Bruno Rey (1935–2019) was a highly regarded Swiss designer, best known for the Rey chair he created for furniture manufacturer Dietiker in the 1970s – a design now produced by the Danish brand HAY.
Rey’s work is defined by a deeply functional approach and a timeless esthetic, brought to life through softly rounded forms and gently curved, playful lines.
Bruno Rey: The Swiss master of chairs
Swiss designer Bruno Rey began his career at a time when modern design was still searching for the balance between industrial production and user-centered thinking. Rey’s approach was practical and technically precise: form was always driven by functional structure and genuine need.
Rey originally trained as a cabinetmaker before moving into design and enrolling at the Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich, where he also attended interior design courses led by designer Willy Guhl. He established his own studio focused on architecture and design in 1968.
The innovative Rey chair
Designed in 1971 in collaboration with Swiss manufacturer Dietiker, the Rey chair introduced a patented screwless wood-to-metal connection – a remarkable technical innovation at the time. This allowed for exceptional durability and easy maintenance. Its clean silhouette, rounded edges and stackable design made it ideal for public spaces, schools and homes alike.
The Rey chair has remained in continuous production since the 1970s and has become perhaps the most recognizable Swiss chair design. Today, it is produced by Danish HAY, with the collection also including tables and stools that echo its distinctive design language.
Who: Bruno Rey
- Swiss designer (1935–2019).
- Gained international recognition with the Rey chair in the 1970s, which became one of Switzerland’s most successful furniture designs.
- His work combines soft, rounded forms with a practical, functional approach.
- Notable designs: Rey chair and tables (HAY).
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