Stylish scandanavian-design midcentury leather chair for a song?

July 1, 2015 12:35 PM

Anyone know where I can find a good knockoff/copy or used example of this leather armchair?

Bonus points for ottoman/pouffe.
Another style I like; but the low back isn’t what I want. Think midcentury, scandanavian design, leather, subtle chrome or low-key wood, comfortable (no low backs or too-upright backs or wingbacks), but not slouchy/poofy/victorian/froufrou. We’re based in NYC, but could travel and/or have chair shipped…..

posted by lalochezia to Home & Garden (10 answers total)

At least in the midwest, there's a good supply of midcentury armchairs and settees in the $50-200 range, depending on condition of the finish and whether some or all of the cushions are present. I'm not sure what the upholstery term of art is, but I'm thinking of chairs like this (which is located about a mile from my apartment), the kind with detached cushions. Every antique mall I've ever visited in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana etc. has several. Variants with an ottoman definitely exist but may be less common.

If you find a frame that tickles your fancy, you could have the cushions re-made by an upholsterer in the covering of your choice, leather or fabric.

If you're moderately handy, it's probably possible to save even more by finding one with a trashed finish, sanding it down, and refinishing it yourself with something like Minwax Antique Oil.
posted by pullayup at 12:50 PM on July 1, 2015

Cheap and scandinavian means IKEA, and a leather POÄNG might be right up your alley.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:58 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Specifically no to the Poang or anything from ikea. We already have two upholstered in fabric, and are weary of their cheapness and sligh rockingchair nature; looking for something a bit sturdier and more stylish.
posted by lalochezia at 1:15 PM on July 1, 2015 [1 favorite]

There is a huge warehouse with mid-century Scandinavian furniture in DUMBO, I don't remember exactly where, but it is a small area, and there are other interesting galleries and shops. IMO, prices in New York are crazy, but that is because I am in Scandinavia - probably the shipping is really expensive. Look at these, though: Pernilla chairs at a bargain
posted by mumimor at 1:40 PM on July 1, 2015

Depends on what your definition of cheap is. But InMod has a lot of replicas of design classics that are certainly cheaper than what you'd pay at like DWR for the licensed stuff.
e.g. http://www.inmod.com/main-street-modern-fredrik-kayser-model-711-style-armchair.html is nice but still $749

Also, weirdly, overstock.com has a nice selection of cheap knockoff chairs, definitely some Herman Miller ripoffs on there: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Living-Room-Chairs/2737/subcat.html?sort=Recommended
posted by rachelpapers at 1:44 PM on July 1, 2015

Yep, overstock.com - the baxton studio brand on there does a lot of mcm looking stuff. Use the "you may also like" sidebar to expand your options. Here's one: mcm red chair
posted by hiker U. at 2:05 PM on July 1, 2015

I would start with a quick search of Craigslist for the real thing, but then try eBay (looking now, eBay has several similar vintage Danish/midcentury chairs that are shippable). The real thing will almost certainly be better than a replica. I've been to the shop mentioned above in Dumbo and it might be worth a try, but it's pretty pricey. I've gotten most of my nice Danish furniture from people who were moving out of apartments and desperate to get rid of it.
posted by three_red_balloons at 2:29 PM on July 1, 2015

Thrive Modern is some good action, USA made; some of their chairs might fit the bill. Not cheap but not as expensive as the one linked. They have a couple sales a year, where prices are significantly less (like the one happening now).
posted by furnace.heart at 2:32 PM on July 1, 2015

Response by poster: Your links have given me some google mojo, I found something along the right lines but not quite perfect

keep 'em coming!
posted by lalochezia at 3:26 PM on July 1, 2015

It might be worth a trip to this huge recurring mid-century warehouse sale in Philly some weekend to find the real thing at a way cheaper price than you'll get it anywhere near NYC. (I've lived in both places...the price difference isn't subtle.)
posted by nosila at 3:15 PM on July 2, 2015