Penguin Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern penguin chair, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort.
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Penguin Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern penguin chair, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort.
Fabric, Wood
Penguin Lounge Arm Chair by Theo Ruth for Dutch Manufacturer Artifort
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Penguin lounge arm-chair designed by Theo Ruth for the Dutch manufacturer Artifort.
Wood
Penguin Armchair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950
By Theo Ruth
Located in Kampen, NL
Designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort, in the Netherlands during the 1950s, the Penguin Chair is an iconic example of mid-century Dutch modernism.
Fabric, Hardwood
Pair of Armchairs Penguin by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Theo Ruth
Located in Brussels, BE
The Penguin armchair by Theo Ruth for Dutch manufacturer Artifort is one of the icons of Dutch design from 1957.
Fabric, Wood
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 25.2 in D 22.05 in
“Penguin” Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands 1950
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Wilnis, UT
A beautiful “Penguin” chair designed by Theo Ruth, manufactured by Artifort in the Netherlands around 1950.
Fabric, Wood
Unavailable
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 27.56 in
Theo Ruth Mid-Century Modern Armchair Model Penguin for Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Ghent, BE
An original "Penguin" lounge chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Mid-Century Modern Dutch design from 1957.
Faux Leather, Wood
Theo Ruth Penguin Chairs Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice pair of iconic 'Penguin' chairs designed by Theo Ruth and manufactures by Artifort, Holland 1957.
Fabric, Beech
Penguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Munich, DE
Two upholstered Penguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort. The upholstery is a new velvet stripe fabric.
Oak, Velvet
Penguin Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
A rare yellow penguin lounge chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort. A modular design comprised of two interlocking pieces, seat and back can separate.
Faux Leather, Wood
Theo Ruth Penguin Lounge Chair for Artifort, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in The Hague, NL
The iconic Penguin chair was designed by Theo Ruth and produced by Artifort in 1957.
Wool, Wood
Theo Ruth Black "Penguin" Lounge Chair for Artifort, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Delft, NL
Theo Ruth "Penguin" lounge chair for Artifort, 1950s The chair upholstered in black wool fabric The chair exists of two parts The measurements are: 82 cm high and 75 cm ...
Wool, Wood
Penguin and Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
The congo and penguin chair are both interlocking for easy assembly and transportation This design is by Theo Ruth for Artifort in 1957 and based on concept of an African shepherd ...
Upholstery, Seagrass, Birch
Sold
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 33.08 in
Congo & Penguin Lounge chairs Design Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Den Haag, NL
These iconic chairs is on a high quality beech wooden base. These stunning pieces of Dutch design would make a real eye-catcher in any interior! These Penguin and congo chair consis...
Fabric
Sold
H 32.29 in W 30.71 in D 29.93 in
Theo Ruth Penguin Armchair in Black and White Fabric for Artifort, Netherlands
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Great Penguin lounge chair desgined by Theo Ruth in the early fifties and manufactured by Artifort, Netherlands.
Fabric, Wood
Theo Ruth 'Penguin' Chairs for Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Theo Ruth 'Penguin' Chairs made for Artifort. These chairs are made of two interlocking parts, making them both stable and comfortable.
Beech
Theo Ruth Penguin Chair for Artifort
By Artifort, Julian Marshall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Piece of Furniture. A Two-Piece Chair with Tension Construction. Original Carved Birch Frame with New Bone White Upholstery.
Upholstery
Sold
H 32.49 in W 29.73 in D 28.75 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Penguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort, design 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern Penguin lounge chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort.
Fabric, Beech
Armchair Penguin Theo Ruth Artifort
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Penguin Lounge Chair designed in 1957 by Theo Ruth for Artifort.
Penguin Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Wilnis, UT
Beautifull Penguin chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, manufactured in the Netherlands in 1957.
Beech, Fabric
Penguin Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Wilnis, UT
A beautiful Penguin chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, manufactured in The Netherlands in 1957.
Fabric, Beech, Wool, Cotton
Sold
H 35.04 in W 30.32 in D 31.5 in
Easy chair Penguin, model 107, by Theo Ruth, for Artifort, Netherlands 1960s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Penguin Easy chair designed by Theo Ruth and produced by Artifort in the Netherlands around 1960.
Fabric, Wood
"Penguin" Chair in Original Leather Upholstery by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Theo Ruth
Located in New York, NY
Iconic 1957 "Penguin" chair by Theo Ruth in original leather upholstery with great patina.
Sold
H 32.68 in W 31.5 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Model Penguin by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Beek en Donk, NL
A recently upholstered "Penguin" lounge chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Mid-Century Modern Dutch design, 1957.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Penguin Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1957
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Wilnis, UT
Amazing pair of Penguin chairs by Theo Ruth manufactured by Artifort in The Netherlands in 1957.
