In his illustrious career, the French designer Christian Liaigre created furniture and private interiors with a minimalist and restrained sensibility that would become his trademark, but never at the cost of luxury. When he began designing furniture in the 1980s, Liaigre’s clean lines and no-frills approach caused a stir and was considered unusual for the era. But what Liaigre knew best was creating elegant, exquisite designs that would stand the test of time.
Liaigre studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He initially began as a furniture designer, opening his studio in 1985 before he would move toward interiors. His bold, timeless pieces were made in France using luxurious materials such as marble and cashmere in a soothing palette of neutral tones that look fresh to this day. Later, Liaigre began to design private interiors — from homes of influential figures like Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld to holiday homes, offices and the cabins of private yachts. He designed the interiors of the Art Deco–era Hotel Montalembert in Paris and became known in the United States for his design of the Mercer Hotel in New York City, which opened in 1997. Soon afterward, he found himself working for hotelier Ian Schrager.
To each of his interior design projects Liaigre brought his minimalist touch, which was born from his ability to distill a broad range of inspirations — from Brancusi sculptures and African art to Art Deco furniture — into simple, balanced forms. The modest beauty of his popular Nagato stool, a small and sculptural piece of seating designed in oak in 1986, represents this vision clearly and points to some more of Liaigre’s influences: the stillness found in Donald Judd’s minimalist art and many aspects of Japanese culture.
Liaigre, who earned comparisons to celebrated French designers Jean-Michel Frank and Jean Royère, was also known for his visionary use of natural and unconventional materials and is considered to be one of the first to use wenge, an African hardwood, in combination with traditional timber such as oak in his furnishings. Liaigre’s creative foresight has ensured that today he is one of the most influential and widely imitated designers of the 20th century.
Find a range of Christian Liaigre seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
| Average Sold Price |
| $6,668 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$4,800 / set
H 3.94 in W 3.15 in D 26.78 in
Pair of Bronze Deployable "Liseuse à Bras" Reading Sconces by Christian Liaigre
By Christian Liaigre
Located in New York, NY
Pair of polished bronze wall-mounted reading lights designed by Christian Liaigre and produced by Manufactor. Two connected, adjustable arms allow for adjustment of the extension dep...
Bronze
French Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Brown Leather & Velvet Chair
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Southampton, NJ
Christian Liaigre "Caraïbes" bergere Armchair, a mix of classic and majestic. Solid Oak construction with mixed textures upholstered in saddle stitched leather and velvet lined inter...
Leather, Velvet, Oak
$8,950
H 16 in W 59 in D 59 in
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Large Square Coffee Table with Drawers
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This impressive large-scale square coffee table was designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, a collaboration known for its impeccable craftsmanship and understated luxury. Measu...
Wood
Christian Liaigre "Latin" Slipper Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Christian Liaigre Latin Slipper Chairs for reupholstery. Frame is in very good overall condition. New retail price is $9200 USD per chair. Dimensions 33.5ʺW × 34.5ʺD × 32...
Fabric
$3,500 / item
H 33 in W 48 in D 21 in
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Leather Upholstered Bench, Pair Available
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined and architecturally restrained upholstered bench designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt—an exemplar of understated luxury and disciplined modernism. The silhouette is...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Christian Liaigre "Sudd" Stools Red Leather
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt square red leather "Sudd" stools. The stools are upholstered in Holly Hunt leather with hammered bronze legs. Made in France. Ships from Philadel...
Iron
Christian Liaigre Ebonized Oak "Courier" Dining Table
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present a Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt "Courier" Dining Table. This table features an open grain ebonized oak wood that has aged gracefully over time. It is not pitch black, but a dark espresso brown table with black undertones. Very good overall condition with minor imperfections. This table was originally designed by Liaigre for his own house in Ile de Re, France, showcasing his impeccable taste and attention to detail. This long dining table is a stunning piece that blends minimalist design with rustic farmhouse charm. The rectangular top of the table features beveled sides, adding an elegant touch to the overall design. The trestle-style base, with its thick x-form legs, provides sturdy support and creates a striking visual statement. The excellent joinery and craftsmanship can be seen throughout. Ships from Philadelphia. We have the largest collection in the US of previously-owned Liaigre pieces. While this example does not retain the makers stamp, it is unmistakably an authentic Courier table...
Oak
$6,550
H 14.5 in W 69.75 in D 15 in
Christian Liaigre Pirogue Bench or Coffee Table Holly Hunt Art Deco Style 70"L
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural "Pirogue" Model Bench, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, American, circa 1990s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bench or coffee table.
Wood
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $6,668 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $600-$12,500 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
