Do’s and Don’ts on Breuer Chairs

Apr 4th 2024

Breuer chairs, named after the Hungarian-born modernist architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer, are known for their sleek, functional design and enduring style. Famous for its tubular steel structure and cantilever form, these chairs have graced homes and offices since the 1920s. If you’re lucky enough to own a Breuer chair, learn the do’s and don’ts of Breuer chairs to keep it looking great and functioning for years.

Do: Regular Maintenance

Frequent and consistent maintenance is vital to your Breuer chair’s longevity. Keeping up with simple cleaning routines will ensure your Breuer chair remains a beautiful and functional piece in your space.

Taking care of your Breuer chair doesn’t have to be complicated. Use these tips to keep each material looking its best:

Tubular steel frame. To prevent rust, dust the steel parts regularly and wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth using non-abrasive products. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, or ammonia.
Cane. Treat the cane gently to avoid cracks and breaks. Vacuum gently using a soft brush attachment and wipe any tough stains with a damp cloth and a gentle cleanser like Dawn soap. Cane can be sensitive to humidity, so ensure it’s air-dried to ward off mold.
Vinyl and fabric upholstery. For vinyl, a simple wipe with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth will do. For fabric upholstery, adhere to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, which may recommend steam or dry cleaning methods to prevent damage. Regular vacuuming and prompt stain treatment will keep the fabric fresh and vibrant.

Don’t: Expose to Extreme Conditions

To help your Breuer chairs last longer and look great, consider their environmental placement carefully:

Temperature fluctuations. Extreme shifts in temperature can be harmful to upholstery. For instance, placing your chair near heating units in winter or air conditioning vents in summer can cause materials like cane and vinyl to dry out or contract and expand, potentially leading to structural damage.
Direct heat sources. In addition to sunlight, direct exposure to other heat sources like radiators or fireplaces should be avoided. These can accelerate the degradation process of all materials used in the chair, from warping metal to cracking cane.
Indirect sunlight. While direct sunlight is particularly harmful, indirect sunlight can also contribute to the slow fading of dyes in fabrics and even the metal finish over time. Using curtains or blinds to diffuse light can protect the chair without sacrificing natural light in the room.
Proper ventilation. In areas prone to high humidity, ensure there’s adequate ventilation to circulate air and reduce moisture buildup that can contribute to mold growth on cane and fabric upholstery. This is especially important in spaces like kitchens or basements, where damp conditions are more common.

Do: Inspect Regularly

Proactive maintenance will keep your iconic chairs in prime condition. Pay close attention to all joints, particularly where the metal frame connects with the seat and back components, as these areas are prone to stress and wear. Look for any signs of loosening, cracking, or unusual noises that could indicate structural issues.

Also, examine the surface finishes for scratches or corrosion and the upholstery for tears or sagging. Addressing these issues early can prevent further deterioration, saving you from expensive repairs and extending the chair’s life.

Don’t: DIY Major Repairs

If your Breuer chair needs a major fix, especially with the metal frame or any structural parts, it’s safest to get help from a professional. These repairs require special skills to keep the chair safe and intact.

But if you’re just looking to handle smaller issues like minor scratches or tightening loose screws, you can do it yourself. Check out Seats and Stools’ selection of Breuer chair replacement parts for these easy fixes. They offer everything from seats and backrests to frames and screws, ensuring you have the right high-quality parts to maintain your chair’s look and function.

Do: Protect the Floors

With their distinctive tubular steel frames, Breuer chairs can be harsh on flooring surfaces, especially delicate ones like hardwood or tile. To safeguard your floors from scratches or gouges, a practical solution is to attach floor glides to the base of the chair frame.

These plastic glides provide a protective barrier between the metal and your floor. They’re easy to install—simply place them over the holes underneath the frame and clip to secure them in place.

Check and replace these glides regularly as they wear down to ensure continuous protection. This simple measure will keep your Breuer chairs and floors looking pristine.

Don’t: Use Improper Sitting Techniques

When using your Breuer chair, avoid sitting on the edge of the seat or leaning too far back. Proper sitting, centered on the seat with your back against the support, will ensure the chair can distribute your weight without undue stress on its structure.

Additionally, Breuer chairs are designed to be durable but not indestructible. Avoid overloading them beyond the recommended weight limits. These chairs are not suited for standing on and should be used for their intended purpose only—sitting.

Care for Your Breuer Chair for Long-Lasting Style

Breuer chairs are more than just pieces of furniture; they are pieces of history. Proper care and maintenance of your Breuer chair preserve its functionality, appearance, and value as a piece of design history. By following these do’s and don’ts for Breuer chairs, you’ll ensure that your chair remains a cherished part of your home or office for many years.

If you want to add another stunning Breuer chair to your collection or restore a damaged model, explore our range of Breuer Cesca chairs and replacement parts. They’re available in many styles, from wood and vinyl armchairs to classic cane side chairs. You can also create a custom Breuer chair design with our Build Your Own service. Contact us to find out more about our selection.