Ghost Chair

The Louis Ghost Chair was designed by Philippe Starck in 2002 for the Italian manufacturer Kartell, becoming one of the best-selling chairs in contemporary design history. Created from a single piece of transparent polycarbonate using injection molding, it reinterprets the ornate silhouette of a Louis XVI medallion-back armchair in a completely modern material. The result is a chair that carries the visual weight and cultural associations of classical furniture while being virtually invisible, stackable, and virtually indestructible. The Ghost Chair's commercial and cultural success lies in its ability to solve multiple design problems simultaneously. Its transparency makes small spaces feel larger and allows other design elements to remain visible. Its classical silhouette adds elegance and humor to contemporary settings. Its polycarbonate construction is weather-resistant, UV-stable, and easy to clean. Used in weddings, restaurants, homes, and offices worldwide, the Ghost Chair demonstrated that contemporary design could be simultaneously mass-market, democratic, and culturally sophisticated.

Key Characteristics

✓Single-piece transparent polycarbonate construction
✓Reinterprets Louis XVI classical silhouette
✓Virtually invisible yet structurally strong
✓Weather-resistant and UV-stable
✓Stackable up to six chairs high
✓One of the best-selling contemporary chairs worldwide

Types & Variations

Crystal clear (transparent)

Smoke grey transparent

Amber transparent

Opaque black or white

Victoria Ghost (without arms)

Common Materials

Transparent polycarbonateBatch-dyed polymerSingle-piece injection moldUV-stabilized materialScratch-resistant surfaceNon-marking feet

Works Well With These Styles

Contemporary Modern Minimalist Art Deco Traditional

Placement & Usage Tips

Ghost Chairs excel in small dining rooms where visual weight must be minimized. They pair beautifully with rustic wood tables for style contrast, or with glass tables for a nearly invisible dining set. Use colored versions as playful accents in otherwise neutral rooms.

💡 Pro Tip

The Ghost Chair's transparency makes it the ultimate space-saving dining chair—it virtually disappears when not in use. For outdoor entertaining, it's one of the few design chairs that can withstand weather without covers. Keep them clean with a soft cloth and mild soap to maintain their crystal clarity.