The formula for the Harper chair is simple: take a basic shell chair, provide a few different steel bases, and let people go wild with a plethora of color, pattern, and, upholstery options. Since its launch in 2017, designers and restaurateurs have been doing just that. We highlighted three restaurants with the same Harper chair—all with dramatically different looks and results.
Look #1: Bright + Industrial
Harper A-frame chair in gusto!. Image via Katie Bricker Photography
Harper A-frame chair in gusto!. Image via Katie Bricker Photography
Modern dining chairs never looked so good. Inside gusto!, a fast-casual chain based in Atlanta, you’ll find the Harper A-frame stacking chair pared down in a simple dark brown cocoa stain and a bright zinc yellow powder coat. Harper's slender frame is the ideal application for those looking for just a hint of color. With the help of polished concrete floors and a mix of modern furniture, the space at gusto! is clean, youthful, and an updated take on the industrial fast casual style.
Love this look? We profiled the gusto! design here.
Look #2: Neutral + Casual
Harper A-frame Chairs, fully upholstered and black on black at Grey Skies Distillery
Harper A-frame Chairs, fully upholstered at Grey Skies Distillery
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Grey Skies Distillery boasts a 13,000 square foot production facility along with a casual and modern tasting room. Inside, guests can sip on a variety of inventive cocktails served in coupes and etched rocks glasses. I'm bias, but it's one of my favorite spaces in Grand Rapids. The owners of Grey Skies opted to finish the Harper A-frame in two ways: an upholstered version and a wood version. The first version is a fully wrapped camel leather with ink black legs. The second is a sleek black-on-black version, using a almost matte black wood stain and black legs. The combination adds richness and a modern edge to a casual and comfortable space.
Love this look? We wrote about this distillery here.
Look #3: Sophisticated + Cozy
Laminate Harper A-Frame chairs with red seat pad in Chow Morso. Image via Chow Morso
Laminate Harper A-Frame chairs with red seat pad in Chow Morso. Image via Chow Morso
Italian comfort food and Harper chairs go hand in hand, right? The unlikely yet winning pair can be seen in Chow Morso in Denver, Colorado. Chow Morso aims to “bring a playful air” to classic Italian dishes, but we also see that ethos reflected in the interior design. Harper gets an unexpected touch of color with the help of a marinara-inspired seat pad and a wood-look laminate shell. The spec and space feels sophisticated but not overly serious. Not to mention the weathered brick and modern create a recipe for success.
From full service to fast casual and everything in between, it’s easy to see why the Harper is a go-to restaurant chair. To design your own Harper chair, see our new visualization tool here.