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Butterfly Wingback Chairs

Butterfly Wing Table
Wingback Pair
Fritz Hansen Grand Prix Chair
Mid Century Modern Wing Chair
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix
Butterfly Furniture
Wing Back Dining Chair
Williams Sonoma Furniture
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1940's Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
These butterfly wing backs are just gorgeous. Each chair represents a truly novel twist on the
Category

Vintage 1940s English Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

1940's Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs
1940's Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs

1940's Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs

H 44 in W 32 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
In the style of Paolo Buffa, this 1950;s butterfly wing back chair has been restored and newly
Category

Vintage 1950s European Hollywood Regency Club Chairs

Materials

Linen, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chair
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chair

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chair

H 42 in W 31 in D 22 in
Modern Leather ButterFLY Swing Chair in Brown
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its
Category

2010s South African Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Leather ButterFLY Swing Chair in Brown
Modern Leather ButterFLY Swing Chair in Brown

Modern Leather ButterFLY Swing Chair in Brown

H 35 in W 24 in D 34 in
Exaggerated Butterfly Back Wing Chair, Circa 1940
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Rochester, NY
Exaggerated butterfly back wing chair w/ tapered mahogany legs / brass tacking at wood accented
Category

Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Exaggerated Butterfly Back Wing Chair, Circa 1940
Exaggerated Butterfly Back Wing Chair, Circa 1940

Exaggerated Butterfly Back Wing Chair, Circa 1940

H 44 in W 32 in D 30 in
Modern Black Leather ButterFLY Hanging Swing Chair with Red Detail
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its
Category

2010s South African Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Black Leather ButterFLY Hanging Swing Chair with Red Detail
Modern Black Leather ButterFLY Hanging Swing Chair with Red Detail

Modern Black Leather ButterFLY Hanging Swing Chair with Red Detail

H 35 in W 24 in D 34 in
Handsome, Mid-Century, Stacking Fritz Hansen Style Wingback Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fritz Hansen butterfly style teak toned wingback stacking chairs. Beautifully curved shell seat
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Handsome, Mid-Century, Stacking Fritz Hansen Style Wingback Dining Chairs
Handsome, Mid-Century, Stacking Fritz Hansen Style Wingback Dining Chairs

Handsome, Mid-Century, Stacking Fritz Hansen Style Wingback Dining Chairs

H 33 in W 21 in D 19.5 in

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Pair of French Louis XVI Style Walnut Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand pair of French armchairs featuring hand-carved walnut frames with an open arm. Made in the Louis XVI manner and style with neoclassical acanthus leaves and rosettes on the tops...
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of French Louis XVI Style Walnut Armchairs
Pair of French Louis XVI Style Walnut Armchairs

Pair of French Louis XVI Style Walnut Armchairs

H 36.5 in W 27.5 in D 25 in
Rare English Victorian Mahogany Reclining Library Chair, circa 1840
Located in Salisbury, GB
This rare Victorian mahogany reclining library chair was made circa 1840. The mahogany frame with the sliding footrest that is stored under the chair, then slides out on a runner ...
Category

Antique 1830s English Victorian Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Rare English Victorian Mahogany Reclining Library Chair, circa 1840
Rare English Victorian Mahogany Reclining Library Chair, circa 1840

Rare English Victorian Mahogany Reclining Library Chair, circa 1840

H 40.5 in W 24.25 in D 34.5 in
Set of Six Neoclassical Style Gilt Dining Chairs After Versace
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning set of six shiny gold dining chairs after Versace. The chairs feature thick gilt metal or gilded metal frames made in the neoclassical taste. The chair backs have greek colu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Six Neoclassical Style Gilt Dining Chairs After Versace
Set of Six Neoclassical Style Gilt Dining Chairs After Versace

Set of Six Neoclassical Style Gilt Dining Chairs After Versace

H 40 in W 21 in D 20 in
Set of Twelve French Louis XV Style Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand set of twelve bespoke dining chairs a' oreilles or with ears crafted in the French Louis XV taste. The finely molded walnut frames have a humped crest on the back with small wi...
Category

20th Century American Louis XV Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of Twelve French Louis XV Style Walnut Dining Chairs
Set of Twelve French Louis XV Style Walnut Dining Chairs

Set of Twelve French Louis XV Style Walnut Dining Chairs

H 39 in W 20 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Vintage Faux Green Leather Butterfly Lounge Chair w/ Black Frame
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy attributed butterfly lounge chair with black enameled metal wire frame. The sling seat is crafted in faux green and brown leather an with woven edgin...
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wire

