The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOURCE

Solair Chair

February 26th, 2006

Designer: Fabio Fabiano and Michelange Panzini
Manufacturer: IPL (L’Industrie Provinciale), St. Damien, QC
Date: 1972

Bright and vibrant in innovation when first introduced, the Solair was designed by Montrealers Fabio Fabiano and Michelange Panzini, in 1972. Riding the wave of design energy coming out of Expo 67, and the nationalist fervour of Canada’s Centennial, the two newly minted designers were recruited by Industries Provinciales, Saint-Damien (Québec) to rework the concept of a Canadian-designed, comfortable and stylish, modern indoor and outdoor chair. Using new injection moulding plastic technology and steel framing, the chair was designed over the space of one weekend so as to meet a pressing contract deadline. Since 1989, the chair has been in continuous production and distribution by Industries Emile Lachance Ltée.

Extensively retailed throughout the 70′s the Solair was marketed across Canada and the eastern seaboard of the United States as far south as Florida. A stalwart in Eaton’s and Sears catalogues; the chair went on to become an iconic fixture of North American roadside motels and pools of the period. Lightweight and extremely comfortable, the Solair, with its simple lines and solid practicality exudes an allure that continues to speak to us about its emblematic place in Canadian culture.

-Kate Eisen and Duncan Farnan, InAbstracto, Toronto ON

Entry Filed under: Best of the CDR,Furniture

92 Comments Add your own

1. Julie | July 1st, 2006 at 21:40

looking for quebec distributor of the solair chair. please and thanks in advance.
2. Wendy Holmes | July 3rd, 2006 at 17:01

I have 2 of these chairs and LOVE them. I would love to get more. Please let me know where they can be found in US or Canada. Thanks!!!
3. Guy Norbury | July 10th, 2006 at 12:34

I have about 30 frames for the Solair Chairs and am looking for the plastic seats. I have a small motel in East Durham NY and would like to know where I can get find or order them. Thx Guy
4. Walter Jacobs | July 12th, 2006 at 17:09

Where can I buy 2 of the solair chair in the US or Canada?
5. admin | July 12th, 2006 at 18:27

Unfortunately, the Solair chair has not been in production since the 80′s, but occasionally you can find them in antique stores or on eBay.

-ME
6. mike beane | July 17th, 2006 at 15:56

Can I buy replacement plastic chairs for the frame?
7. Molly Burgoon | July 22nd, 2006 at 11:21

I have two of the yellow solair chairs and I would love to acquire a couple more, do you know any where that these chairs can be purchased.
8. ROBBIE BOSTIC | July 31st, 2006 at 16:01

Where can i purchase replacement plastic chairs for the
Solair frames. I love them .
9. Ed Gilmore | September 21st, 2006 at 14:07

Would like to purchase 3 yellow chairs from anyone.
10. John Susco | October 30th, 2006 at 19:37

I own a near perfect set in coral. I originally saw this chair in the movie “Ruby in Paradise.” by director Victor Nunez.
11. mark weatherby | November 11th, 2006 at 15:20

you can find white only replacvement plastic baskets for the fabiano and panzini at Lowery’s Patio Furniture in
South Berwick Maine- I have two rare blue ones- which I see on the internet for 275.00 per chair- i just bought one
from someone at hampton beach nh for 25.00…SCORE !!!
12. Paul from Mass. | November 18th, 2006 at 16:19

I just purchased an orange and yellow and both are for sale.
13. Paul from Mass. | November 19th, 2006 at 08:43

oops! forgot to leave my email address for the yellow and orange chairs. It’s uppercut2@comcast.net Thanks
14. Ruth | March 15th, 2007 at 16:33

I have been looking for sites like this for a long time. Thank you!
15. Shelley | March 23rd, 2007 at 10:49

If anybody has any of these chairs for sale, please contact me (scoultish@hotmail.com). My sister is getting married on August 18, 2007 and she really wants a set of these chairs as her wedding present. I am having a very difficult time finding any for sale though.
16. ~Vintage Girl~ | April 6th, 2007 at 14:44

I have a few of these chairs…willing to sell two of them. They are both orange & in excellent condition.
Leave msg on site if interested.
17. yukiedo | April 7th, 2007 at 22:17

hi vintage girl, are your two chairs still available? I am interested…you can email me at greensalon@hotmail.com

thanks!

ps. anyone else who has solair chairs they are looking to sell, can email me too…
18. John | May 4th, 2007 at 13:05

I am looking to purchase several of the replacement plastic chairs with out the frames. If anybody knows of a place that sells them please email me and let me know. I will even settle for a similar maker of this style chair. Acramanorhotel@aol.com …Thanks John
19. Tom | May 25th, 2007 at 14:33

