Do butterfly chairs fold up?

Whether 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.

Are Butterfly chairs comfortable?

Whether 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.

When was the Butterfly chair made?

The 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.

Who designed the Butterfly chair?

Antonio 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?

Antonio 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.

When were butterfly chairs popular?

Butterfly 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.

How do you tell if a Butterfly chair is real?

How 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.

How do you tell a real Hardoy Butterfly chair?

To 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.

Midcentury Butterfly Chairs

Blue Painted Chair

Knoll Butterfly

Mid Century Vintage Wool Chairs

Red Butterflies

Wrought Iron Butterfly

Modern European Chairs

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Jacquard, Beech

Recent Sales

Rare Mid-Century Modern Butterfly chair by Inge & Luciano Rubino, 1963

Unavailable

H 31.89 in W 20.87 in D 18.12 in

Rare Mid-Century Modern Butterfly chair by Inge & Luciano Rubino, 1963

By Sorø Stolefabrik, Inge & Luciano Rubino

Located in Berlin, Germany

Rare Mid-Century Modern Butterfly chair by Inge & Luciano Rubino, 1963 This chair was designed in 1963 by Inge & Luciano Rubino and produced by Danish company Sorø Mobelfabrik.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Style Stackable Iron Framed Leather Chairs

Unavailable

H 36 in W 28 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Style Stackable Iron Framed Leather Chairs

Located in Culver City, CA

Mid-Century Modern butterfly style stackable iron framed leather chairs, original leather middle seam redone designed by J.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Wingback Chairs

Materials

Iron

Pedro Friedeberg "Butterfly" Chair

Unavailable

Pedro Friedeberg "Butterfly" Chair

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A really great example. Fully signed.

Unavailable

H 33 in W 33.5 in D 35.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Solid Iron Butterfly Canvas Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dimensions: W 33.5 D 35.5 H 33 SW 20 SD 17 SH 12 Please note these chairs are not collapsible. Chair are solid made, straight from manufacturer’s dead stock. Style: Mid century M...

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Sold

Sold

Sold

H 34 in W 30 in D 24 in

Vintage Mid-Century BKF Hardoy Butterfly Chair for Knoll

By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Period BKF Hardoy butterfly chair for Knoll. Dynamic Classic form, for indoor or outdoor use. Orange canvas slings are original and in good condition with no holes, rips, or tears an...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Butterfly Chairs with Canvas Slings, a Pair

Sold

H 33.5 in W 32.6 in D 22 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chairs with Canvas Slings, a Pair

By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy

Located in Esperance, NY

Very nice pair of Butterfly chairs with canvas slings. The slings have been replaced recently and are made out of cotton.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Canvas

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Lounge Chair in Mohair, circa 1960s

Sold

H 30 in W 29 in D 31 in

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Lounge Chair in Mohair, circa 1960s

Located in Westport, CT

Introducing a truly stunning vintage walnut chair, featuring a unique organic form with caning on the arms, now fully restored by the skilled craftsmen at Stamford Modern. This beaut...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Original Mid-Century Black Iron Leather Butterfly Chair Beautiful Patina

Sold

Sold

H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Chair by Knoll International in Original Leather

By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll

Located in Berlin, DE

Butterfly chair by Knoll International with exceptionally beautiful original leather in cognac on a black base. Designed by J. Ferrari-Hardoy, J. Kurchan, A. Bonet in 1938. Manufactu...

Pair of Butterfly Patio Chairs

Sold

H 35 in W 36 in

Pair of Butterfly Patio Chairs

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Pair of sling patio chairs. We had them powder coated a satin black and upholstered in sunbrella fabric. One chair is slightly smaller (or larger) then the other. The large chair is ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sculptural Rattan Butterfly Chair, France 1960s

Sold

H 36.23 in W 27.17 in D 36.62 in

Sculptural Rattan Butterfly Chair, France 1960s

Located in Rotterdam, ZH

Exceptional rattan butterfly chair, France 1960s. Sculptural lounge chair with an interesting contrast in materials and textures between the thin black metal wire framing and the cra...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Butterfly Chair Arne Jacobsen 'Series 7'

Sold

$4,566 / set

$1,550

H 33.08 in W 18.12 in D 16.54 in

Set of 4 Diningroom Chairs in Blond Wood and Red Faux Leather, Italy, 1950's

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Uithoorn, NL

Set of 4 dining chairs in blond wood and red faux leather. Italian Grace at its best. The combination of the blond beech and the red faux leather gives the chairs a warm and roma...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech

Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio

$12,328 / set

H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in

Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...

Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech

1970s, set of 4 reupholstered Danish chairs, teak wood, cherry-red velour.

$1,506Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 31.5 in W 19.3 in D 21.26 in

1970s, set of 4 reupholstered Danish chairs, teak wood, cherry-red velour.

By Farso Mobelfabrik

Located in Tarm, 82

1970s, set of 4 reupholstered Danish chairs. Renewed teak wood, cherry-red furniture velour. Manufactured by Danish furniture manufacturer Farsø Møbelfabrik in about 1970. Reupholste...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Teak

1960s Wood And Velvet Chairs Set Of 4

$1,643Sale Price / set|47% Off

H 30.71 in W 18.12 in D 21.66 in

1960s Wood And Velvet Chairs Set Of 4

Located in IT

Four wooden and velvet chairs from the 1960s. The chairs have a wooden frame with a very rare shape. The cushions are made of aubergine velvet and have been reupholstered new. The ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Set of Eight Shell Dining Chairs, Flimflam Jacquard by Dedar, Vintola Studio

$11,141 / set

H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in

Set of Eight Shell Dining Chairs, Flimflam Jacquard by Dedar, Vintola Studio

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...

Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Materials

Steel

$5,400 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 18.51 in

Italian Post-Modern Set of Six Dining Chairs in Walnut Wood

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Set of six dining chairs, walnut, Italy, 1980s A striking example of Italian design from the 1980s, these walnut chairs embody a refined balance between sculptural form and everyday...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Provincial Painted Pine Kitchen Cabinet or Cupboard

$4,794

H 79.53 in W 59.26 in D 23.63 in L 79.53 in

19th Century French Provincial Painted Pine Kitchen Cabinet or Cupboard

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

A French provincial cabinet or kitchen cupboard from the 19th century. Solidly crafted from pine with beautiful slightly distressed painted finish. Ready for everyday use. A delight...

Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Cabinets

Materials

Pine

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Midcentury Butterfly Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of midcentury butterfly chairs available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct midcentury butterfly chairs — often made from metal, animal skin and leather — can elevate any home. Midcentury butterfly chairs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Midcentury butterfly chairs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made midcentury butterfly chairs over the years, but those made by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Knoll and Pierre Paulin are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Midcentury Butterfly Chairs?

Prices for midcentury butterfly chairs start at $175 and top out at $24,078 with the average selling for $2,400.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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.

Questions About Midcentury Butterfly Chairs

Do butterfly chairs fold up?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Whether 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.
Are Butterfly chairs comfortable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
Whether 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.
When was the Butterfly chair made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The 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.
Who designed the Butterfly chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Antonio 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Antonio 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.
When were butterfly chairs popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Butterfly 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.
How do you tell if a Butterfly chair is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
How 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.
How do you tell a real Hardoy Butterfly chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To 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.

How Top Designers Are Using Mid-Century Chairs in Today’s Interiors

Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood

The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.

Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home

The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.