Scandinavian Modern High-Back Armchair 1970s
Located in Debrecen, HU
This high-back vintage armchair is an iconic piece of modern furniture design from the 1970s. Its
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Scandinavian Modern High-Back Armchair 1970s
Located in Debrecen, HU
This high-back vintage armchair is an iconic piece of modern furniture design from the 1970s. Its
Fabric, Wood
$950
H 38.39 in W 23.04 in D 25.01 in
Scandinavian High Back Armchair in Mahogany and Green Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
High back armchair, mahogany, fabric, Scandinavia, 1950s. This high back chair strongly resembles
Fabric, Oak
$2,301
H 45.67 in W 29.53 in D 32.68 in
1950s, Danish high-backed armchair, reupholstered, wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish high-backed armchair. Completely renovated-reupholstered in quality light gray
Wool, Oak
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
H 39.38 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
1960s, Danish High Back Armchair, Original Upholstery, Green Velour
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish high back armchair. Original upholstery in light green velour, very good condition
Velvet, Beech
$1,475
H 39.77 in W 31.89 in D 32.29 in
1970s, Danish high back armchair, furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish high back armchair. Original honey yellow furniture velour, oak wood legs. Original
Velvet, Oak
$1,711
H 39.77 in W 29.93 in D 31.89 in
1970s, Danish high back armchair, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish high back armchair. Original turquoise green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Original
Wool, Oak
Danish high back black leather armchair with mahogany frame
By Kaare Klint
Located in DK
This high back armchair of mahogany was designed by Kaare Klint (1888-1954) back in 1939. It was
Leather, Mahogany
$5,783 / set
H 40.56 in W 36.62 in D 36.23 in
1970s, Danish high-backed armchair with stool, wool, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish high-backed armchair with ottoman. Completely renovated-reupholstered in quality grey
Wool, Teak
$1,298
H 39.38 in W 22.45 in D 20.87 in
High back nut wood armchair with leather seat and back by Danish cabinetmaker
By Mostly Danish Furniture
Located in DK
This highback armchair by a Danish cabinetmaker has a frame of nutwood. It is upholstered with
Brass
$862Sale Price|42% Off
H 40.56 in W 31.89 in D 33.08 in
1955-60s, Danish design, high back armchair in floral multicolor fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1955-60s, Danish design. High back armchair in floral multicolor fabric. Original very good
Fabric, Ash
High-back 'USA-75' armchair by Folke Ohlsson for DUX, 1960s
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish armchair in teak by Folke Ohlsson for DUX, 1960s. Good original condition. Recently treated
Walnut, Leather
$4,012Sale Price|35% Off
H 33.47 in W 24.02 in D 25.99 in
1935, Bas Van Pelt Rope Slung Rare High Back Comfortable Armchair
By Bas Van Pelt
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
back. Beautifully carved and arched legs. Rare, high back. Comfortable seat. On the corners the rope is
Raffia, Oak
$17,114 / set
H 40.16 in W 29.14 in D 34.65 in
Pair of Jacob Kjær High Back Armchairs in Bouclé and Mahogany, Denmark, 1940s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in The Hague, NL
seat. The high back with the buttoned backrest and the refined texture of the bouclé fabric add to the
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant Scandinavian Modern armchair / side chair designed by Kaare Klint featuring Cuban
Mahogany, Leather
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and finely detailed armchair mahogany that retains its original striated horsehair
Brass
$1,650
H 44.89 in W 24.41 in D 23.63 in
Yngve Ekström Oregon Pine High Back Arm Chair for Swedese, Sweden, 1950s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Dronten, NL
This rare high back armchair made of Oregon Pine is without a doubt among the great Swedish chair
Fabric, Pine
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.52 in W 26.38 in D 23.63 in
Danish High Back Pine and Wicker Tage Poulsen Mid-century Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Tage Poulsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish High-back Wicker and Rattan brutalist armchair by the Danish architect Tage Poulsen. Ca
Rattan, Pine
$2,360
H 38.19 in W 25.6 in D 29.53 in
High armchair in bent beech and recent fabric, Konkav model, Paul Bode Federholz
