When were butterfly chairs popular?

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.

Do butterfly chairs fold up?

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.

Are Butterfly chairs comfortable?

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.

When was the Butterfly chair made?

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.

Who designed the Butterfly chair?

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.

Who made the butterfly chair?

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.

How do you tell if a Butterfly chair is real?

How 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.

How do you tell a real Hardoy Butterfly chair?

To 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.

Butterfly Chairs

Mid Century Blue Chair

20th Century Light Crème Boucle Oak Wood Butterfly Chair, Europe, 1960

$832 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

20th Century Light Crème Boucle Oak Wood Butterfly Chair, Europe, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chair designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood in medium oak color. Chair is after a

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech, Bouclé

20th Century Light Crème Boucle Walnut Wood Butterfly Chair, Europe, 1960.

$832 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

20th Century Light Crème Boucle Walnut Wood Butterfly Chair, Europe, 1960.

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chair designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood in walnut color. Chair is after a complete

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Set of Twelve 20th Century Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, 1960s, Poland

$8,564 / set

H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Twelve 20th Century Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, 1960s, Poland

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chairs are after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech, Bouclé

Set of Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Blue Gray Wool, Europe, 1960s

$9,516 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Blue Gray Wool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, DELFI Carmine by C&C, Walnut Wood, 1960s

$1,177 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, DELFI Carmine by C&C, Walnut Wood, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Jacquard, Velvet

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Camel Craft Linen by Pierre Frey, Europe, 1960s

$1,092 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Camel Craft Linen by Pierre Frey, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Linen

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Denim Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

$1,141 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Denim Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Orage Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

$1,141 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Orage Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Six MidCentury Butterfly Chairs, Blue Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

$6,780 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Six MidCentury Butterfly Chairs, Blue Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of Ten 'Butterfly' Chairs in Plywood

$4,250 / set

H 29.53 in W 19.1 in D 21.46 in

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of Ten 'Butterfly' Chairs in Plywood

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 'Butterfly' or 3107 chairs, plywood, steel, Denmark, design 1955

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Indigo Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

$1,139 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Indigo Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Blue Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

$1,141 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Blue Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Eight Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Indigo Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, 1960

$8,921 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Eight Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Indigo Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Set of Twelve Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Navy Blue Velvet, Europe, 1960s

$12,704 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Twelve Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Navy Blue Velvet, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Navy Blue Gray Fabric, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s

$1,058 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Navy Blue Gray Fabric, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Set of Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, White Boucle Fabric, Europe, 1960s

$9,397 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, White Boucle Fabric, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Six Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Tabacco Wool Millais by Dedar, Europe, 1960s

$6,542 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Six Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Tabacco Wool Millais by Dedar, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, White Boucle Fabric, Oak White Wood, Europe, 1960s

$939 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, White Boucle Fabric, Oak White Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Six Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Hand Tufting Pink Wool Leopard, Europe, 1960s

$12,490 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Six Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Hand Tufting Pink Wool Leopard, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with beautiful pink stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Light Ivory Boucle, Light Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

$712 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Light Ivory Boucle, Light Oak Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with medium light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Set of Twelve Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Boucle, Light Wood, Europe, 1960s

$8,546 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Twelve Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Boucle, Light Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with medium light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Hand Tufting Blue Green Orange Wool, Europe, 1960s

$1,177 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Hand Tufting Blue Green Orange Wool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with beautiful blue stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Beech

Set of Three Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Hand Tufting Wool, Europe, 1960s

$3,211 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Three Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Hand Tufting Wool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with beautiful blue stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Hand Tufting Blue Green Orange Wool, Europe, 1960s

$1,177 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Hand Tufting Blue Green Orange Wool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with beautiful blue stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Hand Tufting Blue Green Orange Wool, Europe, 1960s

$1,177 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Hand Tufting Blue Green Orange Wool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with beautiful blue stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Wool

Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Blue Scarabeo Velvet, Dark Wood, Europe, 1960s

$8,327 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Blue Scarabeo Velvet, Dark Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Light Gray Boucle, Dark Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s

$830 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Light Gray Boucle, Dark Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with medium light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair and Stool Fandango Jacquard, Dark Wood, Europe 1960s

$1,011 / item

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair and Stool Fandango Jacquard, Dark Wood, Europe 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Beech

Set of Eight 20th Century Light Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s

$6,661 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Eight 20th Century Light Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chairs are after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Set of Twelve 20th Century Light Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s

$9,992 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Twelve 20th Century Light Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chairs are after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Set of Eight 20th Century Light Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s

$5,709 / set

H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Eight 20th Century Light Cream Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chairs are after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Sixteen 20th Century Light Crème Boucle Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs 1960 Europe

$9,516 / set

H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Sixteen 20th Century Light Crème Boucle Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs 1960 Europe

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chair is after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Twelve 20th Century Cream Boucle and Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs, 1960s, Europe

$8,564 / set

H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Twelve 20th Century Cream Boucle and Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs, 1960s, Europe

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chairs are after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

1950s Pair Knoll Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan

$5,900 / set

H 36 in W 32 in D 34 in

1950s Pair Knoll Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan

By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of C. 1950 vintage cognac leather Butterfly chairs, designed by

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Antiquities

Materials

Metal

1955, Arne Jacobsen, Early Vintage Black Faux Leather 3107 Butterfly Chair

$654

H 30.71 in W 18.51 in D 20.48 in

1955, Arne Jacobsen, Early Vintage Black Faux Leather 3107 Butterfly Chair

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

. :-) Butterfly in black faux leather by Arne Jacobsen by Fritz Hanssen. This chair has a beautiful elegant design

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Eight Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Beige Tiger Silk by Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960

$8,921 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Eight Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Beige Tiger Silk by Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chairs called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Yellow Beige Tiger Silk by Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960

