Les Folies Bergeres

e think 

It's not a wing chair, which stands stiff by comparison. And it's so much more than an armchair. Strictly defined, a bergère has a closed back. Its cushy, deep, wide, nearly over-upholstered seat cushion must remain loose. And padded or not, its elbow rests sit on upholstered frames. Made for lounging in comfort, its 18th Century French inventors wanted you to free the bergere from stuffy, formal arrangements. Let the fauteuils stand like soldiers against a wall. The beauty of this 360-degree sculptural form is that it looks lovely no matter where you push or pull it to catch the best light, or to draw in closer to conversation. Yes, the club chair in your den may be more plush. But can its clunky square silhouette negotiate the most luxurious of rooms with the bergere's finesse? No, only the bergère  combines glamour and comfort in historic proportions which, I'd argue, make it the best candidate for contemporary homes where guests gather in the same rooms we slouch in. But how modern can it go?  Change out its wood frame for steel and isn't Eero Saarinen's Womb chair a virtual bergère ? Loosen up your expectations. From transitional to the downright hip, we think the following beauties are truly folies bergères. 


Usona Home Model #08147 (below)

Above, from left to right: Mrs. Godfrey Chair by Jonathan Adler, California Lounge Chair by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture, Autoban 213 Bergere by De La Espada.

Above: Otto contemporary Bergere by Henredon; Below from left to right: Kalos Apta chair by Antonio Citterio for Max Alto,  

Perla Chair by Jerry Pair