Hi I have had alot of these chairs over the last 25 years. Where can I get more. Thanks for all your help.
20. Guy Moderne | May 28th, 2007 at 06:50

Well! I have now recently come across only the second of these vintage chairs in my travels! The vendor was savy however and I paid a fair price for a good condition example in brown! Would be willing to part with it, offered to local interest only in the Southern interior of BC. We could also transport to the lower mainland….(any excuse to travel is a good one…lol). Please leave posting or email at rmoen@telus.net Thanks!
21. Nat Leal | June 13th, 2007 at 05:10

I have 12 of these chairs for sale White in cover
make me an offer
you could also contact me @
nleal@deltahotels.com
22. Nat | June 13th, 2007 at 06:20

I have 12 of these chairs
6are painted white(frame) and 6 aren’t
White plastic in color
let me know if interested, and how much you are willing to pay
23. tonyaromatario | June 24th, 2007 at 04:37

IF ANYONE WANTS SOLAIR CHAIRS I HAVE PLENTY SEND ME AN EMAIL
24. Ronald Cote | July 2nd, 2007 at 07:04

I would like to know were I can buy replacement seats .
25. tony aromatario | July 7th, 2007 at 10:34

I have some solair chairs at 100 dolaars each contact me at tonyaromatario@yahoo.ca
26. bill markham | July 10th, 2007 at 17:07

we have 7 chairs and need some replacement plastic seats
27. Tammy Pack | July 15th, 2007 at 14:50

I have four chairs and need some replacement plastic seats – thanks
28. tony aromatario | July 27th, 2007 at 09:42

HI EVERYBODY. REMEMBER WHEN YOU LEAVE A COMMENT, INCLUDE YOUR E MAIL. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOLAIR CHAIRS PLEASE CONTACT ME TONYAROMATARIO@YAHOO.CA
29. Brian | August 8th, 2007 at 10:40

I have three of these chairs and need replacment molded plastic seats. Where can I get them?
30. Melanie | August 12th, 2007 at 20:16

Hi Looking for two chairs, any color but two the same.
Let me know if your in the area of Montreal, Qc or nearby. my email is melanie.lane@mcgill.ca

Thanks.
31. EJ | August 19th, 2007 at 16:37

Hi -

Live in Massachusetts and looking for these chairs… anybody have any leads???

Thanks!
32. EJ | August 20th, 2007 at 05:24

Should have added my e-mail for above: disneyma@comcast.net
33. Louise | August 30th, 2007 at 13:24

I have one orange chair with white painted frame to sell and am living in Southern Alberta. Please email if interested and mention how much you are willing to pay for the chair. johnbas@telus.net
34. Judy | October 14th, 2007 at 15:33

I too have two of these chairs and am looking for replacement seats.
35. Vintage Furniture | October 22nd, 2007 at 10:57

Hey, I really love old retro stuff and vintage furniture is one of my favorites. The old stuff was made well and lasts, not like the new cheap stuff.
36. Michelange Panzini | November 23rd, 2007 at 13:13

the chair was designed in Canada, Montreal. in 1972.
Fabio Fabiano is born in Italy and now lives in Maryland where he teaches design.
For my part I still live in Montreal where I had a successful practice as architect.
The Solair chair is now part of the Quebec Museum of Modern Art in Quebec City.
37. Phillipe Theodosius Lucre | November 24th, 2007 at 18:02

Bravo, Monsieur Panzini! Thank you so much for designing this beautiful chair. It’s a Canadian icon, in my humble opinion. And do thank M. Fabiano on all our behalfs next time you write him. Do you perhaps know what they originally retailed at? What did IPL pay you to design it? And is it true that it was picked up by Eatons? I’m struck by the quality of the material – here we are 35 years later and they still look quite fresh. Any further recollections or comments would be greatly appreciated by all readers, bien-sur! Best regards from an admiring observer.
38. Barbara | March 27th, 2008 at 15:46

These wonderful solar chairs bring back many great memories
of childhood summer vacations with my parents and brother on
the beaches of New Hampshire. Most of the family-run motels had
them and I’m so glad others appreciate their uniqueness as much
as I do.
39. Madame Kymara | March 29th, 2008 at 06:55

Madame Kymara has six Orange and two white Fabiano &Panzini Solair Chairs for sale. They are in Excellent condition. There are also frames sold separately. They may be viewed at Blacksmith Antiques, The Annex, Ogonquit, Maine or contact Madame Kymara via this website.
40. Ann | March 29th, 2008 at 16:28

Madame Kymara. I’m interested in the price for two of the chairs and if shipping is possible. If so, you can email me at bklynann@yahoo.com

Also, if anyone else has two chairs available for sale and can ship them to NY, I would be interested.

