$3,500 / set
H 28 in W 29.5 in D 27 in
MCM Milo Baughman Style Tufted Side Chairs Newly Reupholstered - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Button Tufted Chrome Flat Bar Chairs Newly Reupholstered In Designer Blu Snake Patterned Embossed Leather - Pair Featuring a pair of Mid Cent...
Chrome
$1,500
H 28.75 in W 25.5 in D 23.25 in
Vintage MCM Wood and Cane Lounge Chair with Zebra Chenille Upholstery
Located in San Diego, CA
A really nice vintage MCM wood and cane low profile lounge chair with zebra chenille upholstery, circa 1970s.
Cane, Wood
$2,275 / set
H 32 in W 19.5 in D 18.5 in
MCM B. Brody Chrome Spindle Back Side Chairs Newly Reupholstered – Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern B. Brody Chrome Spindle Back Side Chairs Newly Reupholstered in Cowhide – Pair Pair of mid-century modern chrome spindle back side chairs by B. Brody Seating Comp...
Chrome
$4,995 / set
H 37.5 in W 32.5 in D 28 in
Mid 20th MCM Mr. Chair Lounge Chair & Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid Century Modern “The Mr. Chair” lounge chair & ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft comprised of walnut bentwood frames or shells, tan vinyl or faux leather, black pa...
Metal
$1,755Sale Price|40% Off
H 30 in W 25 in D 37 in
Restored MCM Rattan Double-Strand Half Moon Arm Lounge chair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Paul Frankl inspired rattan lounge chair features a double-strand half-moon arm design with a curved stick rattan seat. The chair features fancy wicker wrappings along the j...
Fabric, Rattan
MCM Henredon Dining Chairs Cane Back 28-2501
By Henredon
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Walnut
$935Sale Price|44% Off
H 37 in W 24 in D 29 in
Milo Baughman Style MCM in White Faux Leather Rocking Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid Century Modern rocking chair, inspired by the iconic style of Milo Baughman. Its sturdy frame, expertly constructed from solid walnut wood, ensures both durability and a touch...
Naugahyde, Walnut
$2,092 / set
H 38.98 in W 18.9 in D 19.49 in
2 White Cesca Barstools Marcel Breuer B64 S64 Bauhaus Rattan Bar Chair MCM 1970s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in London, GB
A rare pair of super-stylish white ‘Cesca’ barstools in good vintage condition. Designed by Bauhaus giant Marcel Breuer in the 1920s, this sleek, smart and tasteful pair of barstools...
Steel, Chrome
$2,500
H 29.5 in W 26 in D 20 in
MCM William “Billy” Haines Style Spider-Leg Lounge Chair – Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern William “Billy” Haines Style Fruitwood Spider-Leg Barrel Back Lounge Chair – Newly Reupholstered in Diamond Pattern Velvet Chenille with Lumbar Cushion Elegant Mi...
Fabric, Wood
$4,590 / set
H 41.5 in W 33 in D 39 in
Pair of MCM Swedish Brown Leather Swivel Lounge Chairs w/ Ottomans
Located in Pasadena, TX
These lounge chairs swivel and pivot. They were made in Sweden in the mid 20th century. They're upholstered in a rich brown leather and have matching ottomans. The chairs have adjust...
Leather, Walnut
$3,700 / set
H 32 in W 24 in D 29.5 in
Vintage Grosfeld House Ebonized Wood, Upholstered Side or Slipper Chairs MCM
By Grosfeld House
Located in North Miami, FL
These elegant vintage Grosfeld House Hollywood Regency side or slipper chairs have an unusual beaded wood detail, that is pierced carvings to the apron of the front of the chairs. Th...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,196
H 40 in W 38.5 in D 37 in
MCM Mulhauser for Plycraft "Mr. Chair" Lounge Newly Reupholstered in Leather
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern George Mulhauser for Plycraft "Mr. Chair" Lounge Chair Newly Reupholstered in Burberry Print Blue Leather We reupholstered this iconic MCM George Mulhauser "Mr.
