Christian Liaigre Armchairs
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.
Late 20th Century French Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Metal
20th Century American Regency Revival Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Mahogany
2010s British Art Deco Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Mohair, Beech
2010s British Art Deco Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Mohair, Beech
2010s British Art Deco Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Beech, Alpaca
1790s Italian Neoclassical Antique Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery, Pine, Paint
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Fabric, Fiberglass
2010s British Art Deco Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Mohair, Beech
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Beech, Oak, Mohair
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery, Wicker
Late 20th Century Unknown Queen Anne Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Sheraton Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Leather, Wood
2010s Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Wood
Late 20th Century French Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Leather
1990s French Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Walnut, Canvas
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christian Liaigre Armchairs
Upholstery
