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Writer's pictureARPR MÉXICO

Acapulco Chair, the Original Mexican Chair

Updated: Jan 25

The Acapulco chair or also known in Spain as Ibiza chair is a famous chair design in Mexico originated in the coastal town of Acapulco, in the 1950's by an anonymous author. At the end of the decade, the Pacifico Acapulco Resort incorporated the Acapulco chair in its furniture and it was from then on that it would begin to become popular, until it became an icon of Mexican design, as it is recognized today. The design is not copyrighted, since its inventor is unknown; there is no official manufacturer and there are no original plans. As a result, many versions of the Acapulco chair have been derived from it (armchairs, rocking chairs, etc. and even matching tables).



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silla acapulco rosada

History

The Acapulco chair was created by the artisans of the port in the 50's and it was already popular to see it in the terraces of the city. It is also said that several Hollywood celebrities, singers and politicians sunbathed on this chair. The inspiration in the Mayan weaving techniques (k'áan). Originally hand-woven from polyethylene or nylon, it was later changed to more weight and sun-resistant materials such as synthetic rattan or PVC.


The designer was inspired by Mayan braiding techniques that cast doubt on the location of this creation, between Yucatan (Mayan State) and Guerrero (the state of the city of Acapulco). "All legends agree that the Acapulco chair would have been a great success in the 50's and that the great stars of those years would have sat on it during their passage through the blue city of Acapulco.


The Acapulco chair has been exhibited at the MoMA in New York, the Pompidou in Paris and the Metropolitan in Tokyo. Today it can be found in patios and gardens throughout Mexico.


Design

The Acapulco chair consists of two parts or materials: a structure that can be made of steel, metal or aluminum and the upholstery, which is actually a rattan-like rope made of PVC or vinyl. The structure is fixed, made of thin steel tubes coated with matte black paint suitable for outdoor use. Its legs are joined by a crossbar. The crossbar is formed in an ovoid shape (sometimes more round, sometimes more pear-shaped) of approximately 70-80 cm at its widest part, in the center of which is located a circumference where the three legs are joined. Between the crossbar and the circumference the rope is tied radially to create a "fabric" that serves as a backrest and seat. The seat inclination is 1-0.8 m.


Size

In total, the Acapulco chair is about 90 cm high, although its measurements vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, as there are no original plans that set the standard. Its materials make it ideal as an outdoor chair and it is highly resistant: it withstands falls and weights of more than 100 kg.



Architecture

The Acapulco chair eventually became a design staple that found its way into museums, stores and store windows all over the world. Tokyo, Copenhagen, Madrid, New York and Amsterdam embraced the trend and turned this model into a cult object. The fact that the design is so versatile and easy to combine makes it a favorite of many, they come in all price ranges, from 400 pesos (20 dollars) to 11,000 (500 dollars) and are sold by brands from all over the world.


Traditionally, the Acapulco chair is made in plain and bright colors, such as red, blue, pink, green, white or yellow. Today, however, there are endless combinations and a wide variety of shapes. The classic pear-shaped chair has given rise to new designs, such as the round Acapulco chair, rectangular chairs, coffee tables, benches and periquets.


It is a very functional chair, extra comfortable and very typical in hot or tropical places in Mexico and the world.


Although it was originally appreciated for its comfort, today it is popular for its ability to provide a retro and minimalist touch to the decoration of spaces. To tell the truth, few pieces of furniture are so versatile: it can be placed inside homes, on open terraces, poolside, the beach, restaurants, bars... the list is endless.


Acapulco Chairs by Color



Acapulco Chair Black Chair- Ibiza Black Chair

The black Acapulco chair is a favorite in the world of interior design, its versatility in use for both indoors and outdoors makes it an ideal piece of furniture, as it can play with the decoration of the home, the furniture is made from a solid steel skeleton, which will hold the PVC fabric.

  • Color: BLACK

  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

  • Backrest style: Media Luna Chair-Classic Chair

  • Brand: Acapulco

  • Style: Classic/Media Luna

  • About this item

  • Acapulco Media Luna Chair -Classic Chair- Ibiza Chair- Media Luna Model

  • Structure of metal rod 1/2 with black enamel

  • Synthetic plastic fabric of PVC.

  • 100% Handmade and handcrafted

  • Measurements Mèdia Luna Chair: 85 cm Height X 70 cm Width x 45 cm depth of the backrest.

  • Classic Chair Measurements : 80 cm Height x 80 cm Width x 45 cm Depth of backrest






Acapulco Chair, Acapulco Blue Chair - Ibiza Blue Chair

The blue color transmits confidence and tranquility. It is a very popular color when it comes to use it in certain areas or products. For example, jewelry or even police uniforms.


