Butterfly Chairs
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal, Gold Plate
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Chrome
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Footstools
Metal
2010s Swedish Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Mid-20th Century Unknown Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Cane, Wood
20th Century English Country Armchairs
Velvet
20th Century English Chesterfield Armchairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Cane, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s Singaporean Armchairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Vintage 1960s American Chairs
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Cowhide
Early 20th Century Argentine Modern Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Chairs
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Mexican Chairs
Late 20th Century Danish Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Chairs
Vintage 1950s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Faux Leather, Teak
Vintage 1970s Mexican Ceramics
Ceramic
20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs
21st Century and Contemporary American Slipper Chairs
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Armchairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Dutch Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Armchairs
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Chairs
Burl
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Gold Leaf
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Butterfly Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Butterfly Chairs?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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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