I recently noticed an Arctander chair in a resort photo while looking for a place to visit over the Holidays, and almost booked a room because I liked the fact that they used this chair. Yes, I almost booked a vacation based on a chair in a hotel room. (I can’t be the only one who has done this, right?! Tell me I’m not the only one…)
I first learned about the Arctander chair during my very first job at a design firm. It was such an important chair that a photo had been printed and attached to the inspiration bulletin board wall. Of course it was chic, and of course it looked expensive, so, of course I couldn’t get it out of my head. I needed to know more. After some research (ok, prodding a coworker), I learned the name of this chair was the Arctander chair. I love the shape of the legs and the curve of the arms, and was delighted when we had one come through the shop. Of course I (very carefully) sat in it while no one was looking, and I was in love. Yes, it is as comfortable as people say it is.
Better known as Arctander’s Clam Chair, this chair was designed in 1944. It’s actually pretty cool that this chair has some mystery surrounding its origins, and was only attributed to Arctander in 2013 after a number of misattributions (AD, 2017).
These chairs were made in mass quantities, but that doesn’t mean you don’t see fakes everywhere(I mean, pretty much everything good, and some things that aren’t so good, has been ripped off, right?)
So how much will one of these babies set you back? Well, the answer is kind of complicated and it depends on if you want a true blue vintage chair, a contemporary version, or are okay with going for a fake.
A new version, produced by Paustian in collaboration with Arctander’s granddaughter Sophie Arctander Paustian, will set you back 6071 €, which is about $6870, depending on exchange rates. You can order them with or without armrests, but the arm rests are ubiquitous with the design, in my opinion.
Vintage versions can be found online for between $14- $18K, depending on whether you choose textile or sheepskin. You can also find some good vintage replicas for around $7K online, and a not so great (in my opinion) replica by France & Son for a mere $300.
Whatever you choose, an Arctander Clam chair is sure to elevate your room.
Want more chairs? Follow my insta for photos of amazing chairs, behind the scenes stories of me sourcing, and lots of other chair & design inspo.
Chair Candy 