I don’t know if they’re making a resurgence, or if the great lounge chair from my childhood home just happens to be everywhere I am right now, but Butterflies seem to be following me. First, a month or so ago while passing through Urban Outfitters — a foldable version with a leather cover. Then in a Ralph Lauren Home ad while reading the Sunday Times. A few weeks later, two set side-by-side as the seating area in a newly-opened local clothing boutique. And finally, the very chair from my childhood on a recent visit to Vermont.
Butterfly chairs, designed by Argentinian architect Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy in 1938, became commercially available when Knoll began producing them in 1947. Since then, numerous manufacturers have produced versions of the original design, and today you can find them a retailers ranging from Modern Furniture Classics to Circa50 to PB Teen.
It’s shape and endless cover choices means the incredibly versatile Butterfly can give a room a strong design statement and be used nearly everywhere. In my house growing up, our Butterfly chair played a leading role indoors, but they can make a really stunning set up outside too, just check out the patio at the Parker Palm Springs…
Image credit: Apartment Therapy
The Mudroom 
Thank you for such a complete post! I had no idea who had designed the chair and it turns out it’s the same person who designed the very “modern” bedroom furniture my parents had in the 50’s and that my mother still has! Surprised Design Within Reach hasn’t resurrected him.
Forgot to say that these chairs are great for baby pictures. The baby sits right in and is supported all around so that you don’t end up with a portrait of a tip over! I and my sibs are captured in one; and my two boys were as well.
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