20th Century Specialists Armchairs

Pair of 40s wood armchair with straw seating. Imposing chairs with decorated wood frame. Original cushions available.

Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, 'Saturnus' lounge chair, leather, fiberglass, Finland, 1960s. Stunning easy chair in patinated black leather and fiberglass by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkap...

Abel Gonzalez, sling safari chair, wood, leather, brass, Argentina, 1960s. This safari chair by the Argentinian designer Abel Gonzalez is based on a pro...

This gorgeous set of six (6) dining chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Jutex (1960s Denmark) is comprised of two armchairs and four side chairs. Some of the many things that make th...

This elegant chair three-legged chair by Thonet made of stained beech with a seat upholstered in suede leather. 31.5"h X 25"w X 23"d

Dining chair, beech, fabric, Norway, 1960s This Norwegian elegant dining chair shows beautiful lines and stunning wood connections. The visually almost floating seat with the well-s...

Throughout the Nordic countries, there's a long history of pride in the craftsmanship of using natural materials like wood. This beautiful armchair is a great representation of the q...

Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...

With rounded and scrolled detail on the armrest, this Jules Leleu Art Deco armchair is the picture of elegance and comfort. Bibliography: For an illustration of a similar model, se...

Incredible piece of work from William Emmerson's "Ab Ovo" Collection - the Leather Hanging Pod Chair. Constructed of a solid steel substrate which i...

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, pair of safari chairs model 'KK47000', ash, canvas, metal, brass, leather, Denmark, designed in 1933 and produced in 1960s. The chair shows very eleg...

Finn Juhl designed this elegant lounge chair, model FD 136, for France & Daverkosen (later known as France & Son). The slender teak frame with its sculpted armrests complements the g...

The expression “Swedish Modern” was first used in the 1930s, when modern Swedish design was becoming increasingly well known in Europe and the United States. It was at its height in ...

Robert Haussmann for De Sede, armchair, model 'DS-201', chrome-plated metal, leather, Switzerland, designed in 1957 A design by Robert Haussmann that features a cubic shaped struct...

Jens Harald Quistgaard for Richard Nissen, set of four dining chairs, oak, suede, Langå, Denmark, 1964 Danish sculptor and designer Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919-2008) is particularl...

Hans Wegner round chair model JH501 for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. Iconic chair by the master Hans Wegner and nick named "The Chair" after being featured in the JFK presidential debat...

Easy chair, fabric, beech, Denmark, 1950s This archetypical wingback chair of the 1950s is both extremely comfortable and pleasing to the eyes. The armchair is upholstered in a fine...

Elegant pair of solid hard wood and caned British Colonial Plantation chairs, lounge chairs or armchairs. The chairs feature swing out extension arms. The construction is hand made w...

Dining chairs, oak, The Netherlands, 1940s These subtle and modest chairs from Dutch origin are executed in oak that has a natural expression due to the visible wooden grains and wa...

Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Møbelsnedkeri, PP Møbler, 'The Chair/Round Chair' dining chairs, teak, Denmark, 1949 An important pair of Hans J. Wegner dining chairs made in 194...

A pair of highback wooden armchairs with burgundy leather seat and back. Brass rivets hold the leather in place. Designed for the VII Triennale di Mon...

The Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Lounge Chair, produced by B&B Italia in the 1970s, is an iconic piece of Italian design. Characterized by its distinctive and innovative form, the chai...

An Iconic pair of French Mid-Century Modern armchairs, club or lounge chairs in solid cherry by Rene Gabriel, circa 1948. The chairs feature angled armrests and angled saber legs with stunning grid form back rests which propel the chairs forward into a distinctive modern sensibility. The grid back form has since become an emblematic design of Rene Gabriel. In addition, Gabriel initiated a design innovation as he was one of the first designers to design the chairs proudly displaying their means of construction and to highlight the means of construction itself as an element of style! Thus, the solid cherry wood frame is tongue and groove notched and displayed at the front of the chairs where the legs join the arms. This gives the chairs a bold look. The chairs have been refinished and have new cushions covered in cotton. Gabriel was one of the premiere Modernist designers in France in the post war 1940...

As one of the first Italian designers to go beyond aesthetic issues to incorporate technological, industrial, and communication variables into his art, Marco Zanuso introduced the co...

Attributed to Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, lounge chair, fabric, cherry, Belgium, 1950s This well-detailed easy chair features an outstanding cherry frame in which the legs and arm...

Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern sling lounge chairs in patent leather by Lama. They are part of the history of European functional modernist chairs that collapse and can be...

Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, lounge chair, oak, fabric, France, 1960s A sculptural easy chair by Guillerme and Chambron that is very well executed and made of solid, carv...

Horst Brüning for Kill International, lounge chair model ‘6912’, Pierre Frey Comporta Creme fabric, chrome, fabric, Germany, 1967. This well-designed armchair shows a solid constru...

Finn Juhl model NV 48 armchair for Niels Vodder, with embossed maker's stamp to the rear stretcher. Good condition black leather upholstery with a refinished tea...

Augusto Savini for Pozzi, 'Pamplona' dining chairs, lacquered wood, fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1965 'Pamplona' armchairs in black lacquered wood and brown upholstery. A characteristic...

Description: An upholstered leather armchair designed by Czechoslovak designer, Zbyněk Hřivnáč, during the 1970s for the Hotel Praha.  Commissioned by the Communist Party in Czech...

DESCRIPTION: Mid-Century Poul Kjaerholm Armchair "PK-31", circa 1950, Denmark. Very decorative piece made with leather and steel. CONDITION: Good vintage condition. Wear consistent...

Svensk design, “Swedish design”, is unquestionably a conventional and popular branding device, with many companies explicitly promoting their products as examples of god design, “goo...

Pair of club chairs, velvet, stained ash, Italy, 1950s. This lovely pair of Italian lounge chairs is characterized by a sophisticated aesthetic due to its curvaceous lines and round...

Safari lounge chair, leather, stained beech, metal, Europe, 1970s Stunning safari lounge chair covered in original upholstery made of natural cognac brown leather. The chair shows v...

Set of twelve armchairs, lacquered metal, fabric, beech, The Netherlands, 1960s This set of mid-century Dutch chairs are stackable and therefore easy to store. Another functional fe...

Arne F. Tidemand for Norcraft, 'Holmenkollen' lounge chair, leather, teak, Norway, 1959 This easy chair is designed by Norwegian designer Arne F. Tidemand Ruud and produced by Norwe...

Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström for Swedese, 'Caryngo' armchair, oak, canvas, Sweden, 1955 This Caryngo lounge chair by Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström features an oak frame and can...

The design of this remarkable chair sis based on a long tradition of safari chairs. From Eileen Gray to Kaare Klint and Elias Svedberg, a lot of great designers have made versions of...

This elegant pair of winged back chairs is a great representation of the quality and craftsmanship of European master cabinetmakers of the 20th century and the immediately recognizab...

Taichiro Nakay (Nakai) for La Permanente Mobili La Permanente Mobili Cantù, armchair, cherry, reupholstered in Evolution 21 - Toscane Blue - 12, Italy, 1955 Taichiro Nakay is an inc...

Hans Könecke for Tecta, armchair, suede and metal, Germany, 1960s This lounge chair is another great example of German Modernist furniture, designed by architect Hans Könecke in the...

Pair of lounge chairs, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1950s These beautifully designed lounge chairs hold a striking construction by means of the sculpted elements discernible in the ...

Nice pair of armchairs by Antonio Citterio and manufactured in Italy by Flexform in 1970. The frame itself is made out of beech wood and has a rattan cladding running on both inside ...

Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...

Solid teak frame with a curved high back, angled seat and high quality leather cushions make for an exceptionally comfortable seat. Designed by Danish-born architect and furniture de...

Pair of dining chairs, fabric, lacquered wood, Italy, 1970s Italian dining chairs that have a strong resemblance to Augusto Savinis 'Pamplona' chair (1965) and Afra & Tobia Scarpa's...

Two pairs of Important Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs / armchairs / slipper chairs by Gastone Rinaldi. These stunning.pieces have a rare, architectural presence and are com...

Set of eight armchairs, fabric, iron, teak, The Netherlands, 1960s. These Dutch dining chairs are well-proportioned, featuring a teak frame with angular lines and round edges. The a...

Douglas Brown for Grand Ledge Chair Company, highback chair, teak, cane, reupholstered fabric, United States, 1950s. Very elegant high back ...

Set of eight dining chairs, black lacquered oak, white fabric, Italy, 1970s. Outstanding set of eight geometric Italian dining chairs. These chairs combine a sculptural design that ...

Signed and dated. Antonio Pio Saracino’s furniture is of a piece with his sculptural and architectural projects. Of ingenious and meticulous de...

Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, lounge chair model 'Hunting Chair', Denmark, 1970s Hunting chair, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1950 for the Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition. The theme...

Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, lounge chair model 'GE290', oak, wool, Denmark, design 1959. The GE290 lounge chair is an elegant and well-proportioned piece within a simplistic construc...

