indoor and outdoor settings, and is supplemented with seat cushions in selected textiles for extra comfort. Adding extra comfort and functionality to the Crate collection, the Crate Cushion is specially formed to fit the chair seat perfectly. The quilted model features a Velcro® fastening underneath the cushion seat and two straps that fasten around the top of the chair frame, with the seat and folding cushions both featuring an anti-slip bottom to keep them securely in place. Crafted in Teflon®-coated fabric for a water-repellent finish, as well as having a high UV resistance, meaning it is fade-resistant with good color fastness properties. Materials : Black Water-Based Lacquered Pinewood Anthracite Quilted Cushion...
Pine, Lacquer
Crate Lounge Chair-BWB Lacquered Pinewood/ F Cushion, by Gerrit Rietveld for HAY
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Initially designed to make use of surplus wooden shipping crates by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld in 1934, the Crate Collection has been relaunched in a Rietveld Originals...
Pine, Lacquer
Modernist Design Rietveld Red & Blue Chair by Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Renens, CH
The Red & Blue Chair is also known as the “Rietveld Chair” after its designer Gerrit Rietveld, counts as one of the most recognizable pieces designed by De Stijl movement in the ...
Beech
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld “Utrecht” Sofa by Cassina
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
A true icon of modernist design, the Utrecht Sofa by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld—faithfully produced by Cassina—embodies the radical spirit of early 20th-century Dutch design. Originally ...
Fabric, Wood
$12,768 / set
H 28.35 in W 25.2 in D 33.86 in
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina – Pair of Iconic ‘Utrecht’ Chairs in Leather
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Voorburg, NL
Offered is a striking pair of authentic ‘Utrecht’ lounge chairs, originally designed in 1935 by Dutch modernist master Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and produced by the esteemed Italian man...
Leather, Oak
Gerrit Rietveld, Red and Blue Chair / Authentic Chair
By Gerrit Rietveld Jr.
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see a playful kind of experimentation, different from the average modern design, which is more well-behaved and dogmatic. It’s radical, it’s curious, it pushes boundaries. That is a one-of-a-kind piece – unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quality. An artefact for collectors and connoisseurs. A piece without any compromises. Highly valuable, rarely even offered by auction houses. However, it comes with a price. Originally designed in 1917, this chair is a true representation and one of the first pieces of De Stijl movement. Founded in the Netherlands as a reaction against the horrors of WWI, its visual language consisted of pure, geometrical forms and primary colours. As forms and shapes tended to establish balance and harmony in a world of chaos, this piece is a manifestation of the idea. Some of the first chairs were made for the "Rietveld Schröder House...
Aluminum
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" Armchair for Cassina, 1935
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" armchairs for Cassina, wool and steel, Netherlands, 1935. The designer came up with the idea of the “Utrecht” armchair in 1935 while working for t...
Wool
$1,850
H 35 in W 26 in D 27.5 in
Gerrit Rietveld Design Lounge Chair Mid Century Modern Art Deco Style
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Lounge Chair, originally designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1917, this example is circa 1980s. We do not believe this is a Cassina reedition, more likely it was uniquely made ...
Wood
$2,715Sale Price|60% Off
H 34 in W 24 in D 33 in
Red Blue Chair by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina, Italy, De Stijl Modern, 1918
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gerrit rietveld Bauhaus red blue chair by Cassina. Early production. Authorized by Rietveld estate. Made in Italy. Labelled and numbered 556. In the red blue chair, Rietveld manipula...
Wood
$22,955 / set
H 27.56 in W 25.6 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Designed Utrecht Chairs, Made by Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Pair of early Cassina Utrecht chairs designed, by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, originally drawn in 1936 for the Metz & Co warehouse. In 1972, Cassina a...
Mohair
$3,237 / item
H 19.3 in W 18.12 in D 22.45 in
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Red Baby Utrech Armchair by Cassina
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Relaunched in 2015. Baby version. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Gerrit T. Rietveld came up with the design for the Utrecht...
