Cantilever Chair, Leather

Leather Cantilever Chair—Genuine Buffalo Leather, Bauhaus Design, and Rocking Comfort

A leather cantilever chair is no ordinary chair. It is the result of a design concept that has lost none of its appeal in nearly a century: springy comfort provided by a single, continuously curved steel tube, combined with genuine leather upholstery. In this category, you’ll find the LIVIOR collection of leather cantilever chairs, handcrafted from genuine buffalo leather directly from the manufacturer, available in cognac, brown, and gray, with or without armrests.

What Is a Leather Cantilever Chair? – Definition, Origin, and Cantilever Principle

A leather cantilever chair is a chair whose seat and backrest are upholstered in genuine leather and which stands on a single, continuously curved steel tube frame instead of four legs. The frame is open at the back—there are no rear legs. This is precisely what creates a slight spring effect when you sit down: the chair gives way gently when you lean back and springs back into place. This principle makes every leather cantilever chair ergonomically unique and fundamentally distinguishes it from rigid four-legged chairs.

Cantilever chair, swing chair, swing chair—they all mean the same thing

In German, several terms are used to describe the same piece of furniture: cantilever chair, swing chair, or leather cantilever chair—they all refer to this iconic classic. The technical term is “cantilever chair” (German: Kragarmsessel), because the seat “cantilevers” freely without rear supports. For chairs with leather upholstery and this frame design, the terms “Freischwinger Leder” or “Schwingstuhl Echtleder” have become established in the German retail market.

How the tubular steel frame supports the genuine leather cantilever chair

The secret of the cantilever effect lies in the physics of the steel tubing: A single, cold-bent steel tube runs from the floor up through the front chair legs, under the seat, and behind the backrest. This continuous frame acts like a spring—it bends slightly under load and returns to its original shape. With LIVIOR genuine leather cantilever chairs, the spring travel is approximately 2–3 degrees when leaning back: noticeable, but never causing the chair to tip. This makes each of our genuine leather cantilever chairs both comfortable and stable.

Genuine buffalo leather instead of synthetic leather—the difference you can feel in the cantilever chair

Many leather cantilever chair models on the market are upholstered with synthetic leather, which is cheaper to produce but significantly inferior in terms of feel, durability, and how it ages. LIVIOR uses genuine water buffalo leather without exception. This difference is not insignificant.

Cantilever Chairs: Genuine Leather vs. Synthetic Leather—A Material Comparison

Genuine buffalo leather is naturally 3–4 mm thick,significantly thicker than standard cowhide (1.5–2 mm) and nearly twice as thick as typical furniture-grade synthetic leather. It breathes, adapts to body heat, develops a vibrant patina over the years, and does not become brittle. Synthetic leather, on the other hand, cracks, tears, and peels—typically after 3–5 years, especially along seat edges and at crease points.

A genuine buffalo leather cantilever chair will last 15–20 years with proper care. This makes the higher purchase price a clear economic advantage.

Buffalo Leather in Leather Cantilever Chairs—Features That Matter

Buffalo leather from water buffalo has several tangible advantages over standard cowhide:

• Thickness: 3–4 mm vs. 1.5–2 mm for cowhide; more resistant to pressure and abrasion
• Grain: A naturally left-as-is surface with visible pores, small scars, and slight color variations—signs of genuine, untreated material
• Patina: Buffalo leather develops its own unique surface with use—it doesn’t deteriorate, but becomes more expressive
• Breathability: No sweating, no stickiness—remains comfortable even after hours in a genuine leather cantilever chair

The colors of our leather cantilever chairs—cognac, brown, and gray—are meticulously hand-dyed. This makes every chair one-of-a-kind.

Leather Cantilever Chairs in Black, Cognac, and Brown—Colors and Frame Combinations

The impact of a leather cantilever chair in a room is created by the interplay of leather color and frame. LIVIOR offers three leather colors and two frame styles—providing plenty of flexibility for various interior design styles.

Black Leather Cantilever Chairs—How to Achieve the Look

LIVIOR cantilever chairs feature black powder-coated steel frames —so the black element is always present. If you’re looking for the classic black leather cantilever chair look, as seen in offices and conference rooms, pair the black frame with cognac or brown buffalo leather: The contrast between warm, natural leather and matte black is one of the most effective design principles in industrial design. LIVIOR deliberately does not offer all-black leather upholstery—achieving genuine buffalo leather in deep, dark colors requires synthetic dye treatments that go against our philosophy of using natural materials.