By Deutsche Federholz-Gesellschaft, Paul Bode
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian high-back armchair. Its graceful, one-piece bentwood frame gives it a very
Fabric, Beech
$1,221
H 39.38 in W 33.47 in D 33.47 in
1970s, Danish highback armchair, original condition, red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish high back armchair. Scandinavian design directly from Denmark. Original very good
Velvet, Ash
$4,800
H 30 in W 24 in D 28 in
High Back Armchair, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high back armchair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen having an exposed teak frame
Teak, Upholstery
Scandinavian Modern Upholstered "Scania" Armchair By Folke Ohlsson
By Dux of Sweden, Ljungs Industrier Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exceptional Scandinavian Modern high-back upholstered armchair was designed by the Swedish
Brass
Danish Modern High Back Oak Armchair
Located in Portland, OR
Danish modern high back arm chair. Oak frame, newly upholstered in highest quality vibrant red
Oak
Danish High Back Leather and Fabric Armchair
Located in Melbourne, AU
Danish high back armchair, circa 1960s. Maker unknown. In excellent condition, with leather arm
Leather, Upholstery
Danish Modern High-Back Armchair with Chrome Legs
Located in Dorchester, MA
Made in Denmark in the style of Hans Wegner or Arne Jacobsen, this high-back armchair features a
Chrome
Unavailable
H 41.34 in W 21.26 in D 19.69 in
High Back Armchair in Mahogany by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A beautiful spoke back armchair in mahogany with dark green leather upholstery. Designed by Josef
Leather, Mahogany
Unavailable
H 37.01 in W 32.68 in D 33.08 in
Danish Design, Henry Walter Klein, Pair of High-Backed Armchairs, Swivel Base
By Bramin Mobler, H.W. Klein
Located in Tarm, DK
Henry Walter Klein, high-backed armchairs, swivel center column, 1970s. Lounge chairs upholstered
Metal
Swedish High Back Lounge Chair, 1960's
Located in Lingfield, GB
Swedish mid-century high back lounge chair circa 1960's. Solid teak frame with original soft
Fabric, Teak
Vintage Danish Oak High-Back Model 290 Lounge Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vancouver, BC
tweed. Features high headrest, splayed legs and wide armrests. Made in Denmark.
Oak
Unavailable
H 42.13 in W 31.11 in D 34.26 in
Fritz Hansen High Back Mohair Lounge Chair Model 1672, Danish Midcentury, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Sought after Fritz Hansen high back lounge chair model 1672 made circa 1942 (see catalog from that
Mohair, Hardwood
Unavailable
H 37.8 in W 25.2 in D 23.63 in
High Back 'Safari Chair' with Slung Tan Leather Seat by Erik Worts
By Erik Worts
Located in Babworth, Retford
Manufactured by Neils Eilersen. Denmark, circa 1960s.
Leather, Wood
Unavailable
H 39.38 in W 27.56 in D 29.53 in
Danish High Back Armchair, 1960s, Wool, Beech, Completely Restored
Located in Tarm, DK
Danish design, armchair. Produced in circa 1960. Stained beech wood, neck pillow, loose seat
Wool, Beech
Unavailable
H 37.01 in W 27.56 in D 34.65 in
Mid-Century Modern Lotus Lounge Chair on Pyramide Foot by Rob Parry, 1960s
By Robert Parry, De Ster Gelderland
Located in Beek en Donk, NL
Ster. Elegant, high back and Scandinavian style armchair, seating placed on a grey lacquered pyramide
Metal
Pair of Scandinavian Modern High Back Winged Armchairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A Scandinavian Modern pair of high backed, winged armchairs with deep seats and dramatically curved
Textile, Wood
Scandinavian Modern High-Back Armchair with 16 Buttons
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian modern upholstered armchair with a high-back. The chair soft forms are offset by
Teak
Scandinavian Modern High Back Teak Armchair Newly Restored
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern high back stained teak armchair. Chair has newly restored frames and newly
Teak
Sold
H 36.62 in W 25.2 in D 30.71 in
Scandinavian High Back Armchairs 1950s Newly Upholstered Sheepskin
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Exquisite pair of Scandinavian high-back lounge chairs - Newly reupholstered with off-white
Leather, Sheepskin, Wood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 35.44 in D 36.62 in
70s, Scandinavian Design, High-Back Armchair, Furniture Wool, Teak Wood
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Scandinavian design. Completely renovated-reupholstered high-back armchair.
