What is a mid-century chair?

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Are Wassily chairs mid-century modern?

Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is an iconic chair from the mid-century modern era?

Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Mid Century Barrel Chair

Vintage Wood Barrel Chairs

Barrel Bar

Milo Baughman Chrome Barrel Chairs

Rolling Chairs

Barrel Back Tub Chair

Midcentury Sculptural Chair

Barrel Metal

1960 Swivel Lounge Chair

Mid Century Barrel Chairs on Casters, c1970s

$1,200 / set

Mid Century Barrel Chairs on Casters, c1970s

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Mid Century Barrel Chairs on Casters, circa 1970s. Each chair is upholstered in eye-catching patterned

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid Century Barrel Chairs Styled After Milo Baughman

$3,600 / set

Mid Century Barrel Chairs Styled After Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Fantastic vintage pair of barrel chairs styled after Milo Baughman was designed and manufactured in

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

1970s Mid Century Barrel Chairs Styled After Milo Baughman

$4,600 / set

1970s Mid Century Barrel Chairs Styled After Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Discover this stunning vintage pair of barrel chairs, inspired by the iconic designs of Milo

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Natural Woven Rattan/Wicker Mid Century Barrel Chairs a Pair

$1,810 / set

Natural Woven Rattan/Wicker Mid Century Barrel Chairs a Pair

Located in Clifton Forge, VA

cross hatch pattern. The chair bottoms are round like barrels and the tops are a flared barrel shape. I

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

Mid Century Barrel Chair In The Manner Of Milo Baughman

$4,320

Mid Century Barrel Chair In The Manner Of Milo Baughman

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: USA Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1968 Materials: Suede, Chrome Measurements: 33.5" wide x 33" deep x 26" tall, Seat: 16.5" tall Condition: In excellent origin...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid-century Barrel Chairs by Lawrence Peabody for Craft Associates

$3,200 / set

Pair of Mid-century Barrel Chairs by Lawrence Peabody for Craft Associates

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Two gorgeous golden tufted barrel lounge chairs, designed by Lawrence Peabody for Adrian Pearsall's

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

1970s Mid Century Lounge Chairs Styled After Milo Baughman - a Pair

$2,950 / set

1970s Mid Century Lounge Chairs Styled After Milo Baughman - a Pair

By Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century barrel chairs were designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s. These

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Barrel Side Chairs- Pair

$1,550 / set

Mid Century Barrel Side Chairs- Pair

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This pair of Mid-Century barrel side chairs beautifully combines timeless design with modern

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Hollywood Regency Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair Of Crate and Barrel Channel Tufted Leather Lounge Chairs

$4,200 / set

Pair Of Crate and Barrel Channel Tufted Leather Lounge Chairs

By Crate & Barrel

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Crate and Barrel's signature Leather Lounge Chairs are known for their quality manufacture and

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Ruby Red High Back Barrel Chair Fairfield Chair Co., c. 1960s

$3,600

Mid-Century Modern Ruby Red High Back Barrel Chair Fairfield Chair Co., c. 1960s

By Fairfield Chair Company

Located in Deland, FL

. The chair sits on an artisan sculpted walnut frame wrapping around the back, ensuring attention from

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Century Furniture Cos Barrel Back Chairs with Walnut Legs and Casters

$2,750 / set

Pair of Century Furniture Cos Barrel Back Chairs with Walnut Legs and Casters

By Century Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Great pair of barrel chairs in a very cool batik fabric. These chairs are classic lounge chairs

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Cotton

1960s Mid Century Barrel Swivel Chairs

$4,200 / set

1960s Mid Century Barrel Swivel Chairs

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century barrel swivel chairs were designed and manufactured in the united states circa 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs

$3,000 / set

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of vintage modern round back chairs on swivel bases. Fun pattern fabric with comfortable

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs

$1,900 / set

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of vintage modern round club chairs with swivel action, and original stripe fabric. These make

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid 20th Century Mid-Century Milo Baughman Style Barrel Back Chair

$239

Mid 20th Century Mid-Century Milo Baughman Style Barrel Back Chair

By Milo Baughman

Located in Cookeville, TN

Nice example of a mid-century modern Milo Baughman style barrel back tub chair in original