The first golden age of Scandinavian design took place from the 1930s through the 1970s. During this period, furniture designers created works that offered unique twists on tradition...

Carl-Axel Acking was a Swedish architect, author and furniture designer, winner of the Lunning Prize in 1952. This “Trienna” model was designed in 1957 and was presented at the Milan...

Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet for Vibo, pair of armchairs, stained beech, straw, France, 1950s Pair of armchairs designed by the duo Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet. The seating and bac...

The celebrated Papa Bear chair with matching footrest. Dimensions listed are for chair.

Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, perfect execution, and exclusivity. This pair of armchairs is attributed to Italian design icon, Paolo Buffa. Coinciding with contemporary debates about the role of design and its responsibility to the larger population, Buffa reworked the presiding neoclassical idiom. The architect incorporated simplified forms into his designs in order to streamline production techniques, whilst always retaining a high regard for materials and harmonious portions. This pair of armchairs is said to have been designed by Buffa during the 1950s and elegantly balances comfort and functionality with high-quality craftsmanship and materials: the refined, articulated lines of the armchairs’ frames counter the volume of its cushions and uniquely patterned upholstery. By the mid-1930s, Buffa had established his own studio, where the Milanese architect designed expertly crafted furniture featuring intricate details and combined luxurious materials for an elite clientele. Buffa developed close relationships with cabinetmaking workshops in Brianza, renowned for their traditional furniture manufacturing, and during the following decades collaborated with some of the period’s most skilled artisans. These relationships enabled Buffa to introduce a modern vocabulary into his work whilst adhering to Milan’s heritage of artisan furniture production, in order to realize inventive furniture designs that revealed a skilful union of design and execution. These chairs embody this patently, with their most intricate feature being the upholstery covering the elegant, stylish shape of the solid wood frames. The elaborate pattern invites the eyes to spend time observing and exploring it, therefore the overall impression is interesting and stylish, while it also makes these chairs a one-of-a-kind pair. The exposed architectural, tapered legs supporting the comfortable seats and curved backs complement the design of this model greatly. The slim look serves as a counterweight to the voluptuous bodies, and the colour of the wood complements the pattern as well. The overall design is focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the exclusive materials. Besides the upholstery, the versatile shapes, from the curving, rounded edges on the top to the characteristic armrests and tapered legs, make these chairs stand out. Buffa’s designs were featured in important publications, such as Roberto Aloi’s L’arredamento moderno series, through which a coherent evolution can be traced in Buffa’s work as he interpreted the formal elegance of Italian design with a subtle yet recognizably modern rigour evidenced by this pair. Paolo Buffa was especially passionate about furniture and product design, an area where he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire of substantial classicism, while not disdaining impulses of authentic modernity. He was extremely active in the Milanese design scene that was just as vibrant and unique as these armchairs. In an atmosphere committed to the reinterpretation of the Lombard classicism and Milanese architecture, exceptional pieces were created, as this pair shows. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium patterned fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 29.52 in W x 34.44 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.15 in; Arm height 22.44 in 75 cm W x 87.5 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm Literature: 'Alcuni Mobili di Paolo Buffa', Domus, no. 178, October 1942, p. 431 for a similar example Roberto Aloi, L’Arredamento Moderno, quarta serie, Milan, 1949, fig. 366 for a similar example Roberto Rizzi, I mobile di Paolo Buffa, exh. cat., Mostra Internazionale dell'Arredamento, Cantù, 2002, pp. 30, 34-35 for a drawing and images of a similar example About the (attributed) designer: Paolo Buffa (born 1903, Milan – died 1970, Milan) was an Italian furniture designer who defined his own unique design aesthetic to become one of the most sought-after Italian designers of his day. Renowned for pairing elements from both the opulent Neoclassical and the streamlined Art Deco styles around a more modern sensitivity, Buffa excelled in creating high quality pieces that spoke to the well-to-do clientele of the time. Born in Milan in 1903, Buffa trained at the Politecnico di Milano. Following his graduation in 1927, he worked briefly for Gio Ponti, and in 1928, he partnered with architect Antonio Cassi to establish their own design studio in Milan. By 1936, Paolo Buffa opened his own independent studio where he became particularly successful, in part because he had already tapped into his unique combination of stylistic elements. His incorporation of more traditionally Neoclassical motifs or materials – for example, rich rosewoods or supple, velveteen fabrics – with the relatively avant-garde forms and themes of a lighter Art...

Robert Haussmann for De Sede, pair of armchairs model 'DS-201', chrome-plated metal, leather, Switzerland, designed in 1957 A design by Robert Haussmann that features a cubic shape...