Wool, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Pair of High Back Teak Armchairs from Denmark
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern pair of high back stained teak armchairs. Chairs have newly restored frames and
Upholstery, Teak
Scandinavian Modern High-Back Armchair By Folke Ohlsson For DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare and beautiful Scandinavian Modern high-back lounge chair was designed by Folke Ohlsson and
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 36.23 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Vintage Midcentury Scandinavian Danish Modern High Back Teak Armchair, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This tall modernist armchair was made in Denmark in the 1960s. The frame is made of dark brown teak
Naugahyde, Teak
Kaare Klint High Back Armchairs
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Kaare Klint high back armchairs, model no 5999 (The "Nørrevold Chair"). Executed by
Sold
H 41.34 in W 32.29 in D 38.19 in
1960s, Scandinavian Design, Restored High-Back Recliner, Oak Wood
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Scandinavian design. Renovated-reupholstered high-back armchair. Quality bottle green
Fabric, Oak
Fritz Hansen High Back Armchair, circa 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
A Danish polished beechwood and upholstered high back armchair by Fritz Hansen, circa 1940s, re
Style of Paolo Buffa High Back Armchair
Located in Miami, FL
...SOLD...Definitely favoring modern Italian design of the same period, this very highback armchair
70s, Danish high-backed armchair, teak wood, reupholstered
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, completely renovated-reupholstered Danish high-backed armchair. Brand new upholstery with
Fabric, Teak
1970s, Danish High-Backed Armchair, Teak, Fabric, Cowskind
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, completely renovated, reupholstered high back armchair. Brand new upholstery with natural
Cowhide, Fabric, Teak
Hans Olsen High Back Armchair in Black Leather
By Hans Olsen
Located in London, GB
Popular design from the 1960s by Hans Olsen. This chair in excellent condition with minor imperfections as shown in pictures. This chair was probably made in the 1970s. Legs made of ...
Leather
Sold
H 40.56 in W 29.53 in D 37.01 in
1960s, Swedish Design, Refurbished High-Back Armchair, Vintage Velour
Located in Tarm, 82
60s, Swedish design. Refurbished-reupholstered high-back armchair. Upholstered in quality dark blue
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 40.16 in W 25.2 in D 32.68 in
1960s, Swedish Design, Refurbished High-Back Armchair, Furniture Wool
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Swedish design. Completely renovated-reupholstered high-back earflap chair. Upholstered in
Wool, Beech
High Back Armchairs by Carl Gustav Hiort of Ornas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of wingback tufted metallic suede armchairs standing on four ebony wood legs with silver
Suede, Wood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 31.11 in D 34.65 in
1970s, Swedish Design, Refurbished High-Back Armchair, Dark Blue Fabric
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Swedish design. Refurbished high-back armchair. Quality dark blue furniture fabric
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 38.59 in W 29.53 in D 33.47 in
1970, Vintage Danish High-Back Armchair, Furniture Wool, Teak Wood
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish design. Refurbished high-back armchair. Upholstered in quality felt, light blue
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 45.28 in W 31.11 in D 34.26 in
1960s, Danish design, reupholstered high-back armchair, bottle green fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
60s, Danish designed high back armchair. Completely renovated-reupholstered in quality bottle green
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 38.59 in W 31.5 in D 36.62 in
1970s, Danish Design, Refurbished High-Back Armchair, Furniture Wool, Teak Wood
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish design. Completely renovated-reupholstered high-back armchair. Quality carry-yellow
Wool, Teak
High Backed Armchair Designed by Otto Schulz for Boet, Sweden, 1940s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Stockholm, SE
High backed armchair designed by Otto Schulz for Boet, Sweden. 1940s. Ash and wool upholstery
Wool, Ash
Sold
H 38.98 in W 23.63 in D 25.6 in
Kaare Klint, High Back Armchair in Original Niger Leather, 1940's.
