Skip to main content

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.

to
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
3
3
3
37
295
114
101
89
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 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

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

Related Items
Solid Wood Stool by Simonini, Black Ebonized Finish, Custom Height
Solid Wood Stool by Simonini, Black Ebonized Finish, Custom Height

Solid Wood Stool by Simonini, Black Ebonized Finish, Custom Height

By SIMONINI

Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo

The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, this inspiration gave us the freedom to create a collection where the design appropriate subtle elements, harmonic transitions and thin but resistant wood thicknesses, that gave life to a unique and contemporary collection. Our studio objective was to abstract most of the figurative elements and arrive in the very sweet spot in this design, driving the details in a three dimensional way. All our objects are drawn using the Da Vinci's "golden section", and the wing collection is not an exception, this assures pleasing proportions. The Wing chair collection is crafted with passion using premium materials and the latest technologies, and a very precise quality control, on its beauty there is the subtle variations between the wood veins in a real living item without ethnic appeal. All this qualities converge in and merge in a collection made to participate in the life of its users like a breeze, comfortably, pleasant and positive. Listing features the black ebonized solid wood stool...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Leather, Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood

Ebonized Solid Wood Stool by Simonini with Caned Back, Custom Height
Ebonized Solid Wood Stool by Simonini with Caned Back, Custom Height

Ebonized Solid Wood Stool by Simonini with Caned Back, Custom Height

By SIMONINI

Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo

Flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort, and softness define the essence of the Wing Collection. Inspired by the design of the B-52 aircraft, this concept gave us the freedom to create a collection that incorporates subtle elements, harmonic transitions, and thin yet resistant wood sections, bringing to life pieces that are both unique and contemporary. Our studio’s objective was to abstract most figurative references and arrive at the essence of this design, the true “cream,” refining every detail in a three-dimensional way. All our pieces are drawn according to Da Vinci’s golden section, and the Wing Collection is no exception. This ensures balanced proportions and harmony between each element, the result of a deep study of thicknesses and the relationship between every structural component. The Wing chairs and stools are crafted with passion, using premium materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, combined with precise quality control. Their beauty lies in the subtle variations of the wood veins, a natural expression of a living material that remains warm and elegant without ethnic appeal. The result is a collection of well-balanced, comfortable pieces that are delicate in design and sturdy in construction. All these qualities converge in a collection created to accompany our clients in their daily lives, like a gentle breeze, comfortable, pleasant, harmonic, and uplifting. We offer both caned and solid back versions, available as chairs or stools. The collection includes three natural solid wood tonalities as standard, as well as an ebonized black option. We can also harmonize the wood tone to approximate a particular target when needed. All woods and materials are certified, responsibly sourced, and carefully manufactured. The listing features the black ebonized solid wood stool...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood, Leather, Faux Leather

Simonini Designer Bar Stool, Solid Wood, Customizable Height, Modern
Simonini Designer Bar Stool, Solid Wood, Customizable Height, Modern

Simonini Designer Bar Stool, Solid Wood, Customizable Height, Modern

By SIMONINI

Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo

A study in proportion, softness, and structural grace. The Wing Collection is born from the pursuit of equilibrium, balancing structure and lightness, geometry and comfort, precisio...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood, Leather, Faux Leather

Opinion Ciatti Mammamia Stool with Adjustable Height
Opinion Ciatti Mammamia Stool with Adjustable Height

Opinion Ciatti Mammamia Stool with Adjustable Height

From $2,086 / item

Mirrored Aluminum with Chrome StructureClassic Leather with Chrome StructureCarbon Leather with Chrome Structure + 8 more

H 44.1 in W 17.72 in D 20.87 in

Opinion Ciatti Mammamia Stool with Adjustable Height

By Opinion Ciatti, Marcello Zilliani

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mammamia Stool is a swivel stool with die-cast aluminium shell. Chrome-plated steel structure, base and footrest. Adjustable in height with gas piston. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Metal