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Chairs

Materials

Brass

Unique Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Side Chair

$1,200

Unique Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Side Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

mid-century chair makes the perfect eye catching addition to any seating arrangement. Please confirm

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather

1980s Mid Century Walnut Barrel Chair (Refinished)

$2,175

1980s Mid Century Walnut Barrel Chair (Refinished)

Located in North Hollywood, CA

✨Exquisite Mid-Century Walnut Barrel Lounge Chair ✨ Crafted in the United States circa 1980s, this

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs

$3,895 / set

Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs

By Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Directional mid century barrel swivel lounge chairs These chairs measure: 28 wide x 33 deep x 26

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1940s Danish Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chair

$3,795

1940s Danish Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chair

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

1940s Danish Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chair. Blue velvet like fabric. Round wood legs. 28w 26d 28h

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Blue & White Mid 20th Century Painted Cane Barrel Chairs

$2,395 / set

Blue & White Mid 20th Century Painted Cane Barrel Chairs

By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Southampton, NJ

A pair of Mid 20th Century caned barrel chairs professionally painted with vintage Cornflower blue

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Back Accent Chair

$2,600

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Back Accent Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This mid-century modern accent chair features a sculptural, cut-out profile with an upholstered

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Peacock Barrel Wicker Rattan Chair, C.1960, Italy

$1,103

Mid Century Peacock Barrel Wicker Rattan Chair, C.1960, Italy

Located in London, GB

Mid century Peacock Barrel wicker rattan chair. C.1960 Italy In good condition, with general

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Swivel Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

$1,600 / set

Mid-Century Modern Swivel Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature sleek black vinyl upholstery. Unique

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather

Mid Century Modern Chrome Barrel Lounge Chair, 1970s

$900

Mid Century Modern Chrome Barrel Lounge Chair, 1970s

Located in Miami, FL

Original Mid Century Modern Chrome Lounge Chair on casters, in original good condition. Ready for a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Mid Century Wrought Iron Barrel Back Patio Dining Arm Chairs - Set of 6

$1,200 / set

Vintage Mid Century Wrought Iron Barrel Back Patio Dining Arm Chairs - Set of 6

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron Barrel Back Patio Dining Arm Chairs - Set of 6. Listing

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Paul Laszlo Mid Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Wing Back Slipper Lounge Chair

$1,600

Paul Laszlo Mid Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Wing Back Slipper Lounge Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Paul Laszlo Mid Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Wing Back Slipper Lounge Chair. Item

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Fully Restored Mid-Century Modern Barrel Backed Club Chairs

$2,950Sale Price / set|26% Off

Fully Restored Mid-Century Modern Barrel Backed Club Chairs

Located in Bronx, NY

Fully restored Mid-Century Modern barrel backed club chairs. The feet are original with self

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Club Chairs

Materials

Cotton

1960's Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chair

$399Sale Price|20% Off

1960's Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chair

By Edward Wormley

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage barrel-back Mid-Century Modern club chair for sale. Very solidly built, and very

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Barrel Walnut Wood Side Lounge Chair

$1,210

Mid-Century Modern Italian Barrel Walnut Wood Side Lounge Chair

By Josef Hoffmann

Located in Carimate, Como

Very elegant Mid-Century Modern Italian walnut wood chair. This chair will bring a touch of MCM

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

$2,595 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

By Milo Baughman

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple and elegant pair of barrel back lounge armchairs with chrome tube frames. Great size and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Restored Velvet Barrel Chair Pair by Lawrence Peabody

$4,300 / set

Mid Century Modern Restored Velvet Barrel Chair Pair by Lawrence Peabody

By Lawrence Peabody, Richardson Nemschoff

Located in Lutz, FL

Iconic and seldom seen Lawrence Peabody design for Richardson Nemschoff. The sculptural walnut frames allow the seats to have a floating aspect to them while also providing ample sup...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Mid-Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Lawrence Peabody, 1950s

$7,800 / set

Mid-Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Lawrence Peabody, 1950s

By Lawrence Peabody

Located in Westport, CT

Pair of lounge chairs designed by Lawrence Peabody, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, all

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Barrel-Form Bergeres

$5,650 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Barrel-Form Bergeres

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of Mid-century barrel style bergère armchairs upholstered in blue/gray linen. Each tub-form

