This refined spindle back armchair is a timeless mid-century design, carefully restored and subtly updated for contemporary living. With no maker’s mark present, the chair could be attributed to either Ercol or Lubis Furniture, both known for their elegant spindle back forms and high standards of craftsmanship throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
In this refreshed interpretation, the design has been lightened with a newly upholstered seat cushion and a floating hanging backrest cushion, allowing the beautifully turned spindles to remain visible from every angle. Both cushions are upholstered in a complementary sage green textured fabric from Hertex, adding softness and comfort while maintaining a calm, understated palette.
Historically, spindle back chairs by both Ercol and Lubis were often fully upholstered, concealing much of the underlying timber detail.
The proportions are well balanced and inviting, with a gently curved backrest and slender spindles that create a sense of lightness while remaining supportive and robust. The angled arms and tapered legs contribute to its relaxed, architectural stance, making it an easy fit in both living spaces and reading corners.
The solid oak frame has been fully restored, stripped of its darker stain to reveal the natural warmth and grain of the wood, and resealed using a non-yellowing sealant to preserve its original character. Structural integrity has been carefully checked, ensuring the chair feels as good as it looks.
The result is a thoughtful blend of heritage and modern restraint, celebrating honest materials, visible craftsmanship, and a design language that remains enduringly relevant.
Note that the armchair, which has a slightly higher backrest and appears in some of the photos, is available for purchase separately here. Although the backrest fabric is slightly different, the seat and backrest fabrics come from the same collection to ensure a cohesive look when paired.
Condition:
Fully restored and beautifully finished with new upholstery, this armchair is ready to make a statement in its next space.
Dimensions:
67cm Wide (Backrest Wing to Wing) x 60cm W (Leg to Leg) x 71cm W (Armrest to Armrest) x 80.5cm H (Top of backrest)
Seat height 42cm H.
Shipping Information:
If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.
Please be aware that we cannot reserve any items until transportation or shipping arrangements have been finalized. Therefore, it is important to purchase the item and proceed with the checkout process.
After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions & volumetric weight of the item(s) you have bought.
Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item/s description. Although every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to represent its original state best, it must be noted that most of the items we source date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For this reason, and although restored, signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We will normally point out any visible/notable concerns. Take note of all photos or view the item in-store prior to purchasing.
Transport & Handling Note:
All items are carefully wrapped and prepared for transport by us (not the courier) to ensure safe handling. Once items leave our premises, we cannot take responsibility for their treatment by third-party transporters. We strongly recommend arranging goods-in-transit insurance for comprehensive protection.
Due to the fragility of glass, we do not recommend shipping glass items outside of Gauteng.
For the full shipping policy, please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information: https://retrend.co.za/policies/shipping-policy