This beautifully refined spindle back armchair is a classic mid-century form, thoughtfully restored and updated for contemporary living. With no maker’s mark present, the chair could be attributed to either Ercol or Lubis Furniture, both celebrated for their mastery of spindle back construction and enduring design language during the 1950s and 1960s.
What immediately sets this example apart is its higher-than-average backrest, offering a more generous and supportive silhouette while accentuating the elegant vertical rhythm of the spindles. The proportions feel refined yet relaxed, making it equally suitable as a reading chair or a sculptural accent piece.
To modernise the chair while respecting its origins, the upholstery has been reimagined. Rather than fully upholstering the frame as was common historically, the design now features a newly upholstered seat cushion and a floating hanging backrest cushion, allowing the craftsmanship of the spindle work to remain visible from every angle.
The solid oak frame has been fully restored, carefully stripped of its darkened finish to reveal the natural warmth and grain of the wood, and resealed in a non-yellowing sealant to preserve its honest materiality. Every joint and spindle has been attended to, ensuring both structural integrity and visual clarity.
Both cushions are upholstered in a complementary sage green textured fabric from Hertex, adding softness and tactility without overwhelming the timber structure.
The result is a considered blend of heritage and contemporary restraint, celebrating the craftsmanship associated with both Ercol and Lubis while offering a lighter, more expressive interpretation suited to modern interiors.
Note that the armchair, which has a slightly lower 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, ensuring 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 W (Backrest Wing to Wing) x 55cm W (Leg to Leg) x 71cm W (Armrest to Armrest) x 102cm H (Top of Backrest)
Seat height 48cm 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