Leather, Wood
$4,995 / set
H 39.5 in W 33 in D 30 in
MCM Plycraft Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Saddle Color Italian Leather Attributed
By Plycraft
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid Century Modern (MCM) Style Mid to Late 20th Century Plycraft Eames style lounge chair & matching ottoman composed of a molded ash plywood shell, 5 prong swivel chrome ba...
Metal
Vintage MCM Danish Woven Jute Seat Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern dining chairs embodies the pinnacle of Danish design principles, marrying organic warmth with structural minimalism. Expertly crafted from sol...
Jute, Teak
$1,995 / set
H 30 in W 19.5 in D 20 in
Late 20th Century MCM Pair DCM Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller Black & Chrome
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Mid-Century Modern pair of DCM chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller with chrome frames & black bentwood back & seats. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind ...
Chrome
Henredon Campaign Style MCM Dining Chairs-Set of 6
By Henredon
Located in Medina, OH
Reupholstered set of 6 Henredon Campaign Style Oak Dining Chairs, with new foam cores and webbing supports. Reupholstered in a beautiful ivory performance chenille fabric. These di...
Fabric, Chenille, Wood, Oak
$2,495 / set
H 34 in W 29.5 in D 33 in
MCM Hollywood Regency Button Back Oyster & Blue Harlequin Fabric Slipper Chairs
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage MCM aka Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency button back oyster & blue colored harlequin fabric slipper chairs with front brass ball casters.
Fabric, Wood
$7,095 / set
H 32.5 in W 25.5 in D 27 in
Billy Baldwin Bielecky Brothers MCM Rattan Cane Brass Lounge Chairs & Ottoman
By Billy Baldwin, Bielecky Brothers
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Mid Century Rattan Cane and Brass Lounge Chairs with Ottoman Each chair measures: 25.5 wide x 27 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inc...
Brass
$1,995 / set
H 39 in W 32.5 in D 24 in
MCM Eames Plycraft Style Lounge Chair & Ottoman Newly Reupholstered Black Mohair
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Eames Plycraft Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman Newly Reupholstered in Black Mohair - 2 Piece Set We reupholstered an Eames style Plycraft lounge chair and ottoman...
Metal
1960s MCM Green Vinyl Barrel Club Slipper Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1960s with this exquisite barrel chairs set. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of history and refinement. Outstanding design ...
Faux Leather, Wood
$3,999
H 36 in W 33 in D 21 in
MCM Corona Chair by Paul Volther for Erik Jørgensen Newly Reupholstered
By Erik Jørgensen, Poul Volther
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Corona Chair, Model Ej-5 by Poul M. Volther for Erik Jørgensen Newly Reupholstered in Embossed Red Leather Poul M. Volther designed the classic Corona Chair for E...
Metal
1960s MCM Rattan Wicker Pink Slipper Lounge Chairs, Set of 2
By Ficks Reed
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, rattan pink upholstered slipper chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautif...
Upholstery, Rattan
Set of MCM Sculptural Walnut Tripod Lounge Chairs in Bouclé, C. 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Westport, CT
A striking pair of 1950s lounge chairs, fully restored by Stamford Modern to highlight their sculptural elegance and enduring comfort. Reupholstered in natural wool bouclé, the soft,...
Bouclé, Walnut
$1,295
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Brown Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Brown Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm heig...
Metal
$1,295
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Purple Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Purple Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm hei...
Metal
$1,295
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm heigh...
Metal
$1,295
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm heigh...
Metal
$1,680Sale Price|40% Off
H 28 in W 26.5 in D 30 in
Restored MCM Blond 1949er Rattan 3-Strand Lounge Chair by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored three-strand "1949er" rattan living-room lounge chair by Heywood Wakefield features decorative arched U arms and an arched base. It features coastal styling...
Wicker, Rattan
$1,195
H 33.5 in W 24.5 in D 21.5 in
Mid Century MCM Hollywood Regency Accent or Side Chair Attributed to Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Mid Century Modern to Hollywood Regency accent or side chair attributed to Bernhardt composed of a hardwood frame with wire mesh decorative accent & off-white c...
Wire
$672Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 17 in D 17 in
Pair of Mcm Reupholstered "Vico Magistretti Style" Dining Chairs
Located in Medina, OH
Pair of mid-century modern blonde Beachwood dining chairs, in the style of Vico Magistretti. Professionally reupholstered in a performance orange boucle. This new fabric brings out t...
