Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. Sources: Museum of Modern Art permanent collection records; Cassina product archive; peer-reviewed design history literature.
The Le Corbusier chair is one of the most studied pieces of 20th-century furniture. Designed in 1928 by Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (Le Corbusier), Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand, the LC series — principally the LC2 armchair and LC4 chaise longue — introduced tubular chrome steel and full-grain leather into domestic spaces at a moment when upholstered timber was still the norm. Today, Cassina holds the licence and sells the originals for €3,000–€6,000; quality replicas built to the same geometry start around €400–€1,200.
This guide covers both flagship pieces, explains what separates a well-made replica from a poor one, and gives EU buyers a clear picture of what to expect from Decomica’s own LC collection in terms of materials, dimensions, delivery, and after-sales policy.
A Brief Design History
Le Corbusier called the chair a “machine for sitting” — an extension of his broader Modernist belief that furniture should follow the body’s needs rather than decorative convention. The trio debuted the LC2 and LC4 at the 1929 Salon d’Automne in Paris under the name Équipement intérieur d’une habitation (interior equipment for a dwelling). Charlotte Perriand, who led much of the ergonomic development, has in recent decades received increasing academic recognition as the primary driver of the seating designs.
The LC4 chaise longue entered the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where it remains on display. The LC2 — nicknamed “Grand Confort” (petit confort in the single-seat version) — is among the most widely reproduced chairs in history. Cassina acquired the production rights in 1965 and has manufactured the authorised versions since.
The LC2 Grand Confort Armchair
The LC2 is defined by the visible separation of structure and cushion. Where traditional club chairs hide their frame inside upholstery, the LC2 exposes a polished chrome tubular steel exoskeleton and sets three large leather cushions — seat, back, and two arms — inside it. The result is a cube silhouette that reads as industrial rigour softened by leather.
LC2 Specifications
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 76 cm |
| Depth | 70 cm |
| Height | 67 cm |
| Seat height | 42 cm |
| Frame | Chrome tubular steel (#304 grade) |
| Upholstery | Full-grain Italian leather |
| Cushion fill | High-density foam with nylon webbing base |
The armchair is compact enough for a study or bedroom corner yet carries sufficient visual weight to anchor a living room. It pairs naturally with the LC4 chaise or a matching LC2 two-seater sofa. Browse Decomica’s full Le Corbusier collection for the complete range.
The LC4 Chaise Longue — Le Corbusier’s “Relaxing Machine”
Where the LC2 is about structured sitting, the LC4 is about structured lying down. The design separates into three parts: a curved cradle that holds the body, a chrome bow frame that the cradle rests on, and a flat black-steel base. The cradle is not fixed to the frame — it can slide and tilt freely, allowing any reclining angle from near-upright reading position to fully horizontal rest. Le Corbusier called it a “relaxing machine”, and the ergonomic logic has never been superseded.
LC4 Specifications
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 59 cm |
| Depth (length) | 165 cm |
| Height range | 45–85 cm (adjustable) |
| Frame | Polished chrome tubular steel |
| Base | Matt black powder-coated steel |
| Upholstery | Full-grain Italian leather cushion + headrest |
| Weight | 28 kg |
For a deeper look at the LC4’s design evolution and what to check before buying a replica, see our dedicated LC4 chaise longue replica guide.
What Makes a Good Le Corbusier Chair Replica?
Not all replicas are equal. The original’s geometry is well-documented, but corners are frequently cut on materials and construction. Here is what to examine:
Frame quality
The LC2 and LC4 frames should be #304-grade tubular steel, polished to a mirror finish. Thin-walled tubes or a yellowish chrome tone indicate lower-grade steel or chrome plating applied over mild steel — both will tarnish and flex over time. Decomica uses full-depth #304 steel on both pieces.
Leather grade
Genuine replicas use full-grain or top-grain Italian leather — the surface layer of the hide, which is the most durable and develops the best patina. Corrected-grain or bonded leather is a sign of cost-cutting; it will crack within a few years of regular use. Ask for the hide specification before purchasing.
