Frequently Bought Together
Conceived by Dutch architect Mart Stam in 1926 — a full year before Marcel Breuer's Cesca — the S34 is the armchair evolution of the original cantilever chair, the design that first eliminated the rear legs. Our reproduction set of 2 pairs a chrome tubular steel frame with a topstitched black saddle leather sling seat and back.
About Mart Stam
Mart Stam (1899–1986) was a Dutch architect and furniture designer associated with the Bauhaus, De Stijl, and the Neues Bauen movement. In November 1926, at a meeting in Stuttgart ahead of the Weissenhofsiedlung exhibition, Stam sketched a chair with no rear legs — bent gas pipes joined with elbow fittings — and introduced the cantilever principle to seating. Marcel Breuer's tubular steel cantilever followed in 1928, sparking a long patent dispute that the German Reichsgericht ultimately resolved in Stam's favor in 1932, recognising him as the inventor of the rear-leg-less chair.
The S34 is Stam's armchair variant of that idea, with leather sling panels stretched between a continuous chrome frame. Produced historically by Thonet and held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, it remains a touchstone of early modernist furniture design.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Our reproduction keeps the silhouette and material language of Stam's original:
- Frame: 1" diameter chrome-plated tubular steel, 1/8" (3 mm) wall thickness — bent in a single continuous curve so the seat appears to float.
- Seat & back: black saddle leather upholstery with double topstitching along the edges, suspended sling-style between the frame rails.
- Armrest sleeves: wrapped leather pads over the upper frame for warmth at the contact points.
- Glides: protective floor glides on the front and rear runners to spare wood and tile floors.
Each chair is inspected for chrome finish, frame alignment, leather tension, and stitching before shipping.
Specifications
| Quantity | Set of 2 |
|---|---|
| Overall height | 32.2" / 82 cm |
| Width | 22.1" / 56 cm |
| Depth | 21.3" / 54 cm |
| Seat height | 18" / 46 cm |
| Frame | Chrome-plated tubular steel (1" diameter, 1/8" wall) |
| Upholstery | Black saddle leather sling with double topstitching |
| Weight capacity | Approx. 250 lbs / 113 kg dynamic load per chair |
| Assembly | None required — ships fully assembled |
| Package dimensions | 24"W × 33"L × 26"H |
| Package contents | 2 chairs, care guide |
Care & Assembly
The S34 ships fully assembled — unbox, place the glides on the floor, and the chair is ready to use.
To care for the leather, dust with a soft dry cloth and condition every six to twelve months with a neutral leather cream to keep it supple. Wipe spills immediately with a barely damp cloth; avoid soaking, harsh detergents, and prolonged direct sunlight. For the chrome frame, a soft microfiber cloth handles daily dust; use a non-abrasive chrome polish a few times a year to maintain the mirror finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stam vs. Breuer — who invented the cantilever chair?
Mart Stam introduced the rear-leg-less concept first, in Stuttgart in November 1926, using bent gas pipes. Marcel Breuer's refined tubular steel cantilever followed in 1927–1928. A patent dispute ran until 1932, when the German Reichsgericht ruled in Stam's favour for the underlying idea of a chair without rear legs. Breuer is credited with the elegant tubular steel execution that became the Cesca; Stam with the cantilever principle itself.
Is the upholstery genuine leather?
The S34 is finished in a saddle-leather-style upholstery selected for durability and an even matte appearance over time. It is positioned as a faithful reproduction in the tradition of Mart Stam's original — not a vintage Thonet piece — and is priced accordingly.
How do I care for the leather seat?
Dust with a soft cloth, wipe spills immediately with a barely damp cloth, and apply a neutral leather conditioner every six to twelve months. Keep the chairs out of constant direct sunlight and away from radiators or vents that blast hot, dry air, both of which can stiffen and crack any leather surface over time.
How does the S34 differ from a Cesca chair?
Both share a chrome cantilever frame, but the Cesca uses a wood-and-cane seat and back with a separate wooden armrest, while the S34 uses a continuous leather sling stretched across the steel frame. The S34 reads more industrial and Bauhaus, while the Cesca is warmer and more craft-forward. The S34 also typically sits a touch firmer.
Is the seat comfortable for long dinners or meetings?
Yes. The leather sling has natural give, the cantilever frame flexes subtly under the sitter, and the armrests support relaxed posture. At 18" seat height the chair pairs with standard 28–30" dining and conference tables, and is well suited to two-to-three hour seated use.
Shipping & Returns
Free US shipping (typically arrives within 2–4 weeks). 30-day free returns. See our shipping policy and refund policy.