Blue is a primary color. As a result of the union of this color with others, other types of shades can arise. There are several shades of blue, for example, sky blue, deep blue, light blue or imperial blue.


There are different shades and depending on the effect you want to achieve in the individual, one tone or another is used.

  • Color: Sky blue

  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

  • Back Style: Crescent Chair-Classic Chair

  • Brand: Acapulco

  • Style: Classic/Midmoon

  • About this item

  • Acapulco Media Luna Chair -Classic Chair- Ibiza Chair- Media Luna Model

  • Metal rod structure 1/2 with black enamel

  • PVC synthetic plastic fabric.

  • 100% Handmade and handcrafted

  • Measurements Media Luna Chair: 85 cm Height X 70 cm Width x 45 cm depth of the backrest.

  • Classic Chair Measurements: 80 cm Height X 80 cm Width X 45 cm Back Depth




Acapulco Chair, Acapulco Pink Chair Ibiza Pink Chair

There is evidence that the color pink used in spaces can reduce anxiety levels, a result that opposes places with intense red tones. Lighter shades of pink can convey joy and happiness. Darker shades of pink can convey euphoria and excitement of mood. For some people seeing or interacting with lighter shades of pink is fuel for creativity. So if you're thinking about a pink acapulco chair it's sure to be a good choice.

  • Color: LIGHT PINK

  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

  • Back Style: Classic Chair

  • Brand: Acapulco

  • Style: Traditional

  • About this item

  • Acapulco Classic Chair - Ibiza Chair - Traditional Model

  • 1/2 metal rod frame with black enamel finish

  • Synthetic PVC plastic fabric.

  • 100% Handmade and handcrafted

  • Measurements: 80 cm height x 80 cm width x 40 cm depth of the backrest.




Acapulco Chair Orange Color - Ibiza Chair Orange Color

The orange acapulco chair helps us to create striking and exotic spaces, at the same time it is a color that combines with almost everything, that is why it is called the new black, orange is one of the secondary colors that is associated with exoticism, fun and enthusiasm. But not only this; the psychology of colors has proposed different meanings and effects according to the specific shade of orange, as well as different uses.

  • Color: Orange

  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

  • Back Style: Crescent Chair-Classic Chair

  • Brand: Acapulco

  • Style: Classic/Crescent

  • About this item

  • Acapulco Media Luna Chair -Classic Chair- Ibiza Chair- Media Luna Model

  • 1/2 metal rod frame with black enamel finish.

  • PVC synthetic plastic fabric.

  • 100% Handmade and handcrafted

  • Measurements Media Luna Chair: 85 cm Height X 70 cm Width x 45 cm depth of the backrest.

  • Classic Chair Measurements: 80 cm Height x 80 cm Width x 45 cm Depth of backrest


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What is a real Acapulco chair?

Legally speaking, there is no fake Acapulco chair since the designer is unknown, the original design is unknown and there is no initial manufacturer who can enlighten us. Given the mystery of this creation, it is difficult to say that there is an original Acapulco chair, because the earliest traces we have of the chairs are multiple, and as explained in the previous paragraph, there were numerous shapes, finishes and quality of Acapulco chair.


Who invented the Acapulco chair?

The Acapulco chair is of an anonymous author, to date its origin is unknown, the chair was commercially reproduced by a local merchant known as Don Jose Cortes, he was dedicated to the reproduction and sale of the piece, so it was that the Acapulco chair was recognized in Acapulco, reaching the eyes of foreigners and locals.


What are Acapulco chairs?

Acapulco chairs are a type of seat made by hand with PVC or nylon ropes, the ropes are intertwined in a similar way to rattan chairs, but using Mayan techniques giving a hammock shape for your rest. These chairs were designed this way because of the hot temperatures of Acapulco and southeastern Mexico where the Mayan culture was born.


What is the material of the Acapulco chairs called?

Acapulco chairs are originally made of PVC and/or Nylon rope. We can find other models such as Hilo and Rattan.


Where are Acapulco chairs made?

Acapulco chairs originate from the famous Acapulco coast, their manufacture is nowadays done all over Mexico and the world by furniture companies.


How to clean Acapulco chairs?

Acapulco chairs can be cleaned with soap and water, liquid or powder, we can use the detergent with which we wash the dishes or clothes, in turn we can use a soapy detergent for cleaning and shine. The material it is made of (Plastic, PVC, Nylon) is very resistant to almost any type of detergent.


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