A fairly recent but widely accepted solution to meeting in busy and loud public spaces, is high-back seating. These towering sofas and chairs provide acoustical and visual privacy, keeping the dull roar of public space out, while keeping private conversation in.

1. Alcove Highback Sofa
DESIGNER: Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
MANUFACTURER: Vitra
PRICE: Inquire for pricing
H 53 1/2″ x D 33″ 

The Alcove Highback design from the Bouroullecs for Vitra pioneered the high back sofa as a solution to create intimate settings within a public, open space. The upholstered design proved that high, absorbant sofa backs and arms work remarkably well as sound barriers and create a sense of privacy in loud, busy areas.

2. Tuxedo High Back
DESIGNER: Nienkämper
MANUFACTURER: Nienkämper
PRICE: Starts at $5,215
79 1/2" x 30 1/2" x 48"

This beautifully tailored high back sofa from Nienkämper is aptly named Tuxedo. Clean, linear details give this piece a quiet but strong visual presence.

3. Talk
DESIGNER: EOOS
MANUFACTURER: Keilhauer
PRICE: Starts at $2,400
W 30″ x D 26.75″ x H 28.75″

This year’s introduction from Keilhauer allows for both privacy and comfort within a public space. The angled high back allows for lounging posture while enjoying the alcove privacy of high back and side panels.

4. Radius
DESIGNER: Wolfgang C.R. Mezger
MANUFACTURER: Davis Furniture
PRICE: $8,628

Radius allows for ganging of its elements to create curved and circular seating arrangements for a more organic line for high back seating.

5. BuzziHub
DESIGNER: Alain Gilles
MANUFACTURER: BuzziSpace
PRICE: Inquire for pricing
122 x 200 x 190 cm

BuzziSpace brings this category to new heights with a top component that closes sound in from above. The result is the ultimate in privacy and quiet, all while staying comfortable and inviting because of the relaxed design and warm upholstery.

6. Bix Lounge
DESIGNER: Metro Design Group
MANUFACTURER: Coalesse
PRICE: $1,508

Coalesse’s version of high back lounge seating, the Bix Lounge, achieves the privacy benefits while keeping the profile and form slimmer by using un-upholstered, wood panels as extensions of its seat back.

7. 2192
DESIGNER: Børge Mogensen
MANUFACTURER: Fredericia
PRICE: Inquire for pricing
L 154 x D 89 x H 106 cm

This list would not be complete without a classic Danish design. This one from Fredericia, designed in 1971, proves that high back sofas are timeless in comfort and function.

8. Haven
DESIGNER: Mark Gabbertas
MANUFACTURER: Allermuir
PRICE: Starting at $2,028

Haven is a modular upholstery system with sofas, stools, tables and screens. The beauty of Haven is the supporting elements that allow for a fully functional workspace within its high, soft walls.

9. Mind-Share
MANUFACTURER: Allsteel
PRICE: Inquire for pricing

The modularity of Mind-Share from Allsteel allows for multiple micro-environments within an open, public space. Coupled with Allsteel’s Gather collection, Mind-Share becomes a part of a working whole that enables absolute mobility and adaptability.

10. Intima Modular
DESIGNER: PLD Design Group
MANUFACTURER: Arcadia
PRICE: Starts at $1,353

Intima Modular from Arcadia allows for private seating in both circular and linear forms. The system is designed to create privacy while also encouraging interaction.

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