Mid-Century Vintage Faux Green Leather Butterfly Lounge Chair w/ Black Frame
Mid-Century Vintage Faux Green Leather Butterfly Lounge Chair w/ Black Frame

Mid-Century Vintage Faux Green Leather Butterfly Lounge Chair w/ Black Frame

H 37 in W 29.5 in D 31.5 in
Modern Wicker Hump Back Red Floral Upholstered Loveseat
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a wonderful modern style double hump back wicker sofa with beautiful brown & cranberry variegated background & floral upholstery which has a tag from M.C, Interiors & Fabrics...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wicker

Modern Wicker Hump Back Red Floral Upholstered Loveseat
Modern Wicker Hump Back Red Floral Upholstered Loveseat

Modern Wicker Hump Back Red Floral Upholstered Loveseat

H 37.5 in W 83 in D 41 in
Pair of French Louis XVI Style Beechwood Fauteuil Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of French fauteuil en cabriolet or armchairs made in the grand neoclassical Louis XVI taste. The chairs feature a carved beech molded frame with a flat, slanted back. T...
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Pair of French Louis XVI Style Beechwood Fauteuil Armchairs
Pair of French Louis XVI Style Beechwood Fauteuil Armchairs

Pair of French Louis XVI Style Beechwood Fauteuil Armchairs

H 40 in W 26.5 in D 29 in
Pair of Brown Jordan Wicker Havana Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of oversized garden lounge chairs and matching ottomans from the Havana collection by Brown Jordan. The set features large aluminum frames wrapped with woven resin wicker i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Brown Jordan Wicker Havana Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Pair of Brown Jordan Wicker Havana Lounge Chairs and Ottomans

Pair of Brown Jordan Wicker Havana Lounge Chairs and Ottomans

H 34 in W 32 in D 34 in
Original Deep Brown Leather Hardoy Butterfly Chair, Issued by Knoll, 1950s
By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Butterfly Chair with chocolate brown leather sling, designed by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan & Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, issued by Knoll. An iconic mid-century design with a rela...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Original Deep Brown Leather Hardoy Butterfly Chair, Issued by Knoll, 1950s
Original Deep Brown Leather Hardoy Butterfly Chair, Issued by Knoll, 1950s

Original Deep Brown Leather Hardoy Butterfly Chair, Issued by Knoll, 1950s

H 33 in W 29 in D 30 in
2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial
By Karges Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Karges French Empire dining arm or accent chairs. Painted white with gold carved accents, scrolled arms, brass plates, saber legs and red upholstery. Karges carefully ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Paint

2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial
2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial

2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial

H 42 in W 21 in D 26 in
Dorothy Draper Outdoor Wrought Iron Garden Chairs
By Salterini, Dorothy Draper
Located in Cumberland, RI
Dorothy draper outdoor wrought ion garden chairs A Pair of Peacock style garden chairs available now and ready to ship. Pierced Metal Filagree Seat with Scrolled Back gives these ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Dorothy Draper Outdoor Wrought Iron Garden Chairs
Dorothy Draper Outdoor Wrought Iron Garden Chairs

Dorothy Draper Outdoor Wrought Iron Garden Chairs

H 35 in W 22 in D 18 in
Green Leather Wingback, England circa 1900
Located in Culver City, CA
Green Leather Wingback England circa 1900 31.5”w x 33”d x 45.25”h x 18”seat
Category

20th Century English Wingback Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Green Leather Wingback, England circa 1900
Green Leather Wingback, England circa 1900

Green Leather Wingback, England circa 1900

H 45.25 in W 31.5 in D 33 in
Pair of Restored Antique Art Deco Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Club Armchairs
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made pair of Antique Art Deco club armchairs, hand dyed this one of a kind cigar brown colour with solid English oak cabriolet legs ...
Category

20th Century English Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pair of Restored Antique Art Deco Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Club Armchairs
Pair of Restored Antique Art Deco Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Club Armchairs

Pair of Restored Antique Art Deco Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Club Armchairs

H 34.26 in W 29.53 in D 28.55 in
Chinese Chippendale Style Upholstered Wingback Chairs- Pair
By Henredon, Hickory Chair Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of very sweet George III Chippendale style armchairs in Sage green textured diamonds Chenille upholstery with Chinese Chippendale fretwork to the Mahogany bases with H stretch...
Category

