Skip to main content

Corbusier Ottoman

38
25
2
to
5
40
15
65
35
35
53
6
2
1
25
40
3
16
4
2
2
3
5
4
37
30
25
16
16
44
36
11
8
8
25
14
9
7
4
Sort By
Le Corbusier 2 Ottomane, Durable For Cassina
By Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier 2 ottomane, Durable For Cassina A few measured strokes of the pen and the Fauteuil
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Polyester

Le Corbusier 2 Ottomane, Durable For Cassina
Le Corbusier 2 Ottomane, Durable For Cassina
H 15.75 in W 28.55 in D 22.45 in
Gufram Softcrete Cube Ottoman by Ross Lovegrove
By Ross Lovegrove, Gufram Furniture
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Auguste Perret’s pioneering approach, moving through Le Corbusier’s Copernican revolution, to Tadao
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Foam

Gufram Softcrete Cube Ottoman by Ross Lovegrove
Gufram Softcrete Cube Ottoman by Ross Lovegrove
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
De Sede DS-2011 HARLEQUIN (OTTOMAN) by PIN–UP HOME
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
sculpture and the color experiments by swiss architect le corbusier the ds-2011 harlequin emphasizes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Beech

Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outside Ottoman, Teak and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ottoman designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Round pouf from
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outside Ottoman, Teak and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ottoman designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Round pouf from
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outside Ottoman, Teak and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ottoman designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Round pouf from
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outside Ottoman, Teak and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ottoman designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Round pouf from
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outside Ottoman, Metal, Teak and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ottoman designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Round pouf from
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rodolfo Dordoni ''Sail Out' Outside Ottoman, Metal, Teak and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ottoman designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Round pouf from
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Vintage Italian Contemporary Cassina Lc2 Petite Modele Corbusier Leather Chair
By Le Corbusier
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Contemporary chair and ottoman. Made in Italy by the Cassina group and tagged
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Unique mid century modern low cane maple blonde stool ottoman studio craft
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Unique mid century modern low cane maple blonde stool or Ottoman. studio craft. Great Design very
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Maple

Ottoman model “Alta” by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil, 1971
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ottoman model “Alta” Created in collaboration with Anna Maria Niemeyer Manufactured by Tendo
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Stools

Materials

Steel

Corbu Ottoman in Grey Oak by DeMuro Das
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the curved forms of Le Corbusier's High Court in Chandigarh, the Corbu bench features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Lounger and ottoman "Alta" by Oscar Niemeyer / Authentic
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Zürich, CH
, Le Corbusier, and Charlotte Perriand, our offer includes masterpieces of historic importance and
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Eckart Muthesius Armchair
By Eckart Muthesius
Located in Zurich, CH
large-scale art project and Muthesius incorporated furniture designed by Eileen Gray, Le Corbusier
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Eckart Muthesius Armchair
Eckart Muthesius Armchair
H 43.51 in W 38.19 in D 34.85 in
Pierre Jeanneret Armchairs from Chandigarh, pair, c. 1955
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in New York, NY
use at Chandigarh, the Utopian capital designed by Le Corbusier. The thin open-weave caning has
Category

Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Virgil Abloh Modular Imagination Table For Cassina
By Virgil Abloh
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
alone or be combined to create design accessories, from a seat to a table-top surface. Design ottomans
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Virgil Abloh Double Modular Imagination Table For Cassina
By Virgil Abloh
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
. Design ottomans, benches or coffee tables. Modular Imagination communicates the theme of modularity ‒ an
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Rodolfo Dordini 'Dress Up!' Sofa, Upholsterd Foam in Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
versatile, while the open-tilt backrest/armrest emphasizes its welcoming shape. The match-ing ottomans
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
By Antonio Citterio, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
, ottomans and a series of coffee tables with top in wavy glass, in several colours, or in marble. A
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
H 28.75 in W 96.46 in D 34.26 in
Rodolfo Dordini 'Dress Up!' Sofa, Upholsterd Foam in Fabric by Cassina
By Rodolfo Dordoni, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
versatile, while the open-tilt backrest/armrest emphasizes its welcoming shape. The match-ing ottomans
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Hairpin Leg Daybed Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dayton, OH
Corbusier, and Gio Ponti to North America. 1935–1944: Design writing In 1935, Nelson joined Architectural
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
, ottomans and a series of coffee tables with top in wavy glass, in several colours, or in marble. A
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
H 16.15 in W 73.23 in D 24.41 in
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
By Antonio Citterio, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
, ottomans and a series of coffee tables with top in wavy glass, in several colours, or in marble. A
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
H 16.15 in W 73.23 in D 24.41 in
Rodolfo Dordini 'Dress Up!' Sofa, Upholsterd Foam in Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
versatile, while the open-tilt backrest/armrest emphasizes its welcoming shape. The match-ing ottomans
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
H 22.05 in W 88.59 in D 39.77 in
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
By Antonio Citterio, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
, ottomans and a series of coffee tables with top in wavy glass, in several colours, or in marble. A
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Bench by Cassina
H 16.15 in W 37.8 in D 24.41 in
Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
H 28.75 in W 102.76 in D 34.26 in
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
By Antonio Citterio, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
H 28.75 in W 88.59 in D 34.26 in
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
H 28.75 in W 102.76 in D 39.77 in
Set of Two Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofas by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Antonio Citterio
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
individually or in sets. The Esosoft family is complemented by benches in different sizes, ottomans and a
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
Antonio Citterio Esosoft Sofa by Cassina
H 28.75 in W 102.76 in D 34.26 in
Bar with Wood and Bronze
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
pieces that were triumphs of form and function. Swivel hostess chairs and low-table ottomans set the look
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Bronze

