The Debate Between Original vs Replica Acapulco Chairs - Part V
Many people visit Mexico & fall in love with the design of the Acapulco chair so much that they want to bring them home with them. They fancy the idea of placing one on their patio deck, lounging under the summer sun, and sipping on bottomless Mimosa. If you’ve done your homework on these chairs, chances are, you will come across the debate between original and replica Acapulco chairs. We’ll be addressing the debate between these chairs below. We also put together a comparison between replica Acapulco chairs so you can be the judge of these classic outdoor patio chairs!
While authentic originals are hard to find, it is possible. It will take considerable time to find somebody willing to sell them, and it will cost you. For this reason, replica chairs are a viable option for capturing the quintessential Acapulco style in your home with minimal worries. 95% of the time, you are viewing replica patio furniture chairs that are being made in contemporary times anyway.
These Acapulco chairs are arranged for conversation, relaxation, and musical creation. Photo's of the RBMA courtesy © Luis Diaz Diaz.
Frequently Asked Questions: Original vs Replica Acapulco Chairs
Originals are rare collectibles; replicas are practical. Originals carry historic value but are hard to find and may use rust-prone metals. Replicas deliver the same iconic look with modern, weather-ready materials and finishes for everyday outdoor use.
For museums, collectors, or historical display. Seek an original if you want a piece of design history to showcase. Expect a long search and higher cost. For everyday seating, a replica is usually the better choice.
Yes—roughly 95% of what you see are replicas. Authentic originals exist but are scarce. Most chairs available online or in stores are contemporary reproductions that capture the classic silhouette with upgraded materials.
Typically yes—powder-coated and all-weather. Many originals used metals that can rust. Replicas are often powder-coated and designed for the elements. Quality welding matters, since the design uses three legs; modern builds are made for stability and longevity.
Modern resins like HDPE, often recyclable. Replicas frequently use HDPE resin wicker and other refined materials that can be recycled, aligning with today’s green priorities while preserving the iconic woven look.
Several well-known companies produce them. Notable names include Innit Design, the Common Project, Harmonia Living, CB2, Acapulco Chair Baja Mamasita, and Greenpointworks. These lines are well-received in the U.S. and globally.
You can buy replicas online with ease. A design pilgrimage to Mexico is optional. Many reputable brands sell online, letting you get the classic Acapulco style at home without the hunt for originals.
When You Should Buy Original Acapulco Chairs
The only situation when you should pursue an original Acapulco chair is if you’re planning on showcasing the chair in a museum or a similar type of historical venue. Some people love to collect vintage furniture. In this case, it would make sense to pay more to find an original Acapulco chair to have a piece of history nestled in your home. In other instances, replicas have the same visual appeal as originals and they are made of better materials that are safe for the environment. Learn more.
There is one issue to note about the original Acapulco chairs. Many of the originals were made with metals that are susceptible to rust. This could be a problem if you plan on using these chairs outdoors. Replica chairs are powder-coated to give them all-weather qualities. The newer options look great, and they’ll last forever!
Mark Tuckey's Sydney beachfront home was featured in Inside Out Magazine. A single yellow Acapulco replica is placed on the outdoor deck in the midst of the cool Australian sun. Images courtesy © Anson Smart Photography
When You Should Buy Replica Acapulco Chairs
Now I know what you’re thinking, “why should I buy a replica, I want the real thing!” In most cases, there’s nothing like the original. All others are just copies. Very true, I agree. The only problem is that it’s not possible for everybody to find the originals. This is partly why the cost of originals is considerably higher than replicas.
For all intents and purposes, replica Acapulco chairs are refined in many ways that make them superior to those of the past. The green movement is on everybody’s mind in this day and age. Materials like HDPE wicker are used because they can be broken down and recycled so it reduces wasted space in landfills.
Companies that make replica Acapulco chairs include Innit Design, the Common Project, Harmonia Living, CB2, Acapulco Chair Baja Mamasita, and Greenpointworks. These are some of the more well-known companies. All these chairs have been well-received in the United States and globally.
An inside view from Mark's home from Inside Out Magazine. These chairs are absolutely amazing. Images courtesy © Anson Smart.
New replica patio chairs are coated with rust-proof materials so they can be left outdoors on your patio or deck. The welding is of prime importance especially considering these chairs provide support through three legs instead of the standard 4 legged chairs. I’ve yet to hear any negative feedback about any of the replicas. Most people that have them are more than satisfied when they finally receive them. You can take a trip down to Mexico if you’re the adventurous type …. OR …. you could buy Acapulco chairs online!
These red and green Acapulco chairs have a retro look highlighted with decorative pillows. © Azmi
Fun Facts About Acapulco
Now it's time for Acapulco intervention! Just some fun, off-the-cuff facts that you can use any time Acapulco, Mexico comes up in conversation. (Maybe you'll use it when you make it on Jeopardy one day.) Add it to your bucket list, so you can see these chairs where they originally came from!
Movies Filmed in Acapulco:
- Fun in Acapulco - starring Elvis Presley
- License to Kill - 007 - starring Timothy Dalton
- Rambo First Blood Part 2 - starring Sylvester Stallone
- Blow - starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz
Famous Honey Mooners in Acapulco
- John and Jackie Kennedy
- Bill and Hillary Clinton
- Liz Taylor and Michale Tod
Carlos Ocho created this leather Acapulco chair. It's entirely hand-crafted just miles from Acapulco, Mexico! Each chair we manufacture is entirely crafted by hand in our workshop located a few miles away from Acapulco; ensuring that each piece gets its charm, character, and, most important, authenticity.
Continue Reading the Acapulco Series:
- The Iconic History of the Acapulco Chair - Part I
- How It's Made: Acapulco Chairs - Part II
- Add Zest to Any Space with Acapulco Chairs – Part III
- Spin Offs of the Acapulco Chair - Part IV
- 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.
