SesselForm

SesselForm is a term used in furniture design to describe a family of seating that emphasizes a cohesive, enveloping silhouette in which the back, seat, and often the arm supports are sculpted as a single form. The name blends the German words Sessel (armchair) and Form (shape). In contemporary writing it functions as a descriptive concept rather than a rigid technical category.

Typical SesselForm pieces feature an integrated shell or upholstered frame, smooth curves, and a massing that reads as a single, continuous contour. The upholstery often spans both back and arms without abrupt separations, and construction tends toward layered foam or flexible padding over a defined frame. Materials vary widely, including timber, metal, leather, and fabrics, with finishes chosen to emphasize tactile and visual unity. Ergonomic considerations are common, with contoured backrests, supportive armrests, and seat angles designed for relaxed or prolonged sitting.

The term covers a range of products from compact armchairs to larger lounge chairs and modular seating that can be joined into a single ensemble. Some implementations incorporate reclining mechanisms, swivel bases, or interchangeable covers, but the unifying idea remains the integration of form and surface into a seamless seating statement.

Origin and usage of SesselForm are not tied to a single designer or period. It appears in design criticism and product descriptions as a language of form rather than a formal standard, reflecting broader trends toward sculptural ergonomics in modern furniture.

See also: Armchair, Lounge chair, Furniture design, Ergonomics.