Bar with Wood and Bronze
Bar with Wood and Bronze
H 25.2 in W 23.43 in D 16.82 in
Large Pouf Ottoman 1950 by Fornasetti, Italy, Wheels Mid Century XXL Fabric
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in L'Isle sur la Sorgue, FR
Beautiful and large pouf-ottoman by Piero Fornasetti. Italy. 1950. Perfect condition. Dimeter: 124
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Bespoke Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman, by P. Tendercool
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
Camargue – Duck Egg Dimensions: Sofa 72 x 75 x 70 cm; Ottoman 72 x 48 x 38.5 cm. (W x D x H) Sofa 28.35 x
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Reclaimed Hardwood, P. Tendercool (Outdoor) 'In Stock'
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
Barrier to create their PT70-series: a humble homage to Bauhaus, Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier. YEP
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Reclaimed Hardwood, by P. Tendercool
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bauhaus, Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier. YEP! WE STOLE FROM MIES We use cross-profiled extruded
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Reclaimed Hardwood by P. Tendercool
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
designer Jerome Barrier. Our humble homage to Bauhaus, Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier. This Seat for
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Reclaimed Hardwood, by P. Tendercool
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier. YEP! WE STOLE FROM MIES We use cross-profiled extruded solid Brass
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Reclaimed Hardwood by P. Tendercool (In Stock)
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
Barrier to create their PT70-series: a humble homage to Bauhaus, Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier. YEP
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

One Seater Lounge, Reclaimed Hardwood by P. Tendercool 'In stock'
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
ottoman for lounge chair, crafted with the same attention to detail and exquisite materials. It features a
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

One Seater Lounge with Footrest, Reclaimed Hardwood by P. Tendercool 'In stock'
By Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer
Located in Bangkok, TH
feather with 100% latex core. With the matching ottoman for lounge chair, crafted with the same attention
Category

2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Le Corbusier LC3 Style Lounge Chairs For Mobelaris
By Le Corbusier
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of Le Corbusier LC3 style lounge or armchairs produced for Mobelaris London, England
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Cassina Maralunga Leather Armchair with Ottoman by Vico Magistretti
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
. The accompanying ottoman is also in very good condition. The Maralunga was designed by Vico
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Drexel Declaration Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Drexel Declaration molded plywood and black faux leather lounge chair and ottoman by Kipp
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Plywood

Italian Modern Rush Ottoman Seat in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Long Island City, NY
Italian made rush ottoman or stool in the manner of famed French architect, Charlotte Perriand
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Rush, Wood

Pair of Authentic Pierre Jeanneret Low Stools/Ottomans, Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret 'Low Stools,' Model PJ-SI-34-A Both stools or ottomans have a rectangular seat
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Cane, Teak

B35 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1920
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful lounge chair model B35 with rare matching ottoman / foot stool, designed by Marcel Breuer
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Wood and Metal Stools, Italy, 1950s
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Italian Mid-Century Modern wood and black lacquered metal feet stools poufs or ottoman or coffee
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Wood and Metal Stools, Italy, 1950s
Mid Century Wood and Metal Stools, Italy, 1950s
H 17.33 in W 19.69 in D 13.39 in
Le Corbusier LC2 Petit Modele Ottoman
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in San Diego, CA
LC2 ottoman designed by Le Corbusier and produced by Cassina in 1970s It features a chromed tubular
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Le Corbusier LC2 Petit Modele Ottoman
Le Corbusier LC2 Petit Modele Ottoman
H 15.8 in W 28.5 in D 22.4 in
Corbusier LC8 Swivel Stool
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The LC8 swivel stool was designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Corbusier LC8 Swivel Stool
Corbusier LC8 Swivel Stool
H 19.69 in Dm 18.9 in
Pierre Chapo Leather Ottoman S20
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, ottoman, leather and elm, France, 1967. This ottoman is assembled by Chapo's own
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Elm

Pierre Chapo Leather Ottoman S20
Pierre Chapo Leather Ottoman S20
H 18.12 in W 20.28 in D 15.16 in
Le Corbusier - Cassina Gray Beige Petit Confort LC2 Club Lounge Chair + Ottoman
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
among them being Le Corbusier, an icon of modern furniture design. Manufactured by Cassina, it features
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair and Ottoman in Black Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wingback chair and ottoman model 2204, in leather and wood by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

French Metal Outdoor Springer Patio Set in Pink and Black by Francois Carrie
By Francois Carre
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Gardens during the Edie years. Le Corbusier used the chairs on the rooftop garden of Charles de
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal

Charlotte Perriand Dining Chairs for Les Arcs Ski Resort Set of 13 Brown Leather
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Miami, FL
furniture that includes a chair, two sizes of sofas, and an ottoman, one of many collaborations with Charles
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Corbusier Ottoman", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Corbusier Ottoman For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the corbusier ottoman you’re looking for. Each corbusier ottoman for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, wood and plastic. If you’re shopping for a corbusier ottoman, we have 5 options in-stock, while there are 26 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer corbusier ottoman, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A corbusier ottoman made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one corbusier ottoman that is appealing in its simplicity, but Cassina, Antonio Citterio and Rodolfo Dordoni produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Corbusier Ottoman?

The average selling price for a corbusier ottoman at 1stDibs is $6,935, while they’re typically $650 on the low end and $43,541 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Finding the Right Seating for You

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.