The maker of Sulu, Dauphin, calls this “a chair for all worlds”-and it is. Maple, which can be stained to your liking, forms the outer shell of this chair. Upholstered on the inside, the Sulu nestles you in its cradle. Available with a fixed or swivel seat, Sulu does offer comfort, style, and functionality. The Guest Chair with four fixed legs measures 23"W x 21"D x 30"H; the depth in particular is ergonomic-neither too shallow nor too deep.

Sulu, side chair. Manufactured by Dauphin.

Covered in jewel-tone fabrics, the Sulu is striking; the piping on the upholstery edges adds a nice touch to the simple lines. With the wood stained Onyx or Ivory, the Sulu complements a dramatic color palette. Pair the black or white maple with lime green or fuchsia and you’ve got a perfect chair for the Bacardi headquarters in Miami, where the Sulu can set off Cuban artist Gattorno’s mural. If the maple finish is Java or Natural, then the Sulu becomes a quieter affair; a group of them might even be studious enough to fit into Michael Graves’ Denver Public Library.

Dauphin claims it “has pursued a commitment to healthy posture,” so Sulu feels just as good as it looks. They develop their seating designs in Germany, where their experts try to balance affordability, style, and comfort with environmentally friendly materials. Dauphin’s design philosophy only makes Sulu that much more attractive. Most of the company’s upholstery no longer uses glue; instead, they use proprietary drawstring technology.

In short, the Sulu is non-toxic-another draw for offices or corporations, since their employees will be healthier. But the Sulu is good-looking enough for home interiors too. Forget the cubicle and choose a pair of Sulu Chairs for your foyer or library.