A beautifully understated set of six original mid-century chairs designed by Robin Day for Hille. Featuring the iconic white moulded polypropylene seat paired with elegant chrome sled bases, this less commonly seen variant offers a more architectural silhouette than the standard four-leg Polyside design.
The gently contoured shells provide excellent comfort and support, while the sled bases give the chairs a light, floating appearance that works particularly well around dining tables, desks, or in open-plan interiors. Unlike the stacking Polyside versions, this sled-base model was designed for interior and contract settings where appearance and comfort took precedence over stacking functionality.
All chairs retain their original embossed “Made in Britain – Robin Day Design – Hille” marks, confirming authentic mid-1960s production. The polypropylene shells display the subtle translucency typical of early examples, and the chrome frames have a clean, well-balanced profile.
Robin Day was one of Britain’s most influential post-war designers, best known for creating practical, democratic furniture that combined modern materials with intelligent design. His collaboration with Hille produced some of the most important British furniture of the 20th century, including the groundbreaking polypropylene chair introduced in the early 1960s. Hille’s commitment to quality manufacturing helped bring modern design into everyday homes, schools, and public buildings across Britain.
Good vintage condition throughout. Light age-related wear to the shells and frames consistent with use, with no cracks or structural issues. All chairs sit well and are sturdy.
This piece has found its new home, but plenty of other one-of-a-kind finds await you. Discover similar pieces.
Hille is one of the most important names in British mid century furniture design, best known for its long and highly influential collaboration with designer Robin Day.
The company was founded in London in 1906 by Salamon Hille, initially producing high-quality traditional furniture. Under the direction of his daughter Ray Hille, the company underwent a dramatic transformation after the Second World War, moving away from reproduction furniture and embracing modern British design.
Robin Day began working with Hille in 1949 following his success in the Museum of Modern Art’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture. Over the following decades he became central to Hille’s identity, designing not only furniture but also the company's logo, catalogues, exhibition stands and showrooms.
The partnership produced some of the most recognisable furniture of post-war Britain, from early timber designs such as Hilleplan and Hillestak through to the revolutionary polypropylene chairs of the 1960s. Hille’s willingness to experiment with new materials and manufacturing techniques helped establish the company as a leading force in modern furniture production.
Today, original Hille furniture is valued both for its understated modernist styling and for its important place in the history of British design.
View all Hille products →
£75 courier delivery – Mainland England & Wales
Delivered within 10 days (Mainland England & Wales)
Free delivery on orders over £1,000
Delivery to Scotland: £80Please allow approximately 2–3 weeks for delivery.
View full delivery policy →
We hope you'll love your purchase, but if for any reason you change your mind, you're welcome to return it.
Please contact us within 14 days of receiving your item to arrange a return. Items must be sent back in their original condition within 30 days of delivery. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
Once we've received and checked the item, we'll issue a refund (excluding original delivery costs) via your original payment method.
If your item arrives damaged or there's an issue with your order, please get in touch within 48 hours of delivery.
View full returns policy →
Robin Day (1915-2010) was one of the most influential British furniture designers of the 20th century and a key figure in the development of post-war modern design.
Born in High Wycombe, Day studied at the Royal College of Art before gaining international recognition when he and Clive Latimer won the storage category of the Museum of Modern Art’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture. This success brought him to the attention of Hille, beginning a collaboration that would last for decades.
Day believed strongly in creating affordable, functional furniture for modern life. His early work for Hille explored timber, plywood and steel, producing designs such as the Hilleplan storage system, Hillestak chair and furniture for the Royal Festival Hall. His designs were characterised by economical construction, clean lines and an absence of unnecessary decoration.
During the 1960s, Day and Hille pioneered the use of polypropylene in furniture manufacture. His moulded Polypropylene Chair became one of the most successful chair designs of the modern era, bringing good design into homes, schools, offices and public spaces around the world.
Day was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry in 1959 and awarded an OBE in 1983. His work remains closely associated with the optimistic, practical spirit of post-war British modernism and continues to be highly regarded by collectors of twentieth-century design.
My beautiful bentwood ply nest of tables arrived today. Sympathetically restored, and looking even better than they did in the pictures. What an amazing little company, a pleasure from start to finish, making everything so easy. What Speedy delivery, and impeccably packaged. I shall definitely be perusing your collection of quality items for future purchases. We'll deserved 5 stars!
Andy
Nest of 3 Mid Century Bentwood Plywood tables
We purchased a beautiful nathan circles mid century sideboard in teak. Exactly as described, it really is a stunning piece. We are so happy with it. Great communication with the seller and fast delivery by a lovely courier.
Carla
Mid Century Teak Sideboard by Vanson
1920’s Haberdashery Unit purchased and arrived exactly as advertised. Sallie-Ann was extremely helpful with the buying process and great communication throughout, a delight to deal with. Highly recommend &VNTG. Thank you and the unit looks amazing!!
Andrew
Large Vintage Oak Haberdashery Unit / Bank of Drawers
Subscribe to receive 10% off your first order. Hear about new stock, special offers, sales & latest news.
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies.