Karel Links easy to assemble chair made in Netherlands 1968

This rare constructivist “easy to assemble” chair, designed by industrial designer Karel Links in 1968, is a brilliant example of minimalist design and ingenuity. The award-winning chair is composed of just three pieces of 10 mm birch plywood, showcasing Links’ talent for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture with minimal resources. One of the chair’s standout features is its incredibly simple assembly process—it takes only 15 seconds to put together, yet the result is a remarkably sturdy and reliable seating solution. The chair’s minimalist construction and constructivist design principles reflect the innovative spirit of the late 1960s, a period marked by experimentation and a focus on form and function.

Painted in an off-white hue several years ago, the chair has developed a charming patina that adds to its character. The original birch plywood construction shines through the paint in places, highlighting the natural material beneath. Despite its simplicity, the chair offers a visually intriguing silhouette, with clean lines and a balanced, geometric form.

This chair is not only a rare find but also a piece of design history—it holds a place in the permanent collection of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, underscoring its cultural and artistic significance. Praised by critics for its innovative design, the chair remains a testament to Karel Links’ design philosophy: combining practicality with minimalist elegance. Whether used as a statement piece in a contemporary interior or as a collectible item for design enthusiasts, this chair is a remarkable example of 1960s design that continues to inspire with its timeless appeal and clever construction.

Literature; Stoelen Chairs Chaises Stuhlen Sedi, TH Delft, pagina 05-28.

• Repainted in the past, original colour unknown.