Late 20th Century American George III Wingback Chairs

Materials

Chenille, Mahogany

Chinese Chippendale Style Upholstered Wingback Chairs- Pair
Chinese Chippendale Style Upholstered Wingback Chairs- Pair

Chinese Chippendale Style Upholstered Wingback Chairs- Pair

H 37 in W 29 in D 30 in
Pair of Walnut & Velvet Wing High Button Back Adrian Pearsall Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pair of Mid Century Modern chairs were realized by the 20th century legend Adrian Pearsall in the United States circa 1960. They feature a sculptural base consisting o...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of Walnut & Velvet Wing High Button Back Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Pair of Walnut & Velvet Wing High Button Back Adrian Pearsall Chairs

Pair of Walnut & Velvet Wing High Button Back Adrian Pearsall Chairs

H 43.5 in W 35.75 in D 35.5 in
Pair Of Butterfly Chairs for Knoll
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Exceptional Pair of Leather Butterfly Chairs,BKF Chairs for Knoll, designed by Bonet,Kurchan and Ferrari in Buenos Aires in 1938, the pair of Chairs have a beautiful Cognac Color and...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair Of Butterfly Chairs for Knoll
Pair Of Butterfly Chairs for Knoll

Pair Of Butterfly Chairs for Knoll

H 35.83 in W 30.32 in D 27.56 in

Recent Sales

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Style Stackable Iron Framed Leather Chairs
Located in Culver City, CA
Mid-Century Modern butterfly style stackable iron framed leather chairs, original leather middle
Category

Mid-20th Century French Wingback Chairs

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Style Stackable Iron Framed Leather Chairs
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Style Stackable Iron Framed Leather Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Style Stackable Iron Framed Leather Chairs

H 36 in W 28 in D 24 in
1940's American Butterfly Wingback Chairs Set of 2
Located in Pomona, CA
Pair of American butterfly wingback chairs. Newly upholstered in light gray color fabric.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Wingback Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

1940's American Butterfly Wingback Chairs Set of 2
1940's American Butterfly Wingback Chairs Set of 2

1940's American Butterfly Wingback Chairs Set of 2

H 41 in W 27 in D 28 in
Pair of Leather Italian Butterfly Wingback Lounge Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive pair of Italian mahogany butterfly shaped wingback lounge chairs or armchairs. The
Category

20th Century Italian Country Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Leather Italian Butterfly Wingback Lounge Chairs
Pair of Leather Italian Butterfly Wingback Lounge Chairs

Pair of Leather Italian Butterfly Wingback Lounge Chairs

H 35 in W 31 in D 32 in
Handsome Pair of American 1940's Butterfly Wingback Arm Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Each with tall flared back above a tight seat flanked by scrolled arms with wood accents; raised on tapering square-form legs.
Category

Vintage 1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Handsome Pair of American 1940's Butterfly Wingback Arm Chairs
Handsome Pair of American 1940's Butterfly Wingback Arm Chairs

Handsome Pair of American 1940's Butterfly Wingback Arm Chairs

H 44 in W 31 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Style Leather Butterfly Wing Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sensational leather butterfly wing chair made by Williams Sonoma Home in the United States
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Style Leather Butterfly Wing Chair
Mid-Century Style Leather Butterfly Wing Chair

Mid-Century Style Leather Butterfly Wing Chair

H 41 in W 34 in D 36 in
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of 'Grand Prix' Dining Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
the Danish Museum of Decorative Art in 1957. The chairs feature wingbacks and have strong resemblances
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of 'Grand Prix' Dining Chairs
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of 'Grand Prix' Dining Chairs

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of 'Grand Prix' Dining Chairs

H 30.71 in W 18.9 in L 30.71 in
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Butterfly wing backs are just gorgeous. Restored and newly upholstered with brass nailhead
Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs

H 44 in W 32 in D 27 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs, a Pair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern wingback chairs for sale. These are incredible, and have a
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Silk, Wood

1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs, a Pair
1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs, a Pair

1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs, a Pair

H 44 in W 36 in D 35 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Royal Blue Wingback Chairs, a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a gorgeous, vintage pair of butterfly wingback chairs, circa the 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Fabric

1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Royal Blue Wingback Chairs, a Pair
1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Royal Blue Wingback Chairs, a Pair

1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Royal Blue Wingback Chairs, a Pair

H 42 in W 29.5 in D 30.75 in
Pair of Mid-century Modern Butterfly Wingback Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary pair of Mid-Century Modern wingback armchairs featuring hardwood frames with newly
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-century Modern Butterfly Wingback Armchairs
Pair of Mid-century Modern Butterfly Wingback Armchairs