Fabric, Wood
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Baby Utrech Armchair by Cassina
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina offers a new reinterpretation of the iconic model dated 1935: it i...
Fabric, Poplar, Plywood
$4,003
H 30.71 in W 26.38 in D 30.71 in
Gerrit Rietveld Unesco Press Room Chair for Spectrum, 'Colourful Vintage'
By Gerrit Rietveld, 't Spectrum
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gerrit Rietveld designed in 1958 Unesco press room chair for Spectrum - 'Colourful Vintage' Edition 'Colourful Vintage', which means: fabric: Sprinkl...
Metal
1990s Cassina “Utrecht” Chairs by Gerrit Rietveld, a Pair
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Roanoke, VA
Fantastic pair of modernist lounge chairs, model 637 Utrecht by the designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from the 1990s. Fabric is a cool silvery blue. Check out the incredibl...
Velvet
$11,179 / item
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 33.47 in
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Gerrit T. Rietveld came up with the design...
Fabric
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht chair Metz & Co Netherlands 1965
By Metz & Co., Gerard van de Groenekan, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Utrecht Lounge Chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and manufactured by Metz & Co in The Netherlands 1935. This exceptional and historically important lounge chair represents a p...
Canvas
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 33.47 in
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, and newly upholstered in a soft, luxurious, golden brown 100% mohair fabric. Cassina labels to the underneath. Price...
Alpaca
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 33.47 in
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, upholstered in a premium silvery light grey pure Alpaca fabric. Fast shipping worl...
Alpaca, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.6 in D 34.26 in
Utrecht “637” lounge chair in leopard velvet by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in amstelveen, NL
Lounge chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy, 1980s. Gerrit T. Rietveld came up with the design for the Utrecht armchair in 1935 while ...
Velvet
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Cassina Lounge Chair
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cassina edition of classic armchair. This example for sale is a red/orange color. Excellent condition. Combining experimentation and comfort, Gerrit Thomas Rietveld designed this ...
Wool
“Utrecht” chair by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina, 1990s Italy.
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Landgraaf, NL
“Utrecht” chair by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina, 1990s Italy. Gerrit Thomas Rietveld (1888 – 1964) was a Dutch architect and furniture desig...
Wool
Red & Blue De Stijl Armchair by Gerrit Rietveld, vintage 1970-80s
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Brussels, Brussels
The icon of the "De Stijl" movement, created in 1917 by Gerrit Rietveld. This chair is a one off piece, made by a German engineer in the 1970s for his private use. This is a very w...
Oak, Plywood
Sold
H 28 in W 25 in D 34 in
Pair of 637 Utrecht Armchairs in a Dust Blue Mohair by Rietveld for Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Dallas, TX
Fantastic pair of modernist lounge chairs, model 637 Utrecht by the designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld edition Cassina from the 1990s. Each chair has armrests that merge into the front ...
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 28 in W 25.25 in D 31 in
Gerrit Rietveld "Utrecht" lounge chair produced by Cassina, Italy, 1990s
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Skokie, IL
Gerrit Rietveld was a pioneering Dutch designer and a key figure in the De Stijl movement, known for his innovative approach to furniture design that emphasized simplicity, functiona...
Upholstery
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.6 in D 34.26 in
Utrecht “637” lounge chair in leopard velvet by Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in amstelveen, NL
Lounge chair designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy, 1980s. Gerrit T. Rietveld came up with the design for the Utrecht armchair in 1935 while ...
Velvet
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.6 in D 35.44 in
Gerrit Rietveld XL Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, in rare XL size, produced by Cassina, and newly upholstered in a luxurious, soft, ivory pure alpaca wool fabric. Cassina labels to the u...
Alpaca, Wood
Pair 637 Utrecht Armchairs in a Dust Blue Mohair by Rietveld for Cassina
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Dallas, TX
Fantastic pair of modernist lounge chairs, model 637 Utrecht by the designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld edition Cassina from the 1990s. Each chair has armrests...
Mohair