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Klint 'Nørrevold' armchair, model no. 5999. This is the largest chair in the series of "Red Chairs" that
Brass
Sold
H 43.71 in W 27.56 in D 31.11 in
70s, Danish Design by Jørgen Bækmark for FDB, Reupholstered High-Backed Armchair
By Jørgen Bækmark
Located in Tarm, 82
Jørgen Bækmark for FDB Møbler. Completely restored high back armchair. Quality green-blue furniture
Wool, Oak
Danish High Backed Wing Chair
Located in London, GB
Simple high backed chair on tall elegant legs. Newly re-upholstered and in great condition. Came
Upholstery
Sold
H 38 in W 27.25 in D 36 in
Finland Leather Armchair, Mid-Century Modern OY BJ. Dahlqvist AB, High Back
By OY BJ Dahlqvist
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a high back Mid-Century Danish modern armchair made in Finland. No original
Birch, Leather
Sold
H 38.59 in W 29.93 in D 33.08 in
Armchair with High Back, Model GE290A by Hans J. Wegner and GETAMA, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair with high back, model GE290A, designed by Hans J. Wegner in the 1950s and manufactured by
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 44.1 in W 23.63 in D 29.53 in
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" High Back Armchair in Birch & Hemp by Karl Mathsson, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century wooden armchair model "Eva" in birch and hemp webbing by Bruno Mathsson produced
Hemp, Birch
Hans Wegner GE-260 High Back Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
High back version of Hans Wegner's GE-260 chair for GETAMA, Denmark, circa 1960. This example comes
Oak, Fabric
High-Back Wing Chair, Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
High-back wing chair, anonymous, Denmark, 1950s. Mahogany and horsehair. Measures: H: 110.5 cm
Mahogany
Borge Mogensen Vintage Leather High Back Arm Chair, Denmark 1947
By Børge Mogensen
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinarily rare and wonderful chair. Although similar in design to many of his wing chairs this chair has open arms that create a particularly graceful effect.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 41.74 in W 27.56 in D 35.44 in
1950s, Danish design, restored high-back wingback chair, bottle green, beech
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish design. Reupholstered high-back wingback chair in quality bottle green furniture
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 39.77 in W 28.55 in D 33.08 in
Danish Cabinetmaker High-Back Chair with Stained Beech Arms, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
like wood. This is especially true for Denmark, and this beautiful high-back chair is a great
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Sold
H 39.75 in W 28 in D 26 in
Restored Adrian Pearsall Style Black Leather High Back Tufted Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
strong influence from Adrian Pearsall . View from the side, back or front to admire its architectural
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Danish Teak High Back Lounge Chair by Juul Kristensen for Glostrup, 1960s
By Juul Kristensen, Glostrup Møbelfabrik
Located in The Hague, NL
This high back lounge chair in solid teak was designed by the Danish designer Juul Kristensen and
Teak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Danish Teak High Back Lounge Chair by Juul Kristensen for Glostrup, 1960s
By Juul Kristensen, Glostrup Møbelfabrik
Located in The Hague, NL
This high back lounge chair in solid teak was designed by the Danish designer Juul Kristensen and
Teak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 29.93 in D 34.65 in
70s, Danish Design, Completely Restored High-Back Ear Flap Chair, Furniture Wool
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish design. Completely renovated high-backed chair with loose seat cushions. Quality
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 39.77 in W 21.26 in D 32.68 in
60s, reupholstered Danish high-backed ear flap chair, solid oak, furniture wool
Located in Tarm, 82
furniture manufacturer Regan Århus in 1960. Renovated-reupholstered high-backed ear flap chair, solid oak
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 44.1 in W 24.02 in D 31.5 in
High back green webbing "Eva/Arbetsstolen 41" by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1950s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Arm chair model "Arbetsstolen 41" designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced in sweden by Firma Karl Mathsson. this example from the 1950s. Lacquered beech and birch frame with original he...
