Cantilever Dining Chairs

Cantilever Dining Chairs - Cantilever Chairs Made of Genuine Buffalo Leather

A cantilever chair is no ordinary chair. It has no back legs, it springs slightly when you sit down—and it looks as though it were born from a single thought. Our cantilever dining chairs made of genuine buffalo leather combine this timeless design principle with a material that needs no improvement: handcrafted buffalo leather from Germany, Handmade in Germany.

In this category, you’ll find all LIVIOR cantilever chairs for the dining table: with or without armrests, with round or square steel frames, in the colors cognac, brown, and light gray—all for €399 per chair, with free shipping to Germany.

The Principle Behind the Cantilever Chair

In 1925, Marcel Breuer developed the first cantilever chair in history in Dessau—a continuous tubular steel frame, no back legs, two contact points on the floor. What was radical back then is now a classic. And the principle remains unchanged to this day because it needs no improvement.

The curved frame gives slightly when you sit down. It springs. Not like a rocking chair—but like a well-built tool that follows the body’s movements rather than forcing them. Every change in posture, every small movement while eating, is gently accommodated. This relieves pressure on the back without you even noticing it.

Our cantilever dining chairs work on the same principle—but with a material that Breuer didn’t have at his disposal: genuine buffalo leather, handcrafted in Germany.

Why the cantilever chair shines best at the dining table

A cantilever chair works anywhere. But nowhere does it realize its full potential as it does at the dining table.

The spring mechanism during a long dinner

When you’re sitting through a two-hour dinner, you don’t sit still. You lean forward, turn to the side, change your posture. A rigid chair punishes each of these movements with resistance. A cantilever dining chair adapts to every movement—the spring action of the frame gently cushions every impulse and returns it. The back and lower back muscles are relieved because they aren’t constantly working against fixed resistance. Cantilever dining chairs are more comfortable during long dinners than traditional chairs—not despite their design, but because of it.

Space-saving at the dining table

Cantilever dining chairs take up less space than you might expect. Without back legs, they can be moved closer to the edge of the table and slid further under it. Six cantilever dining chairs at the table mean more freedom of movement for everyone—without the chairs getting in each other’s way.

Cantilever Chairs in Leather—Why Buffalo Leather Is the Right Choice

Cantilever dining chairs made of leather are available in every price range. The difference lies in the material.

Genuine buffalo leather used for cantilever dining chairs breathes, adapts to body heat, and doesn’t stick—unlike faux leather, which becomes uncomfortable after a short time. Genuine leather cantilever dining chairs develop a patina over time that makes the piece more personal. And with proper care, they’ll last for decades—no peeling, no tearing, no unsightly aging.

Our leather cantilever dining chairs offer an added benefit: the buffalo leather gives slightly when you sit down, complementing the spring-like effect of the frame. This dual comfort effect is something synthetic leather simply cannot replicate.

Cantilever Chairs with or without Armrests—The Decision at the Dining Table

The question of armrests isn’t purely aesthetic when it comes to cantilever dining chairs—it’s a practical one.

Cantilever chairs with armrests—more comfort, more presence

Cantilever chairs with armrests provide more support during long dinners. You can lean to the side, rest your arms, and sit more relaxed. Cantilever dining chairs with armrests also make a stronger statement at the table—they take up more space and have a more substantial presence in the room. Ideal for head-of-the-table seats or for anyone who prioritizes comfort over compactness.

Cantilever chairs without armrests – more flexible, more space-saving

Cantilever chairs without armrests can be placed closer together, are easier to slide under the table, and can be moved aside more quickly when standing up. They’re the better choice along the long sides of a dining table, where several chairs are placed side by side.

A tried-and-true combination: 4 cantilever chairs without armrests on the long sides + 2 cantilever dining chairs with armrests at the head and foot ends—a uniform design, clear hierarchy at the table.

Cantilever chairs in gray—why light gray in the dining room can do more than you might think

Gray cantilever chairs and gray cantilever dining chairs are often considered cool and difficult to pair. That’s not true—at least not when it comes to buffalo leather.

