Some chairs arrive with a personality. The Steele Butterfly Sling Chair shows up like that friend who’s always
effortlessly put togetherthen casually mentions they also know how to fix your sink. It looks light, airy, and
design-y… and then you learn it’s built from thick cold-rolled steel with industrial-grade duck canvas, made in the
U.S., and stubbornly refuses to collapse. (Yes, that’s a feature. Your toes will thank you.)
This article digs into what makes Steele’s take on the classic butterfly chair special: the history behind the
silhouette, the materials that matter, how it actually feels to live with, and how to style and care for it so it
stays gorgeous for the long haulwithout turning your home into a “Do Not Sit” museum.
What Is a Butterfly Sling Chair, Exactly?
A butterfly sling chair (also called a sling chair) is defined by two parts: a minimal metal frame and a single
“sling” of material suspended from the top points, forming a seat that cradles you like a hammock with manners. The
look is iconicangular, modern, and somehow both relaxed and architectural at the same time.
The butterfly chair’s roots go back to 1938 in Buenos Aires, where architects Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan, and Jorge
Ferrari Hardoy created what’s now known as the BKF chair (named after their initials). It went on to become a design
celebrity, landing in museum collections and spreading into American homes through mid-century popularity and, later,
a tidal wave of reproductions. The shape is so familiar today that many people recognize it instantlyeven if they
can’t remember where they first saw it. (Probably in a magazine next to a plant that’s thriving purely out of spite.)
Meet Steele’s Version: A Classic Form With Industrial DNA
Steele Canvas Basket Corp isn’t a brand that woke up one day and said, “Let’s do a vibe.” It’s a Massachusetts-based
manufacturer with a working-world origin storyfounded in 1921, originally making rugged canvas goods for industries
like coal and textiles. That heritage matters here because the Steele Butterfly Sling Chair isn’t trying to be a
delicate, precious replica. It’s a butterfly chair built like it expects to be used.
Steele describes this chair as an “iconic” piece first introduced in its 1960 catalog, and the modern reissue leans
into what Steele does best: sturdy materials, straightforward engineering, and an emphasis on longevity. The steel
frame is powder coated; the sling is heavy #8 duck canvas; and the chair is made in the U.S. and made to order.
Translation: you’re buying something closer to “forever chair” than “impulse purchase that wobbles by Tuesday.”
Quick Specs That Actually Matter
- Frame: 1/2-inch U.S. cold-rolled steel with a powder-coated finish
- Sling: Industrial-grade #8 duck canvas
- Build note: Steele says the solid steel frame does not collapse
- Dimensions: About 27" L x 32.25" W x 34" H
- Made: Made in the USA, made to order
Why Materials Matter: Steel + #8 Duck Canvas Is a Power Couple
Two butterfly chairs can look similar across the room and behave wildly differently in real life. The difference is
often hidden in the frame gauge, weld quality, finish, and the sling material weight. Steele’s version stands out
because it chooses industrial-leaning inputs: thick steel rod and heavyweight duck canvas.
The Frame: Cold-Rolled Steel and Powder Coat
Cold-rolled steel is valued for consistency and strength, and in a chair frame it helps deliver that satisfying
“solid” feel when you sit downno flex, no shimmy, no mysterious squeak that makes you wonder if you’re about to
reenact a slapstick routine. Powder coating adds a protective finish that generally holds up well to everyday wear.
The Sling: #8 Duck Canvas, a Workhorse Fabric
Duck canvas is a tightly woven cotton fabric known for durability. The “#8” designation signals a heavier grade,
which is exactly what you want in a sling seat that takes full-body weight, friction, and the occasional dramatic
flop. The sling will likely soften a bit over time, trading crispness for comfortlike jeans that finally stop
acting brand new.
One of the smartest aspects of the design: the sling is a single piece you can replace. Steele even sells the sling
separately, which means you can refresh the look or swap colors without replacing the entire chair. That’s good for
your wallet, your storage space, and your commitment to not throwing furniture away just because you got bored of
beige.
Comfort and Ergonomics: The Low-Lounge Life
Butterfly chairs are not “sit upright and network” chairs. They’re “exhale and read 40 pages” chairs. The sling
creates a natural recline and a deep seat pocket that cradles you. For many people, that’s the whole point: it’s
casual comfort with a sculptural outline.
A few real-world comfort notes to keep expectations honest:
-
It’s a lounge posture. Great for reading, gaming, and late-night scrolling you promised yourself you
wouldn’t do. -
It’s low. If you prefer higher, dining-chair height seatingor if you’re furnishing for people who
dislike low chairsthis style may not be your daily driver. -
It “hugs.” The sling supports you from multiple angles. If you like firm, flat seats, try before you
commit. - It’s roomy in feel. The suspended fabric adapts to different body shapes better than rigid seating.
