Aceray’s Newest Seating

The pre-pandemic days of an assigned desk and a task chair are long gone, but seating—and choice—is more relevant than ever. For more than 20 years Aceray has been known as chair specialists, offering styles that blend craftsmanship and elevated design. Now employees need more options when they are in the office to accommodate different modes of work. 

LinkedIn’s new Silicon Valley-based headquarters is just one example. Redesigned by NBBJ during the pandemic, the space includes more than 75 types of seating for collaboration, focus, or rest. Karolina Triska, executive director at Aceray, gives us a look at some of the company’s new chairs and tells us what we’ll see next. 

An update on a classic chair, the Riva rocker is a stylish option that offers movement. Photos courtesy of Aceray.

Riva 

The Riva rocker illustrates a key trend: movement. Instead of a basic, static seat, people want a piece that allows for some motion, whether it reclines, rocks back and forth, or swivels. Triska noted that the Riva is ideal in settings where a lounge feel is desired, but it can be used anywhere, and it is a contemporary update on the most classic chair of all. “We do a lot of hospitality, but this chair can also go into any contact environment. It’s up to the designer to visualize where it will be perfect,” she explained. 

Made in Italy, the Riva has an ash wood frame, and two material options, saddle leather or Danish paper cord rush. Each option provides texture, which has gained in popularity after years of flat surfaces prevalent during the pandemic.The handwoven cord brings an artisan look to the chair, while the stitched leather provides more contemporary styling. Aceray’s standard wood finishes complement a range of interiors. Bleached beech to honey are lighter and call to mind rustic pieces, while the dark hues of aged gray or wenge have a sophisticated edge. “We have our standard stains, or custom is available, and there is no minimum,” Triska noted. 

A leather seat and back option gives Riva just the right amount of texture.

Solo-Q 

The shape of the Solo-Q highlights the 33-inch depth of the seat, which offers a more minimalist style. With a solid ash frame and an upholstered, multi-density polyurethane foam seat and back, this chair blends the clean lines of the arms and legs with plush cushioning. Triska explained that accentuated curves are another element we can expect to see, as chairs continue to transition from boxy to rounded. Hard edges have been replaced with an overall softness, and organic styles have a fluidity that is appealing. 

Detail is also essential to make chairs more unique, and the Solo-Q’s zipper at the back is reminiscent of apparel. That one feature provides added interest and contrasting texture. “COM, COL, or Aceray graded in upholstery is available, the possibilities are endless. It has to have a stretch fabric for the extra give, and it just hugs the frame,” Triska said.  An array of fabrics are available, so clients can choose from solid or prints. With bright colors or quieter neutrals, the Solo-Q can be dressed up or down. 

The Solo-Q has an appealing organic look.

Solo-P 

The Solo-P armchair, much like the Solo-Q, emphasizes curves, but here it is an arch-shape. The frame is made of solid beech, with an upholstered, multi-density polyurethane foam seat and back. The legs, slightly crossed at the top, draw attention to the bottom of the chair. 

The Solo-P’s stand-out element is the seaming on the back, which gives the seat a bespoke look that calls to mind tailored suiting. Rather than overstuffed cushions that don’t always look neat, this seat’s components create a more streamlined, contemporary design. “The Solo-P is different from the typical chair where the seam would be straight down the back,” Triska noted. Indeed, because the seam runs along the side, the profile is underscored. “The detailing gives it that extra something that sets it apart,” Triska added.

The zipper detail at the back of the Solo-Q is reminiscent of apparel.
The arched-shape back of the Solo-P gives it an added sophistication.
With seam detailing, the Solo-P has a bespoke look that calls to mind tailored suiting.