Faux Leather, Beech
Theo Ruth "Penguin" Armchair
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Dubai, AE
Lovely small but comfy little armchair - Reupholstered, with wood in pretty good condition at a very fair price.
Wood
Sold
H 32.63 in W 29.88 in D 31.5 in
Julius Vermeulen and Theo Ruth Penguin Chairs in "Hotstuff" and "Insects", 2014
By Artifort, Julius Vermeulen, Theo Ruth
Located in Blauvelt, NY
Julius Vermeulen and Theo Ruth; Penguin chair designed in 2014 is made from carved birch, polyester, organic cotton and leather. Theo Ruth's penguin chair and the postage stamp have ...
Birch, Cotton, Leather, Polyester
$10,289 / set
H 31.89 in W 34.26 in D 30.71 in
Midcentury F557 Lounge Chair Set by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible pair of lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin in 1961. This iconic model F557, famously known as the Oyster Chair, represents a rare first ed...
Fabric
$3,880
H 38.59 in W 38.59 in D 38.59 in
Mid Century F510 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1960s
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable Artifort "F510" lounge chair. Designed by the famous English designer Geoffrey Harcourt in the 60's. This chair is manufactured in the 70's. Very solid wooden fra...
Bouclé, Plastic, Wood
$5,494 / set
H 35.44 in W 25.6 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric
$4,406 / set
H 33.08 in W 27.56 in D 29.53 in
Geoffrey Harcourt Pair of F152 Lounge Chairs with Ottoman for Artifort 1975
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Meer, VAN
Geoffrey Harcourt Pair of F152 Lounge Chairs with Ottoman for Artifort, The Netherlands, 1975. Beautiful and original pair of swivel lounge chairs designed by Geoffrey Harcourt (193...
Leather, Wool
975 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Geoffrey Harcourt
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very cute and comfortable 975 Lounge Chair designed by the famous Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort in the 70's. Solid frame with a pivoting foot. The chair has the original high qua...
Metal
Theo Ruth Model 109 Lounge Chair for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth
Located in Kampen, NL
Theo Ruth Model 109 Lounge Chair for Artifort, 1950s The Model 109 lounge chair was designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort in the 1950s and exemplifies his distinctive approach to form,...
Fabric, Oak
$2,621
H 27.17 in W 28.35 in D 29.53 in
Mid Century 975 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Geoffrey Harcourt
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable lounge chair designed by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort in the 60's. It has a rotating foot. Original brown leather with nice patina.
Leather, Fiberglass
$12,018
H 40.56 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in
Armchair "Fiorenza" designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy.
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Armchair "Fiorenza," designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy. A highly collectible model produced for only one year by Arflex. This stunning pair of armchairs features sc...
Fabric, Wood
$9,729 / set
H 37.8 in W 33.08 in D 37.41 in
Pair of Sanluca Armchairs by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Gavina, 1960
By Gavina, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Vicenza, IT
These Sanluca armchairs by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Gavina, upholstered in deep blue velvet and produced in Italy during the 1960s, represent one of the most recognis...
Velvet, Ash, Beech
$14,700 / set
H 31 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
'Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century 'Lady' Chairs by Marco Zanuso & Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century Modern "Lady" Chairs / Lounge Chairs / Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951 with original upholstery. The chairs are s...
Brass, Steel
$9,145 / set
H 29.14 in W 29.93 in D 35.44 in
Set of 2 F517 Lounge Chairs by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Geoffrey Harcourt
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable Artifort F517 lounge chair, set of 2. Designed by the famous English designer Geoffrey Harcourt in the 70's. Very solid wooden frame with a large pivoting metal ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, New Beige Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
$3,651
H 33.08 in W 33.86 in D 35.04 in
Midcentury F518 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1970s
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Extremely comfortable Artifort F518 lounge chair. Designed by the famous English designer Geoffrey Harcourt in the 70's. Very solid wooden frame with a large pivoting metal foot. ...
Metal
$3,651
H 36.23 in W 35.44 in D 31.5 in
Mid Century Big Tulip Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable and original Big Tulip lounge chair, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1965. This model remains one of the best known of the Pierre Paulin's work. The chair ...
Steel
$10,000
H 39.5 in W 27.5 in D 29.5 in
Single Modernist Armchair, attributed to Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950's
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Single Modernist Armchair attr. to Paolo Buffa. Mahogany frame with newly upholstered back, seat and armrests.
Upholstery, Wood
$5,253
H 32.29 in W 35.04 in D 34.65 in
Restored Artifort F518 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt in Bouclé Fabric, 1970
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This iconic F518 lounge chair, designed by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort in the 1960s, is a highly sought-after example of refined mid-century modern design, celebrated for its scul...
