Modern Tufted Faux Leather Side Chair (also known as a Parsons-style modern dining chair)
Seating (Dining Side Chair) · Contemporary/Modern Industrial (Early 21st Century). It draws inspiration from Mid-Century Modern silhouettes and 1970s bertoia-style button-tufting but uses contemporary mass-production materials. · Likely a contemporary furniture brand such as West Elm, Article, Target's Project 62, or Wayfair (Mercury Row/AllModern labels).
Type
Seating (Dining Side Chair)
Style Period
Contemporary/Modern Industrial (Early 21st Century). It draws inspiration from Mid-Century Modern silhouettes and 1970s bertoia-style button-tufting but uses contemporary mass-production materials.
Material
Faux leather (PU or PVC upholstery), foam padding, steel legs with matte black powder coating, and internal plywood or polypropylene shell frame.
Age Estimate
Produced within the last 5-10 years (circa 2017-2023).
Dimensions
Height: 32-34 inches; Width: 18-20 inches; Depth: 20-22 inches. This is standard for modern compact dining seating.
Origin
Likely manufactured in China or SE Asia for a global mass-market retailer; typical of furniture produced between 2015 and 2024.
Designer/Maker
Likely a contemporary furniture brand such as West Elm, Article, Target's Project 62, or Wayfair (Mercury Row/AllModern labels).
Value Estimate
Retail: $80-$150 per chair; Resale: $30-$60 per chair. Value is highest when sold as a set of four or six.
Description
This sleek dining chair combines the textures of the industrial movement with the comfort of mid-century tufting. The seat features a continuous 'waterfall' edge that transitions from the backrest through the seat, adorned with a 3x3 grid of biscuit tufting. Its splayed, tapered black legs provide a minimalist footprint that complements modern urban interiors.
Key Features
Single-piece upholstered shell, grid biscuit tufting with 8 visible buttons, tapered splayed metal legs, and 'espresso' faux leather texture.
Color & Finish
Deep espresso or charcoal brown upholstery with a semi-matte finish. The metal legs feature a flat or matte black powder-coated finish designed to resist scratching.
Construction Method
Machine-made mass production. It features a molded internal shell upholstered with foam and synthetic material, bolted to a knock-down (KD) metal leg assembly with cross-bracing.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
The chair uses mechanical fasteners (bolts) rather than traditional wood joinery. The metal base is welded. Efficiency-oriented craftsmanship typical of flat-pack or retail furniture.
Wood Grain & Species
No visible exterior wood. The interior structure likely contains a bent plywood shell, hidden by the upholstery.
Surface Treatment
Powder-coated metal legs for a smooth, uniform texture; the upholstery is embossed and treated with a protective poly-coating to repel liquids.
Upholstery Details
Synthetic faux leather with a subtle pebbled grain. Features grid-pattern biscuit tufting with matching fabric-covered buttons. High-density foam padding provides a firm yet cushioned profile.
Hardware & Fittings
Hex-head or Allen bolts used for the base-to-seat connection (visible underneath), plastic floor glides/feet at the tips of the tapered legs.
Origin & Provenance
Likely manufactured in China or SE Asia for a global mass-market retailer; typical of furniture produced between 2015 and 2024.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The upholstery shows minimal 'puddling' (stretching), which is common for synthetic leather. No visible rust on legs or cracked piping. Structural integrity appears sound.
Interesting Facts
The 'biscuit tufting' seen here was popularized in the 1960s as a more masculine, architectural alternative to deep diamond tufting found on traditional Chesterfield sofas.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Industrial Modern' trend of the 2010s, which emphasized accessible design, easy-to-clean materials, and silhouettes that fit into smaller apartment living spaces.
Similar Pieces
Can be confused with the 'Eames Plastic Side Chair' (if it were molded plastic) or the 'Knoll Bertoia Side Chair' (if it were wire). It differs in its use of heavy padding and grid-tufted upholstery.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can cause faux leather to peel. Tighten the bolts on the underside twice a year to prevent wobbling.
Value Estimate
Retail: $80-$150 per chair; Resale: $30-$60 per chair. Value is highest when sold as a set of four or six.
Sustainability Notes
Low sustainability score due to use of petroleum-based synthetic leather (not biodegradable) and mixed-material construction which makes recycling difficult compared to solid wood furniture.