Description

Because of yet another enquiry from someone wanting to buy this vintage Australian design I have updated my value of this suite. We had these 6 chairs priced at $1090- in April of 2020 when everyone stopped buying because of COVID we reduced the price by $140 to keep our stock turning over. This iNVISeDGE customer paid $950 for these six chairs. Today in 2024 (4 years after we sold these chairs) I’d price this exact same set of chairs at $1,590 the set. Solid proof that good vintage design can and does increase in value over time. The table was priced SEPARATELY and SOLD in 2020!

This listing SOLD UNDER CONSIGNMENT from a regular iNVISeDGE seller in GEELONG, near Melbourne and was freighted interstate up to the Central Coast, North of Sydney.

Provenance and Background Info

(Description was written in 2020. Some information will be time-sensitive.)

A stunning set of SIX 1970’s dining chairs by acclaimed AUSTRALIAN furniture company Danish Deluxe. In my opinion this is one of Danish Deluxe’s best vintage designs. The timber pieces are connected together with thick metal bolts. This creates a very strong chair. Most vintage chairs have timber pieces fitting into each other at the joint areas- any major stress on those areas can create cracks, splits and breaks in the structure of the chairs. For this design the main areas of stress are placed on thick metal bolts and various thick layers of timber- this means these chairs are less susceptible to any possible structural issue. The bolts need to be tightened after every few years of use- if this is done and the chairs are used with a little bit of sense, they will last a lifetime of use or more (just as this suite already has). These chairs are already over 40 years old (c. late-1970’s) and ready for another generation of use and enjoyment.

This design is often overlooked. It reminds of Joe Rufenacht dining chairs. Twenty years ago Joe Rufenacht pieces were ignored by vintage furniture dealers and collectors. These days they are one of the most sought-after dining chairs in this country and sit at the pinnacle as far as quality and design is concerned. These Danish Deluxe chairs are in a similar league yet they’re still undiscovered at the moment. I doubt I would have priced Joe Rufenacht chairs at even $180 each (in leather) back in 2005- 15 years later (in 2020) they’re fetching $400 PER CHAIR, and very easily. I think this design is in the same boat as Rufenacht’s was in 15 years ago- once it gets the recognition it deserves, I see no reason why prices won’t go up.

This design is based on the Siesta Chair by celebrated Norwegian furniture firm, Westnofa. Westnofa never made this design as a dining chair and I’ve never seen a design like this outside Australia. Danish Deluxe was commissioned to produce various licensed European designs in the 1960’s and 70’s (including famous Danish designs) but I don’t believe this is one of them. It’s unique on a worldwide platform and will add an interesting slant to your space. So graceful- yet minimalist … such a cool vintage style!

This design is not only durable but comfortable. The padding is great- the angles, proportions and height of the back are all excellent for comfort- you can enjoy leisurely dinners in these chairs. The only possible criticism I could find for these chairs is that the backs don’t have a significant curve in them (which would add even more to the comfort). In saying this though, this is a pretty critical comment- the height of the backs is perfect and the backs are padded too, so the comfort is excellent for dining chairs- certainly more comfortable than most Danish-style chairs with timber backs. (The matching dining table- which is sold and priced SEPARATELY) extends to seat up to 12 people comfortably- this could be the perfect suite for Christmas dinners or everyday use (it’s quite a small table when it’s not extended.)

This particular suite is also unlike virtually any other in this design I’ve seen. These Danish Deluxe suites are usually in “interesting” 1980’s colour-combinations … picture mint-green with lime-washed frames … pink leather etc. The original upholstery on this set is timeless and neutral- contradicting the era and creating a style that’s as timeless as you can get (yet still with a cool vintage slant, if that can make sense!). The greyish, neutral colour is basically the same as the upholstery many mid-century dealers have been using for re-upholstery for decades but this is the original vintage covering.  This suite has been steam-cleaned, the upholstery is in very good to excellent condition overall (some minor discolouration from age only). These chairs can certainly be enjoyed as they are. (Read the Condition and Dimensions section for further details.)

Virtually any modern dining chair is priced at more than these but the quality and durability of modern pieces is nearly always questionable. Many mass-produced modern suites out of China are ending up as landfill in as little as a decade of use. This suite has not only avoided landfill for 40 years, it is ready to be moved straight into another dining room. On top of this, it’s an overlooked design that could never be produced again for anything like this price (and certainly NEVER in Australia at even triple our asking price here). The investment appeal is a no-brainer- I have little doubt this design (in timeless colours) will increase in value in the future meaning this is not a purchase at all but a solid INVESTMENT. There’s no better way I can think of to invest in your home and our environment. It’s a win – win … for everybody!

2003 and 2005