The Acapulco Chair. Replica or Original?

Acapulco chairs are classic modern indoor/outdoor lounge chairs with a great fun, elegant style. These chairs are one of the iconic outdoor furniture pieces of the last 100 years, and a pinnacle of mid Century design. Along with the Adirondack chair, the Acapulco chair is one of the few “named” styles of outdoor chair available. Like many classic chairs, it is possible to purchase an Acapulco chair replica, or to find an original. But which the better choice? In this article we will look at the Acapulco chair and consider whether it makes sense to search for an original or purchase a replica. Legend has it the Acapulco chair was developed by an unnamed French visitor to Acapulco in 1953, the height of Acapulco’s heyday as a destination for the global jet set. The unknown designer was apparently inspired by woven Mayan style hammocks frequently used in the area, and wanted the comfort of a Mayan hammock in a chair form. This design is perfectly suited for the warm, coastal weather of Acapulco, Mexico. The Acapulco chair is one of the few designer chairs that has no identified designer. Therefore, it is hard to purchase an “original” chair. There’s no Herman Miller to shop at to get the authentic Acapulco chair. If you want to purchase one, you can try to find a vintage chair, or purchase a replica or knock off. Check out our reviews of replica Acapulco chairs.

Acapulco in the 1950s

In the 1950s, Acapulco, Mexico, was one of the premier vacation spots for movie stars from Hollywood. With its gorgeous weather, stunning cliffs, beautiful resorts, and the cache of Hollywood royalty and high powered DC politicians visiting, this original Mexican resort city had it all. Located on the western coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero, Acapulco was a short flight from California, and an excellent opportunity for Californian to visit an exotic location not too far from home. Well known visitors were the Kennedys (who honeymooned there), Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor (who got married there), Frank Sinatra, etc. When word got out that the stars were headed there, the exotic-sounding area became a hot travel destination overnight. Mexican politicians and wealthy land owners frequented the city, as did visitors from all over the world. With the commercialization of air travel over the previous 10 years, travel to exotic, beautiful Acapulco was not out of reach for many wealthy mid-Century Americans. Artists and designers were also drawn to Mexico’s first resort town, and out of this flourishing environment came the Acapulco chair, a triumph of fun and stylish design. Hollywood used Acapulco as a backdrop for several films, including Elvis’ Fun in Acapulco (though Elvis wasn’t actually in Acapulco for the film). Gradually the city’s star faded and it was overrun with drug violence and crime waves. It is now recovering, and is becoming a popular travel destination once again, with many hotels refurbished in order to blend the classic mid Century modern styling with contemporary tastes.

The Acapulco Chair

Coming out of this fascinating time was the Acapulco chair, which rose to prominence in the 50s. The Acapulco chair consists of an oval metal frame with three legs and a sharp triangular base. The oval frame is the structure for a woven fabric system that ultimately creates the chair. It is a beautiful, ingenious support design that works great both outdoors and indoors. The frame is somewhat avocado or egg shaped, and generally the angle of the chair is such that users sink into the chair, and sit in a relaxed, lounge position. It is quite comfortable, and it blends the concept of a reclining lounge chair with a hammock. It is breathable, but sturdy, and looks stunning.

Purchasing an Original

Finding an original Acapulco chair is a difficult endeavor. The original chairs were often made with cotton fabric and wrought iron frames that were typically not powder coated for protection from the elements. Consequently, a lot of the original chairs likely rusted if they were used outside, and the fabric has almost certainly failed or has been replaced over the last 60 years. If you can find an original, shipping may be quite high as they were not designed to be disassembled for shipping. Also, if you do find one in great shape, you may not want to… well… sit on it. You may find that the cords are not as strong as they should be, and if the cords are replaced, do you really have an original anymore? All of this suggests that unless you are a collector or are interested in true vintage furniture no matter what the cost, perhaps a vintage Acapulco chair may not be your best option.

Advantages of an Original

• Style cache of having an original specimen
• Original will likely hold its value more than a replica
• Knowledge that you own a piece of history

Purchasing an Acapulco Chair Replica

Replica, or knock-off furniture, is controversial in the design community. While most patents have expired on mid century furniture, there is a discomfort around depriving a designer of their work with a knock-off of questionable quality. However, in the case of the Acapulco chair, there is no clear original designer, and no company still makes “authentic” original Acapulco chairs. In fact, many artisans in the Acapulco area will make and sell Acapulco chairs relatively inexpensively, however these are hard to find online.

Advantages of a Replica

• Base is probably powder coated for outdoor durability
• Cords are made of stronger, more weather resistant material
• Colors are fresh and vibrant
• Chairs can be disassembled for less expensive shipping
• Some interesting new takes, such as rocking chair legs, love seat-designs, etc.
• Generally much cheaper than an original in good condition

How Much Does a Typical Acapulco Chair Cost?

Typically a high quality replica chair will go for between $200-500, depending on the design and manufacturer.

Where Can Acapulco Chairs Be Purchased Online?

See our article on cheap replica Acapulco chairs for reviews of several inexpensive Acapulco chairs available online.