A vintage set of four French brutalist dining chairs in solid elm and cognac leather, made by Maison Regain in France during the 1970s. Combining warm elm frames, beautifully patinated leather seats and backrests, and restrained architectural proportions, these Maison Regain dining chairs are a particularly tactile example of French mid-century and rustic modern design.
Maker: Maison Regain
Origin: France
Period: 1970s
Style: French brutalist / rustic modern / mid-century modern
Materials: Solid elm, leather
Dimensions: 50 W × 47 D × 82 H cm (19.7 W × 18.5 D × 32.3 H in)
Seat height: 45 cm (17.7 in)
Quantity: Set of 4
The chairs are built around clean square-section elm frames with subtly shaped uprights and softly rounded edges. Thick leather is stretched across the frames to form both seat and backrest, wrapping directly around the wooden rails with visible stitching and curved cut-outs. The leather has developed rich tonal variation and a deep natural patina, contrasting beautifully with the lighter elm and giving each chair its own character. Their straightforward construction, generous leather surfaces and quiet architectural rhythm give the set a particularly strong presence without feeling heavy.
Maison Regain was a French furniture maker particularly associated with solid-wood furniture from the 1960s through the 1980s, with elm becoming one of the materials most closely linked to its production. The company’s work sits within a broader period of French design that brought together modernist simplicity, substantial natural materials and artisanal construction.
Condition
Good vintage condition with signs of age and use consistent with its period. The original cognac leather has developed a pronounced and attractive patina, with tonal variation, surface marks, fine scratches, areas of creasing and natural crazing from use. The elm frames show light scratches, small knocks and localised wear, particularly around the legs, edges and joints. The visible stitching remains generally well preserved and no significant tears are apparent in the supplied photos. The overall ageing gives the set a warm, lived-in character while preserving its strong visual presence.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsBrownMaterialLeatherNumber of items4Height82 cmWidth50 cmDepth47 cmSeat height45 cmSigns of usageScratches, Stains, Dents