Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. Sources: Cassina archive; Salon d’Automne exhibition records 1929; peer-reviewed design history literature.
The Le Corbusier LC2 chair — officially the “Grand Confort” petit confort armchair — is one of the most reproduced pieces of furniture in the world. Designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand and first shown at the 1929 Salon d’Automne in Paris, its defining feature is the inversion of conventional armchair logic: the steel frame is on the outside, the leather cushions on the inside. Today the Cassina-licensed original retails at €3,000–€4,500; quality EU replicas in full-grain Italian leather start from around €400.
Why the LC2 Looks the Way It Does
In 1928, the dominant domestic armchair was a fully upholstered timber frame where the structure was hidden inside fabric or leather. Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, and Perriand rejected this approach. Their design made the load-bearing structure visible — a polished chrome tubular steel exoskeleton — and placed the upholstery (four leather cushions: seat, back, and two arms) inside it as a separate component. The frame and cushions do not touch; the cushions rest on nylon webbing within the frame, held in place by their own weight and geometry.
This structural honesty was a Modernist statement. The chair was meant to look like what it was: a rational support system for the human body, built from industrial materials. Nearly a century later, the logic remains visible and the proportions remain balanced.
LC2 Chair Specifications
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 76 cm |
| Depth | 70 cm |
| Height | 67 cm |
| Seat height | 42 cm |
| Armrest height | Approx. 55 cm |
| Frame material | #304 polished chrome tubular steel |
| Upholstery | Full-grain or top-grain Italian leather |
| Cushion fill | High-density HR foam, nylon webbing base |
| Available colours | Black, tan, dark brown, white, cream |
What Separates a Quality LC2 Replica from a Poor One
Frame steel and polish
The LC2’s frame is the most visible component. It should be #304-grade tubular steel, polished to a bright mirror finish. Budget replicas use thin-walled mild steel with chrome plating — the plating develops a yellowish tint and eventually flakes. #304 steel polished directly holds its finish for decades. Hold a torch at a low angle across the frame joints: on a quality replica, the welds are flush and invisible after polishing; on a budget version, weld seams are visible and rough.
Leather specification
Full-grain Italian leather — the outermost layer of the hide, with natural grain intact — is the correct specification. It develops a patina with use, remains supple with conditioning, and does not crack or peel. Corrected-grain leather (sanded flat and embossed with an artificial grain) is less durable. Bonded leather (shredded leather dust pressed with polyurethane binder) should be avoided entirely — it peels within two to three years.
Cushion firmness and fill
The LC2 cushions should feel firm but springy, not immediately compressible. High-resilience foam (HR30 density or above) maintains its shape over years of use. Some replicas include a light duck-down overlay for immediate softness — this is acceptable as long as the foam core is robust. Cushions that feel very soft on first contact will bottom out quickly and lose their form within 12–18 months of regular use.
Cushion-to-frame fit
The four cushions should sit cleanly within the frame without gaps or overhang. If the cushions are undersize relative to the frame, the chair will look proportionally wrong and the leather will buckle at the edges. Check product photos from multiple angles before purchasing online, and measure the claimed dimensions against the spec table above.
LC2 vs. LC3: Which Is Right for Your Space?
The LC2 (petit confort) and LC3 (grand confort) share the same external-frame logic and design lineage but differ significantly in scale. The LC3 is wider and deeper, with larger cushions and a more horizontal sitting position. It works better in open living spaces where a generous lounging armchair is needed. The LC2 is more compact and upright, suited to studies, reading rooms, or spaces where a smaller footprint matters. Both pair naturally with each other and with the LC4 chaise longue.
Decomica carries the LC2 in armchair and two-seater sofa formats. Browse the full Le Corbusier collection for current options and pricing.
Styling the LC2 in a Modern Interior
The LC2’s cube geometry and chrome frame are versatile: they work in Modernist, industrial, Scandinavian, and mid-century interiors without effort. A few practical styling points:
- Pair with the LC4: The two pieces share the same design language and look intentional together. The LC4 as a reading or relaxation piece alongside the LC2 as a conversation seat is a natural combination.
- Floor surface: Chrome feet will not scratch hardwood directly, but a small furniture pad is wise. On rugs, the chair sits and looks stable.
- Leather colour choices: Black leather is the most graphically strong option and suits almost any wall colour. Tan and dark brown read as warmer. White and cream work well in lighter-toned Scandinavian or coastal interiors.
- Coffee table height: The LC2’s seat height is 42 cm. A coffee table at 38–42 cm height is the correct proportion for comfortable arm reach from the chair.
For more on the LC4 chaise that pairs with the LC2, see our LC4 chaise longue replica guide.
Delivery, Returns, and Warranty
Free delivery is included on all LC2 chair orders to most EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland. All prices are VAT-inclusive; nothing is added at checkout for delivery. Handling: 1–2 working days. Delivery from dispatch: 5–7 working days. Total order-to-door: typically 6–9 working days. Free delivery does not apply to Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, or Malta.
Tracking via DPD Ireland from dispatch. Returns: 14 days from receipt. Defective item: Decomica arranges a free DPD collection. Change-of-mind: customer pays approximately €40–€50 DPD pickup; original packaging required. Refund within 30 days of return receipt. Warranty: 2 years manufacturer’s. Payment: credit/debit card or PayPal only. No Klarna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually designed the LC2 chair?
The LC2 was a collaborative design by Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret), his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. It was first exhibited at the 1929 Salon d’Automne in Paris as part of their Équipement intérieur d’une habitation installation. Perriand has received increasing recognition in recent decades as the primary ergonomic designer of the LC seating pieces.
Are the cushions removable on the LC2 replica?
Yes. The four cushions (seat, back, and two arms) are free-floating within the frame and can be removed for cleaning or replacement. This is also a practical advantage for moving the chair between rooms.
How does the LC2 replica compare to the Cassina original?
Cassina’s licensed version uses the same materials — Italian leather, chrome tubular steel — and will have marginally more refined chrome polishing and Cassina provenance documentation. Functionally and ergonomically, a quality replica built to correct dimensions and full-grain leather specification is very close. The price difference (roughly €3,000–€4,500 for Cassina vs. €400–€900 for a quality replica) reflects the licence premium, not a significant performance gap.
What is the correct way to care for the LC2’s leather cushions?
Dust monthly with a barely damp cloth. Apply a quality leather conditioner (beeswax or water-based) every 6–12 months. Blot spills immediately; do not rub. Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight. Do not use multi-surface cleaners, solvents, or baby wipes on full-grain leather.
