Paul Vandenbulcke for De Coene ‘Efac’ Armchair in Original Patinated Leather
Paul Vandenbulcke for De Coene (De Eik-Le Chêne), armchair model ‘Efac’, leather, brass, beech, Belgium, circa 1950
The Efac chair, designed in the 1950s by the designer and decorator Paul Vandenbulcke (1916–1974) and produced by De Coene, is a striking example of post-war Belgian modernism. Vandenbulcke was a key figure in shaping the furniture design developments at the De Coene firm during and after the Second World War. Recruited in 1939, he made a significant contribution to the company’s interior design department, De Eik–Le Chêne, particularly between 1945 and 1952.
The sharply angled legs and armrests imbue the piece with a bold, architectural rhythm. This chair is not passive; it frames space assertively, carving out its presence with diagonals and tension lines that converge into a surprisingly functional object. The form is rigorous but not severe, dynamic but not unstable. The seat and backrest are upholstered in the original leather, which has developed a rich, patinated surface over time. Lining the edges of the leather are small brass studs. These thought-full details connect the Efac to a lineage of artisanal craftsmanship, even as its overall composition remains committed to modernist restraint. De Coene, known for its ambitious collaborations and progressive industrial methods, provided a platform for designers like Vandenbulcke to bridge artisanal traditions with serial production.
De Coene was founded in 1887 in Kortrijk (Belgium) by Jozef de Coene, who was at that time 13 years old. In 1895, his younger brother Adolphe joined the company. In their early years, De Coene was inspired by Henry van de Velde, Art Deco and the Arts & Crafts movement. The company made many custom made furnishings which leads to an expansive growth. After World War One, the brother visited the United States where they became acquainted with laminated wood production, and purchased a wood-stripping machine. They were the first company that made triplex in Belgium which led to the ability to mass produce. In 1954, they received the right to produce Knoll furniture. But although the company produced on a large-scale, they were still world famous for their meticulously detailed, high-quality and Art Deco inspired furniture.
Kindly note that the chair is in used condition. The leather contains tears on the back. Reupholstery or restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized reupholstery or restoration is possible as well.
The Efac chair, designed in the 1950s by the designer and decorator Paul Vandenbulcke (1916–1974) and produced by De Coene, is a striking example of post-war Belgian modernism. Vandenbulcke was a key figure in shaping the furniture design developments at the De Coene firm during and after the Second World War. Recruited in 1939, he made a significant contribution to the company’s interior design department, De Eik–Le Chêne, particularly between 1945 and 1952.
The sharply angled legs and armrests imbue the piece with a bold, architectural rhythm. This chair is not passive; it frames space assertively, carving out its presence with diagonals and tension lines that converge into a surprisingly functional object. The form is rigorous but not severe, dynamic but not unstable. The seat and backrest are upholstered in the original leather, which has developed a rich, patinated surface over time. Lining the edges of the leather are small brass studs. These thought-full details connect the Efac to a lineage of artisanal craftsmanship, even as its overall composition remains committed to modernist restraint. De Coene, known for its ambitious collaborations and progressive industrial methods, provided a platform for designers like Vandenbulcke to bridge artisanal traditions with serial production.
De Coene was founded in 1887 in Kortrijk (Belgium) by Jozef de Coene, who was at that time 13 years old. In 1895, his younger brother Adolphe joined the company. In their early years, De Coene was inspired by Henry van de Velde, Art Deco and the Arts & Crafts movement. The company made many custom made furnishings which leads to an expansive growth. After World War One, the brother visited the United States where they became acquainted with laminated wood production, and purchased a wood-stripping machine. They were the first company that made triplex in Belgium which led to the ability to mass produce. In 1954, they received the right to produce Knoll furniture. But although the company produced on a large-scale, they were still world famous for their meticulously detailed, high-quality and Art Deco inspired furniture.
Kindly note that the chair is in used condition. The leather contains tears on the back. Reupholstery or restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized reupholstery or restoration is possible as well.
,%20armchair%20model%20%E2%80%98Efac%E2%80%99,%20leather,%20brass,%20beech,%20Belgium,%20circa%201950%20The%20Efac%20chair,%20designed%20in%20the%201950s%20by%20the%20designer%20and%20decorator%20Paul%20Vandenbu...){kind=link}
Choose options
Paul Vandenbulcke for De Coene ‘Efac’ Armchair in Original Patinated Leather
Sale price$1,250.00
Regular price
Product Details