Pair of Mid-century Modern Butterfly Wingback Armchairs

H 44 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Louis XV Painted Wing Chair and Ottoman
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular wingback chair and ottoman newly upholstered in cream Irish linen featuring a painted
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Lacquer

Louis XV Painted Wing Chair and Ottoman
Louis XV Painted Wing Chair and Ottoman

Louis XV Painted Wing Chair and Ottoman

H 41 in W 31 in D 33 in
Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs. This is an antique pair England, Circa 1900 and are newly
Category

Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs
Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs

Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs

H 45 in W 31 in D 31 in
Pair of White Wing Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
* vintage * butterfly style wing chair * traditional curved lines * newly
Category

20th Century Wingback Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of White Wing Chairs
Pair of White Wing Chairs

Pair of White Wing Chairs

H 43 in W 32 in D 29 in
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Finding the Right wingback-chairs for You

They may not offer structural support, but the wings on antique and vintage wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose or did, when the design was first conceived in England in the 1600s.

Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explains why the wingback is so strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace.

Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spinoffs to playful contemporary adaptations (like the Bear chair by Pierre Yovanovitch, wherein the place of wings are furry ears — a cheeky send-up of Hans Wegner’s iconic mid-century Papa Bear chair).

Shop the most innovative versions of wingback chairs today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Butterfly Wingback Chairs
  • What are wingback chairs called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, easy chairs or grandfather chairs. However, many people simply call them wingback chairs or wing chairs. The name comes from the two curved wings mounted on the sides of the backrest. On 1stDibs, find a variety of wingback chairs.
  • Is a wingback chair comfortable?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Whether a wingback chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many wingback chairs feature plush cushioning, and the tall backs can provide ample back support. A wingback’s protruding arms were initially designed to protect a sitter from drafts or intense heat from a fireplace. This may be obsolete in the 21st century, but the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spin offs to playful contemporary adaptations (like the Bear chair by Pierre Yovanovitch, wherein the place of wings are furry ears — a cheeky send-up of Hans Wegner’s iconic mid-century Papa Bear chair). On 1stDibs, shop a range of wingback chairs.
  • What era is a wingback chair from?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Wingback chairs emerged during the 17th-century era. The wings on classic wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose, or did, when they were first conceived in England in the 1600s. Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explanation is why the wingback is strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace. Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years. Shop a selection of wingback chairs on 1stDibs.
  • What is the purpose of a wingback chair?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The purpose of a wingback chair is to provide seating. Usually, these upholstered chairs go in seating areas and allow people to rest comfortably while carrying on conversations, reading and performing other activities. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage wingback chairs.
  • Where should a wingback chair be placed?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    There is no hard and fast rule about where a wingback chair should be placed. Historically, people used the large chairs in front of block drafts, and you can continue this tradition in your home. Alternatively, you can place one wherever it fits the layout of your room. To show off the distinctive shape of the chair, it is a good idea to position it somewhere that allows it to be viewed from the sides and back as well as the front. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of wingback chairs.
  • Do butterfly chairs fold up?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.
  • When was the Butterfly chair made?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Butterfly chair, also known as the BKF or Hardoy chair, was made in 1938 in Buenos Aires. It is recognizable by its metal frame and suspended seat, created by the large sling of material hung from the frame’s highest points. Shop the unique style from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • Are Butterfly chairs comfortable?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Whether or not Butterfly chairs are comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. Many people find that the way the upholstery of the Butterfly chair hangs from its metal frame provides plenty of support for the body. Plus, its sling design invites users to settle in and relax. Shop a collection of Butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.
  • Who designed the Butterfly chair?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy designed the Butterfly chair. The trio met while working in Le Corbusier's studio and then moved to Argentina, where they founded the Grupo Austral. In 1938, they unveiled their now iconic chair, which was inspired by a previous work called Tripolona, which they designed using inspiration from folding, collapsible chairs used by the British military. Shop a collection of Butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.
  • When were butterfly chairs popular?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Butterfly chairs were popular in the 1950s. Due to a renewed interest in mid-century modern design, the chairs are also used to decorate homes today. The original name of the butterfly chair is the BKF after its three designers, Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy. You'll find a range of butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.
  • Who made the butterfly chair?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy made the butterfly chair. The three architects created the design in 1938 at their firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Their design draws inspiration from Joseph Beverly Fenby's Tripolina chair produced in 1877. Shop a variety of butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.

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