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.
French Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Brown Leather & Velvet Chair
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Southampton, NJ
Christian Liaigre "Caraïbes" bergere Armchair, a mix of classic and majestic. Solid Oak construction with mixed textures upholstered in saddle stitched leather and velvet lined inter...
Leather, Velvet, Oak
$6,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pristine Christian Liaigre Upholstered Chair and Ottoman
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are thrilled to present this extremely comfortable lounge chair and ottoman by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. Beautiful condition. Featuring a fantastic multi-color striped ...
Fabric
Christian Liaigre Lilac Lounge Chairs, France, Circa 1990, Comfortable
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Antwerp, BE
These Christian Liaigre armchairs blend classic silhouettes with the refined, architectural lines the house is known for. Upholstered in a light lilac fabric, they embody a serene, u...
Fabric
$9,240Sale Price / set|44% Off
Christian Liaigre Latin Lounge Chair Set Holly Hunt, Beige Cream Green Silk 2015
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre Latin Lounge Chair Set Holly Hunt, Beige Cream Green Silk 2015
Textile, Oak, Silk
$9,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Latin Lounge Chair Pair, Beige, France, 2016
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Latin Lounge chair pair, beige, light green, France, circa 2016. Gorgeous pair. Holly Hunt beige chenille woven textile on body with dupioni silk bac...
Textile
Pair of Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt “Latin” Lounge Chairs, 1990s
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Hamburg, PA
Elegant pair of armless “Latin” lounge chairs designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. These refined lounge chairs feature clean architectural lines with soft, generous seating....
Leather, Wood
$6,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Latin Lounge Chair, Dupioni Silk, France, 2010
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre for Holly hunt latin lounge chair, Beige, Light Green, France, circa 2017. Holly hunt beige chenille woven textile on body with dupioni silk back cushion and lumbar...
Textile, Silk, Oak
$7,500 / set
H 28 in W 25.5 in D 32 in
Rare Pair of Aluminum Lounge Chairs by Hannah/Morrison for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely stunning pair of the iconic lounge chair designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll, circa 1970s. Aluminum with polished stainless steel accents. This rare ...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
$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
$7,957 / set
H 29.93 in W 37.8 in D 38.59 in
Round Leaning Club Chair and Ottoman, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Jacques Adnet, (after) Jean Michel Frank, Jules Leleu
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Superb round, leaning modern club chair and ottoman, upholstered in pure Alpaca fabric. High quality handmade beech frames and upholstered in a soft, golden brown, premium 100% alpa...
Alpaca, Wood
$4,462
H 31.89 in W 33.86 in D 33.08 in
Christian Liaigre “Latin” Lounge Chair For Holly Hunt, 21st Century
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Designed by Christian Liaigre, the Latin Lounge Chair is a beautifully balanced example of his understated, quietly luxurious approach to furniture design. Strong yet refined, the chair pairs a solid ebonized wood frame with a generously upholstered seat and back, finished with a loose cushion for relaxed comfort. The chair retains its original textured brown upholstery, which remains in good overall condition. The silhouette is architectural but inviting; clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and just enough softness to make it an easy piece to live with. Like much of Liaigre’s work, the Latin chair...
Wood
$1,886Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 34 in W 28.5 in D 30 in
Hickory Chair Colonial Revival Cherry and Upholstered Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid Century Hickory Chair Colonial Revival Cherry and Upholstered Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set. Hickory Chair original upholstery. Approximate hei...
Upholstery, Cherry
Custom Holly Hunt Leather Jockey Club Chair
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine construction with ebonized tub form frame in one piece with the square tapering legs, slightly splayed. With a square back and shaped arms. H. 31", W. arms 29", Depth 31", sea...
Leather, Wood
Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb modern round arm armchair and ottoman. Handmade beech frames, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, golden brown, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric with solid oak feet...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
Wonderful French Boudoir Lounge Chair
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful size and shape. Professional re-upholstered in shimmering rose velvet.
Velvet
$880
H 40.95 in W 24.41 in D 29.53 in
Scandinavian Brown Leather Recliner Lounge Chair with Ottoman, circa 1990
Located in Debrecen, HU
This inviting lounge set features a high padded backrest, soft upholstered armrests and a matching footstool, designed to provide a relaxed and adjustable seating position. The recli...
Leather, Wood, Faux Leather
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
$3,850
H 32 in W 24.5 in D 25 in
Cyclade Slipper Chair by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, USA 1990's
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Cyclade slipper chair designed and manufactured in the 1990's by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The chair has a solid wood frame with a dark walnut finish and it is upho...
Leather, Wood
Christian Liaigre x Holly Hunt Leather Chairs, Pr.
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Beige Leather Lounge Chairs, on ebonized wood bases, "Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt" plaque to undersides. 32.25" H x 34.5" W x 35" D; sea...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 23.5 in D 22 in
Christian Liaigre Clean Lined Modern Lounge Chairs Mid Century Style Reupholster
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of clean lined modern lounge chairs, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, American, circa 2000s. Signed with metal tag underneath. These chairs are currently being reup...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Christian Liaigre Lounge Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. Very comfortable and supportive. Thick dark espresso wood frame with leather sling seat. These sophisticated chairs are marked with ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 31 in W 34.5 in D 19.5 in
Vintage Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Suede Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic pair of vintage Coastal lounge chairs. Designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. Tagged on the bottom. Beautiful pale grey suede upholstery on an ebony frame. Acquire...
Suede, Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 34 in D 23 in
Vintage Boho Signed Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt “Opium” Chairs - a Pair
By Christian Liaigre
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional pair of vintage Boho lounge chairs. Designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The coveted “Opium” style. A chic ebony wood frame with loose upholstered cushions. T...
Fabric, Ebony
Christian Liaigre Wood Back Barbuda Lounge Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in New York, NY
An iconic design from an iconic designer. This Christian Liaigre wood back Barbuda lounge chair is made from oak and features a solid wood back and frame with tapered legs. Finished ...
Hardwood, Leather
Christian Liaigre Barbuda Lounge Chair
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural "Barbuda" model lounge chair, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, American, circa 1990s. This chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Christian Liagre Mandarin White Leather Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Houston, TX
An excellent pair of Christian Liagre Mandarin white leather chairs with mahogany legs. Another pair available in separate listing.
Leather, Wood
Pair of Christian Liagre Mandarin White Leather Chairs
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Houston, TX
An excellent pair of Christian Liagre Mandarin white leather chairs with mahogany legs.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 23.5 in D 26 in
Christian Liaigre Pair of Elegant Red Leather Slipper Chairs 2000s 'Signed'
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of elegant slipper chairs in red leather with dark oak bases by Christian Liaigre, French, 2000s. Labels on bottom interior frames red “Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt”.
Leather, Foam, Oak
Sold
H 28 in W 41.5 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Stylish Modern Club Chairs by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of oversized club chairs by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt makes a striking addition to home or business seating area. The clean modern design of this matched pai...
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Cube Lounge Chair
By Christian Liaigre
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional modern oversized cube lounge chair or settee designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The chair is extremely comfo...
Mohair, Wood