For seven decades, the Kilta chair has been one of the most respected icons of Finnish design

Introduced to Martela’s collection in 1955, Kilta was Finland’s first plastic chair – a groundbreaking combination of bold design and new manufacturing technology.

The Kilta’s timeless design, seating comfort, and durable quality have made it a beloved piece of furniture in offices, public spaces, and homes alike. Mini Kilta is smaller than the Kilta chair and has no armrests.

Kilta is not just a chair – it is part of Finnish design history.

Special anniversary edition

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Martela is releasing a limited edition of the Kilta chair, which pays homage to the original design of this classic piece with a subtle, modern twist.

The anniversary special edition will only be available for a limited time, offering the opportunity to own a piece of Finnish design heritage – updated for today.

This special edition is a tribute to both Olli Mannermaa‘s insightful design and Martela’s 80-year commitment to quality and sustainability. The Kilta 70 anniversary chair is designed for those who appreciate the history and timelessness of design – a chair that will stand the test of time and use as beautifully as its story.

Designer Olli Mannermaa

Interior architect Olli Mannermaa (1921–1998) had a long career with Tehokaluste, which is now Martela. Mannermaa is known particularly for his Kilta chair, which he designed in 1955. At the time of its creation Kilta was a ground-breaking chair, as its frame was cast out of a single piece of expanded plastic. Kilta is still in production, and the chair is part of the collections of museums such as MoMA in New York.

After its development, Kilta quickly rose to great popularity worldwide

Kilta has been included in the collections of the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, among others.

Kilta got its name from its first interior design project, the “Kauppakilta “restaurant in Helsinki. The first model was created as a basic office chair with a wooden frame. The newer version from 1958 was Finland’s first plastic chair and was made of polystyrene, or “armor foam.”

Workspaces have changed, but the Kilta chair remains popular and is available in a range of styles to suit different spaces and tastes.