1950s Hans Olsen Suede Balloon Lounge Chair for LEA As, Denmark

Mid-Century lounge chair by Danish architect Hans Olsen, produced by LEA As in Denmark in the 1950s. The large circular suede seat is stretched tautly over a black metal frame, fastened at the back with laces that form a graphic linear detail visible from behind. Two small teak armrests are mounted horizontally through the frame on either side, their rounded forms offering a warm material contrast to the black metal legs, which splay outward in four directions to stabilize the bowl-shaped shell. The Balloon chair reflects the experimental material combinations of 1950s Scandinavian modernism, pairing industrial metal construction with natural suede and teak. The laced fastening system is both structural and decorative, a detail that distinguishes the design from more conventional upholstered lounge chairs of the period. The chair shows wear appropriate for age and use.