Handmade Leather Butterfly Chairs — Authentic BKF Sling Chairs from Jodhpur
Parrys Leather World crafts genuine leather butterfly chairs — also called BKF chairs or sling chairs — entirely by hand in Jodhpur, India's leather capital. Every frame is powder-coated steel, every sling is cut from premium full-grain cowhide or hair-on-hide, and every stitch is hand-sewn by artisans trained in Jodhpur's century-old leatherworking tradition.
What Is a Butterfly Chair?
The butterfly chair — officially the BKF chair, named for its designers Bonet, Kurchan, and Ferrari-Hardoy — was designed in Buenos Aires in 1938. Its defining feature is a single-piece leather or canvas sling suspended from a collapsible steel rod frame. The sling folds around you like wings, creating a deep, enveloping seat that contours to your body. It remains one of the most iconic mid-century modern furniture designs in the world and is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.
Why Parrys Leather World Butterfly Chairs Stand Apart
Most butterfly chairs sold today use synthetic fabric or split-grain leather. At Parrys Leather World, every sling is full-grain cowhide — the strongest, most breathable layer of the hide, with natural grain markings that develop a rich patina over time. Our frames are precision-bent from heavy-gauge mild steel and finished with an electrostatic powder coat that resists rust, chips, and UV fading.
- Full-grain cowhide sling — softer and more durable than top-grain or bonded leather
- Hair-on cowhide option — natural tri-colour hide pattern, each chair entirely unique
- Black buffalo leather option — denser and more water-resistant, ideal for humid climates
- Powder-coated steel frame — available in matte black, matte white, or natural raw steel
- Hand-stitched edges — saddle-stitched with waxed polyester thread for decades of use
- Folds flat in 10 seconds — perfect for balconies, reading nooks, and home offices
Butterfly Chair Sizes We Offer
Our standard adult butterfly chair fits most adults up to 120 kg (265 lbs). The sling dimensions are approximately 90 cm wide × 80 cm deep, with a seat height of 35–40 cm from the floor. We also offer a junior size for children and teenagers, and an XL frame upon custom order. All sizes ship worldwide with full assembly instructions.
How to Care for a Leather Butterfly Chair
Full-grain leather improves with age and minimal maintenance. Wipe the sling monthly with a damp cloth and apply a thin coat of leather conditioner (such as Leather Honey or Saphir Renovateur) every 3–6 months. Keep the chair away from prolonged direct sunlight to slow tanning. For hair-on-hide slings, brush gently with a soft bristle brush and avoid wet cleaning. Store the folded frame in a dry place during extended periods of non-use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your butterfly chairs suitable for outdoor use? Our standard cowhide chairs are designed for covered outdoor spaces — patios, verandas, pergolas. For fully exposed outdoor placement, we recommend our buffalo leather sling with a galvanised frame option.
Do you ship butterfly chairs internationally? Yes. We export worldwide from Jodhpur. Chairs ship knocked down (frame and sling packed separately), reducing the carton to 100 × 20 × 20 cm. DHL, FedEx, and sea freight options are available at checkout.
How long does it take to assemble a butterfly chair? The frame requires no tools — the four rods click into the corner brackets in under two minutes. Draping the sling takes another minute. Total assembly: under five minutes.
Can I order a custom colour or leather type? Yes. We accept custom leather colour, frame finish, and stitch colour orders with a minimum of one unit and a lead time of 10–14 business days. Contact us at parrysleatherworld@gmail.com with your specifications.
Handcrafted Leather Butterfly Chair in USA
