Italian brand Kartell and Studio Urquiola have unveiled Comback, a contemporary reinterpretation of the English Windsor chair that traces its lineage back to the 16th century. The new series preserves the Windsor’s iconic comb-back silhouette while updating its structure and materials for modern interiors and contemporary workplace needs.
Comback is offered in four distinct variants classic four-leg, an office swivel version with a central rotating axis, a sled base with tubular sides, and a rocking chair, each sharing a unified comb-back upper element but expressing different moods through bespoke leg and base solutions. Structurally, the redesigned seven-tooth comb-back extends toward the lumbar region and links to a precisely engineered hexagonal steel ring, a detail that maintains the chair’s characteristic profile while improving ergonomic support.
The most significant innovation lies in the material palette: an epoxy-polyester coated steel frame is paired with a thermoplastic polymer seat, replacing traditional solid wood. This shift yields a lighter, more durable chair with an expanded color range and greater production versatility, without sacrificing visual depth or comfort. Contrasting stitching saddle or zigzag, further accentuates the chair’s geometric language and material tactility.
From the Windsor depicted in Edward Haytley’s 1740s paintings to this vivid contemporary reworking, Comback stages a three-century design dialogue. It manages to balance nostalgic reference and present-day performance, positioning itself as both a functional seating solution and a sculptural accent for residential and commercial interiors.
Source: 77° Global Furnishings Media