A gray cantilever chair in genuine buffalo leather isn’t a gray like concrete or PVC. It’s a light gray with warm undertones that shifts toward a warm beige or a light silvery hue depending on the light source. This gray pairs just as well with light oak dining tables as it does with dark marble tables. It harmonizes warm and cool tones in the room without letting one dominate the other. And—like all our buffalo leather colors—it develops its own unique patina over time.

LIVIOR’s gray cantilever dining chairs are our second best-selling color. Once you’ve seen them in natural light, you’ll understand why.

Our cantilever dining chairs at a glance

All six LIVIOR models are available as cantilever dining chairs—in cognac, brown, and light gray, with round or square frames, and with or without armrests.

SINATRA – the cantilever chair with the strongest character

The SINATRA is our best-selling cantilever dining chair. It’s available in four configurations—with or without armrests, and with round or square frames—yet it always stays true to itself. With a black square frame and cognac buffalo leather, it is the quintessential LIVIOR cantilever chair: industrial, warm, and unmistakable.

JASPAR – the most elegant of the cantilever chairs

The JASPAR stands out thanks to its slender, flowing backrest. As a cantilever dining chair with armrests, it’s particularly striking—the armrests extend the horizontal line and give the chair an almost architectural sense of calm. It looks great in both cognac and light gray.

CADI – The Timeless One

The CADI makes no statement—it’s simply right. Clean lines, balanced proportions, no trendy excess. As a cantilever chair in brown with a round base paired with a wooden table, it’s a choice that will still feel just as right ten years from now.

GOODMAN – the Self-Assured One

A wider seat, bolder proportions, more presence: The GOODMAN is the cantilever chair for anyone who wants ample space at their dining table. In Cognac, it’s the chair that sets the tone—without being loud.

FARGO – the Compact One

The FARGO is narrower, making it ideal when six cantilever dining chairs need to fit side by side at a table. A 6-piece set of FARGO Cognac cantilever dining chairs is one of the most popular complete sets at LIVIOR.

COOPER – the Understated One

The COOPER blends right in—with the room, the decor, and the conversation at the table. A cantilever chair that doesn’t impose itself—and that’s exactly why it instantly looks like a LIVIOR.

Mixing and Matching Cantilever Dining Chairs – Style Worlds & Dining Tables

Industrial Style: Leather cantilever chair at a raw dining table

A cantilever chair in buffalo leather paired with a dining table made of oiled solid wood or concrete—warm, natural materials meet a sturdy steel frame. Cognac or brown, with a black square frame: This is the industrial look that never goes out of style because it never tries to be modern.

Scandinavian Style: Gray cantilever chairs at a light wood table

Gray cantilever chairs fit perfectly into a Scandinavian-inspired dining area. Light gray buffalo leather, light oak, white walls—minimalism at its finest. No element clashes with another; everything reflects the same principle: natural simplicity without effort.

Modern Minimal: Cantilever dining chairs as a deliberate contrast

In minimalist spaces, cantilever dining chairs made of buffalo leather can be the sole organic element—and that is precisely their strength. Cognac-colored leather against white stucco or at a marble dining table: warmth against coolness, the natural against the man-made.

Classic and elegant: cantilever dining set with a walnut dining table

Cantilever dining set in brown or cognac at a walnut dining table. Timeless, warm, enduring. This combination of cantilever dining chairs and dark wood needs no further accents—it stands on its own.

Buying cantilever dining chairs—what to look for

What Really Indicates Quality in a Cantilever Chair

The market for cantilever chairs is vast. What sets a LIVIOR cantilever chair apart from a cheap mass-produced product?

The frame: A high-quality cantilever dining chair has a hand-welded frame made of sturdy steel. Mass-produced frames are machine-bent—the wall thickness is thinner, and the welds are flatter. Under constant stress, the frame gives way. LIVIOR frames are welded for durability, not just for looks.

The material: LIVIOR cantilever dining chairs made of genuine buffalo leather breathe, develop character, and last for decades. Faux leather peels, tears, and ages unsightly. The price difference is real—but a one-time investment.

