René Holten, Tara lounge chairs for Artifort

RENÉ HOLTEN (Netherlands, 1961) for Artifort.
A pair of lounge chairs, in black leather, base made in chromed steel, model Tara. Designed in 1999.
With signs of wear and patina.
Produced by Artifort.
Measurements: 70 x 82 x 80 cm. seat height 38 cm.

The Tara lounge chair, designed by René Holten for Artifort in 1999, is characterized by a continuous form in which the seat and backrest form a single, enveloping piece with soft, organic lines. Its slender, discreetly recessed chrome-plated steel legs create the sensation that the chair is floating—an effect deliberately sought by the designer to impart visual lightness. Holten described the Tara line as “spacious, fluid, and organic, with a restrained design,” whose simplicity and refinement make it a versatile line for contemporary interiors; the collection was further complemented by a coffee table designed with the same metal frame.

René Holten is a Dutch industrial and furniture designer, known for his collaboration with Artifort, one of the historic firms of Dutch design. He studied at the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts and the Design Academy Eindhoven, where he graduated with honors. Before opening his own studio, he worked with architect Wiel Arets and served as Artifort’s director of product development from 1993 to 1998. Throughout his career, he has received several design awards, including the Best Dutch Furniture Design award for the DoDo chair (1998) and various Good Industrial Design awards.