Hemp, Beech, Birch
Adrian Pearsall High Back Wing Armchair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Astoria, NY
This tall Scandinavian Modern style armchair by Adrian Pearsall, produced circa 1960s, comes
Fabric, Walnut
Peter Hvidt & Orla Moregaard High Back Armchair
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Peter Hvidt & Orla Moregaard design high back armchair for France and Son, Denmark. Rare version of
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 35.75 in W 24.5 in D 19.5 in
1950s Danish High Back Armchair / Dining Chair by Vestergaard Jensen
By Helge Vestergaard-Jensen, Peder Pedersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern armchair designed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen. This high back chair features
Leather, Teak
Danish Modern Solid Teak High Back Armchair with Sculptural Shape
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak armchair, tall back the base its refinished sand it and hand rubbed oil
Teak, Upholstery
Sold
H 39.5 in W 25.7 in D 37.25 in
High Back Armchair by Axel Larsson for Bodafors/Svenska Möbelfabrikerna
By Axel Larsson, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pioneer of Swedish Modern, a uniquely functionalist discipline of Scandinavian design, Axel
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 46 in W 22 in D 36 in
Frits Heningsen Mahogany and Mohair High-Backed Wingback Armchair, 1940, Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Frits Heningsen mahogany and Mohair high-backed wingback armchair, 1940s, Denmark. Henningsen was
Velvet, Mahogany
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between, and everyone has an antique or vintage armchair that they love.
Long before industrial mass production democratized seating, armchairs conveyed status and power.
In ancient Egypt, the commoners took stools, while in early Greece, ceremonial chairs of carved marble were designated for nobility. But the high-backed early thrones of yore, elevated and ornate, were merely grandiose iterations of today’s armchairs.
Modern-day armchairs, built with functionality and comfort in mind, are now central to tasks throughout your home. Formal dining armchairs support your guests at a table for a cheery feast, a good drafting chair with a deep seat is parked in front of an easel where you create art and, elsewhere, an ergonomic wonder of sorts positions you at the desk for your 9 to 5.
When placed under just the right lamp where you can lounge comfortably, both elbows resting on the padded supports on each side of you, an upholstered armchair — or a rattan armchair for your light-suffused sunroom — can be the sanctuary where you’ll read for hours.
If you’re in the mood for company, your velvet chesterfield armchair is a place to relax and be part of the conversation that swirls around you. Maybe the dialogue is about the beloved Papa Bear chair, a mid-century modern masterpiece from Danish carpenter and furniture maker Hans Wegner, and the wingback’s strong association with the concept of cozying up by the fireplace, which we can trace back to its origins in 1600s-era England, when the seat’s distinctive arm protrusions protected the sitter from the heat of the period’s large fireplaces.
If the fireside armchair chat involves spirited comparisons, your companions will likely probe the merits of antique and vintage armchairs such as Queen Anne armchairs, Victorian armchairs or even Louis XVI armchairs, as well as the pros and cons of restoration versus conservation.
Everyone seems to have a favorite armchair and most people will be all too willing to talk about their beloved design. Whether that’s the unique Favela chair by Brazilian sibling furniture designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, who repurposed everyday objects to provocative effect; or Marcel Breuer’s futuristic tubular metal Wassily lounge chair; the functionality-first LC series from Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret; or the Eames lounge chair of the mid-1950s created by Charles and Ray Eames, there is an iconic armchair for everyone and every purpose. Find yours on 1stDibs right now.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.