Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Wood and Chrome DCM Eames Chair
By Charles Eames
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern ebonized wood and chrome chair by DCM Eames.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Eames Chair Mid Century
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Mid Century Modern Early Eames DAX Armed Shell Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Early Eames DAX Armed Shell Chair Fiberglass in good condition and structurally sound.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Eames for Herman Miller DCM Plywood and Chrome Chair Mid Century Modern
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Enhance your home or office with the iconic Mid Century Modern charm of this Eames for Herman Miller DCM Chair.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman: Iconic Mid-Century Modern Design
By Charles Eames
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
A most recognizable piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture, the Eames Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman was conceived/crafted by Charles and Ray Eames and remains one of the most significant an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Eames DCM Chair for Herman Miller in Blue
$671Sale Price|59% Off
Mid-Century Modern Eames DCM Chair for Herman Miller in Blue
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic original: authentic vintage Eames DCM (Dining Chair Metal) chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, circa 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Eames La Fonda Chairs by Herman Miller Newly Reupholstered - Pair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Eames La Fonda Chairs by Herman Miller Newly Reupholstered in Zebra Print Cow Hide - Pair Rare pair of mid century modern Eames for Herman Miller chairs on an al...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern White Vintage Fiberglass Chair by Charles & Ray Eames, 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage model DSS-N fiberglass chair was designed by Charles & Ray Eames and produced by Hermann Miller, Zeeland, Michigan USA.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Eames Style Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This legendary design by Charles and Ray Eames embodies mid-century luxury and comfort, combining ergonomic form with timeless elegance.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Set of Four DKR Bikini Chairs by Charles Eames
$3,159Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Set of Four DKR Bikini Chairs by Charles Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with trace of age and use for this set of four Bikini chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Some rust spots on the metal. Original from 60s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Mid Century Modern Eames DKX Black Powder-Coated Wire Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Portland, OR
A good set of four Mid Century Modern DKX wire chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames, and made by Herman Miller.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Wire
Mid Century Modern Orange Vintage Dining Chairs Charles Ray Eames Chairs 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid century modern orange original vintage four ( 4 ) dining chairs by Charles and Ray Eames 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Magnificent Rare Brazilian Rosewood Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman Mid-Century
$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent Rare Brazilian Rosewood Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman Mid-Century
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare 2nd generation Brazilian Rosewood and black leather lounge chair and ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames. This chair retains its super rare double ring back black ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Ray & Charles Eames Rosewood Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and iconic design by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in Rosewood and Black Leather 1981 with the ottoman which has a new leather seat. Classic design which will never...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair in style of LCW Chair by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an Italian interpretation of the Mid Century Modern iconic LCW chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Plywood
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Wheeled Shell Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Wheeled Shell Chair This chair measures: 18.5 wide x 24 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches All pieces of furnitur...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Purple DSX Side Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
These vintage mid century modern purple DSX side chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller were produced between 1965-1978.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mid Century Purple DAX Lounge Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
These vintage mid century modern purple DAX bucket lounge chairs were designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern LCM Chair By Charles And Ray Eames, Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This iconic Midcentury Modern LCM chair is by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The LCM chair was designed by the duo in 1946 and manufactured by Herman Miller in the late 40s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Mid Century DAX Purple Lounge Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
These vintage mid century modern purple DAX bucket lounge chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller were produced between 1965-1978.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
1959 Mid Century RAR Gray Rocking Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
The iconic RAR chair - Rocking (R) Arm (A) Chair on Rod (R) Base - was designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1950 and launched as one of the original 5 base option...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Materials
Metal
1950s Ray Komai White Boucle Chair Mid Century Modern Eames Knoll
By J.G. Furniture Company, Ray Komai
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s Ray Komai chair in solid iron and new white boucle manufactured by J.G. Furniture Company in Brooklyn, New York in 1949. Exhibited in the US Pavilion in the 1951 Milan Trienn...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Set of 4 Mid-Century Side Stacking Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
4 Original Vitra Eames Fiberglass Side Chairs in a rare version with a checkered reference according to a design by Alexander Girard.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
Soft Pad Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Soft Pad Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
These authentic examples are icons of Mid-Century Modern design. Eames aluminum group chairs designed for Herman Miller revolutionized office seating.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous mid-century modern authentic Herman Miller Eames soft pad 4 cushions tilt and swivel lounge chair.
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1960s Mid Century Walnut & Leather Lounge Chair by Eames for Vitra - Set of 2
By Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century lounge chair and ottoman set designed by Charles Eames and manufactured by Vitra circa 1980s.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Eames style Lounge chair and stool
By Charles Eames
Located in London, GB
Lovely Faux Leather Lounge Chair in the Eames Manner Very comfortable and stylish Iconic Mid Century Design at its best
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
Herman Miller Eames DCM Dining Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Herman Miller Eames DCM dining chair. Ebonized molded wood seat and back, supported by chrome steel rod frame. All screws and self leveling nylon feet intact. Signed and guar...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Charles Eames for Herman Miller Fiberglass Dining Chairs in Orange
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Mortsel, BE
Introducing the Mid-Century Charles Eames by Herman Miller Orange Fibreglass Shell Chair, a timeless piece of design history.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Metal
1950s Ray Komai Mahogany and Iron Chair Mid Century Modern Eames Knoll
By Ray Komai, J.G. Furniture Company
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s Ray Komai chair by J.G. Furniture Company in Brooklyn, New York. The chair features a molded mahogany plywood body with black iron legs and metal detailing on the back of the...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Eames Rkr Rocking Accent Chair 1st Generation
$2,956Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Eames Rkr Rocking Accent Chair 1st Generation
Located in Seattle, WA
Mid-Century Modern Eames RKR wire rocking chair features orange bikini pads for Herman Miller.
