On today’s blog, we’re shining a spotlight on the Geneva Slipper Chair: a low, reclined seat with a gently curved backrest. Its subtle scroll detailing at the top nods to traditional design, while its armless frame lends a sleek, streamlined silhouette.
When designing restaurant spaces, we often apply the ‘three-height rule’ to introduce variety and balance. This concept includes a tall stool for the bar, a mid-height chair for the dining area and the Geneva Slipper Chair—a relaxed, lower seat ideal for bar spaces. With its cushioned seat and ergonomic design, the Geneva Slipper Chair fosters a cosy, sociable atmosphere, making it perfect for laid-back settings.
In the restaurant at Warren Street Hotel, we’ve chosen a playful watercolour-like fabric with circular motifs for the Geneva Slipper Chair upholstery, adding a fun touch to the space. The chair is upholstered in two distinct fabric schemes, helping to differentiate the dining area from the cocktail area. This approach not only defines the two zones but also adds dynamism through texture and colour, making the space feel more inviting.
The width and depth of the Geneva chair allows us room to experiment with different fabrics. In the dining area, we opted for hard-wearing textured solids, creating a bold colour-block effect. To finish, we added a pop of happy yellow leather piping, giving the chair that extra punch.
In the Drawing Room at Number Sixteen, we’ve used the Geneva Slipper Chair to keep the space soothing, light and airy. The chair’s soft lines complement the room’s relaxed atmosphere perfectly.
For the restaurant at Crosby Street Hotel, we played with a combination of two leathers, creating contrast between the top and bottom thirds of the chair. This visual differentiation ties in seamlessly with the flow between the banquette and high stools, creating impact with primary colours and finishing it off with a bold green piping.
At The Whitby Hotel, we’ve followed the same principle but mixed pattern fabrics and leather, giving the chairs an edge and a sense of uniqueness.
Finally, at The Crimson Bar in The Soho Hotel, we’ve turned the backs of the Geneva Slipper Chairs into a canvas of their own. Each chair is upholstered in a striking fabric by Jean Paul Gaultier, featuring a unique design of motorcycle parts on the back.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the Geneva Slipper Chair and the many creative ways it can be adapted with different fabrics to suit a variety of spaces.