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.
$9,000Sale Price|25% Off
Christian Liaigre Bouddha Sofa in Light Yellow Mohair, Modern Design
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this sensational Liaigre petite sofa. It's an oversized chair but can seat two people comfortably. Retail price for this sofa is around $20,000. Upholste...
Mohair
$18,480
H 31.5 in W 64.18 in D 35.44 in
Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lapa de Baixo, SP
Crafted by the renowned master Percival Lafer in 1970, this exceptional piece of furniture boasts a striking and comfortable design. Its clean lines and unique details, such as elega...
Steel
Christian Liaigre Velin Banquette
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Velin Banquette by renowned designer Christian Liaigre. This piece exudes sophistication, making it the perfect addition to any elegant interior. Crafted with the fin...
Leather, Oak
$8,183
H 33.27 in W 77.56 in D 31.3 in
Curved Egg Shape Sofa, in the Style of Ico Parisi, Pure Mohair, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb, unusual Italian egg shaped sofa, in the style of Ico Parisi. The sofa has been reupholstered in a grey (with a hint of brown) premium pure mohair fabric and is of a curved,...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, iron, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically sha...
Brass, Iron
$14,856Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 30 in W 126 in D 86 in
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Augustin 3-piece Sectional Sofa, France, 2016.
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Augustin Sectional Sofa, Cream, France, 2016. (Left-arm facing sectional sofa) Iconic design from the master of Modern Minimalism Christian Liaigre (1943-2020). Christian Liaigre was born in the Vendée region of France where he grew up on his parent’s farm. Christian’s parents bred horses, a detail that has had a substantial influence in his work which has been described as having “strong equestrian flavor.” As a young man he attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied painting. By the early 60’s he returned to Vendée where he worked on his parent’s farm – perhaps re-opening his eyes to the beauty of country living. In the early 1970’s, Liaigre returned to Paris where he worked as a design director at Nobilis Fontan. Eventually, he left Nobilis, as they wouldn’t allow him to show his own furniture. The joke was on them when he opened his own Parisian design studio in the late 80’s. In 1985, he opened his first store, and he designed the Hôtel Montalembert in 1990. In 1997, he designed The Mercer Hotel in New York City. His clients included Larry Gagosian, Marina Abramović, Bryan Adams...
Textile
$8,538
H 29.93 in W 83.86 in D 33.47 in
Adoni Sofa by Stuart Scott in Grand mohair velvet in brass with Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Shown here upholstered in Altfield Grand mohair velvet in brass, with legs in raw walnut. We can apply either a natural oiled or ebonised finish to these legs prior to delivery. The...
Mohair, Velvet, Walnut
Italian Mohair Settee Sofa, Brown, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful mohair upholstered curved sofa with wooden legs. Perfect shape and size. In excellent condition, 1950s, Italy. Same era as: Ch...
Mohair, Wood
Wavy Back Sofa Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back 3 person sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Also available in bespoke widths and in COM - please enquire. Fast ship...
Fabric, Wood
Canapé Christian Liaigre
By Christian Liaigre
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ce canapé, emblématique du style de Christian Liaigre, incarne un luxe discret où la pureté des lignes prime sur l'ornement. Sa silhouette minimaliste se distingue par une assise et ...
Fabric, Wood
Olivier Mourgue Djinn Sofa in Mohair for Airborne, France 1960's
By Olivier Mourgue, Airborne International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Olivier Mourgue 'Djinn' Sofa / Settee for French company Airborne, 1960's. This piece has new foam and new fabric. The fabric is from Maharam and is referenced as the "Mohair Sup...
Mohair, Stained Glass
Custom Modern Curved Sofa in Grey Textured Linen
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom modern curved sofa in grey textured linen. Designed and handcrafted here at Carrocel in Toronto Canada. A true masterpiece of design and styling. This sofa is made to order wi...
Fabric, Wood
Modern Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern leather Chesterfield sofa. A take on the traditional 19th century English design with squared arms and backrest. The arms and backrest tufted with two comfort down seat cu...
Leather, Maple
Velin Wood & Leather Bench by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in New York, NY
A Velin bench / settee by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. Featurs en espresso-finished wood frame with pale blue leather upholstery. France, circa 2010. Dimensions (in Inches): ...
Leather, Wood