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Niko Kralj Stools

Slovene, 1920-2013

Although now dubbed the King of Slovenian Design, Niko Kralj was for many years one of the great unsung heroes of industrial design.

The late architect and furniture designer Kralj was known for groundbreaking seating and tables that seamlessly blend functionality with an elegant economy of line. He received little recognition outside his own country, despite registering 120-plus patents and models, including those for the Mosquito bar stool — named for its winglike seat and first produced in 2012 — and a number of inventive “foldables,” like the Rex coffee table and Rex daybed for children.

Sleek and space-saving, Kralj's iconic foldable Rex rocking chair was created in 1956 — it epitomizes his sleek and laconic minimalism, conveying a sense of strength and fluidity, both in its pleasingly geometric open form and its gracefully arching folded silhouette. A contemporary version of Kralj’s mid-century masterwork is produced by the Ljubljana-based furniture company Rex Kralj.

Over the course of his career, Kralj also established close ties with such design giants as Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Buckminster Fuller, Olof Pira and Ilmari Tapiovaara, all proponents, like him, of an aesthetic that inhabits the sweet spot between elegant simplicity and pragmatism.

Today, Kralj’s timeless rocking chairs are in the collections of a number of international museums, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen’s Designmuseum Denmark and the National Technical Museum Prague.

Find vintage Niko Kralj furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Niko Kralj
CC Stool in Natural Walnut, solid wood frame and curved seat, H44 cm, D40 cm
CC Stool in Natural Walnut, solid wood frame and curved seat, H44 cm, D40 cm

CC Stool in Natural Walnut, solid wood frame and curved seat, H44 cm, D40 cm

By Niko Kralj

Located in Ljubljana, SI

The CC Stool is similar in design and finish to the CC Table and is a perfect match. Ideal for occasional seating, this item is an elaborate take on a wooden ...

Category

2010s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Walnut

CC Stool in Black Oak, solid wood frame and curved seat, height 44 cm, D40 cm
CC Stool in Black Oak, solid wood frame and curved seat, height 44 cm, D40 cm

CC Stool in Black Oak, solid wood frame and curved seat, height 44 cm, D40 cm

By Niko Kralj

Located in Ljubljana, SI

The CC stool is similar in design and finish to the CC table and is a perfect match. Ideal for occasional seating, this item is an elaborate take on a wooden ...

Category

2010s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Oak

CC Stool in Natural Oak, solid wood frame and curved seat, height 44 cm, D40 cm
CC Stool in Natural Oak, solid wood frame and curved seat, height 44 cm, D40 cm

CC Stool in Natural Oak, solid wood frame and curved seat, height 44 cm, D40 cm

By Niko Kralj

Located in Ljubljana, SI

The CC stool is similar in design and finish to the CC table and is a perfect match. Ideal for occasional seating, this item is an elaborate take on a wooden stool. With a solid wood frame and a curved seat, the CC Stool possesses a unique character and also works as a stand-alone piece. Designed by Niko Kralj in year 1954. The Cross Connection (CC) family offers a unique view of this often unseen area by separating the legs from the elevated top. Stand-alone pieces to admire and enjoy. With over two million chairs produced, the designs of Niko Kralj (1920-2013) have served numerous generations. After the Second World War, traditional production methods gave way to modern inventions and led to a new era of furniture design. As a trained architect and an absolute pioneer in this field, Niko developed truly innovative pieces for the time and became one of the first ever industrial designers. It’s little wonder that fellow professionals are gradually recognising his work, which has been rewarded with permanent displays in design museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Designmuseum Denmark and The International Design Museum Munich. 1960 Chair...

Category

2010s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Oak

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Niko Kralj stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Niko Kralj stools are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Niko Kralj stools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools by Niko Kralj were created in the mid-century modern style in slovenia during the 21st century and contemporary. Prices for Niko Kralj stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $405 and can go as high as $490, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $405.