The BKF chair — also known as the butterfly chair, leather sling chair, and sling chair — is one of the most iconic and recognisable furniture designs of the 20th century. But what exactly is a BKF chair, and why is it so popular worldwide?
What is a BKF Chair?
The BKF chair gets its name from its three Argentine designers: Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan, and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy — hence "BKF". Designed in Buenos Aires in 1938, the chair features a simple yet elegant design: a folded leather or canvas cover draped over a sturdy iron frame in an X or butterfly shape.
Because of the way the cover spreads over the frame like wings, it became popularly known as the butterfly chair. It is also called the sling chair, papasan chair, leisure chair, and leather accent chair.
Why is the Butterfly Chair So Popular?
The leather butterfly chair has remained popular for over 80 years for several reasons:
- Timeless mid century modern design — fits perfectly in boho, minimalist, scandinavian, and vintage interiors
- Incredibly comfortable — the sling design cradles your body naturally
- Foldable and portable — iron frame folds flat for easy storage and transport
- Versatile — works as a living room accent chair, bedroom chair, reading chair, dorm room chair, home office chair, or even a patio chair
- Statement piece — adds instant character and style to any room
What Materials are Butterfly Chairs Made Of?
Butterfly chairs are available in several materials:
- Full grain genuine leather — the most premium option. Durable, ages beautifully, and develops a rich patina over time. Available in tan, brown, black, honey, cognac, caramel, whiskey, and more colours.
- Cowhide leather — real hair-on cowhide for a unique, rustic look. No two cowhide chairs are exactly alike.
- Canvas — lightweight, casual option. Often used for outdoor and camping butterfly chairs.
- Faux leather — budget-friendly alternative to genuine leather.
At Parrys Leather World, we specialise exclusively in full grain genuine leather butterfly chairs and cowhide butterfly chairs — handcrafted by skilled artisans in Jodhpur, India.
What Sizes are Available?
Butterfly chairs typically come in standard, large, and oversized versions. Our leather butterfly chairs at Parrys Leather World fit adults comfortably and are suitable as a main accent chair in living rooms and bedrooms.
How to Style a Leather Butterfly Chair
The leather butterfly chair is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular styling ideas:
- Boho living room — pair with a cowhide rug, plants, rattan furniture, and warm lighting
- Mid century modern — pair with walnut wood furniture, geometric patterns, and clean lines
- Minimalist bedroom — use as a reading chair in a corner with a floor lamp and side table
- Reading nook — place near a bookshelf with a small side table and reading lamp
- Vintage / retro — combine with dark leather tones, brass accents, and vintage artwork
Shop Leather Butterfly Chairs at Parrys Leather World
At Parrys Leather World, we offer the finest handcrafted leather butterfly chairs, cowhide butterfly chairs, and leather butterfly chair with ottoman sets. Every chair is made from full grain genuine leather and features a sturdy powder-coated iron frame.
We ship worldwide — free shipping to USA, UK, Australia, Canada, UAE, Germany, and Europe. 30-day hassle-free returns. 1-year warranty on all chairs.
