With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare Original “Copacabana” Lounge Chair by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1954
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Original “Copacabana” Lounge Chair by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1954 An original “Copacabana” lounge chair designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1954. The chair is constructed from a c...
Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Copacabana Outdoor Lounge Chair in Orange base and Lorkey, Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
2024 Pair of Mathieu Mategot for GUBI Tropique Dining Chairs without Fringes
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Tropique Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mathieu Mategot for GUBI in 1951. These particular examples were produced in Denmark in 2024. Their frames are compri...
Steel
$5,642
Fauteuil de jardin
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair, 6 available
Iron
$5,351
Chaise de jardin
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair, 4 available
Iron
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base, Limonata Beige by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Copacabana Outdoor Lounge Chair in Orange and Leslie Stripe Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Copacabana Upholstered Lounge Chair by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base, Strip Blue by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base, Limonata White by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base, Strip Blue by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Copacabana Outdoor Lounge Chair in Black base and Lorkey, Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Copacabana Outdoor Lounge Chair in Black and Leslie Stripe, Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
2024 Pair of Mathieu Mategot for GUBI Tropique Dining Chairs with Fringes
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Tropique Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mathieu Mategot for GUBI in 1951. These particular examples were produced in Denmark in 2024. Their frames are compri...
Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base with Fringes by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base, Limonata White by Mathieu Matégot
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in Black Base, Strip Beige by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
Gubi Tropique Outdoor Armchair in White Base, Strip Beige by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created in the 1950s by the Hungarian-born French master of postwar design, Mathieu Matégot, the Tropique Collection of outdoor furniture captures the timeless glamour and exotic lux...
Stainless Steel
2024 Pair of Mathieu Mategot for GUBI Tropique Dining Chairs with Fringes
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Tropique Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mathieu Mategot for GUBI in 1951. These particular examples were produced in Denmark in 2024. Their frames are compri...
Steel
$5,585 / set
H 28.35 in W 38.98 in D 37.41 in
Paire de fauteuils Maralunga par Vico Magistretti pour Cassina
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Rouen, FR
Fauteuils Maralunga conçu par Vico Magistretti pour Cassina en 1973. Ce modèle emblématique du design italien se caractérise par ses formes enveloppantes, son rembourrage généreux et...
Leather
Rarissime paire de fauteuils par Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très rare paire de fauteuils par Joaquim Tenreiro, l’assise en cuir clouté et la structure en caviuna. Cette paire de fauteuils, très rare sur le marché est une pièce majeure du des...
Leather, Rosewood
$5,471
H 38.19 in W 25.2 in D 70.87 in L 38.19 in
Scandinavian Chaise Longue "Pernilla 3" by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Gorgeous chaise lounge Pernilla 3, designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden. Condition: Good original condition with light patina. No damage to the webbing, and...
Birch
“Fauteuil de Paquebot” Chair, France 1950s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This iconic “Fauteuil de Paquebot” (also known as a “boat chair” or “cruise chair”) is a striking piece of mid-century design with historical significance. Originally used as deck ch...
Cane, Wood
Daumiller Dining Armchair in Golden Pine for GUBI
By Gubi, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Daumiller Dining Armchair in Golden Pine for GUBI Solid in construction, simple in form, and sculptural in expression, the Daumiller dining armchair reflects designer Rainer Daumill...
Pine
Fauteuil De Sede DS-P
By De Sede, Robert Haussmann
Located in Moutier, CH
Ce fauteuil DS-P, dessiné par Robert Haussmann pour la maison suisse De Sede dans les années 1970, est une pièce iconique du design du XXe siècle. Véritable pièce maîtresse d’un inté...
Steel
Fauteuil en chêne de René Gabriel, France, 1950
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Rare modernist armchair René Gabriel oak and wool fabric mottled, France, 1950. The base formed by two arches trapezoid receives the seat and backrest, punctuated by four spacers. Da...
Oak
$5,556Sale Price|50% Off
H 26.38 in W 27.56 in D 23.63 in
Rare Model "DU 55 P" Lounge Chair by Gastone Rinaldi, 1954
By Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stunning and rare lounge chair designed by Gastone Rinaldi in 1954, Italy. The design of this chair is sculptural and organic. The chair is eye catching but yet light and fluid. U...
Polyester, Oak
Daumiller Dining Armchair in Brown/Black Pine for GUBI
By Gubi, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Daumiller Dining Armchair in Brown/Black Pine for GUBI Solid in construction, simple in form, and sculptural in expression, the Daumiller Armchair reflects designer Rainer Daumille...
Pine
$3,899 / item
H 25.6 in W 30.32 in D 33.47 in
Customizable Gubi Pacha Outdoor Lounge Chair, Swivel by Pierre Paulin
By Gubi, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Legendary French designer Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pacha Lounge Chair in 1975. Paulin designed the chair in harmony with the changing design style of its period, replaci...