Metal
Dutch Landscape, Moonlight, Oil on Oak from the 19th Century
Located in Budapest, HU
A small-scale nocturne depicting a low Dutch riverside town under a heavy, advancing cloud mass, painted with a deliberately restrained palette and a clear emphasis on atmosphere ove...
Oak, Paint
Leather Meander Flexible Wall Sconce
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Leather wrapped flexible arm wall light you can pose and adjust as you wish. This is our updated Meander Reader light with larger cone shade and new upward angled arm. Lamping: Singl...
Brass, Metal
$19,345 / item
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Giovannetti, 1970s Anfibio Foldable Sofa in Cream Colored Fabric Project, Becchi
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Wool, Cotton
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
$2,060Sale Price|20% Off
H 18.12 in W 18.12 in D 1.38 in
Italian Riviera Franco Albini Rattan Square Sunburst Mirror, Loop Design, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Franco Albini Rattan Mirror ___________________________________________________________ A highly decorative squared Mid-Century Modern mirror with undulated rattan frame a...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$3,459 / item
H 16.93 in W 46.46 in D 14.18 in
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Mohair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Velvet, Oak
$3,204 / item
H 12.6 in W 28.35 in D 36.23 in
Flush Mount Brass and Glass Chandelier 8 Arms, Stilnovo Style, Low Ceiling Best
By Silvio Piattelli, Stilnovo
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This chandelier is specifically designed for low ceilings, with a height of only 13 inches (32 cm). The arms and shade holders are made of brass, while the central part is made of me...
Metal, Brass
$3,990 / item
H 34 in W 31 in D 40 in
Custom Made to Order Belgian Linen Slip Cover Club Chair with Down Cushion
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This White Linen Slip-Covered Lounge Chair fits as the perfect accent to any room. It's the perfect chair to have adjacent to a sofa, and can make every pillow look delightful in the...
Cotton, Linen, Wood, Down
$7,950 / set
H 30.32 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame
By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Czech design by Kozelka & Kropacek, reupholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin with warm brown patinated bentwood frames. Comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style. De...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood
Guillerme & Chambron 'Petit Repos' Lounge Chair in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, 'Petit Repos' lounge chair, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s. Guillerme & Chambron are known for their high-quality solid oak furniture, ...
Fabric, Oak
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.
Fabric, Maple
An Angular Armchair, Upholstered in COM
By Jules Leleu, Gerrit Rietveld, Jacques Adnet, (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A single modern angular club armchair, upholstered in customer supplied fabric. High quality handmade beech frames and sprung seats. COM fabrics subject to approval.
Beech, Oak, Fabric
$1,648Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 24.81 in D 29.53 in
Small Gray Velvet Armchair Italy 1950s Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bedroom armchair Paolo Buffa Italy 1950s
Velvet
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic so called 'Lady chair' designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex, Italy, 1951. This lady chair has chrome-plated legs and original upholstery in grey. The upholstery...
Chrome
$2,700 / item
H 40.5 in W 22 in D 16.25 in
Modern Bar Stool with Laser-Cut Steel Frame and Leather Sling by KLEIN
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials - Steel, Leather // Style - Sculptural Modern // Origin - USA // Condition - New, Made to Order Focused on stripping down and building with simple singular materials, the ...
Cut Steel
Nebula Rug in Olive, Hand-Knotted Wool
By Pieces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crafted from 100% New Zealand wool yarn which is batch-dyed and hand-knotted at a luxurious 100 knots per square inch. - All Pieces rugs are made by hand to order - Lead time i...
Wool
Among the pantheon of talented individuals who have worked for Artifort, Theo Ruth was the acclaimed Dutch furniture manufacturer’s first permanent designer. Ruth’s work significantly advanced Artifort’s laudable reputation, specifically through his designs for armchairs like the 1952 Congo chair and the 1953 Penguin chair.
Ruth was born in 1915 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where Artifort was established. Founded by Jules Wagemans, Artifort began as Wagemans & Van Tuinen in 1890 before rebranding to Artifort in 1928. Ruth studied furniture and interior design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht and joined the Artifort team in 1936.
Ruth’s long tenure as its head of design and development included overseeing the hiring of key individuals like Artifort’s aesthetic consultant and designer Kho Liang Ie, British furniture designer Geoffrey D. Harcourt RDI and French interior designer Pierre Paulin RDI.
Following Ruth’s death in 1971, Artifort has carried on his legacy of innovative furniture through collaborations with numerous top designers, such as Jasper Morrison, Wolfgang C.R. Mezger, René Holten, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Ilse Crawford and Luca Nichetto.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Theo Ruth seating, including lounge chairs, sofas and more.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.