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Butterfly Wingback Chairs

1940's Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
These butterfly wing backs are just gorgeous. Each chair represents a truly novel twist on the
Category

Vintage 1940s English Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
In the style of Paolo Buffa, this 1950;s butterfly wing back chair has been restored and newly
Category

Vintage 1950s European Hollywood Regency Club Chairs

Materials

Linen, Mahogany

Modern Leather ButterFLY Swing Chair in Brown
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its
Category

2010s South African Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Black Leather ButterFLY Hanging Swing Chair with Red Detail
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its
Category

2010s South African Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Steel

Recent Sales

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
Category

Mid-20th Century French Wingback Chairs

Materials

Iron

1940's American Butterfly Wingback Chairs Set of 2
Located in Pomona, CA
Pair of American butterfly wingback chairs. Newly upholstered in light gray color fabric.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Wingback Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Leather Italian Butterfly Wingback Lounge Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive pair of Italian mahogany butterfly shaped wingback lounge chairs or armchairs. The
Category

20th Century Italian Country Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Handsome Pair of American 1940's Butterfly Wingback Arm Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Each with tall flared back above a tight seat flanked by scrolled arms with wood accents; raised on tapering square-form legs.
Category

Vintage 1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Exaggerated Butterfly Back Wing Chair, Circa 1940
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Rochester, NY
Exaggerated butterfly back wing chair w/ tapered mahogany legs / brass tacking at wood accented
Category

Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Style Leather Butterfly Wing Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sensational leather butterfly wing chair made by Williams Sonoma Home in the United States
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Butterfly wing backs are just gorgeous. Restored and newly upholstered with brass nailhead
Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Wingback Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Wingback Chairs, a Pair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Modern wingback chairs for sale. These are incredible, and have a
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Silk, Wood

1950s Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Royal Blue Wingback Chairs, a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a gorgeous, vintage pair of butterfly wingback chairs, circa the 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Fabric

Pair of Mid-century Modern Butterfly Wingback Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary pair of Mid-Century Modern wingback armchairs featuring hardwood frames with newly
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Elegant Pair of Butterfly Wing Chairs. This is an antique pair England, Circa 1900 and are newly
Category

Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
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Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE (LARGE) floor lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant‘s Foot– for the prominent shape at its ...
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Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Brown Leather 21st Century Modern
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with a sheet of natural thick leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable e...
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2010s South African Modern Chairs

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Pair Janus Wing Chairs and Ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of "Janus" wing chairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. One of his most iconic designs! In the Janus Collection Wormley modernized the lines of eighteen...
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Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wing Back Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback / Hi Back Lounge Chairs / armchairs by Paolo Buffa. These chairs are large, deep and comfortable; They have sensuous lines and a ...
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Pair of 1940’s Danish Lounge Chairs
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Exceptional pair of 1940’s Danish cabinet maker lounge chairs. Stunning channel tufted green velvet upholstery. Beech wood legs. Upholstery appears to have been updated. Denmark Del...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Modern Genuine Leather Butterfly Hanging Swing Chair
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its story is one of transformation, adaptability, and evolution, making it an icon in the...
Category

2010s South African Modern Lounge Chairs

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Steel

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward
By Henry Ward
Located in Amsterdam, NL
England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...
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Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Other

Hanging Leather Butterfly Chair Swing
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its story is one of transformation, adaptability, and evolution, making it an icon in the...
Category

2010s South African Modern Corner Chairs

Materials

Steel

Incredible Pair of Compatible Lipstick Red Wing Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of very well made, solid feeling and comfortable wing chairs upholstered in a striking lipstick red leather. Both of the chairs have traditional flat-panel arms and tapered wo...
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Mid-20th Century American Classical Wingback Chairs

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Outdoor Hanging Chair in Stainless Steel with Waterproof Black Fabric
By Myface
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Candelera 04 Blued Steel Hanging Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Lounge Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of sculptural lounge chairs in the style of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates features unique walnut bases and comfortable upholstered seats. The impressive visu...
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

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Upholstery, Walnut

Dunbar Wingback Chairs Designed by Edward Wormley in a Custom Cartier Textile
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of early and important wing back chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Professionally restored with new foam, new springs, down-filled seat cushions and upholstered in a...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of 1960’s Velvet Wing Back Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very unusual pair of 1960’s velvet wing back armchairs. They are of generous proportions and are very comfortable. They have a wonderful shape, with scalloped backs, ...
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Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

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Finding the Right Wingback-chairs for You

They may not offer structural support, but the wings on antique and vintage wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose or did, when the design was first conceived in England in the 1600s.

Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explains why the wingback is so strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace.

Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spinoffs to playful contemporary adaptations (like the Bear chair by Pierre Yovanovitch, wherein the place of wings are furry ears — a cheeky send-up of Hans Wegner’s iconic mid-century Papa Bear chair).

Shop the most innovative versions of wingback chairs today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Butterfly Wingback Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Wingback chairs emerged during the 17th-century era. The wings on classic wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose, or did, when they were first conceived in England in the 1600s. Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explanation is why the wingback is strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace. Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years. Shop a selection of wingback chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    There is no hard and fast rule about where a wingback chair should be placed. Historically, people used the large chairs in front of block drafts, and you can continue this tradition in your home. Alternatively, you can place one wherever it fits the layout of your room. To show off the distinctive shape of the chair, it is a good idea to position it somewhere that allows it to be viewed from the sides and back as well as the front. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of wingback chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, easy chairs or grandfather chairs. However, many people simply call them wingback chairs or wing chairs. The name comes from the two curved wings mounted on the sides of the backrest. On 1stDibs, find a variety of wingback chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The purpose of a wingback chair is to provide seating. Usually, these upholstered chairs go in seating areas and allow people to rest comfortably while carrying on conversations, reading and performing other activities. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage wingback chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Whether a wingback chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many wingback chairs feature plush cushioning, and the tall backs can provide ample back support. A wingback’s protruding arms were initially designed to protect a sitter from drafts or intense heat from a fireplace. This may be obsolete in the 21st century, but the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spin offs to playful contemporary adaptations (like the Bear chair by Pierre Yovanovitch, wherein the place of wings are furry ears — a cheeky send-up of Hans Wegner’s iconic mid-century Papa Bear chair). On 1stDibs, shop a range of wingback chairs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.