Wood
$12,500 / set
H 32.5 in W 28.5 in D 32 in
MCM Harvey Probber Style Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs Newly Reupholstered - 4
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Harvey Probber Style Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs on Caster Newly Reupholstered in Italian Mohair - Set of 4 Featuring two stunning Green Tea chairs accented wi...
Mohair
$1,800 / set
H 31 in W 21.5 in D 23.5 in
A Pair of MCM Painted and Upholstered Low Boudoir Chairs, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stylish and sculptural, these low-profile boudoir chairs feature painted wood frames with angled, tapering legs capped in brass. The floating and tufted backrests are supported by sl...
Brass
$1,750
H 29.14 in W 26.78 in D 20.87 in
MCM Design PLONA Chair by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970's
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "PLONA" Easy Chair by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked on the bottom base. Smoke acrylic seat folding sid...
Aluminum
MCM Herman Miller Eames Grey Mesh Low Back Chairs – Set of 5
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Grey Mesh Low Back Chairs – Set of 5 Set of five mid-century modern Eames low back management chairs from the iconic Aluminum Group collection...
Metal
$6,999 / set
H 23 in W 46 in D 36 in
MCM Flare Arm Lounge Chairs Styled After Dennis Christianson for Dunbar - Pair
By Dennis Christiansen, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Oversized Flare Arm Lounge Chairs By Dennis Christianson for Dunbar Newly Upholstered in "Lemon Grass” Light Green Leather - Pair Vintage pair of stylish oversize...
Leather
$490Sale Price|30% Off
H 44 in W 15.5 in D 18.5 in
Italian Mid Century Modern Gentleman's Clothing Valet Butler Chair Rush Seat MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-Century stained birch collapsible wood valet with woven cord seat. Features tray for cufflinks/pocket change and brass rods to drape neck ties. C.1960. Attributed to Ico Parisi. ...
Rush, Hardwood
$799 / set
H 29 in W 19.5 in D 21 in
MCM Saarinen Style Rattan Swivel Base Chair And Ottoman - 2 Piece Set
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Saarinen Style Rattan Swivel Base Chair and Ottoman - 2 Piece Set Dimensions: Chair W 19.5" H 29" D 21" Seat H 16" Ottoman H 14" D 16"
Rattan
$1,822
H 28.55 in W 17.92 in D 22.84 in
Pierre Lottier Cigar Leather Strap Slipper Lounge Chair 1960s MCM Blonde Tan
By Pierre Lottier
Located in London, GB
A stunning and rare beech wood and cigar leather strap slipper chair in lovely condition. Attributed to Pierre Lottier for Valenti in the early 1960’s, this gorgeous low lounge chair...
Leather, Beech
$3,982
H 28.75 in W 26.38 in D 33.47 in
Zeta Leather Lounge Chair Paul Tuttle Cream Chrome Cantilever Strassle MCM 1970s
By Paul Tuttle, Strässle International
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and very rare designer Mid Century cream leather and chrome cantilever armchair in lovely vintage condition. Designed by Paul Tuttle and made by high-end Swiss firm Sträss...
Metal, Chrome
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 22 in D 20 in
Eero Saarinen for Knoll MCM Tumeric Orange Uphostery Side Chair, a Pair
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Plainview, NY
The pair of Mid-Century Modern side chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates encapsulates the essence of sleek, modernist elegance that defined the era. Upholstered in a vibrant ...
Metal
$2,362
H 37.8 in W 25.99 in D 33.86 in
Tan Hide Leather Lounge Chair MCM Bauhaus Aluminium Mid Century Hungarian 1970s
By Rudolf Szedleczky
Located in London, GB
A strikingly attractive tan leather and aluminium Mid Century Hungarian armchair in lovely vintage condition. Designed by Rudolf Szedleczky and made in the early 1970s, this extremel...