Textile
$19,834 / item
H 30.32 in W 37.41 in D 32.29 in
Webbing Outdoor Armchair in Solid Teak with Outdoor Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair Webbing outdoor with structure in solid natural teak wood. Upholstered and covered with special outdoor fabric in light grey finish. Treated...
Fabric, Teak
Suite de 4 fauteuils vintage en rotin des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
4 fauteuils vintage des années 60, en rotin, bon état général avec patine du temps qui passe et des restaurations au niveau des éclisses de rotin. Ref 240 811 Hauteur : 72 cm Largeur...
Rattan
$6,514 / set
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
Paire de fauteuils brutalistes attribués à Audoux Minet 1950's
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Paire de fauteuils brutalistes attribués à Audoux Minet 1950's
Beech
$12,399 / item
H 33.5 in W 33 in D 39.5 in
Classic Contemporary Artisan Handmade Chaise Lounge Brass Metal & Black Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary chaise lounge is a cornerstone of a minimalist collection defined by serenity and architectural precision. Drawing profound inspiration from the Bauhaus m...
Brass, Steel
Le Corbusier, Chaise 209, Early French production
By Le Corbusier
Located in Hasselt, VLI
A design classic designed by Le Corbusier, the Chaise 209, signifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design. This elegant bentwood masterpiece displays exceptional construction and design: crafted with a single curved cantigate frame from French production, it forms both the backrest and armrests. Following the tradition of the original bentwood...
Wood, Bentwood, Cane
Mathieu Mategot 'Anthéor' Armchair in Green Lacquered Iron
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mathieu Matégot, armchair model 'Anthéor', lacquered wrought iron, France, 1951 This rare armchair is designed by the French artist Mathieu Matégot. The designer (1910-2001) was bor...
Wrought Iron
French Rattan Cone Armchair in the Style of Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
perfect armchairs for gardens and terrasses. Metal and rattan give a modern twist to these french 60's armchairs.
Metal
Mathieu Matégot pair of Anthéor armchairs 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, IDF
This iconic pair of armchairs is an original creation by Mathieu Matégot, dating back to the 1950s. The armchairs are crafted from white lacquered metal. The meticulous handling of t...
Metal
Sold
H 32.68 in W 25.99 in D 24.02 in
set of four white steel armchairs "Cap d'Ail" by Mathieu Matégot, ca 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Rome, IT
rare set of four garden armchairs designed by Mathieu Matègot and named "Cap d'Ail" circa 1950 painted steel originale condition: many signs of rust the set comes directly from an ...
Steel
Mathieu Mategot "Tube" Armchair, 1951
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A rare "Tube living room" armchair by French Hungarian designer Mathieu Mategot (1910 - 2001). Designed in 1951 and produced in France in the early 1950's, the chair is made from qu...
Metal
Vintage armchair by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Armchair, "tube" model, in white metal designed by the French designer Mathieu Matégot in the 1950s. With its iconic pattern, the armchair does not lack character and elegance. I...
Metal
Set of four Mathieu Matégot Armchairs "Tube", circa 1931, France
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Girona, Spain
Set of four Mathieu Mategot armchairs "Tube". Made with Iron. Painted in white. Circa 1931, France. Mid-Century Modern (MCM) is an America...
Iron
Sold
H 31.11 in W 24.41 in D 20.48 in
Mathieu Matégot White "CAP D'ail" Chair & Armchair Set, France, 1950's
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Iconic "Cap d'Ail" set of outdoor steel chair and armchair by Mathieu Matégot. Circa 1955. Original paint Price includes sanding and new paint i...
Steel
Mathieu Matégot Lounge Chair
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in West Hartford, CT
Features perforated metal work with the classic Matégot sling seat support. Outdoor or indoor versatility. Buyer would need to add their own seat cushion if desired. Arm height is 1...
Metal
Pair of Mathieu Matégot Armchairs, Model Cap d'Ail
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Timeless design for this pair of chairs in vintage condition. Two other chairs available in need of restoration Literature: Mathieu Matégot, Jousse and Mondineu, page 149 circa 19...
Metal
French Mid-Century Cap d'Ail Chair by Mathieu Matégot, 1950's
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
20th-century vintage armchair, or side chair by the iconic French pioneer designer Mathieu Matégot. We have deliberately left the tubular steel structure untouched in order to preser...
Steel
Sold
H 27 in Dm 27.5 in
Pair French Mid-Century Modern Iron 'Copacabana' Chairs, by Mathieu Matégot 1955
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of French Mid-Century Modern 'Copacabana' chairs in black enameled iron by Mathieu Matégot. These lounge chairs/armchairs are rich fantasy creations with their sweeping cur...
Wrought Iron