Pampa Stool in Solid Walnut Wood
Pampa Stool in Solid Walnut Wood

Pampa Stool in Solid Walnut Wood

$2,330 / item

H 17.09 in W 14.97 in D 15.24 in

Pampa Stool in Solid Walnut Wood

Located in Paris, FR

Stool pampa in solid walnut wood, all handmade piece in polished varnished walnut wood treated with natural pine extract. Also available in solid nat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Walnut, Cedar

Invito Solid Wood Stool, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
Invito Solid Wood Stool, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary

Invito Solid Wood Stool, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary

By Dale Italia

Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR

A refined and simple design, where the premium solid walnut in oil finish is used in its maximum expression. The central screw, entirely in wood, is the result of the work of expert ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Walnut

Curved Stool or Chair in Natural Solid Cedar Wood
Curved Stool or Chair in Natural Solid Cedar Wood

Curved Stool or Chair in Natural Solid Cedar Wood

$2,669Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 19.69 in W 21.26 in D 20.08 in

Curved Stool or Chair in Natural Solid Cedar Wood

Located in Paris, FR

Stool or chair curved made in natural solid cedar wood with natural pine extract wax treatment. Original subtle decoration piece. Solid cedar wood include movement, cracks and chang...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Cedar

Charlotte Perriand Inspired Bar Height Stool in Oak with Rush Seat
Charlotte Perriand Inspired Bar Height Stool in Oak with Rush Seat

Charlotte Perriand Inspired Bar Height Stool in Oak with Rush Seat

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charlotte Perriand style bar stool with woven rush seat and oak frame. In original condition with visible wear, including scratching. Wear is consistent with its age and use. Other s...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Rush, Oak

Charlotte Perriand Set of Two Black Stools in Wood 1950s
Charlotte Perriand Set of Two Black Stools in Wood 1950s

Charlotte Perriand Set of Two Black Stools in Wood 1950s

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Cascina, Pisa

Set of two stools with three legs entirely realized in black stained wood, designed in the style of Charlotte Perriand and manufactured in the 1950s. Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) is one of the most important female furniture designers of the mid 20th century. As early as 1927 Perriand produced a number of critically acclaimed innovative pieces of metal furniture, which drew the attention of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. The result was the beginning of a work relationship that lasted many years. At Le Corbusier’s studio Charlotte Perriand developed a series of tubular steel chairs, among them the famous adaptable chaise longue, which was produced by Thonet two years later. Perriand’s work continued to evolve and in the mid 1930s, she started to experiment with natural materials such as wood and cane. She traveled to Japan in 1940 as an official advisor on industrial design to the Ministry for Trade and Industry to advise the government on how to raise standards of design in order to develop products for export to the West. Perriand adapted local techniques of woodwork and weaving - straw, bamboo and twigs becoming her materials of choice. It was especially after World War II, when Charlotte Perriand developed a new concept for the way of living by increasingly integrating the human dimension into her productions. Through flexible use of materials she achieved recognition with her pure and powerful style – as exemplified in her free form massive wood table models. Conscious of economic and social realities, she decided to opted upon large-scale production, and finding a new synthesis between tradition and industry. “Always concerned with innovation rather than trying to affirm a formula for renovation”, she designed various housing developments such as the Unité d’Habitation in Marseilles, with Le Corbusier in 1949, as well as rooms at the International Students’ Residence in Paris in 1953. Included was a library built in...

Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Vertere Stool in Oiled Walnut with White Leather Seat Pad
Contemporary Vertere Stool in Oiled Walnut with White Leather Seat Pad

Contemporary Vertere Stool in Oiled Walnut with White Leather Seat Pad

By Stuart Scott

Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Turned from solid timber, the Vertere projects an exaggerated sculptural silhouette fully accentuating the stunning beauty of walnut. Our recommendation is an oiled finish to bring o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Walnut

Set of 3 Modern Counter Height Stools, Brick Velvet & Wood, Customizable
Set of 3 Modern Counter Height Stools, Brick Velvet & Wood, Customizable

Set of 3 Modern Counter Height Stools, Brick Velvet & Wood, Customizable

Located in New York, NY

Standard measurements L510 x D480 x H820 x SH640 mm L20" x D18.9" x H32.2" x SH25.2" Materials Fabric structure: brick velvet; treatment: cigarette Legs: dark fumed wood; Footrest: ...

Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Niko Kralj Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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.