The Iconic History of the Acapulco Chair

The Acapulco chair has been a distinguishing element in traditional Mexican design for years, yet it’s still such a close-kept secret that it’s a new concept for many. After celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Acapulco chair has traveled from its Central American roots, all the way around the world and back again.

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Acapulco chairs are very popular and have been seen in publications like Mimosa Lane, Apartment Therapy, Remodelista, and Houzz. This is the beginning of a Four Part Series that will delve deeper into the roots, inspiration, and rendition of the iconic Acapulco Chair from Mexico.

Modern chic decor with turquoise Acapulco chairs

“Then, during our trip to Mexico for Spring Break, we saw a man in the middle of the street making these…Great, but would they be comfortable after sitting for a while? In Austin this last weekend, I had the opportunity to sit for a bit in them and – why yes, they are VERY comfortable.”
– Mimosa Lane

Quick Facts:

What is Acapulco furniture?
Acapulco furniture is a unique mid-century modern style that consists of an egg-shaped frame with hand-woven stringed fibers that form the seating foundation. This style has been adapted from its original form to renditions of Acapulco design that are seen in the form of Acapulco dining sets, sofas, chat sets, rocking chairs, leather woven chairs, and even wooden Acapulco chairs.
Who designed the Acapulco chair?
Nobody knows who originally came up with the idea of the Acapulco chair. The inventor is still a mystery, although one Mexican designer Cecilia Leon Barra claimed that she gave the Acapulco chair its name.
When was it made?
The Acapulco chair dates back to the 1950’s when Elvis Presley was posted on every teenage girl’s bedroom wall.
How much do Acapulco chairs cost?
Acapulco chairs typically range in price from $200 to $500.

Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco de Juarez, or simply Acapulco, is a southwestern coastal city in Guerrero. Acapulco is a beach city that has been a major destination for tourists who come to see the Cliff Divers at La Quebrada, the main drag at La Costera, and La Fuerte San Diego.

Acapulco was an attraction for many big-name Hollywood celebrities in its prime. John Wayne owned a hotel in Acapulco, Liz Taylor was married here, and even Jackie and John F. Kennedy honeymooned here. Acapulco is a place that you need to add to your bucket list!

Acapulco is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural traditions. Image courtesy Wikimedia.

Mayan Derivatives

Acapulco chairs take their hand-woven design from ancient Mayan hammocks that date back over 1,000 years. Indigenous peoples of Central America carved swing hammocks out of tree bark and plant fibers. A suspended design offered protection from snakes and rodents and prevented contact with the dusty ground. They would even place hot coals beneath their hammocks to stay warm and shoo away pesky insects!

The word “hammock” actually comes from Spanish conquistadors who derived the word “homoca” from the Carib Indians who wove fibers made from hammock trees. The word literally translates to “bed-threads.”

Origination of the Nested Design

While the history surrounding the origins of the Acapulco chair is buried in obscurity, we know that the chair started back in the 1950’s. This unique design is easily recognizable and can now be seen on balconies and patios worldwide. Acapulco chairs were originally made using steel and plastic.

Rumor has it, a French tourist was lounging on a rooftop on a hot afternoon. He became unsatisfied with the sweltering heat and had an idea. He decided to make a chair using the stringed construction of traditional Mayan hammocks. From this, the Acapulco chair was born.

The Weave

Authentic Acapulco chairs are hand-woven and imitate the string threading seen on hanging hammocks. It’s fun, stylish, exciting, and whimsical! The weave is available in various vibrant colors like orange, red, yellow, green, and hot pink. They are even found in multi-colored rainbow weaves, which are crazy to say the least!

Frames

The original Acapulco chairs were made primarily from steel. Steel is a great material, but not necessarily for outdoor conditions. Nowadays, outdoor frames are made from commercial-grade aluminum. These frames are usually powder-coated to prevent the chairs from rusting.

The Debate between Original and Replicated Acapulco’s

Most of the Acapulco chairs you see in print or person are typically modern replications of this enduring style. When some people begin their search, they wonder if they should order originals or buy replica Acapulco chairs. Your best bet is to go with modern versions, and here’s why.

Original Acapulco chairs date back several decades and are very rare (if possible). For this reason, they are considerably more expensive. Since they are so old (nothing against vintage), many of these steel frames have rusted after exposure to coastal conditions in Acapulco. For all intents and purposes, it’s best to purchase replica Acapulco’s.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Acapulco Chair

An egg-shaped frame with hand-woven cords. This mid-century modern style uses stringed fibers to form the seat on a distinctive oval frame. The look now appears as dining sets, sofas, chat sets, rockers, leather and wooden versions, yet keeps the airy woven hallmark.

The inventor is unknown. It dates to the 1950s. No single creator is confirmed, though Cecilia Leon Barra is credited with giving the chair its name. The design emerged in the 1950s and has since become a global patio icon.

Mayan hammock weaving inspired the cord seat. Ancient Mayan hammocks used plant fiber threads. A popular story says a French tourist adapted that stringed construction to beat the heat, sparking the Acapulco chair’s birth.

Originally steel and plastic. Now powder-coated aluminum. Authentic pieces are hand-woven. Early frames were steel, which can rust. Today’s outdoor models often use commercial-grade aluminum with powder coating for weather resistance, plus vibrant cord colors.

Yes. The flexible weave supports well. Firsthand notes in the article report that extended sitting is very comfortable. The supportive stringed seat and relaxed angle make them favorites for patios and balconies worldwide.

$200 to $500 from several makers. Typical prices range from about $200 to $500. Brands mentioned include Harmonia Living, Mama Silla, Innit Designs, MoMA, and Insolito Home.

Modern replicas are usually the better buy. Originals are rare and often rusted from age and coastal exposure. Modern versions deliver the look with improved outdoor materials and more accessible pricing and availability.

Follow up with our blog next week for the final installment of this series, where we’ll look further into this debate between Old vs New.

How Much Does an Acapulco Chair Cost?

As with any product, pricing varies, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 on the low end to $500 for more expensive models. Some of the main manufacturers who make Acapulco chairs include Harmonia Living, Mama Silla, Innit Designs, MoMA, and Insolito Home. Back in July, we announced the arrival of the all-new Acapulco Chairs from Harmonia Living. Since then, these chairs have been flying out of the warehouse! Better get yours before they’re all sold out