Armchairs in Ebonized Wood & Metal, Carlo Hauner, 1950s

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Designed by Carlo Hauner in the 1950s, this pair of armchairs reflects the refined structural clarity that defined Brazilian modernism … Read more Designed by Carlo Hauner in the 1950s, this pair of armchairs reflects the refined structural clarity that defined Brazilian modernism during the postwar period. Hauner, an Italian-born designer who became an important figure within Brazil’s mid-century design culture, developed a body of work characterized by architectural lightness and disciplined material contrasts. These chairs exemplify that sensibility, combining industrial metal construction with restrained wooden elements in a composition that emphasizes proportion, line, and spatial openness.

The design is built around a slender black metal frame that traces the chair’s silhouette with continuous, angular lines. The legs taper subtly outward, creating a stable yet visually light stance, while the backrests are composed of two horizontally aligned wooden slats finished in a deep ebonized tone. This separation introduces a deliberate negative space that reduces visual mass and reinforces the chair’s rhythmic geometry. The thin steel structure, bent into elegant arm supports and seat rails, contributes to an overall sense of suspension, allowing the upholstered seat to appear almost floating within the frame.

Material contrasts play a central role in the design’s balance. The darkened wood backrests and armrests introduce warmth and tactile depth against the matte black metal structure. The seats have been newly upholstered in a light gray tweed textile whose subtle texture softens the composition while maintaining the chair’s restrained palette. The upholstery follows the gently curved seat frame, emphasizing comfort without compromising the clarity of the underlying structure.

Function is integrated directly into the design language. The angled backrest and extended arm supports establish a relaxed seating posture, while the open metal framework ensures both durability and visual lightness—qualities characteristic of Hauner’s approach to modern seating. The proportions suggest a chair intended equally for conversation and everyday use, balancing ergonomics with sculptural presence.

This pair originates from a private residence and has undergone careful restoration, including new upholstery while preserving the original wood and metal components. The frames remain structurally sound, with finishes consistent with age and use.

Examples of Hauner’s seating designs remain comparatively scarce on the market. This pair illustrates the designer’s disciplined synthesis of material economy, structural logic, and formal restraint—qualities that continue to define the enduring legacy of Brazilian mid-century design. See less