Butterfly Chair Vintage
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century American Chairs
Rattan, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1970s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Hide, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Wrought Iron
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech, Cotton, Linen
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wrought Iron
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Plywood
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Bouclé
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Jacquard
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wool, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wool, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wool, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wool, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wool, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wool, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Wool
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s Dutch Lounge Chairs
Metal
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Butterfly Chair Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Butterfly Chair Vintage?
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 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 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.
- 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024How you tell if a Butterfly chair is real depends on what you mean by the term "real." If by real you mean an authentic Knoll Butterfly chair produced from 2018 and onwards, first look for the Knoll label found under the seat. Compare this label to images found online to begin to assess its authenticity. Then, examine the metal frame of the chair. An authentic Knoll Butterfly chair will be evenly polished and show no imperfections, such as highly visible welding marks. Any flaws will usually indicate that a piece is counterfeit. On the other hand, if by real you mean an original Butterfly chair made by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, the answer is that your chair is unlikely to be. The designers only created three Butterfly chairs, which are all part of museum collections. To learn more about the age and maker of your Butterfly chair, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a range of Knoll Butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell a real Hardoy Butterfly chair, examine the frame closely. An authentic chair will have a sturdy steel frame. If the metal seems flimsy or thin, it will unlikely be a genuine Hardoy. In addition, real Butterfly chairs are free of joints and hinges, so you can generally conclude that a chair is a reproduction if you spot either. If you'd like a professional opinion on your chair, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. Find a range of BKF Hardoy Butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is my vintage Eames chair real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.
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