Thanks.
41. Madame Kymara | April 4th, 2008 at 20:39

Madame Kymara has tried to email bklyann@yahoo.com and has received a failure notice. I have ten orange chairs all in most excellent condition. They are $135.oo each. I can deliver to NYC area, but shipping and delivery are extra. I have the ability to tag on a shipment to NYC/Staten Island area in June.
My email is Kymara@kymara.com

Thank You,
Madame Kymara
42. Christine | May 18th, 2008 at 12:05

I am looking for 2-4 of these chairs in good condition. I am redoing my back yard and would love to have them to add to it. I live in Ontario, Canada and would like to know where I can get them around here.
43. VINNIE | May 29th, 2008 at 07:54

THE MANUFACTURER IS IEL-LACHANCE.COM THEY ARE IN ST DAMIEN, QUEBEC, CANADA
44. Angela | June 8th, 2008 at 19:40

I am located in London, Ont. and have two chairs in fantastic yellow for sale. One has had a repair to the plastic but you can only tell under close inspection.
Christine send me an email.
45. paul cooney | June 11th, 2008 at 05:08

I am looking for replacement plactic seats for my solar chairs. Can you still purchase new ones? Or is used the only way. If anyone knows where to get them or has some for sale please email me at pauljohncooney@hotmail.com
46. Robert | June 24th, 2008 at 16:58

Have four chairs for sale

http://stcatharines.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-art-collectibles-Mid-century-modern-4-solar-chairs-by-Fabiano-Panzini-W0QQAdIdZ58900428
47. Shelley Wright | July 3rd, 2008 at 12:24

I have 4 of these chairs. The plastic has finally gone on them and am looking for replacement plastic covers. If you know where I can get them please e-mail me. Thank you
48. Rosemary Kehoe | July 14th, 2008 at 14:38

Looking for two of these chairs in white to be shipped to new york
please contact me @ rosek607@mac.com
49. tracy | July 16th, 2008 at 08:24

looking for some solair chairs…tkyser@highfieldequities.com
50. The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOU&hellip | July 26th, 2008 at 05:00

[...] children’s chairs outside an antiques store in Parkdale. While they lack the elegance of the Solair chair in both form and manufacturing (they’re made from a woven plastic as opposed to a single [...]
51. Matt | August 17th, 2008 at 13:20

The Solair chair is still in production. It is actually made by Industrie Émile Lachance, a company who produce old IPL design with the original moulds.
52. Carmen | August 19th, 2008 at 06:50

I have yellow and orange Solair chairs in mint condition.
I am willing to discuss selling them. Nine in total.
53. Paul | September 18th, 2008 at 19:22

I saw similar chairs on http://classifieds.khrido.com/used-ottawa-c9p0/furniture.aspx few weeks ago, not sure if they have been sold already.
54. Oliver Tomas | Text Propo&hellip | November 29th, 2008 at 14:31

[...] Solair Chairs on the CDR [...]
55. Salish Chair finished | N&hellip | December 20th, 2008 at 05:18

[...] Solaire chairs remain in various stages of completion yet to be embellished with historic Art themes from other [...]
56. Jason | December 30th, 2008 at 23:43

I have 2 orange Solair chair in good condition.
I have used them for outdoors and love them. But they need to go now. Interested, please email me. Local sales only
I am in vancouver.
57. Jason | December 30th, 2008 at 23:43

sorry.. my email is jc_chou@yahoo.com
58. The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOU&hellip | February 11th, 2009 at 10:18

[...] Most famously, these collaborations lead to a number of important chair designs (including the Solair Chair and Giovanni Maur’s Plastic Chair), but other consumer products such as these snowshoes also [...]
59. daniel | March 21st, 2009 at 05:29

j’aimerais avoir les prix ,et le cataloque de eaton
60. Caroline | April 3rd, 2009 at 10:14

Je viens d’appeller la compagnie :

Industries Émile Lachance ltée
424, route 279, St-Damien (Québec) G0R 2Y0

msthilaire@iel-lachance.com
•Tél.: 1 800 463-8877

Les chaises sont 75$ chacunes. Il y a 4 couleurs disponibles.
Pour moi (j’habite le Québec, en montérégie) le transport sera 50$ pour 4 chaises.
61. INabstracto | May 23rd, 2009 at 11:31

Duncan Farnan and I now have the distribution rights for the Solair Chair in Toronto and they are for sale @ my shop INabstracto. They come in a variety of colors including; aquamarine, tropical orange, white, yellow, tan and hot pink. We hope to have grey and black in the fall..
The chair retails for $120.00

