Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. Sources: Cassina product archive; Charlotte Perriand Foundation; design literature on Modernist furniture production.
An LC4 chaise longue replica reproduces the iconic reclining lounger designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret. The original is held in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and remains in production by Cassina at €5,000–€6,000. A well-built EU replica in full-grain Italian leather with a #304 chrome steel frame costs €500–€1,200 — and delivers the same ergonomic performance and visual presence.
This guide covers what the LC4 chaise longue replica is, how it is built, what distinguishes quality from cost-cutting, and what EU buyers should check on delivery, returns, and warranty before placing an order.
The LC4’s Defining Ergonomic Principle
Most chaise longues are fixed recliners — the seat is set at one angle and the user adapts. The LC4 inverts this relationship. The curved leather cradle rests on a chrome bow frame without being attached to it; gravity and the user’s weight distribution determine the angle. Shift your centre of mass and the cradle tilts. The result is a piece of furniture that genuinely responds to the body rather than constraining it.
Le Corbusier called it a “relaxing machine” — a description that still holds. The LC4 supports a sitting position for reading, a mid-recline for relaxed conversation, and a near-horizontal position for rest, all from the same piece of furniture, without a ratchet mechanism or lever.
Component Breakdown and What to Look For
| Component | Original spec | Quality replica indicator | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow frame (cradle support) | Chrome tubular steel | #304 grade, mirror polish, smooth bends | Kinks at bends, yellowish chrome, hollow sound on tap |
| Flat base | Matt black powder-coated steel | Solid weld, no wobble, rubber feet | Stamped sheet metal, flex under load |
| Cradle shell | Curved steel tube | Matches bow frame steel spec | Plastic or thin-gauge tube |
| Cushion upholstery | Full-grain Italian leather | Full-grain or top-grain, natural smell, visible grain | Uniform texture (corrected grain or PU) |
| Headrest | Leather, adjustable strap | Genuine leather buckle strap | Plastic adjustment clip |
| Cradle fit | Free-sliding on bow | Smooth slide, no lateral rattle | Loose play or too tight to adjust |
Dimensions: Getting the Space Right
The LC4 is long. At 165 cm deep and 59 cm wide, it requires planning before purchase. Measure the intended space and account for clearance on all sides: at least 40 cm either side for comfortable access, and 50 cm behind the headrest end when the cradle is fully reclined. The adjustable height range (45–85 cm) means it works in rooms with both standard and lower ceiling proportions, but the floor footprint is fixed.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 59 cm |
| Depth (length) | 165 cm |
| Height (adjustable range) | 45–85 cm |
| Weight | approx. 28 kg |
Decomica’s LC4 Chaise Longue Replicas
Decomica produces the LC4 in four upholstery options: black full-grain Italian leather, white full-grain Italian leather, brown full-grain Italian leather, and pony-skin leather. All versions use the same chrome bow frame and matt black steel base construction. The cushion and headrest are full-grain Italian leather; there is no PU or bonded leather option in the range.
Browse the full range in Decomica’s Le Corbusier collection, including the LC4 in brown and pony-skin leather, plus LC2 armchairs and sofas.
The Price Gap Between Replica and Original
The Cassina LC4 sells for €5,000–€6,000 depending on leather specification. The price premium reflects the licensing fee, the Cassina brand identity, and provenance documentation — not a meaningful difference in materials or ergonomic performance. Both use full-grain leather and chrome steel; both are assembled by hand.
A quality replica at €500–€1,200 is the rational choice for buyers whose priority is the design experience rather than the collector’s provenance. At Decomica, all prices are VAT-inclusive; free delivery is included for most EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland.
Leather Care for the LC4
- Wipe the leather surface monthly with a soft, barely damp cloth to remove dust. Do not use detergents or multi-surface cleaners.
- Apply a leather conditioner (beeswax-based or water-based formulation) every six to twelve months to maintain suppleness and prevent drying at the fold lines.
- Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth — do not rub. Water dries without staining; oils and dark liquids should be blotted as thoroughly as possible before calling a leather specialist if a mark remains.
- Keep the chair out of prolonged direct sunlight. UV exposure fades and dries leather over 12–18 months.
Delivery, Returns, and Warranty
Free delivery is included on all LC4 chaise longue replica orders to most EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland. All prices are VAT-inclusive. Handling: 1–2 working days. Delivery from dispatch: 5–7 working days. Total order-to-door: typically 6–9 working days. Free shipping excludes Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta.
Tracking is provided via DPD Ireland. Returns: 14 days from receipt. Defective item: Decomica arranges a free DPD collection. Change-of-mind return: customer pays approximately €40–€50 via DPD pickup; item must be in original packaging and undamaged. Refund within 30 days of return receipt. Warranty: 2 years manufacturer’s. Payments accepted: credit/debit card and PayPal. No Klarna.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the LC4 different from a standard chaise longue?
The LC4’s cradle is not fixed to its support frame — it rests on the chrome bow and tilts freely with the user’s weight. This gives continuously variable recline without any mechanical adjustment. Standard chaise longues use a fixed seat or a ratchet mechanism to lock angle positions.
Is the pony-skin version real animal hide?
Yes. Pony skin (or calf-hair leather) is genuine animal hide finished with the hair left on. It is a traditional upholstery material with a distinctive spotted or two-tone pattern. Each piece is unique. It requires slightly different care from smooth leather — brush in the direction of the hair rather than wiping against it.
How do I assemble the LC4 chaise longue replica?
The chair arrives in two main pieces: the bow frame with base attached, and the cradle with cushion. The cradle sits onto the frame; the headrest attaches via a leather buckle strap. Assembly takes approximately 15–25 minutes and requires no tools. Full instructions are included in the packaging.
Can the LC4 chaise longue be used outdoors?
No. The chrome steel frame and Italian leather upholstery are designed for indoor use only. Prolonged exposure to moisture, rain, or direct sunlight will damage both the chrome finish and the leather. If you want a covered terrace piece, consider alternatives built specifically for outdoor environments with weather-resistant materials.