Cantilever Chair in Cognac Leather—the Warmest Combination

Cognac is the most popular leather color for cantilever chairs—and for good reason. Cognac buffalo leather shimmers differently depending on the light source: amber in the morning light, almost reddish-gold in the evening light. Combined with a black steel frame, it creates the archetypal Bauhaus cantilever chair look: warm, striking, timeless. Cognac cantilever chairs work just as well in bright rooms as they do in industrial lofts with raw concrete walls.

Brown Leather Cantilever Chairs – The Timeless All-Rounder

Brown is the most neutral and versatile color in our leather cantilever chair collection. Brown leather cantilever chairs blend seamlessly into nearly any interior design concept: They complement light oak just as well as dark walnut furniture, look modern against white walls, and authentically rustic against brick walls. Brown leather cantilever chairs are classic—without ever becoming boring.

Gray Cantilever Dining Chairs

Light gray is the most modern option. A cantilever chair in light gray combines the industrial look with a more minimalist, urban aesthetic—less “old factory,” more “modern loft.” It pairs well with concrete floors, white walls, and modern metal furniture.

Leather Cantilever Chairs with or without Armrests—The Right Leather Cantilever Chair for You

One of the most common questions when buying a leather cantilever chair: with or without armrests? The answer depends less on personal taste than on specific needs.

Leather cantilever chair with armrests—seating comfort and presence

A leather cantilever chair with armrests offers more support and allows you to lean back and relax without straining your posture. The armrests are integrated directly into the continuous steel frame—so they move with the chair and support the rocking motion rather than restricting it. Leather cantilever chairs with armrests have a more striking and inviting presence at the table; they’re particularly well-suited as the head-of-the-table chair or as a comfortable office chair with a rocking effect.

Note: The armrests increase the chair’s overall width by approximately 6–10 cm. Therefore, check whether your dining table offers sufficient clearance around the table frame for chairs with armrests.

Leather cantilever chairs without armrests—flexibility and elegance

Models without armrests are sleeker, take up less space, and can almost always be slid completely under the tabletop. For seating at long dining tables—especially when several leather cantilever chairs are placed side by side— cantilever chairs without armrests are the more practical choice. Visually, they appear more minimalist and modern; the cantilever chair takes a back seat to the space without losing its impact.

 

Tip for the dining table: 4 cantilever chairs without armrests on the long sides + 2 models with armrests at the head ends: same leather color, same style, clear hierarchy.

Cantilever chairs made of genuine leather at the dining table, in the office, and in the restaurant industry

A genuine leather cantilever chair is more versatile than its reputation suggests. The most common association is the dining table, but genuine leather cantilever chairs can be found wherever seating comfort and design need to impress for hours on end.

Leather Cantilever Dining Chair—the Cantilever Chair at the Dining Table

As a leather cantilever dining chair, the one made of buffalo leather is particularly effective: the springy effect makes long meals more comfortable, the genuine leather is easy to care for, and the design adds a striking accent to the dining table. LIVIOR cantilever chairs have a seat height of 50 cm, suitable for dining tables starting at approximately 74 cm in height, with at least 24 cm of legroom between the seat and the underside of the table.

For a set of leather dining rocking chairs, we recommend: sets of 6 for tables between 160 and 200 cm, and sets of 4 for tables up to 160 cm. All LIVIOR models are available in the same design, so creating a cohesive set is easy.

Leather Cantilever Chairs in Offices and Conference Rooms

The springy seat makes leather cantilever chairs the preferred choice for conference and meeting rooms: They accommodate small changes in posture, the leather breathes, and the buffalo leather finish looks sophisticated without being ostentatious. Used in the office—at a desk or as a visitor’s chair—the genuine leather cantilever chair combines ergonomics with a piece of furniture whose design surpasses standard office furniture lines.

Caring for Leather Cantilever Chairs—How to Ensure Your Buffalo Leather Cantilever Chair Lasts a Long Time

Genuine buffalo leather is durable, but it benefits from regular care. The routine is simple:

• Daily: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth—no cleaning agents needed
• 1–2 times a year: Apply a high-quality leather conditioner to keep the buffalo leather supple and prevent it from drying out
• If liquids spill: Blot immediately (do not rub); the natural sealant provides some time
• Sunlight: Do not leave a leather cantilever chair in direct sunlight for extended periods—UV light will fade all leather colors
• Heating: Keep at least 50 cm away from radiators—dry heat makes leather brittle
• Cleaners: Do not use harsh household cleaners; they damage the natural grain

All LIVIOR genuine leather cantilever chairs are sealed with a high-quality water-based lacquer. This increases their durability for everyday use and protects against stains without compromising the natural feel of the buffalo leather.