INabstracto
1160 queen street west
toronto, canada
416-533-6362
62. The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOU&hellip | May 31st, 2009 at 05:03

[...] The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOURCE Solair Chair Posted by root 5 hours ago (http://www.canadiandesignresource.ca) This indoor outdoor chair had a long production run from the 1960 to the 1980 and its remember when you leave a comment include your e mail design adapted from blix theme by sebastian schmieg powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOURCE Solair Chair [...]
63. The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOU&hellip | May 31st, 2009 at 07:36

[...] The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOURCE Solair Chair Posted by root 4 hours ago (http://www.canadiandesignresource.ca) This indoor outdoor chair had a long production run from the 1960 to the 1980 and its remember when you leave a comment include your e mail design adapted from blix theme by sebastian schmieg powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOURCE Solair Chair [...]
64. Amie | June 1st, 2009 at 17:41

Available for order in Montreal at:

Quincaillerie Delorimier – Rona
2140, rue Mont Royal est
(514) 521-6741

Or direct from the factory:
http://www.iel-lachance.com/EN/housewares/products_chairs.htm
65. Sof | July 9th, 2009 at 07:35

You can find metal frame for $45 Canadian and plastic replacement for $30 at http://www.iel-lachance.com
They have the merchandise in stock and plastic in 6 colors.

But they don’t have black top and frame …I have one chair 100% black and would like to buy a 2nd one. Pls contact me if you have any for sale.
boucher.sophie@hotmail.com

Thanks!
66. Claire | August 13th, 2009 at 13:14

Now available on the West Coast !!! IEL sales representative now located on Vancouver Island. Possibiliity of quick pick-up or delivery. New stock to arrive in August. Please get in touch with me at claire@iel-lachance.com
67. GrÃ©goire Christine | January 26th, 2010 at 12:01

For those who are looking for Solair Chair you will find frame and plastic chair (independently) at 1-800-463-8877 and they have orange, blue, white, beige, pink, green, grey and black and they have also the frame.

It is locate near QuÃ©bec city (about 45 kilo) in St-Damien
68. ocean | April 12th, 2010 at 13:01

We have the SOLAIR chairs at Vancouver Special 3612 Main Street.
http://www.vanspecial.com/new-products/solair-chairs/
69. Lisa Graziano | April 22nd, 2010 at 10:36

Looking to PURCHASE the plastic chair inserts as well as a few complete chairs. HAS ANYONE FOUND A PLACE TO BUY?
70. Karine | May 13th, 2010 at 05:52

Is there any place in Europe where I can find those chairs?
71. CuteChairs | May 20th, 2010 at 08:29

You can buy them at a store called Leo Victor Design on 2480 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3J 1N5 (514) 939-3888 or at a hardware store called RONA Le Quincaillier. 5742, avenue du Parc in Montreal 514 948-5610. They carry all the colors.
72. Summer Camping: it’&hellip | May 26th, 2010 at 03:06

[...] taste of summer in Halifax over the long weekend. And I liked it. It was perfect weather for BBQs, fun patio furniture, lemonade and twizzlers. It was also perfect weather to break out a new nautical striped t-shirt [...]
73. and the lord taketh away.&hellip | May 31st, 2010 at 21:31

[...] 4 blocks from our condo) at a small garage sale. beckoning me from the street was a sunshine yellow solair chair. i have been lusting after one of these bitches for YEARS, and have on several occasions strongly [...]
74. D. PERILLO | August 2nd, 2010 at 15:57

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I CAN PURCHASE THESE CHAIRS. I HAVE SIX OF THE ORANGE CHAIRS LEFT FROM AROUND 1973. I LOVE THEM. THEY ARE THE BEST CHAIRS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE THEY ARE AVAILABLE, EITHER FROM A DEALER OR ON LINE AND APPROXIMALTELY HOW MUCH. THANK YOU.
75. IEL | August 4th, 2010 at 06:08

@ D.PERILLO
The chair is available in the USA at :
Smersh Design that Clicks! , Seattle, WA
Retrofit Modern, Seattle, WA
OK Store, Los Angeles and Silverlake, CA
Hold it Contemporary Home, San Diego, CA
Machine Age, Boston, MA
Shelter Home, Asbury Park, NJ
Lowery’s Lawn & Patio, Berwick, ME
Canoe, Portland, OR

The Solair is available in Canada at:
Vancouver Special, Vancouver, BC
Fullhouse Consignment, Vancouver, BC
InAbstracto (258 Indian Road Crescent, Toronto, 416 604-2954)
Studio EyeSpy (388 Carlaw Av Studio 200B, Toronto, 416 461-4061)
Bungalow (273 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, 416 598-0204)
Smash (2880 Dundas Street West, Toronto, 416 762-3113)
Studio Pazo (729 Queen Street East, Toronto, 416 916-6302)
BonaVista LeisureScapes, Toronto, ON
Port Hope LampWorks (14 Ontario Street, Port Hope, 905 885-7044)
Boutique Leo Victor (2480 Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, 514 939-3888)
Ciutadella Gallery
188 Victoria St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (905) 468 8190
If you live in Quebec (state) you can purchase the Solair in every Rona or BMR hardware.

