Butterfly Chair by CFR Designs

Butterfly Chair — Heritage Reproduced, Built for Real Life

First sketched in Buenos Aires in 1938 by architects Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan, and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, the “Butterfly” (also known as the BKF or Hardoy chair) became a mid-century staple for its effortless sling comfort over a minimal steel frame. The original museum pieces used painted wrought iron and leather; our outdoor reproduction honors that silhouette—and then upgrades everything that matters outside.

Details & specs

• Frame: Fully-welded, solid steel stock

• Feet: Integrated weld cups with plastic insert "forever glides" reduce scraping and finish wear

• Finish: Architectural powder-coat (outdoor rated)

• Seat/Canopy: Removable Sunbrella® sling; water- and UV-resistant; bleach-cleanable; multiple colors

• Comfort: Deep sling “cradle” with natural recline; airy in hot weather

• Maintenance: Hose off; spot-clean with mild soap or diluted bleach per Sunbrella care

• Replaceable cover: Swap colors seasonally or refresh years down the road

• Dimensions (approx.): 31" Wide x 30" Deep x 37" Height | 14" Seat Height

• Use: Outdoor / indoor

What we improved (and why)

• Fully-welded, heavy-gauge steel frame
  Zero bolts to loosen, no rattles, just rock-solid stability. Our welded construction preserves the crisp BKF lines while adding long-term durability for outdoor use. (Originals were painted wrought-iron with leather slings intended for interiors.) 

• Integrated weld cups at ground contact points
  Small, clean weld cups with plastic forever glides inside where the frame meets the ground spread the load, help prevent patio scuffs, and protect the powder-coat from abrasion—so your finish stays looking new longer.

• Sunbrella® performance canopy (cover)
  UV-resistant, water-repellent, fade-resistant, easy to clean, and available in a wide color palette. Purpose-built for outdoors—unlike the original leather slings—so you get the iconic sling comfort with true weather performance