Design Within Reach Reissues Model 82, an Elegant Timeless Design by Møller
The Classic “Embassy Chair” Will Be Exclusively Available at DWR in the U.S.
June 18, 2025 - In celebration of 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, Design Within Reach (DWR), the leading destination for modern living, launched the J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik Model 82. The chair was originally designed in 1970 in response to the request for a modern and elegant high-back from international clients. The result was a refined piece which quickly became known as the “Embassy Chair,” as it was ordered by embassies worldwide.
Model 82 marks DWR's first ladderback dining chair. During a visit to the storied Danish factory, a DWR buyer recognized the Model 82's potential immediately.
“Ladderback chairs are typically found in traditional spaces, but this unique model beautifully exemplifies the way in which modern design can pay homage to earlier styles though a contemporary lens,” Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail for MillerKnoll. “Model 82’s functional elegance beautifully fits within DWR’s thoughtful curation. Møller’s pieces are truly works of art, and we can’t wait to introduce this remarkable chair to our customers.”
The Model 82 required meticulous reconstruction from the original chair itself – a testament to both Møller's exacting standards and DWR's commitment to authentic craftsmanship. True to Møller's vision, every chair is built by hand without screws or nails, engineered for strength and longevity. Handcrafted from kiln-dried wood, the Model 82 represents ergonomics as artistry. Its subtly contoured back provides essential spinal support with sculptural grace. Originally produced in limited quantities and last made in the '90s, the Model 82 is a design icon that merits revival.
Since 1944, when Niels Otto Møller founded J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik in his hometown of Aarhus, Denmark, the workshop has handcrafted chairs with the same process and uncompromising quality. Starting in an old bicycle shop and originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Niels Otto’s first work was solely on commission-based projects, making individual furniture pieces, ranging from chairs to tables. What interested him most was the dining chair, but drawing them was not part of Niels Ottos’ process. When he finished developing a chair by hand, which could take three to five years, he would then figure out how to produce it.
In 1961, the Møller factory moved to a larger space in Aarhus, where it still carries out all facets of production and remains in the hands of the family - from the cutting of the raw wood to the final weaving or upholstering. Almost all processes that go into making a Møller design use the hands of our artisans, and almost all have been trained in-house to be experts at their craft.
Niels Ottos’ legacy also lives on through his granddaughter Kirsten Møller, the company’s first female CEO. “Our processes have been carried out by hand in the same way since the company’s inception, ensuring that Møller production today achieves the same standard of quality and level of craftsmanship that my grandfather established,” says Kirsten. “He had three basic rules for every chair: It must be well-made, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable.” Over 80 years later, this is still the Møller approach.
Niels Otto helped put Danish modernism on the map. Long before it was common, he paired woodworking techniques with CNC machinery to design chairs that defined Danish craftsmanship and that were made to last for generations. “When you look at Møller chairs today, they could have been designed yesterday,” adds Kirsten. “Their understated elegance is iconic. Even though he didn’t have a formal education as a furniture architect, my grandfather had an innate ability to combine his carpentry background with design. He had an incredible eye for aesthetics.”
“Møller has been one of DWR’s core seating makers for decades,” adds Debbie. “Celebrating this long-time partnership with the launch of Model 82 during Denmark’s premier design festival is an exciting moment for DWR.”
The Model 82 will be available in German Oak or American Walnut, with a woven paper cord seat or a mix of leather and fabric options. The woven seat will retail for $1,695-$1,795 and the upholstered option for $1,695-$2,095. As of today, Model 82 is available on dwr.com and will roll out to DWR stores across the United States this summer.
