Butterfly Chair Original
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Chairs
Rattan, Paint
Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Vintage 1950s European Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Metal
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mohair, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wire
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Nickel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique Early 1900s Organic Modern Chairs
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
2010s Organic Modern Chairs
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1970s Mexican Side Chairs
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Side Chairs
Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ch...
Oak
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Bouclé, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ch...
Oak
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
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Butterfly Chair Original For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Butterfly Chair Original?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Butterfly 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Antonio 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Antonio 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.
- Do butterfly chairs fold up?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Whether 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The slipper chair originated in 18th century Europe. It was used in women’s bedrooms as seating for when maids would assist them in putting on their slippers. Today, a slipper chair refers to a low-slung chair. Browse a selection of modern and antique slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe featured ivory upholstery made of pigskin leather. Modern incarnations come in a wide range of upholstery colors and are available from Knoll Furniture. You'll find a variety of Barcelona chairs 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In 1949, Hans Wegner made the original Wishbone chair, a bentwood piece with a curved rail and Y-back. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn manufactures the chair based on Wegner's original design. You can find a variety of Hans Wegner chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One way to authenticate an original Wassily chair is to look at the stainless frame. There will be no weld in the corners, and will look like a continuous piece, with no cap on the end. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Wassily chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The original Eames chair was made out of molded plywood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames designed the iconic mid-century modern chair for Herman Miller in 1958. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are a number of ways that you can tell an original Marcel Breuer chair. One trick is to examine the frame. If you see end caps, you're likely looking at a replica. Authentic Breuer chairs featured polished, welded ends. Some chairs also feature stickers that identify the model name located under their seats. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.
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