The craftsmanship: Even double-stitching, clean edges, and a seamless connection between the leather and the frame. These are the hallmarks of genuine handcrafted work. At LIVIOR, every cantilever dining chair is individually handcrafted and sewn.

Cantilever Dining Chairs, Set of 6—How to Plan It Right

A 160–200 cm long dining table seats six people. A matching set of 6 cantilever dining chairs brings a sense of calm to the room. At LIVIOR, you simply order 6 of the same model—all cantilever chairs are crafted by hand to the same high standard, with no two pieces noticeably different from one another.

Recommendation: 4 × FARGO or CADI without armrests for the long sides + 2 × SINATRA or JASPAR with armrests for the ends.

Seat Height and Dining Table—What You Should Measure First

Our cantilever dining chairs have a seat height of 50 cm. There should be at least 20–25 cm of clearance between the seat and the underside of the table—this corresponds to dining tables with a height of approximately 72–76 cm or higher. For tables shorter than this, please measure beforehand.

Caring for cantilever chairs made of buffalo leather

Buffalo leather cantilever dining chairs are easier to care for than their reputation suggests:

• Frame: dry or slightly damp cloth—powder-coated steel does not rust
• Leather: daily— use a dry or slightly damp cloth; do not use cleaning agents
• Leather annually: 1–2 times with a high-quality leather conditioner—keeps the buffalo leather supple
• Liquids: Blot immediately; do not rub
• Direct sunlight: Avoid—UV light causes all leather colors to fade
• Signs of wear: On cantilever dining chairs made of buffalo leather, these are part of the patina—not a defect

Frequently Asked Questions About Cantilever Dining Chairs

What is a cantilever chair?

A cantilever chair—also known as a swing chair—is a piece of seating furniture with a continuous steel frame and no back legs. The curved construction gives slightly when you sit down, creating a gentle spring effect. The design was developed in 1925 by Marcel Breuer and remains unchanged to this day.

What is the difference between a cantilever chair and a swing chair?

There is no difference—both terms describe the same piece of furniture. “Cantilever chair” emphasizes the cantilevered construction without back legs, while “swing chair” refers to the springy quality when sitting. In German-speaking countries, both terms are used interchangeably.

Are cantilever dining chairs comfortable for long periods of sitting?

Yes—especially so. The spring-like effect of the frame accommodates changes in posture and relieves pressure on the back muscles. Cantilever dining chairs are more comfortable during long dinners than rigid chairs because the body isn’t sitting against a fixed resistance.

What colors are available for cantilever dining chairs at LIVIOR?

Our cantilever dining chairs are available in cognac, brown, and light gray —all made of genuine buffalo leather and handcrafted in Germany.

Are there cantilever dining chairs with armrests?

Yes. The SINATRA, JASPAR, CADI, and GOODMAN models are available as cantilever dining chairs with armrests—in cognac, brown, and light gray.

Can I order cantilever dining chairs as a set of 6?

Yes. Simply order 6 of the same model—a set of 6 cantilever dining chairs in your desired color. All chairs are crafted by hand to a uniform standard.

How much does a cantilever dining chair cost at LIVIOR?

All cantilever dining chairs cost €399 per chair; shipping is €49 within Germany, and free for orders totaling €1,500 or more.

How long does delivery take?

8–12 weeks—all cantilever chairs are handcrafted to order and not produced for stock.

Where are LIVIOR cantilever chairs made?

In Germany, 100% handmade. Handmade in Germany—every frame is hand-welded, every seam sewn by hand.

Cantilever Dining Chairs—A Timeless Design

A cantilever chair needs no explanation. It feels different to sit in, it looks different, and it ages differently. And when combined with genuine buffalo leather crafted by German artisans, it gets better with every passing year—not worse.

That’s the idea behind LIVIOR: cantilever dining chairs that aren’t mass-produced, but rather pieces of furniture with a story. Chairs you can pass on someday.

✔ Genuine buffalo leather in cognac, brown, and light gray ✔ Cantilever chairs with and without armrests ✔ Round-tube and square-tube frames, hand-welded ✔ 100% handcrafted – Made in Germany ✔ Direct from the manufacturer, €399 per chair ✔ Sample orders available