An overview of our leather cantilever chair models

LIVIOR offers six leather cantilever chair models—each with its own character, each available with a choice of round or square frames, and with or without armrests.

SINATRA – the distinctive leather cantilever chair

The SINATRA is the most versatile model in the leather cantilever chair collection. Available with round or square frames, in all three leather colors, and with or without armrests—the SINATRA covers the widest range of options. Its wider seat makes it one of the most comfortable genuine leather cantilever chairs in this collection. Particularly popular: the SINATRA with a black square frame and cognac buffalo leather—the classic industrial look that never goes out of style.

JASPAR – the elegant leather cantilever chair with armrests

The JASPAR stands out with its clean-lined backrest and distinctive armrest curve, which is integrated into the steel frame. As a leather cantilever chair with armrests, the JASPAR is the most comfortable choice; as a sleek version without armrests, it retains the same elegant design language. In cognac buffalo leather with a round base, the JASPAR comes close to the Thonet cantilever chair ideal—without the Thonet price tag.

CADI – the timeless cantilever chair in genuine leather

The CADI is the most classic model among our leather cantilever chairs: clean-lined, balanced, and free of trendy excesses. In brown buffalo leather, it pairs well with nearly any dining table. The CADI is the genuine leather cantilever chair for those who prioritize quality over trends.

GOODMAN, FARGO & COOPER – Additional Leather Cantilever Chairs

• GOODMAN: Wider seat, more substantial proportions—ideal for anyone who prefers more seating space. Available as a cantilever chair in cognac leather.
• FARGO: Slightly narrower than the GOODMAN—perfect when several leather cantilever chairs need to be placed side by side at a dining table.
• COOPER: Clean lines, understated design—the leather cantilever chair for minimalist interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Cantilever Chairs

What is a leather cantilever chair? A leather cantilever chair is a chair without back legs that rests on a single, continuously curved steel tube frame and is upholstered in genuine leather. The open frame creates a gentle springing effect when seated—hence the name “cantilever chair.” The design principle dates back to Marcel Breuer’s Bauhaus design from 1928.

What is the difference between a leather cantilever chair and a Thonet leather cantilever chair? The Thonet leather cantilever chair (S32/S64) is considered the quintessential original of this chair design; it is made to order in Germany and costs 1,094.80 EUR and up. LIVIOR cantilever chairs in leather are handcrafted from buffalo leather and cost 399 EUR directly from the manufacturer—offering comparable craftsmanship but using a different material: buffalo leather instead of nappa leather.

Are leather cantilever chairs suitable for the dining room? Yes. Leather cantilever dining chairs are one of the most popular combinations in modern dining rooms. The spring effect makes long meals more comfortable, and genuine leather is easy to care for and durable. LIVIOR leather cantilever chairs have a seat height of 50 cm—suitable for dining tables with a height of 74 cm or higher.

Are there leather cantilever chairs in black? LIVIOR cantilever chairs have black powder-coated steel frames. We offer leather upholstery in cognac, brown, and gray—we deliberately avoid synthetically dyed black leather to preserve the natural quality of the buffalo leather. The classic black leather cantilever chair look is achieved by combining a black frame with cognac or brown buffalo leather.

How much does a good cantilever chair made of genuine leather cost? Prices on the market range from about €80 (faux leather, mass-produced) to over €1,000 (Thonet original). LIVIOR offers handcrafted genuine buffalo leather cantilever chairs for €399 directly from the manufacturer—in the price range for quality-conscious buyers who don’t want to pay a designer price.

How long does a buffalo leather cantilever chair last? With proper care (leather conditioning 1–2 times a year, no direct sunlight, no contact with heat sources), a genuine buffalo leather cantilever chair will last 15–20 years. The steel frame on LIVIOR chairs is rust-protected and designed for long-term use.

What is the difference between cantilever chairs with and without armrests? Leather cantilever chairs with armrests offer greater seating comfort and are ideal for head-of-the-table seating at the dining table or as office chairs. Leather cantilever chairs without armrests are sleeker, more space-saving, and slide more easily under the tabletop—ideal for row seating at long dining tables.

How many leather cantilever chairs fit around a dining table? A 160 cm long table can accommodate 4–6 cantilever chairs (depending on the width of the models). For a 180–200 cm table, 6 chairs are recommended. Rule of thumb: about 60 cm of space per chair along the side of the table. LIVIOR offers all models as sets in identical designs.