Aluminum
$5,995 / set
H 32 in W 29 in D 29 in
Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg MCM Danish Rosewood Genius Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg Mid Century Danish Rosewood Genius Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 29 wide x 29 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm he...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$4,347 / set
H 46.5 in W 30.5 in D 31 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2174C MCM Walnut Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2174C Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Ottoman The chair measures: 30.5 wide x 31 deep x 46.5 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm ...
Metal
$4,320Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 30 in W 30 in D 36 in
Restored MCM 3-Strand 3/4 Reverse Pretzel Rattan Lounge Chair& Ottoman Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored coastal Mid Century 3/4 round pretzel arm rattan lounge chair pair, each with matching ottoman . Each chair features three-strand Reverse pretzel arms and a...
Wicker, Rattan
$10,347 / set
H 30 in W 28 in D 31 in
John Hutton Donghia Merbau Collection MCM Mahogany and Rattan Club Chairs - Pair
By John Hutton, Donghia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Hutton for Donghia Merbau Collection Mid Century Mahogany and Rattan Club Chairs - Pair This lounge chair measures: 28 wide x 31 deep x 30 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and ...
Upholstery, Rattan, Mahogany
Henredon Campaign Style MCM Dining Chairs-Set of 4 Reupholstered
By Henredon
Located in Medina, OH
Reupholstered set of 4 Henredon Campaign Style Oak Dining Chairs, with new foam cores and webbing supports. Reupholstered in a beautiful ivory performance chenille fabric. These di...
Fabric, Chenille, Foam, Oak
$7,800
H 24 in W 28 in D 35 in
Fabio Lenci Hyaline Adjustable MCM Lounge Chair Glass Black Leather 1970s MINT!
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Fabio Lenci, Milo Baughman, Pace Collection
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Italian Mid-Century Modern super comfortable adjustable sling upholstery hyaline chair by Fabio Lenci, 1974.
Leather, Glass
$1,247
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Dark Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Dark Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm ...
Metal
$1,247
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Dark Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Dark Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm ...
Metal
$1,495 / set
H 32 in W 19 in D 16 in
MCM Style Directors Chairs White Chrome Attr Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros
By Robert Kjer Jakobsen, Virtue Brothers
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous pair of MCM a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern Campaign style sling director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers.
Chrome
$1,995 / item
H 34.5 in W 24 in D 26 in
MCM Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group High Back Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group high back chair.
Aluminum
$2,400
H 34.26 in W 25.99 in D 30.71 in
MCM Teak Rocking Chair Model 182 by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin, Denmark 1950s
By Frank Reenskaug, Bramin Mobler
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Mid-Century Modern rocking chair designed by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin Mobler. The rocking chair is done in solid teak wood. It has recently...
Teak
$7,795 / set
H 28.25 in W 27 in D 24 in
John Lubberts Lambert Mulder Tomlinson MCM Cane and Walnut Slipper Chair, Pair
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson midcentury Cane and Walnut Slipper Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 27 wide x 24 deep x 28.25 high, with a seat height of 17 inche...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Set of 6 MCM Cane Back Dining Chairs by Drexel
Located in Medina, OH
Set of (6) timeless cane back dining chairs for Drexel Heritage Furniture. These chairs feature a walnut frame and red and gold patterned chenille fabric. These are the perfect def...
Fabric, Walnut
$5,347 / set
H 27 in W 23 in D 18 in
H Brockmann Petersen for Louis G Thiersen MCM Teak Horseshoe Chairs, Pair
By H. Brockmann-Petersen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
H Brockmann Petersen for Louis G Thiersen mid century Teak Horseshoe Chairs - Pair. Each chair measures: 23 wide x 18 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair...
Upholstery, Teak
$7,347 / set
H 53.5 in W 33 in D 29 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM Slim Jim Highback Lounge Chair, Pair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury Slim Jim Highback Lounge Chair - Pair Each chair measures: 33 wide x 29 deep x 53.5 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/c...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,295 / set
H 39.5 in W 32 in D 34 in
MCM Royal Blue & Blue Green Recliner & Ottoman Attributed to Selig Monroe Chair
By Selig
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Mid-Century Modern tone on tone royal blue & iridescent green striped recliner and ottoman attributed to Selig Monroe chair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind tha...
Fabric, Walnut
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.
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.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
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.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.