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Charles Eames for Herman Miller Fiberglass Dining Chairs in Orange
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Here we have an iconic design classic from the Mid-Century Modern period. This vintage fiberglass shell chair was designed by Charles Eames and produced by Herman Miller, circa 1972.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid century modern vintage Eames style lounge chair and ottoman
By Charlton Company
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1970s vintage Charlton Company, Inc. mid century modern lounge chair and ottoman in walnut with original black vinyl. The chair swivels, tilts and rocks with its original sturdy Lest...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Naugahyde, Walnut, Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Homecreast Eames Style Black Leather Swivel Lounge Chair
By Homecrest
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Homecreast Eames Style Black Leather Swivel Lounge Chair.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Eames Aluminium Group EA105 Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1958 (Originals)
$1,697Sale Price / item|24% Off
Eames Aluminium Group EA105 Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1958 (Originals)
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Markington, GB
Eames Aluminium Group EA105 Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1958 (Originals) ICONIC DESIGN CLASSICS — A stunning set of original Aluminium Group chairs, model EA105, designed i...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-Century Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen for Vitra Organic Dining Chairs Pair
By Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, Vitra
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The iconic classic organic chair was designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen in 1940 as a joint entry to the "Organic Design in Home Furnishings" A competition organized by the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ch...
Materials
Fabric, Ash, Oak
Red Eames DCW
$2,100
Red Eames DCW
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Wonderful red aniline dyed DCW by Charles and Ray Eames. Early 5-2-4 screw pattern.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Upholstered Shell Office Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century upholstered shell office chair This chair measures: 25 wide x 22 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair clearanc...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Early Version C1946 Evans Eames LCW Lounge Chair in Birch
By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
What more can be said about this chair. Such a revolutionary design which took a fair amount of time to perfect. This particular chair is crafted from birch and bears all the origina...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This iconic Eames Lounge Chair was designed in 1956 by the legendary duo Charles & Ray Eames . The example offered here is an official 2004 production by Vitra , manufactured with hi...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair Mid Century Avocado Green Fiberglass Eames Style stacking Side Chair -2 pcs
$636Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Mid Century Avocado Green Fiberglass Eames Style stacking Side Chair -2 pcs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Krueger International, Herman Miller
Located in Basel, BS
We have 6 pairs available. These chairs are really hot. They are original fiberglass stacking mid century eames style side chairs in avocado green.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair Espresso Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning, authentic mid-century modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Chromed Steel/ Black Leather Eames Era Lounge Chair
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This great and comfortable chair has to be seen in conjunction with the famous lounge chair, designed 1956 by Charles & Ray Eames. Chromed steel base and black leather, very good con...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Leather
1960's Eames DCM Chair by Herman Miller
By Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The iconic mid-century modern DCM chair designed by Herman Miller for the Eames company is a standout of 1960s design.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Herman Miller Produced Eames RAR Rocking Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic mid-century modern shell rocking chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller Company, and used by the CUNY University.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Leather Management Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Charcoal Management Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum
Early Production DCM Eames Chair for Howard Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Howard Miller
Located in New York, NY
Early version Mid Century DCM chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Howard Miller in original blackened steel frame, upholstery updated in off white hide.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Gray Leather Management Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Eames EA116 Grey Lounge Chair
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Warminster, GB
Rare Eames lounge chair from the 'Aluminium Group'. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, The aluminium chair is one of the most outstanding furniture designs of the 20th ce...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Eames EA116 Brown Lounge Chair
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Warminster, GB
Rare Eames Lounge chair from the 'Aluminium Group'. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, The Aluminium Chair is one of the most outstanding furniture designs of the 20th ce...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Mid 2000s Eames LCW lounge chair for Herman Miller, USA in Walnut.
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the most iconic silhouettes to come out of mid-century American design. The molded plywood construction gives it that effortless balance of warmth and precision the Eames fami...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Charles Eames Classic RAR Rocking Chair Herman Miller Greige
By Charles Eames
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic Charles Eames RAR greige rocking chair with original birch runners. A survivor in very good original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Eames Lounge Chair with Ottoman, 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Stockholm, SE
Iconic Lounge Chair and ottoman designed by Charles Eames and Ray Eames, produced by Herman Miller in the late 1950s. The ottoman is a licensed production by Nordiska Kompaniet, Swed...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Swiveling Chair by Eames for Herman Miller. Circa 1960s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern Swiveling Molded Side Chair by Eames for Herman Miller.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Vintage Aluminum Office Desk Chair Ray & Charles Eames 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage office chair or desk chair EA 124 by Charles & Ray Eames, which features swiveling positions.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair in White Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning, authentic mid-century modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum
Stunning Eames lounge chair set & ottoman by Ray & Charles Eames - Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, the set showcases the enduring legacy of mid-century American design.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
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Eames Chair Mid Century For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the eames chair mid century you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, wood and plastic, every eames chair mid century was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a eames chair mid century, we have 2354 options in-stock, while there are 3 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect eames chair mid century — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right eames chair mid century, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Industrial styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made eames chair mid century over the years, but those crafted by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Charles Eames are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Eames Chair Mid Century?
A eames chair mid century can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,497, while the lowest priced sells for $19 and the highest can go for as much as $147,176.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.