The sturdy and sleek furniture designed by Tolix has become a standard of trendy cafés and retro diners. For nearly a century, the French company has become synonymous with café culture in France and beyond.
In 1908, Xavier Pauchard, nicknamed Mr. X, founded Tolix in Burgundy, France. A zinc roofer by trade, Pauchard focused on making household items from sheet metal and using zinc to galvanize his products. Clean-lined and practical, Tolix’s metal furniture marked an early expression of mid-century modern style.
Pauchard designed Tolix’s flagship industrial-style chair, the Chaise A, in the mid-1920s. Also known as the Model A chair, it was designed with small holes in the seat to allow rainwater to drain without sacrificing comfort or durability. In 1934, Pauchard improved the Chaise A with the slimmer, more lightweight Marais A chair. Stackable up to 25 chairs high, it quickly became a favorite among hospitals, schools and factories.
There is debate about whether Joseph Mathieu’s designs influenced Pauchard’s creation of the Multipl, another stacking metal chair from the mid-20th century.
Major museums have exhibited Tolix’s designs, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Vitra Design Museum in Rhein, Germany. In 2006, the brand received the label of Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, a formal acknowledgment from the French Ministry of Economics and Finance of its industrial excellence and mastery.
Due to a shift in design trends, Tolix fell out of favor near the end of the 20th century and filed for bankruptcy. The company rebounded in 2004 under the ownership of its chief financial officer, Chantal Andriot. Strengthened by a high demand for industrial furniture, Tolix is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially in cafés, breweries and restaurants.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Tolix dining chairs, tables, stools and more.
French Vintage Garden Table Set of Four Chairs and Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This vintage French garden table and four coordinating chairs will make an irresistible spot to linger al fresco in a garden or patio having recently been powder-coated a refreshing ...
Metal
$3,648Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 43 in D 43 in
Vintage Francois Carre Garden Patio Table and Chairs Set
By Francois Carre
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exceptional vintage French garden patio set attributed to renowned designer François Carré exemplifies the artistry and elegance that defined early 20th-century wrought iron fur...
Wrought Iron
Continental Bistro Table And Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Continental Bistro Table And Chairs. This lovely bistro or patio set is comprised of an iron table with a painted wood top with a hole for an umbrella., 4 ...
Iron
$1,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 14.5 in D 15.5 in
Authentic Early 20th Century French Bistro Cafe Dining Set 4 Chairs with a Table
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 5 pc set from Paris. Bistro set in old yellow paint, 4 Foldup chairs with a Foldup metal table with Champs des Elyse's written on top. Lots of patina here. Some pieces (3) o...
Iron, Sheet Metal
$3,440 / set
H 37 in W 16 in D 20.5 in
Vintage mid-century stamped-steel strap/slat-back patio dining chairs and table
Located in Omaha, NE
A striking and substantial mid-century modern outdoor bistro set dating to the 1950s–1960s. This set features four heavy-gauge stamped steel dining chairs paired with a coordinating ...
Steel
Garden Table Set by Giuseppe de Vivo, 1940s
By Giuseppe De Vivo 1
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This garden table set by Giuseppe de Vivo consists of six chairs and a table frame. As the table top is missing, we offer to organize a glass, metal o...
Metal
Midcentury Italian Set of 4 Chairs and Table, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The midcentury Italian set of four chairs and table from the 1970s, crafted in giunco wood, exudes a rustic charm and timeless elegance. The chairs feature a stylish and ergonomic de...
Rush
$4,400 / set
H 35.04 in W 19.49 in D 20.87 in
A Set of Four French Chairs with Straw Seats, France 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This exceptional set of four dining chairs exemplifies the harmonious fusion of mid-century modern design with rustic French craftsmanship. These chairs showcase the 20th century sty...
Wicker, Wood
$2,615 / set
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 2.37 in
“Villa d’Este” Dining Table and Chairs Set by Pierre Vandel, 1970s
By Pierre Vandel
Located in PARIS, FR
“Villa d’Este” Dining Table and Chairs Set by Pierre Vandel, 1970s Discover this captivating dining set from the “Villa d’Este” collection by Pierre Vandel, a standout example of 19...
Metal
1970s Set of Four Dining Chairs and Table , Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Chrome plated legs an umakart finish - Good original condition with minor signs of use - Sturdy and stable - Chairs Dimension: 81 x (45) x 39 x 50cm
Chrome
1950's Original French Outdoor Table And Chair Set - Two Chairs
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s Original French Outdoor Table And Chair Set – Two Chairs 1950’s Original French Outdoor Table And Chair Set – Two Chairs. This listing is for one green metal table and two mat...
Metal
1950's Original French Multipl's Table And Chair Set - Blue
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s Original French Multipl’s Table And Chair Set – Blue 1950’s Original French Multipl’s Table And Chair Set – Blue. Designed by Joseph Mathieu and...
Metal
1950’s French Single Bar Back Farmhouse Dining Chairs - Set Of Four
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s French Single Bar Back Farmhouse Dining Chairs. We haven't seen this model before and can't identify the maker so we think they must have been made by a local producer. Well m...
Beech
1950's French Farmhouse Dining Chairs With Radial Patterned Seat - Set Of Four
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s French Farmhouse Dining Chairs With Radial Patterned Seat – Set Of Four. Made by Luterma, the process of steam bending beech to create elegant chairs was discovered and deve...
Beech
1950's French Rush Seated Dining Chairs Pierre Crueges, Set of Four
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s French rush seated dining chairs pierre crueges – set of four 1950’s French rush seated dining chairs pierre crueges – set of fo...
Beech
1950's Original French Tolix Model C Armchairs Tolix - Dining Chairs - Set Of F
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s Original French Tolix Model C Armchairs Tolix – Dining Chairs – Set Of Five 1950’s Original French Tolix Model C Armchairs Tolix – Dining Chairs – Set Of Five. Tolix is one of...
Metal