IEL customer service
76. Dinahq | December 9th, 2010 at 22:30

@d.peril

I have two vintage orange so lair chairs,call me 403 918 4475
77. jonsoncamile | April 8th, 2011 at 20:42

Love the design. That is why I bought 4 for my balcony. I’m still looking forward to more designs. I have a new house and I’m planning to put these type of chairs in my new balcony. I’m still looking for newer designs. I hope you could post more which is as comfortable as these chairs.
78. don | May 8th, 2011 at 10:40

I just received 4 of these chairs from out of state, new. I have spent two hours attempting to secure the shell onto the frame–no luck. Am concerned about cracking the shell if I place too much pressure. Is there some trick or advice that anyone can give me before I attempt to return? Love the chairs but currently miserable with what appeared to be easy assembly.
79. Debbie Irvine | May 20th, 2011 at 08:54

Do you have a 1 800 number for your solar chairs?
80. judy jo | June 5th, 2011 at 13:35

I have one vintage solair yellow chair the base has been painted and the yellow part has one break. Let me know if interested. I live in missouri. jjohutch@sbcglobal.net
81. Alison | June 14th, 2011 at 10:56

These chairs are being sold again. Just picked up 2 today at Attica Furnishings, Halifax NS. Yellow and orange! Love them!
82. LoftyAmbitions | July 7th, 2011 at 09:13

If anyone in the Hamilton area is looking for the Solair chair we carry them at Lofty Ambitions at 1045 King St W in Westdale Village. We have a green and white on display to try out and I can order whatever colour you’re interested in – should only take about a week to arrive. They’re priced at $125. Call us at 289-389-5465.
83. Robert Crowe | August 5th, 2011 at 01:17

Great chairs! Still find the vintage ones at garage sales, but good to see them being remade!
84. Sarah Larose | August 6th, 2011 at 18:24

Great chairs, easily available:

- Mikazahome in Hull http://www.mikazahome.com/index.php?page=solaire

- Zone (several locations in Québec): http://www.zonemaison.com/meubles/chaises/33724
85. sal pepe | October 7th, 2011 at 16:31

it should be a very warm day to put your chair together, first strart at the top of the frame, press the top of the plastiic shell on to the top of the frame, get behind the chair, slide and at the same time press you hands down and hard on the shell tward the bottom of the shell until it snaps in to the frame. remember the hotter the temperature the easier it will snap in. sal.
86. millou | October 24th, 2011 at 10:43

hi there i am looking fr about 20 of these chairs for my coffee shop ranging in the colours of yellow orange and blue.
it there somewhere in europe i can get them? paying tax at the airport here in athens will probably be more than the chair costs all together!!!
please help!!
87. Bryan | February 11th, 2012 at 11:03

Hi. Just read all of the posts here and still not able to find the covers. Anyone? I have two chairs and ours were round, just like the Solaire, but we had a canvas cover. I’m just trying to find two canvas covers. Thank you!
88. A place to sit in the sun&hellip | March 15th, 2012 at 19:24

[...] in Montreal in 1972 by Fabio Fabiano and Michelange Panzini, the Solair became an iconic fixture in front of motels up and down the North American East Coast [...]
89. Holly | March 17th, 2012 at 12:05

I just bought a pair of these yellow chairs at a garage sale for $5. Just loved them when I saw and sat in them, but didn’t know anything about them until I found this site :)
90. Leo | April 5th, 2012 at 13:09

If you are looking for these chairs they have them in stock at The Bay in Canada for $99.00 each. April 2012
91. Janatra Hamida | April 12th, 2012 at 01:50

Your blog is really amazing with all the bits and pieces of information I can share with my friends and followers. Thanks and more power!
92. PAT LAVERDIERE | April 20th, 2012 at 11:47

WHERE CAN THES CHAIRS BE PURCHASED?
WHAT IS THE COST PER CHAIR?
CAN ONLY THE PLASTIC BE PUCHASED?

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Solair Chair

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