Question 1

What era is a wingback chair from?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Where should a wingback chair be placed?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What are wingback chairs called?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a wingback chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is a wingback chair comfortable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Do butterfly chairs fold up?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Are Butterfly chairs comfortable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

When was the Butterfly chair made?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Who designed the Butterfly chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Who made the butterfly chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

When were butterfly chairs popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do you tell if a Butterfly chair is real?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do you tell a real Hardoy Butterfly chair?

Accepted Answer

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 Wingback Chairs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1940s English Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1930s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1950s European Hollywood Regency Club Chairs

2010s South African Modern Wingback Chairs

Recent Sales

Mid-20th Century French Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1940s American Wingback Chairs

20th Century Italian Country Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs

People Also Browsed

2010s American Flush Mount

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables

20th Century English Art Deco Wingback Chairs

20th Century American Regency Revival Armchairs

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

2010s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Late 20th Century Georgian Wingback Chairs

1990s American Modern Chairs

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Wingback Chairs

Early 2000s American American Classical Wingback Chairs

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

Finding the Right Wingback-chairs for You

Read More

How Top Designers Are Using Mid-Century Chairs in Today’s Interiors

All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways

This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

More Ways To Browse