In his illustrious career, the French designer Christian Liaigre created furniture and private interiors with a minimalist and restrained sensibility that would become his trademark, but never at the cost of luxury. When he began designing furniture in the 1980s, Liaigre’s clean lines and no-frills approach caused a stir and was considered unusual for the era. But what Liaigre knew best was creating elegant, exquisite designs that would stand the test of time.
Liaigre studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He initially began as a furniture designer, opening his studio in 1985 before he would move toward interiors. His bold, timeless pieces were made in France using luxurious materials such as marble and cashmere in a soothing palette of neutral tones that look fresh to this day. Later, Liaigre began to design private interiors — from homes of influential figures like Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld to holiday homes, offices and the cabins of private yachts. He designed the interiors of the Art Deco–era Hotel Montalembert in Paris and became known in the United States for his design of the Mercer Hotel in New York City, which opened in 1997. Soon afterward, he found himself working for hotelier Ian Schrager.
To each of his interior design projects Liaigre brought his minimalist touch, which was born from his ability to distill a broad range of inspirations — from Brancusi sculptures and African art to Art Deco furniture — into simple, balanced forms. The modest beauty of his popular Nagato stool, a small and sculptural piece of seating designed in oak in 1986, represents this vision clearly and points to some more of Liaigre’s influences: the stillness found in Donald Judd’s minimalist art and many aspects of Japanese culture.
Liaigre, who earned comparisons to celebrated French designers Jean-Michel Frank and Jean Royère, was also known for his visionary use of natural and unconventional materials and is considered to be one of the first to use wenge, an African hardwood, in combination with traditional timber such as oak in his furnishings. Liaigre’s creative foresight has ensured that today he is one of the most influential and widely imitated designers of the 20th century.
Find a range of Christian Liaigre seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$12,000 / set
Christian Liaigre “Velin” Dining Seating
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fantastic dining seating set consisting of four leather dining chairs and a matching leather banquette. The color of the leather is blue/grey with black oak legs. This is the Veli...
Leather
$10,000 / set
Set of 4 - Christian Liaigre "Velin" Leather Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful set of four Christian Liaigre blue/grey leather dining chairs. We also have the matching banquette and Liaigre dining table. Not included in this listing. Very good co...
Leather
2000s Set of Six Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Dining Chairs in Cream Leather
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six dining chairs, designed by Christian Liaigre in the 2000s and produced by Holly Hunt. The chairs feature elegantly proportioned frames crafted in hardwood, paire...
Leather, Hardwood
$20,000 / set
Set of Eight - Christian Liaigre "Louis XVI" Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
***We have 14 available in total. This listing is for a set of 8*** Fantastic set of dark brown leather ebonized oak dining chairs by Christian Liaigre. This is model "Louis XVI", o...
Leather
Set of 12 - Christian Liaigre Louis XVI Dining Chairs in Dark Brown Leather
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fantastic set of twelve dark brown leather ebonized oak dining chairs by Christian Liaigre. This is model "Louis XVI", originally designed 1996. Just an absolutely phenomenal set...
Leather
$10,050 / set
H 31.11 in W 24.02 in D 22.45 in
Contemporary Chair, Walnut Color/Black Faux Leather- Set of 6
Located in New York, NY
The chair features extraordinary design with curved back legs that form part of the armrests and back support. Handcrafted of solid wood frame in walnut color and upholstered in blac...
Wood
$13,400 / set
H 31.11 in W 24.02 in D 22.45 in
Contemporary Chair, Walnut Color/Black Faux Leather, Set of 8
Located in New York, NY
The chair features extraordinary design with curved back legs that form part of the armrests and back support. Handcrafted of solid wood frame in walnut color and upholstered in blac...
Wood, Faux Leather
$2,195 / set
H 33 in W 19.75 in D 21 in
7 KI Seating Modern Dark Blue Plastic & Chrome Reverse Cantilever Dining Chairs
By KI Krueger International
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage modern dark blue plastic & chrome reverse cantilever Intellect dining chairs by Krueger International (a.k.a.) KI Seating 7 total. B...
Chrome
$2,627 / set
H 29.93 in W 21.66 in D 18.51 in
Set of Six Italian Dark Brown Wood and Faux Leather Dining Chairs
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of six Italian modern dining chairs. Sleek design with elegantly shaped narrow legs. Solid dark stained wood and chocolate brown faux leather seat covers.
Faux Leather, Wood
$8,500 / set
H 33.13 in W 24.5 in D 27 in
Authentic Holly Hunt "Studio H" Leather Scoop Dining Arm Chairs Set 10
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Fulton, CA
A set of 10 authentic "Siren" dining arm chairs by Holly Hunt. Retaining Studio H metal label on underside of each chair. White leather scoop seats framed with a solid hardwood base ...
