HAY relaunches Niels Jørgen Haugesen’s iconic 1970s X-Line Chair

Danish design brand HAY is set to reintroduce a defining piece of 1970s furniture history with the relaunch of the X-Line Chair, originally designed by Niels Jørgen Haugesen. The chair, which first debuted in 1977, will be officially released in Spring 2025, marking its entrance into HAY’s universe of contemporary yet timeless designs.

With its minimalist steel frame and geometric precision, the X-Line Chair is a striking example of the high-tech movement that influenced 1970s design. Defined by a distinctive X-shaped structure, the chair merges visual lightness with structural integrity, offering both strength and flexibility in its construction. Its thin metal wire composition lends it an industrial character, making it a versatile piece suited for a variety of interiors.

HAY’s relaunch stays true to Haugesen’s original vision, preserving the chair’s precise engineering and functional elegance while introducing it to a new generation of design enthusiasts.

Niels Jørgen Haugesen (1936–2013) was a pioneering Danish furniture designer, best known for the X-Line collection. Originally trained as a carpenter in 1956, Haugesen later studied furniture design, graduating in 1961 before working under the influential Arne Jacobsen in the late 1960s. He established his own studio in 1971, where he developed a design language rooted in precision, structure, and material economy. In addition to his contributions to furniture design, Haugesen was a dedicated educator at the Danish Design School (Danmarks Designskole), shaping future generations of designers.

By reintroducing the X-Line Chair, HAY continues its tradition of reviving and celebrating design icons, ensuring that significant works from the past remain part of the contemporary design landscape. With its industrial yet refined aesthetic, the chair’s presence in HAY’s collection aligns seamlessly with the brand’s commitment to functional, original, and lasting designs.

Shop the X-Line Chair by HAY here