Midcentury Butterfly Chairs
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Eight MidCentury Butterflies Chairs, Beige Red Jacquard, Black Wood Europe 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with black stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Jacquard
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Eight MidCentury Butterfly Chairs, Linen Schwarzwald Dedar, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Chair with Yellow Canvass Sling
By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury butterfly chair with yellow canvas sling seat. Clean, ready to use condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Butterfly Chair with Black Canvass Sling
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury butterfly chair with yellow canvas sling seat. Clean, ready to use condition. Please
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Butterfly Lounge Chair, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Butterfly Lounge Chair, 1980s
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
4 Mid Century Butterfly Back Dining Chairs
Located in Buxton, GB
Crafted with an eye for timeless design, this set of four mid-century butterfly back dining chairs
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Pink Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Gray Boucle, 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 Dining Chair, Peony Cotton, Poland, 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, Cotton, Linen
Mid-Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Yellow Boucle, 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, Blue Jacquard, Light Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with light brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Butterfly chair by Inge & Luciano Rubino, 1963
By Sorø Stolefabrik, Inge & Luciano Rubino
Located in Berlin, Germany
Rare Mid-Century Modern Butterfly chair by Inge & Luciano Rubino, 1963
This chair was designed in
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
H 31.89 in W 20.87 in D 18.12 in
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Light Creme Boucle, Poland, 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, Beech, Bouclé
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Pineapple Vegan Leather, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Four Mid-Century Dark Gray Boucle Butterfly Chairs, Europe, 1960s
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
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Beige Red Jacquard, Black Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with black stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Jacquard, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Four Mid Century Butterflies Chairs, Blue Jacquard, Light Wood Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with light brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Pink Linen, Light Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Original Mid-Century Black Iron Leather Butterfly Chair Beautiful Patina
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original mid-century black Iron leather butterfly chair beautiful Patina. All original chair the
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Iron
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Linen Schwarzwald Dedar, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
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
Eight Mid Century Butterfly Chairs, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, Pink 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
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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century CastIron Butterfly Chairs With Canvas Slings - a Pair
Located in Esperance, NY
Introducing a remarkable pair of vintage Cast Iron Butterfly Chairs featuring durable canvas slings
Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
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
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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Lounge Chair in Mohair, circa 1960s
Located in Westport, CT
wood, this chair is a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. The organic form of the chair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
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
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
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
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
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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Lounge Chair in Peacock Blue Velvet
Located in Wilton, CT
Offering a newly restored Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Lounge Chair, circa 1960, in peacock blue
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Six Mid-Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Pink Linen, Light Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
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
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
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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Six Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Pink Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Pink Boucle and Walnut Wood, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
H 29.93 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chair, Gray Boucle, Dark Walnut 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Eight Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Gray Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark walnut brown stained beech legs and fully upholstered
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Six Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Gray Boucle, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Seven Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Pink Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
H 29.93 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Four Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Pink Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Eight Mid-Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Pink Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Mid Century Red Butterfly Canvas and Metal Chair by Knoll
By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in Detroit, MI
This original vintage mid century modern Knoll (attr.) butterfly chair was originally designed by
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Iron
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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Four Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Pineapple Leather, 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
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Set of Eight Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Peony Cotton, Poland, 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, Cotton, Linen, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Mid-Century BKF Hardoy Butterfly Chair for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BKF Hardoy butterfly chairs for Knoll. New powder coat white finish, for indoor or outdoor use. New
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Eight Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Yellow Boucle, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Style Leather Butterfly Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
design meets modern comfort. Inspired by the iconic mid-century style, these chairs offer a perfect blend
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
- 1
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Midcentury Butterfly Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of midcentury butterfly chairs available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct midcentury butterfly chairs — often made from metal, animal skin and leather — can elevate any home. Midcentury butterfly chairs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Midcentury butterfly chairs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made midcentury butterfly chairs over the years, but those made by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Knoll and Pierre Paulin are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Midcentury Butterfly Chairs?
Prices for midcentury butterfly chairs start at $175 and top out at $24,078 with the average selling for $2,400.
A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Questions About Midcentury Butterfly Chairs
- 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.
- 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 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, 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 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.
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The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
May’s Most Popular Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.