Description

These chairs sold in iNVISeDGE for $1200 for the set of 6 in 2016. I’d price them at about $1295 today for the 6 chairs (2019).

Provenance and Background Info

A set of SIX sculptural dining chairs with Danish styling designed by Fred Lowen and Ernest Rodeck for FLER. These were purchased in New Zealand and bought across to Australia later by the previous owners. The guy I purchased these from gave me a link to a NZ vintage shop that was selling another set of these FLER chairs but they sold before I photographed the details. Not many in this design were produced- I think I’ve only seen this design on one other occasion. My estimate is they were made in mid-1960’s. These have just been professionally re-upholstered- I bought them from the upholsterer. I’ve just cleaned up the teak. This is where the value of this suite lies- the renovation of this suite would set you back at least $800 including the cost of fabric. Luckily the upholsterer knew his stuff and has chosen what I think is the perfect fabric for these. It’s resilient and strong fabric, the best tone possible for dining chairs (charcoal looks sleek and fresh but is practical for dining chairs too) and this covering is soft and inviting to sit in (Summer or Winter).

These vintage FLER chairs show quality construction- in line with all other FLER furniture- and have lasted the long haul already. In the right space- urban chic meets elegance- they would really hit it. The refined sophistication really attracts attention.

The most important thing you want is comfort. You won’t find much more comfort in a dining chair particularly in this Danish style. The backs are very high and padded. In my opinion the angle of the back could have been tweaked (comfort is different for everyone) but as I said they are as comfortable as you’ll get for chairs in this style.

I have carefully checked every chair and EVERY chair is solid and sturdy. That may sound incredible for 50 year-old chairs but it’s the result of the inner joints being perfectly crafted to inter-lock together at every corner. This is rarely done in furniture anymore so you have to keep going out to buy more.

Modern dining chairs can end up as landfill within years but when sets of vintage chairs look like this after 50 years of use (and worth spending $800 on for renovation) buyers have assurance of the quality of the construction and the design. There’s no better way to invest in your home and reduce your carbon footprint.