Categories / Design and Interiors

Habitat Days Forum armchair and sofas by Robin Day

Forum

We were very sad to hear of the death of Robin Day, aged 95, last week. We did think about doing a tribute, but in truth, we've been a tribute site to Robin Day's designs pretty much since the day started – everything from the classic Polo Chair to more eccentric designs like the 4-4000 chair for Hille, now long gone, but often seen on eBay. But after a check through our records, we realised we haven't featured one of his most recognisable designs – the Habitat Days Forum armchair and sofas.

Yes, if you've been in Habitat in the past few years, you'll have seen this impressive midcentury-inspired design. It's available as an armchair or as a two, three or four-seater sofa, all with that oak frame (stained as ash or walnut) and with a choice of colours for the Italian leather upholstery. All of that stands on slim chrome legs.

A very stylish design and a tribute to the enduring appeal of Robin Day. It sells from £1,100 for the armchair or £1,650 for the sofa. If you happen to be in the Manchester area, here's a tip – you might find them heavily discounted at the Habitat clearance store there.

Find out more at the Habitat website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s-style Habitat Perspex Table Light

Conran

It's a reissue, but this Habitat Perspex Table Light is still a rarely-seen item.

Originally sold in the early 70s in Habitat stores, this is a late 90s reissue in a clear perspex, as opposed to the 'smoked' original. Everything else is as it was, right down to the flatpack – you'll still have to make it yourself when you get it through the post.

It's been 'used' but us described as being in 'great condition', with a good price too right now – just £9.30.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s Verner Panton Peacock Chair

Panton

Not a model dating back to the late 60s, but this Verner Panton Peacock Chair is still a sought-after design.

It was designed by Panton back in 1969 and even now, it's a real head-turner. This particular version is the one sold by Habitat for a very short time in the late 1990s. Not cheap then and not cheap to find one now.

Both the metal frame and seven circular cushions are said to be in 'fantastic' condition, which makes the current price of £31.03 something of a steal. Not something you'll see again in a hurry.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Finnmirror 1970s mirror

Finn

Not the most eye-catching item we've ever featured, but this Finnmirror mirror has some style and a very low price tag.

It's a Scandinavian design, produced by Finnmirror in Finland around 1970 and sold in Habitat stores 'back in the day'. It's very much of that era – a rounded, plastic frame in a pale grey.

There is some slight damage to the rear – check the description for that – but nothing too alarming by the sound of it. If you want to go for it, the mirror is just 99p right now.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Food and Drink, Homeware

60s style Nina dining range at Habitat

Nina platter

The Nina dining range, new in at Habitat, uses bright 60s-style shapes and colours to create an impact. 

The bold colours give the dishes a Pop Art flavour, while the 'slinky'-like shape included in the pattern references another key 60s art movement, Op Art. To complete the look, the range is all made from melamine and includes the platter shown above, as well as trays, dishes and even salad servers. 

If you like this look, you may want to take a look at Habitat's Evelyn lightshades which use a similar pattern. 

Prices start at £2. 

See the range online