A Comfortable Chair with Sculptural Clarity
Sonder is a chair that offers high comfort with its long, curved backrest and soft, flat, U-shaped seat. The Sonder chair is characterised by a touch of Brutalism, with its sturdy legs and crossbars. This is combined with a fresh and exciting use of finely curved veneer on the seat and back. The chair is comfortable for long periods of time, as the long, curved backrest allows any user to find the optimum point of support for their back.
The word ‘Sonder’ captures the essence of recognising and appreciating the unique experiences of others. We chose the name because it reflects the chair’s purpose as a thoughtful design that accommodates individual comfort and identity.
A Natural Material
The variations of oak
Wood is a natural material, and its appearance is strongly influenced by how the timber is cut from the log. Different cutting methods reveal different parts of the tree’s structure, naturally creating variations in grain pattern, texture and colour. For example, plank-cut oak often shows wider and more vivid grain patterns, while quarter-cut or rift-cut oak creates a calmer and more linear appearance.
These variations are a natural and expected characteristic of solid wood. They are not defects or inconsistencies, but a direct result of the tree’s natural growth and the way the material is processed.
The examples shown here illustrate how differences in cut, structure and surface treatment can influence the final appearance of the wood. At Form & Refine, we embrace these differences as part of the material’s authentic character.
”The curvature of the back is inversed in comparison to a traditional chair. This activates the large surface of the backrest. The joints are specially designed to enhance the chair’s distinct and graphic expression”
– Jonas Herman, Herman Studio





