Leather, Mahogany
French Louis XVI Dining Chairs Set of 4
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Damask, Mahogany, Cotton
$2,500 / set
H 36.5 in W 18 in D 20 in
Set of Four French Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs with Brown Mohair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of four French dining chairs crafted in the grand Louis XI taste. The mid-20th century chairs feature carved beech frames with a natural finish. The frames have round ca...
Brass
Set of Eight French Louis XVI Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant suite of eight French dining chairs crafted in the grand Louis XVI style, consisting of six side chairs and two host armchairs. Each chair is constructed of carved beech h...
Fabric, Hardwood
$6,550
H 14.5 in W 69.75 in D 15 in
Christian Liaigre Pirogue Bench or Coffee Table Holly Hunt Art Deco Style 70"L
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural "Pirogue" Model Bench, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, American, circa 1990s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bench or coffee table.
Wood
2010s Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Cordovan Bench, 1x Available
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cordovan Wooden Bench, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The listed price includes one bench, and we currently have two available for purchase. Their design fea...
Steel
$3,995 / set
H 35.25 in W 17.5 in D 22.25 in
French Regency Louis XVI Hand-Painted and Gold Gilt Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight Neoclassical or French Regency Louis XVI style dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture Late 20th century Carved hand painted and gold gilt mah...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
Set of Eight Louis XVI- Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 Louis XVI- Style Painted Dining Chairs - 2 arm and 6 side chairs - all upholstered in Blue Cowtan and Tout fabric.
Leather, Hardwood
Christian Liaigre Style Dining Chairs, 6
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Six Christian Liaigre Style Dining Armchairs, with taupe upholstery on wood legs. 33" H x 24.5" W x 25" D; seat: 19" H; armrests: 26" H. Provenance: From an 157 West 57th St...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 18.75 in D 21.88 in
Set of 10 Christian Liaigre “Velin” Solid Oak Dining Chairs for Holly Hunt, USA
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sophisticated set of ten “Velin” dining chairs designed by Christian Liaigre and manufactured by Holly Hunt, exemplifying Liaigre’s timeless approach to proportion, materiality, an...
Leather, Oak
Christian Liaigre Velin Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Velin Dining Chair by renowned designer Christian Liaigre. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, these chairs exude luxury and sophistication. The sleek silhou...
Leather, Oak
Set of Five Christian Liaigre for Nobilis Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Christian Liaigre, Nobilis
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of five mahogany dining armchairs designed by Christian Liaigre (French designer architect 1943-2020) for Nobilis. The set consists of all armchairs featuring a klism...
Fabric, Mahogany
Set of Eight Christian Liaigre Holly Hunt Barbuda Dining Chairs
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic set of eight bespoke Barbuda dining chairs designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The labeled Barbuda chairs have a distinctive oak hardwood frame having a gracefull...
Fabric, Hardwood
Set of Christian Liaigre “Cerused” Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Austin, TX
Set of six dining chairs by Christian Liaigre from France. This set has a beautiful light oak “cerused” structure with a cobalt blue upholstery, all original.
Upholstery, Wood
A set of ten Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt leather dining chairs
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of ten Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt leather dining chairs having tapered mahogany legs circa 1980.
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
Set of Six Christian Liaigre Dining Chairs, 20th Century
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Hamburg, PA
A handsome set of six cane back and ebonized oak dining chairs by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. This set of dining chairs has vintage fab...
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 33 in W 23 in D 23 in
Set of Four Leather Dining / Arm Chairs Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt c. 2000
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Four Leather Dining / Arm Chairs Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt c. 2000 Made in France for Holly Hunt in lacquered mahogany upholstered in soft butter-colored leather. Brass manufacturer's label to underside of each example ‘Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.75 in W 21 in D 22.25 in
Christian Liaigre Harry Dining Chairs in Spinnybeck Leather, Set of 8
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Dallas, TX
We have fully restored these beautiful dining chairs by Christian Liaigre. Named the "Harry" chair we have restored the wood and reupholstered in high-quality Spinneybeck leather. A ...
Leather, Wood
Liaigre Dining Chairs in Stained Oak and Leather
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Antwerp, BE
Christian Liaigre, dining chairs, solid oak, beige leather, France, 1999 Christian Liaigre was a French interior designer and architect. Born into a family from Vendée, Liaigre entered the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs before meeting Alberto Giacometti. Giacometti led him to the workshop of Constantin Brancusi, but Liaigre left to help his grandfather breed racehorses. In 1981, he designed a collection of cabinets for Nobilis. In 1985, he opened his first store, and he designed the Hôtel Montalembert in 1990. In 1997, he designed The Mercer Hotel in New York City. His clients included Larry Gagosian, Marina Abramovic, Bryan Adams...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Christian Liaigre Banquet Benches
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Christian Liaigre banquet benches for Holly Hunt, No longer in production this set has stained solid walnut with cotton poly great plains fabric.
Upholstery, Walnut