The sturdy and sleek furniture designed by Tolix has become a standard of trendy cafés and retro diners. For nearly a century, the French company has become synonymous with café culture in France and beyond.
In 1908, Xavier Pauchard, nicknamed Mr. X, founded Tolix in Burgundy, France. A zinc roofer by trade, Pauchard focused on making household items from sheet metal and using zinc to galvanize his products. Clean-lined and practical, Tolix’s metal furniture marked an early expression of mid-century modern style.
Pauchard designed Tolix’s flagship industrial-style chair, the Chaise A, in the mid-1920s. Also known as the Model A chair, it was designed with small holes in the seat to allow rainwater to drain without sacrificing comfort or durability. In 1934, Pauchard improved the Chaise A with the slimmer, more lightweight Marais A chair. Stackable up to 25 chairs high, it quickly became a favorite among hospitals, schools and factories.
There is debate about whether Joseph Mathieu’s designs influenced Pauchard’s creation of the Multipl, another stacking metal chair from the mid-20th century.
Major museums have exhibited Tolix’s designs, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Vitra Design Museum in Rhein, Germany. In 2006, the brand received the label of Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, a formal acknowledgment from the French Ministry of Economics and Finance of its industrial excellence and mastery.
Due to a shift in design trends, Tolix fell out of favor near the end of the 20th century and filed for bankruptcy. The company rebounded in 2004 under the ownership of its chief financial officer, Chantal Andriot. Strengthened by a high demand for industrial furniture, Tolix is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially in cafés, breweries and restaurants.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Tolix dining chairs, tables, stools and more.
$5,088 / item
H 21 in W 24 in D 18 in
Oxide Metal Side Cabinet in Blackened Steel and Ebonized Walnut by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Shown in: Blackened steel and ebonized walnut- 18" D x 24" W x 21" H Waxed aluminum and oxidized maple- 18" D x 24" W x 21" H Blackened steel and ebonized walnut- 15" D x 24" W x 24"...
Steel
35 Black Ash Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
35 black ash frame box with door by Lassen. Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 35 cm Materials: Finér, melamin, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer. Also available in different colours and...
Metal
28 Black Ash Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
28 black ash frame box with door by Lassen Dimensions: W 28 x D 28 x H 28 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer, Also available in different colors and d...
Metal
42 Dark Grey Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
42 dark grey frame box with door by Lassen Dimensions: D 42 x W 21 x H 42 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Also available in different colors and di...
Metal
49 Dark Grey Frame Box with 1 Drawer by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
49 Dark grey frame box with 1 drawer by Lassen Dimensions: D 49 x W 42 x H 49 cm Materials: finér, melamin, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer Also available in different colours a...
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49 Dark Grey Frame Box with Door / Shelf by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
49 Sand frame box with door / shelf by Lassen. Dimensions: D 49 x W 42 x H 49 cm. Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer. Also available in different colours ...
Metal
49 Black Ash Frame Box with Door / Shelf by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
49 Black ash frame box with door / shelf by Lassen. Dimensions: D 49 x W 42 x H 49 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer, Ash Also available in different...
Metal
35 Dark Grey Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
35 Dark grey frame box with door by Lassen Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 35 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamin, Melamine, metal, veneer Also available in different colours and d...
Metal
Tapparelle Wheels Cabinet, Black by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Tapparelle wheels cabinet, black by Colé Italia with Emmanuel Gallina Dimensions: H.55 D.40 W.40 cm Materials: Container on wheels with plinth and “tapparella” sliding shutter in s...
Glass, Oak
28 Dark Grey Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
28 Dark grey frame box with door by Lassen Dimensions: W 28 x D 28 x H 28 cm Materials: finér, melamin, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer Also available in different colors and di...
Metal