Cushion construction
The LC2 cushions should feel firm but not rigid. High-resilience foam (HR30 or higher) maintains its shape over years of use. Very soft cushions that compress almost immediately are a warning sign. Some replicas add a duck-down overlay for softness — that is acceptable as long as the foam core is robust.
Dimensions
The original LC2 armchair is 76 cm wide; the original LC4 cradle is 165 cm long. Replicas that diverge significantly from these measurements will look wrong in proportion. Always check the spec sheet, not just the product photo.
Honest Replica vs. Licensed Original: The Price Argument
The Cassina-licensed LC2 armchair retails at approximately €3,000–€4,500 depending on leather specification. The LC4 chaise is closer to €5,000–€6,000. For most households, these prices place the pieces in the investment furniture category rather than everyday purchase.
A quality replica — using the same Italian leather and #304 steel frame construction — delivers a functionally and aesthetically near-identical result for €400–€1,200. The difference lies in the licensed Cassina label, the provenance documentation, and, occasionally, marginally superior chrome polishing on the original. For buyers who want the look, the comfort, and the geometric correctness without the collector’s premium, a well-specified replica is a rational choice.
Decomica prices all pieces VAT-inclusive. There are no additional charges on delivery to most EU countries, Norway, or Switzerland. See the Le Corbusier collection for current pricing.
Styling the Le Corbusier Chair in a Room
Both the LC2 and LC4 work in relatively sparse surroundings. The chrome frame reflects ambient light, so the pieces do not disappear in a room — they anchor it. A few practical styling notes:
- Floor surface: The LC4 base looks best on hardwood, polished concrete, or large-format stone. A wool rug under the LC2 prevents the chrome feet from scratching and adds warmth to the cube geometry.
- Clearance: The LC4 is 165 cm long when extended. Allow at least 50 cm clear behind the headrest and 40 cm on either side to walk around it.
- Light: Both pieces benefit from natural light at a low angle — it picks up the polished frame and the surface grain of the leather.
- Palette: Black leather pairs with almost any neutral palette. White and tan leather versions read as slightly warmer. Both sit comfortably alongside walnut, oak, concrete, or whitewashed walls.
Delivery, Returns, and Warranty
Decomica ships all Le Corbusier pieces free of charge to most EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland. Prices shown are VAT-inclusive — nothing is added at checkout for delivery. Handling takes 1–2 working days; EU delivery is typically 5–7 working days from dispatch, giving a total of 6–9 working days from order to door.
Exceptions: Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta are not covered by free shipping — contact support for a quote. Tracking is provided via DPD Ireland after dispatch.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. If the item arrives defective, Decomica arranges a free DPD collection. Change-of-mind returns are the customer’s responsibility at approximately €40–€50 via DPD pickup. Items must be returned in original packaging and inspected before a refund is processed. Refunds are issued within 30 days of receiving the return. All pieces carry a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Payment by credit/debit card or PayPal — no Klarna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually designed the Le Corbusier chair?
The LC series was a three-way collaboration between Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (Le Corbusier), his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. Perriand led much of the ergonomic and functional design work, though the chairs were marketed primarily under Le Corbusier’s name during his lifetime.
What is the difference between the LC2 and LC3?
The LC2 (petit confort) and LC3 (grand confort) share the same external-frame-with-internal-cushion logic. The LC3 is wider and deeper — its cushions are larger and the overall silhouette is more lounge-like. The LC2 is more upright and compact, better suited to a reading chair or desk-area seat.
Is a replica Le Corbusier chair legal to buy and sell in the EU?
Design protection for works from the 1920s has expired in many EU jurisdictions. Selling replicas of unregistered designs that are no longer under active copyright protection is legal in most EU countries. Decomica sells its pieces as honest replicas — not as Cassina products — and does not use any trademarked Cassina branding.
How long does a quality LC2 replica last?
With a #304 steel frame and full-grain leather upholstery, a well-maintained LC2 replica should last 15–20 years with normal household use. The chrome frame requires only occasional wipe-down; the leather benefits from a quality leather conditioner applied once or twice a year. Avoid placing the chair in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this fades leather over time.