Where the Steele Butterfly Sling Chair Works Best
The easiest way to decorate with a butterfly chair is to treat it like functional sculpture: it can anchor a corner
without visually cluttering a room. And because Steele’s version is built like it expects real life, it’s a strong
candidate for spaces where delicate furniture gets side-eyed.
Living Room Reading Corner
Pair it with a small side table and a floor lamp. The chair’s angular frame plays well with round accessories
(think: drum shade lamp, circular side table, soft-edged decor) for balance. Add a throw blanket and you’ve created
a “don’t talk to me, I’m decomposing peacefully” zonein the nicest way.
Bedroom or Dressing Area
Butterfly chairs look great at the foot of a bed or tucked near a window. If your bedroom is short on square
footage, the open frame keeps the room from feeling crowded.
Home Office “Break Chair”
If your desk chair is all business, a sling chair offers a posture change. It’s perfect for brainstorming,
phone calls, or pretending you’re on a creative retreat when you’re actually answering emails.
Covered Porch or Indoor-Outdoor Spaces
The materials and powder-coated frame suggest durability, but canvas is still fabric: it appreciates shade and
dryness. If you want it near the outdoors, a covered area is your friend. Think “sunroom chic” rather than “leave it
out in a thunderstorm and call it character-building.”
Styling Tips: Make It Look Intentional, Not Accidental
Butterfly chairs can swing rustic, modern, boho, industrial, or mid-century depending on what you pair with them.
Steele’s chair, with its no-nonsense steel and canvas, especially shines in spaces that mix clean lines with tactile
materials.
Three Easy Style Formulas
-
Modern + Warm: Place the chair on a textured rug, add a wood side table, and choose pottery or
woven accessories to soften the metal. -
Industrial + Cozy: Lean into the steel with concrete, black accents, and utilitarian lightingthen
add softness via pillows and throws so it doesn’t feel like a stylish workshop. -
Mid-Century Friendly: Mix in walnut tones, a simple floor lamp, and graphic art. The silhouette
plays nicely with classic mid-century proportions.
Color-wise, canvas is your cheat code. Because Steele offers replacement slings, you can keep the same frame and
rotate the look. Neutral sling for everyday, brighter sling when your space needs a little pep.
Care and Maintenance: Keep the Canvas Looking Good
The good news: canvas is resilient. The slightly annoying news: canvas is fabric, which means it will occasionally
meet coffee, dust, sunscreen, or the laws of physics. The goal is to clean it without shrinking it, bleaching it, or
scrubbing it into a fuzzy mess.
Everyday Upkeep
- Shake out debris and vacuum with a brush attachment if needed.
- Spot clean quickly so stains don’t set up permanent residence.
- Air dry fully after cleaning to avoid mildew smells.
Spot Cleaning Basics (Duck Canvas-Friendly)
- Blot spillsdon’t rub like you’re trying to erase history.
- Use lukewarm or cool water and a mild detergent.
- Gently dab with a soft cloth or soft brush if needed.
- Rinse lightly to remove soap residue.
- Air dry (avoid high heat, which can encourage shrinkage).
If you’re considering deeper washing, remember: cotton canvas can shrink and colors can shift depending on finish
and dye. When in doubt, treat the sling like a favorite jacketclean gently, skip harsh chemicals, and avoid hot
water unless you enjoy surprise sizing.
Frame Care
Powder-coated steel is relatively low maintenance. Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed, dry it, and
avoid abrasive cleaners that can dull the finish. If the chair lives near a doorway where it gets bumped, consider a
small rug or felt pads underfoot to reduce scuffing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Butterfly Chair (Without Regret)
There are butterfly chairs at nearly every price point. Some are fine for occasional use; others are built to last.
Here’s how to shop thoughtfullyespecially if you’re considering Steele.
1) Decide What You Want: Decor Piece or Daily Chair?
If you want something you’ll actually sit in every day, prioritize the frame and sling quality over a bargain price.
A thin frame can flex; light fabric can stretch; and “cute but fragile” gets old fast when you’re the one sitting on
it.
2) Look for Replaceable Parts
One of the smartest long-term features is the ability to replace the sling. Steele sells slings separately, which
helps extend the chair’s lifespan and lets you refresh the style without replacing the whole piece.
3) Consider Size and Space Planning
The Steele Butterfly Sling Chair’s footprint and height (about 27" L x 32.25" W x 34" H) make it a good
fit for corners and open-plan rooms alike. Still, give it breathing room: butterfly chairs look best when they’re
not wedged tightly between bulky furniture.
