Archibald Slim Dining Chair
Made by Poltrona Frau
Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud
Jean-Marie Massaud conceived the Archibald Slim as a study in disciplined reduction. The silhouette is spare and upright, yet the proportions carry a quiet confidence - a chair that reads as furniture and functions as architecture within a room.
The shell is formed from rigid polyurethane, padded with soft polyurethane foam and polyester wadding. Beneath, the seat frame is birch plywood, equally padded and suspended on elastic belts for a resilience that belies the chair's lean profile.
Four legs in solid ash wood anchor the form, available in a range of finishes that shift the chair's personality from warm and domestic to cool and contractual. Upholstery in Pelle Frau leather, Poltrona Frau's own hide selected and processed in Tolentino, defines the surface with fine stitching that rewards close attention.
- Shell: rigid polyurethane with soft foam and polyester wadding
- Seat frame: birch plywood on elastic belt suspension
- Legs: solid ash wood in multiple finishes
- Upholstery: Pelle Frau leather, processed in Tolentino, Italy
Made to order by Poltrona Frau, tailored to you.
Get customization options, swatch samples and pricing for your project.
Pairs Well With
Archibald Slim Dining Chair
Product Details
Tear Sheet
Pricing & Warranty
Pricing for made-to-order items varies based on configuration, finishes, and customization options. Please contact one of our design consultants or visit a showroom near you for current pricing and personalized assistance.
Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Poltrona Frau. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.
Authenticity guaranteed. Genuine product, authenticated and sourced directly from the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pelle Frau leather and how is it made?
Pelle Frau is Poltrona Frau's proprietary leather, sourced from select European hides and processed entirely in Tolentino, in the Marche region of Italy. The tanning and finishing process is conducted in-house, giving the leather a consistent grain, a refined hand feel, and a patina that deepens with age and use.
Is the Archibald Slim suitable for commercial and hospitality use?
Yes. The chair's construction, combining a rigid polyurethane shell with birch plywood seat frame and elastic belt suspension, is engineered for durability under sustained use. Its restrained silhouette also adapts readily to contract environments, from private dining rooms to hotel restaurants.
Who is designer Jean-Marie Massaud?
Jean-Marie Massaud is a French designer and architect whose practice spans furniture, product design, and large-scale architecture. His work is defined by a philosophy of reduction: stripping form to its essentials while preserving sensory warmth. The Archibald family, which includes both lounge and dining configurations, is among his most recognized collaborations with Poltrona Frau.
What ash wood finishes are available for the legs?
The solid ash wood legs are available in multiple stained finishes, ranging from lighter, warm-toned options to darker, cooler lacquers. The finish selection allows the chair to read quite differently depending on context, shifting from a domestic warmth to a more contractual restraint.
How does the elastic belt suspension affect seating comfort?
The elastic belt system suspends the birch plywood seat frame rather than mounting it rigidly, introducing a subtle give that absorbs the sitter's weight and distributes pressure more evenly. This mechanism is a key reason the Archibald Slim can maintain a lean, upright profile without sacrificing the comfort expected over a full dining experience.
