Dafne Chair

The Dafne chair was designed in 1979 by Italian designer Gastone Rinaldi. At its core, it is a folding chair constructed from a tubular steel frame. Unlike many folding chairs of its time, the Dafne features a slim profile and streamlined silhouette, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The chair’s frame incorporates a folding mechanism that allows it to collapse flat without the need for complex hardware. Its slender form and precise welds create a clean, geometric appearance, with a silhouette often compared to a paperclip.

Rooted in modernist principles—functionalism, economy of form, and the use of industrial materials—the Dafne reflects key design trends in Italy during the late 1970s. Compared to the heavier, more utilitarian folding chairs of earlier decades, it introduced a lighter, more architectural approach.

In 1981, the Dafne received an Honorable Mention in the Compasso d’Oro awards, one of Italy’s most prestigious design recognitions. This acknowledgment positioned it among the notable examples of late 20th-century industrial design.

Today, the Dafne is considered a significant work in Rinaldi’s portfolio and a standout example of Italian folding furniture from the era. Its enduring appeal lies in its structural clarity, efficient design, and minimal footprint.