Image source: Homedit

At Where Saints Go, we adore the Butterfly Chair. The unique design combines simplicity with quirky style perfectly, as reflected in the unusual yet streamline shape. Also known as the Hardoy chair, the BFK and the sling chair, the style is iconic of its time and has been consistently popular since its creation.

Featuring a fixed frame and a large cloth base sling hung from the frame’s highest points, the design is popular for use both in the home as well as portable recreational seating.The Butterfly Chair is as close to a hammock as you can get. Due to its stylish and industrial update and the fact that it’s easy to transport, it’s easy to see why this chair has been increasingly popular since its creation.

The History…

The Butterfly Chair was designed by the Argentinian architectural firm, Grupo Austral. Created in 1938, the chair is said to be the creation of Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Antonio Bonet and Juan Kurchan – who made up the Austral Group at the time – although Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy is said to be the lead designer of the chair.

The chair was initially designed for a project that the Austral Group were working on, but it went on to be included in a design exhibition held in 1940 where it won two prizes. Shortly after Edgar Kaufmann, who was the Curator of Industrial Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, showed a great interest in the chair. He purchased two and said it was ‘functional, lightweight and handsome’.

The Butterfly Chair was first mass-produced in the US. The chair was made using two bent tubular steel rods welded together. A leather sling was then hooked over the top, to create the iconic suspended seat.

Interior Design…

Due to its versatile style and use, the Butterfly Chair can be a welcome addition to a variety of interiors. Initially, the chair was designed to be used outdoors, but today it works brilliantly in the home, making use of an awkward space and adding an industrial edge to any interiors.

Try introducing a Butterfly Chair to your bedroom. Place in an otherwise unused corner, to create an additional use to the space – making the perfect place to read or relax and listen to music. Try the Cowhide Butterfly Chair in Black to add a playful print.

Create a flexible seating area in your living room with the addition of a Butterfly Chair. Place to the side of your sofa to provide additional seating that’s stylish and comfortable, but that’s also easy to move around should you need. We love the Tan Leather Butterfly Chair, which would go perfectly with leather seating or neutral fabrics such as grey and black.

Consider adding a Butterfly Chair to your home office or study to create a chill out zone. Place in an unused corner and complete with shelving full of your favourite books or a magazine rack. Try the Cowhide Butterfly Chair in Brown for a relaxing and natural finish.

With such a rich history, it’s clear to see why this versatile chair is so popular in 21^st century interiors. Stylish, iconic and unique, the Butterfly chair continues to transform both the homes, offices and bars around the world.