Winter styling with Vilhelm Lauritzen’s Vega chair for Carl Hansen & Son

Brrrr, the chill has descended and there’s no where I would rather be than cosy indoors with a cup of coffee. Today I’m sharing this simple, winter styling with a clean, monochrome colour palette. The look is minimalist in style but harmonious and cosy in feel, with tactile oak, speckled ceramics, delicate eucalyptus and soft candlelight. It all makes for an inviting scene for afternoon coffee and cake, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, and no matter the time of year.

Taking centre stage is Carl Hansen & Son’s Vega chair, that feels right at home with the black framed windows and cool, industrial interior of our temporary home. The gentle curves of the lightweight, stackable design fit perfectly around our small dining table, creating a cocooning space that feels cosy and intimate. You might think that it looks like a contemporary design, but it’s actually a classic chair that has a rich history behind it…

[Ad – this is a paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Son]

All images Cate St Hill

The VLA26 Vega chair was first designed in 1956 by architect and pioneer of Danish functionalism, Vilhelm Lauritzen. Just like my favourite architect Alvar Aalto (they were of the same era), Lauritzen designed furniture, lighting and more for his iconic modernist buildings. The Vega chair was one such design – created specially for music venue Vega in Copenhagen.

When Lauritzen designed Vega (the building, not the chair), it was originally conceived as a meeting place for the labour movement and called Folkets Hus (the People’s House). It was only in 1996, when Copenhagen was named European Capital of Culture, that it was renovated to become a music venue for concerts and events.

Lauritzen was a man of detail, believing that the little things have the biggest impact and add up to make a complete whole. He thought of everything for the building, from the dark wood panelling and friezes right down to the door handles and sockets. The Vega chair too is the picture of precision and refinement, pairing sleek powder coated metal legs with a wooden seat and back that can be left plain or upholstered. Look closely and you can see that the legs are finished with a small wooden feet.

The curved shape of the back gives the design a retro, mid-century feel that somehow feels timeless too. I almost think the black legs and frame lend it a characterful, insect-like appearance. And compared to my own dining chairs (these were borrowed for the shoot), the Vega chair feels wide, generous and very comfy indeed – the difference of 13 cm.

Until now the Vega chair was previously only used in Vega’s concert halls. Carl Hansen & Son has teamed up with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects to put the design into production, just in time for the practice’s 100 year anniversary this year. So now you can own a classic design that once had its place in the hall of fame.

The VLA26 Vega Chair is priced at £371 excluding VAT and is available in stores now