Spin Offs of the Acapulco Chair – Part IV

The Acapulco chair was inspired by the scenic views of La Quebrada, an overlooking cliff where divers muster their courage to take a leap of faith. Mexican design is full of life with bright colors that pop out at you, whimsical styles, and culturally inspired concepts.

The original Acapulco chair has been adapted into many unique renditions. These spin-offs have come from chairs, lounges, bench seats, and the like. Artists and custom furniture designers have taken the original concept to another level. The Acapulco chair can now be found in many variations, shapes, colors, sizes, and materials.

Side view of El Medio Día wood Acapulco chair by Sebastián Lara Eguiluz. Image courtesy © EOS Mexico.

Derivatives of the Acapulco Chair

Known for its ergonomic design and eye-catching weave. The basic elements of the Acapulco are the egg-like basket and the corded weave. Both elements have been incorporated into the latest renditions of the Acapulco chairs original design. This chair seems to morph with time, as artisans infuse the original concept with their own sense of style and imagination.

The original Acapulco chairs featured a simple metal frame with a corded design. They have become increasingly popular to the point that many have started creating capricious adaptations. Mini-versions have been made deemed “baby Acapulco’s.” They are so adorable and they would make for a great Mother-Daughter photo op!

You can learn about the origins of the Acapulco chair by reading this.

Leather Acapulco Chair by Garza Marfa

Garza Marfa had the intuitive idea to fashion an Acapulco chair that is decorated with a signature West-Texas twist. Jamey Garza found inspiration from a pair of weathered Acapulco chairs that were out in his backyard.

The Saddle Leather Oval Acapulco Chair by Garza Marfa. Starting at $1,550.  Image courtesy © Garza Marfa.

He and his wife/design partner Constance used the chair’s skeleton and upholstered it with 1/4″ saddle-grade leather.   Although the chair doesn’t carry the same open corded design, it’s a wonderful adaptation that is all original in its own sense. Garza Marfa has taken something foreign and made it their own.

Saddle Leather Round Chair from Garza Marfa. Available for $1,350.00. Image courtesy © Garza Marfa.

Similar to how the Acapulco was influenced by its native region, Jamey and Constance improvised based on their surroundings.  Based in the art-centric small town of Marfa, Texas, the partners created this rugged rendition that contrasts the tropical feel of the original Acapulco chair.

“We like to think that the line conveys a sense of the high-plains Texas desert where it was born.”

-Jamey Garza

Leather Acapulco Chair by Carlos from Ocho Workshop

Leather Acapulco Chair by Carlos Ocho.

Ocho Workshop has also created a leather version of the Acapulco chair but theirs maintains the corded weave. You can see what theirs looks like by visiting their website. Leather Acapulco’s saw a faint period of popularity during the sixties in Uruguay. At the time, they were used with BKF seats (Butterfly chairs) in many middle-class homes.

A close-up of the leather Acapulco Chair by Ocho Workshop. Rich leather grains wrap around a reflective chrome frame. Image courtesy Carlos Ocho from © Ocho Workshops.

Acapulco Dining Table by Harmonia Living

Harmonia Living adapted the Acapulco chair into a concentric dining table after experimenting with various dimensions until they found the right combination. A tempered glass top gives it its modern feel.

The Acapulco Dining Table Set by Harmonia Living.

The translucence of the table top increases the airy feel and minimizes the perceived space that is occupied by the Acapulco Dining Set. Harmonia Living has also created a spin-off that includes a 3 piece conversation set that comes with a mini side table. View the Acapulco Chair with Table, and the rest of the Acapulco Chairs Collection.

Medio Día by Sebastian Lara

The wooden Acapulco chair by Sebastián Lara Eguiluz is called “Medio Día.” Image courtesy © EOS Mexico.

Sebastian Lara designed a wooden Acapulco chair called “Medio Día.” Translated from Spanish, the chairs name means “Mid-Day.”  This refers to the ergonomic design that makes the Acapulco chair perfect for a Summer afternoon on the patio.

The outer edge of the chair is carved by hand for a perfectly smooth finish with rich wood grains. Image courtesy © EOS Mexico.

El Medio Día is made of American Red Oak. It has a sharp and bold appearance as the wood appears to be carved in a fluid sense. A thick rim wanes around the top of the chair and chrome legs hint at modern inspirations.

“The piece is a reinterpretation of the traditional Mexican beach chair, made from plastic and steel rod strips. The new version is aimed at a higher market segment and responds to a pure and demanding decorative concept, providing comfort thanks to a detailed study of ergonomics.”

-Sebastian Lara

Here you can see how the wooden strips are connected to the frame. Image courtesy © EOS Mexico.

Moëbius Chair by Pedro Reyes

The Moëbius Chair was created by Pedro Reyes. The term Moëbius comes from the concept of a Möbius strip (or Möbius Band), a surface with only one side and only one boundary component. This surface was discovered by German mathematicians August Ferdinand Möbius and Johann Benedict Listing in 1858.

© Pedro Reyes. Moëbius chair, 2004. Courtesy of Lisson Gallery and LABOR

This chair follows the sweeping design of his Nudo Gordiano with loops that are reminiscent of the Mua-Lovers in the Air day bed. A corded weave and a rounded metal frame are formed in the fashion of a Möbius strip. Pedro was inspired by the Gossip Chair, a 19th-century object that was shaped in the form of a helix. This design allows seating for 2 people with a third in close enough proximity to hear the conversation, hence the name “Gossip Chair.”

A Final Note

Acapulco chairs, in their original form, are retro with a modern vibe. It’s an old-school design that is entirely young at heart. It’s funky, fresh, sophisticated, and engaging.

I encourage you to try sitting in one. I was initially skeptical, but once I had a chance to sit in one, I was in love! Lay back and you’ll instantly be reminded of the calm serenity of tropical beach scenes and fruity cocktails. I can just feel the breeze now!

Continue Reading the Acapulco Series:

1. The Iconic History of the Acapulco Chair – Part I
2. How It’s Made: Acapulco Chairs – Part II
3. Add Zest to Any Space with Acapulco Chairs – Part III
4. Spin Offs of the Acapulco Chair – Part IV
5. The Debate Between Original & Replica Acapulco Chairs – Part V

About the Author
This post was authored by Cheryl Khan who has spent many years in the design field. Designer by day and writer by night, she loves discovering fascinating furniture designs that poke at the imagination.