4) Match the Chair to Your Lifestyle
- Kids/pets? Canvas is generally forgiving, and a replaceable sling is a practical bonus.
- Allergy/dust concerns? An open frame is easier to vacuum around than upholstered lounge chairs.
- Small space? The visual lightness helps the room feel bigger.
- Design purist? Steele’s story-driven reissue and industrial build will appeal to you.
So… Is the Steele Butterfly Sling Chair Worth It?
If you love the butterfly chair silhouette but you’re tired of flimsy versions that feel like they’re auditioning
for a collapse, Steele’s approach makes a strong case. It’s rooted in a classic design language, but executed with a
maker’s mindset: thick steel, heavyweight canvas, and a “built to be used” attitude.
The best buyers for this chair tend to be:
- Design lovers who want an iconic shape without museum-level preciousness
- Practical decorators who care about durability as much as aesthetics
- People who actually sit (readers, gamers, loungers, thinkers, accidental nappers)
- Anyone who appreciates “buy it once” energy
FAQs
Is the Steele Butterfly Sling Chair the same as a BKF/Hardoy chair?
It’s Steele’s take on the butterfly sling chair conceptthe same recognizable style family associated with the BKF
(Bonet, Kurchan, Ferrari Hardoy) chair. The silhouette is classic, but brands differ in materials and construction.
Does it fold?
Steele specifically notes that the solid steel framed chair does not collapse. That’s a durability choice rather
than a portability choicemore “set it and enjoy it” than “take it to the beach.”
Can I replace the sling later?
YesSteele sells the sling separately, designed to fit their frames (and may not fit other butterfly chair frames).
Is canvas comfortable compared with leather?
Comfort is personal, but canvas tends to feel breathable and casual, while leather often feels more structured and
can warm up with use. Canvas also offers a more relaxed, lived-in vibeespecially in bright colors.
of Real-Life “Chair Time” Experiences
Let’s talk about how this chair shows up in actual lifebecause furniture doesn’t live in a catalog, it lives in
your Tuesday. Picture a winter morning when your house is technically warm, but your soul is still buffering. You
make coffee, grab a blanket, and drop into the Steele Butterfly Sling Chair. The canvas gives a little, the sling
cradles you, and suddenly the world feels slightly less interested in chaos. It’s the kind of seat that encourages
a deep exhale. You don’t perch on it; you commit to it.
Or imagine the “tiny apartment corner that needs a purpose” problem. You know the spot: too small for a loveseat,
too weird for a desk, and currently home to a guilt pile of laundry. A butterfly chair fixes that corner fast. The
Steele chair’s open frame doesn’t visually crowd the space, and the canvas reads casual rather than bulky. Add a
small table for your book (or your snacksno judgment), and suddenly you have a reading nook that looks intentional,
not accidental. Bonus: the chair makes plants look cooler just by being nearby. It’s not even fair.
Then there’s the “people come over” scenario. Most living rooms have the main seating, and then that one chair that
nobody wants because it’s either too stiff, too low, or oddly judgmental. A sling chair is the opposite: it’s the
chair your guests try and then immediately say, “Oh wow, this is comfortable.” It’s casual enough to feel welcoming,
but sculptural enough to get compliments. You’ll hear variations of “Where did you get this?” and “I’ve always loved
this style,” andif your friends are honest“I might not leave.”
In a work-from-home world, it also becomes a reset button. When you’ve been desk-bound for hours, switching to a
different posture can feel like giving your spine a new playlist. The butterfly chair is perfect for reading a doc,
taking a call, or brainstorming without the fluorescent energy of “serious chair.” It encourages a softer kind of
focusless “power point,” more “big picture.” The chair doesn’t solve your inbox, but it does make your five-minute
break feel like a tiny vacation.
And yes, there’s the small drama of real life: crumbs, spills, and that one moment when a pet claims the sling like
they pay rent. Canvas is forgiving. You spot clean, you move on, and you don’t spend the next three days mourning a
water ring. If you’re someone who wants your home to feel stylish but still livable, that’s the real magic of the
Steele Butterfly Sling Chair: it looks like design, behaves like life, andbest of allinvites you to actually sit.
Conclusion
The Steele Butterfly Sling Chair is what happens when a classic design meets a manufacturer that understands
durability. You get the iconic butterfly silhouettelight, modern, instantly recognizablepaired with a thick steel
frame, heavyweight duck canvas, and practical touches like replaceable slings. It’s stylish without being fussy,
comfortable without being bulky, and built for people who want furniture that earns its space.