$576Sale Price|50% Off

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Yellow Beige Tiger Silk by Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech

Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Camel Craft Linen by Pierre Frey, Europe, 1960

$10,706 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Camel Craft Linen by Pierre Frey, Europe, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Linen, Beech

Set of Four Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Denim Pierre Frey Linen, Europe, 1960s

$4,520 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Four Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Denim Pierre Frey Linen, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Blue Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960

$11,419 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Ten Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, Blue Pierre Frey Linen, Oak Wood, Europe, 1960

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with oak stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Vintage Butterfly Chair with Original Orange Canvass Sling Seat att. to Knoll

$595

H 35.5 in W 34 in D 24 in

Vintage Butterfly Chair with Original Orange Canvass Sling Seat att. to Knoll

By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Mid Century design lounge chair, attributed to Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, for Knoll. This example

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Torbjorn Afdal Bjarne Hansen Butterfly Chair Made in Norway c 1950's

$3,200Sale Price|20% Off

H 39.25 in W 37 in D 24 in

Torbjorn Afdal Bjarne Hansen Butterfly Chair Made in Norway c 1950's

By Torbjørn Afdal, Bjarne Hansen

Located in New York, NY

Rare Mid Century Scandinavian Modern lounge chair designed by Torbjorn Afdal for Bjarne Hansen

Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Ten 20th Century Light Crème Boucle and Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs 1960 Europe

$5,947 / set

H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Ten 20th Century Light Crème Boucle and Cherry Wood Butterfly Chairs 1960 Europe

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Chairs designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chair is after a complete upholstery

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Pair of Leather Butterfly child Chairs

$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 26 in W 21 in D 21 in

Pair of Leather Butterfly child Chairs

By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy

Located in Huntington, NY

Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy pair of leather butterfly chairs.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Six Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, DELFI Carmine C&C, Walnut Wood, 1960s

$7,018 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in

Set of Six Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, DELFI Carmine C&C, Walnut Wood, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech

Fritz Hansen Furniture poster for Arne Jacobsen models butterfly chair Danish

$416

H 0.01 in W 27.56 in D 39.38 in

Fritz Hansen Furniture poster for Arne Jacobsen models butterfly chair Danish

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in WIJCKEL, NL

Hansen representing the serie 7 chair or butterfly chair in a variety of different colors available

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

1955, Arne Jacobsen, Set of Two Early Vintage Red Painted 3107 Butterfly Chairs

$755 / item

H 29.53 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in

1955, Arne Jacobsen, Set of Two Early Vintage Red Painted 3107 Butterfly Chairs

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

of two beautiful red butterflies. Both wooden shells have some tiny loss of paint on some spots or a

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Midcentury BKF Hardoy Butterfly Chair, 1970s

$760Sale Price|20% Off

H 37.01 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Vintage Midcentury BKF Hardoy Butterfly Chair, 1970s

By Bonet, Kurchan, and Hardoy

Located in Praha, CZ

- Around 1970s - Bonet , Kurchan, Ferrari - Original condition, see the pictures jr.

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Handcrafted Solid Oak wood Black Butterfly Study/Dining/Side chair with Brass

$1,950 / item

H 31.5 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in

Handcrafted Solid Oak wood Black Butterfly Study/Dining/Side chair with Brass

By Esvee

Located in Hyderabad, TG

A Solid wood chair crafted for comfort and a timeless aesthetic, the BUTTERFLY chair design is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Modern Sling Butterfly Hanging Chair

$2,550 / item

H 24 in W 35 in D 34 in

Modern Sling Butterfly Hanging Chair

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 Rustic Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

$5,935

H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 25.2 in

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

By Artifort, Pierre Paulin

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

This stunning "Butterfly" lounge chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

$5,935

H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 25.2 in

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

This stunning "Butterfly" lounge chair is designed by Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Artifort

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

$5,935

H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 25.2 in

F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

This stunning "Butterfly" lounge chair with the original leather is designed by Pierre Paulin and

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Monumental Modernist "Butterfly Chair" Iron Sculpture, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy

$2,600

H 105 in W 55 in D 48.5 in

Monumental Modernist "Butterfly Chair" Iron Sculpture, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy

Located in Buffalo, NY

Wonderful standing Modernist sculpture made of Classic "Hardoy" iron chair frames, cut and welded

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Red and Black Vinyl Butterfly Lounge Chair

$1,950

H 35 in W 32 in D 31 in

Midcentury Red and Black Vinyl Butterfly Lounge Chair

Located in Berkeley, CA

Originally designed in 1938, the butterfly chair has endured as a sought after element for

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pierre Paulin Butterfly Lounge Chairs model F675, Artifort The Netherlands 1963

$11,300 / set

H 25.2 in W 31.5 in D 26.78 in

Pierre Paulin Butterfly Lounge Chairs model F675, Artifort The Netherlands 1963

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in Den Haag, NL

Pierre Paulin Butterfly chairs model F675, Artifort The Netherlands 1963 First rare early

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid Century F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

$5,935

H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 25.2 in

Mid Century F675 Butterfly Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s

By Artifort, Pierre Paulin

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

This stunning easy chair named "Butterfly" is designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in 1963. It

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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Butterfly Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of butterfly chairs is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct butterfly chairs — often made from metal, animal skin and leather — can elevate any home. There are 225 antique and vintage butterfly chairs for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 3 modern editions to choose from as well. Butterfly chairs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern butterfly chairs are consistently popular styles. Butterfly chairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Knoll and Pierre Paulin are consistently popular.

How Much are Butterfly Chairs?

Butterfly chairs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,419, while the lowest priced sells for $250 and the highest can go for as much as $24,774.

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.

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