The Klismos Chair.

Derived from the greek word klino and pronounced KLIZ moy, Klismos means a cause to lean.  Although there are many varieties, the Klismos chair always displays two key elements, the striking profile and light weight design.  It is a chair to respect and praise.  After all, the design has been admired by humanity for 2,500 years.

These light and elegant Klismos chairs have the typical four curving, splayed legs and curved back rail with a narrow concave backrest between them.  With a white slipcovered seat, they look modern in this spare dining room.

A classic, iconic and elegant Klismos collection by Restoration Hardware.  It's from their outdoor catalog, but it's so gorgeous it could be used indoors.

The Klismos chair is sometimes given arms, sometimes not.  These chairs appear to float on the sleek white floor.

Klismos chairs were designed to be elegant and light so that they could be easily carried.   The one in this hallway stands ready and waiting to be pulled into position.  The uprights of the open chair back and the rear legs were often carved from single pieces of wood, forming graceful curves. The seat rail was generally lower than the tops of the legs and made from a piece of fabric or animal skin such as the zebra seat on this one.

Because the Klismos chair is both traditional and modern, its design has lasting power. After all, it's origins date to 400 B.C.  It is generally made of wood and was originally used mostly by women.  These are the identical chairs I have in my dining room and I never tire of them.

Klismos chairs are often painted, laquered or gold leafed while others have woven seats or upholstery. These are given a modern, fresh and clean look with bright white upholstery.  There is a Klismos chair for everyone.