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bergere Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Danish Modern Finn Andersen Barrel Back Club Chair

$3,995

Mid-Century Danish Modern Finn Andersen Barrel Back Club Chair

By Selig

Located in Wilmington, DE

Mid-century Danish modern barrel back club chair Offered is a vintage mid-century Danish modern

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Danish Modern Finn Andersen Barrel Back Club Chair

$3,995

Mid-Century Danish Modern Finn Andersen Barrel Back Club Chair

By Selig

Located in Wilmington, DE

Mid-Century Danish Modern Finn Andersen barrel back club chair Offered is a vintage mid-century

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Style Barrel Back Slipper Lounge Chairs - a Pair

$1,200 / set

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Style Barrel Back Slipper Lounge Chairs - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Style Barrel Back Slipper Lounge Chairs - a Pair. Item

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Vintage John Stuart Mid Century Modern Purple Barrel Back Club Lounge Chair Pair

$1,600 / set

Vintage John Stuart Mid Century Modern Purple Barrel Back Club Lounge Chair Pair

By John Stuart

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Vintage John Stuart Mid Century Modern Purple and Brown/Orange Lattice Floral Print Barrel Back Club

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

$2,300 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature two overstuffed removable cushions and

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Purple Barrel Back Club Chairs - a Pair

$2,000 / set

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Purple Barrel Back Club Chairs - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Purple Barrel Back Club Chairs - a Pair. Item features a

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Chairs - a Pair

$3,950 / set

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Chairs - a Pair

By Milo Baughman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Pair of Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman attributed Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Chairs. Item

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Green Ruched Barrel Back Swivel Chairs, Pair

$16,250

Mid-Century Modern Green Ruched Barrel Back Swivel Chairs, Pair

Located in Dallas, TX

Fabulously unique pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swivel club chairs. These

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Billy Haines Mid Century Fruitwood Barrel Back Lounge Chairs - Pair

$6,347 / set

Billy Haines Mid Century Fruitwood Barrel Back Lounge Chairs - Pair

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Billy Haines Mid Century Fruitwood Barrel Back Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Fruitwood

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Swivel Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair

$3,895 / set

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Swivel Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair

By Milo Baughman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Swivel Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 28

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom

$7,500 / set

Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Green Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

$9,900 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Green Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

A fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern barrel back club/lounge chairs, dating from the 1970's

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Pair Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Back Lounge Club Chairs on Casters

$1,920 / set

Pair Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Back Lounge Club Chairs on Casters

Located in West Chester, PA

Vintage upholstered lounge chairs on rolling casters with loose seat and back cushions which are

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Chairs with Teak Legs & Brass Feet

$2,900 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Chairs with Teak Legs & Brass Feet

Located in Nantucket, MA

A pair of upholstered Mid-Century Modern tapered-arm barrel chairs. Teak wood legs with brass feet

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Lovely Pair Milo Baughman style Barrel Back Swivel Rocker Chairs Mid-Century

$3,080Sale Price / set|20% Off

Lovely Pair Milo Baughman style Barrel Back Swivel Rocker Chairs Mid-Century

By Milo Baughman

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Lovely pair of tufted barrel back swivel rockers in the style of Milo Baughman. These chairs are

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs Baughman Chinoiserie, a Pair

$5,995 / set

Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs Baughman Chinoiserie, a Pair

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A gorgeous pair of mid century swivel lounge chairs in the original chinoiserie silk blend fabric

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Wood

Fabulous Pair of Chrome Barrel Back Chairs, Mid-Century Modern

$5,500 / set

Fabulous Pair of Chrome Barrel Back Chairs, Mid-Century Modern

By Flair

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Fabulous pair of chrome cantilevered barrel back chairs. This pair is super clean and have shiny

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Metropolitan Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Modern

$6,500 / set

Pair of Metropolitan Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Modern

By Jules Heumann, Metropolitan

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Fabulous pair of Metropolitan wide seat barrel back lounge chairs designed by Jules Heumann. These

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Barrel Back Chrome Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Modern

$6,500 / set

Pair of Barrel Back Chrome Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Modern

By Flair

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning pair of barrel back chrome flat bar lounge chairs. These chairs are in vintage condition

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Club Chair Attributed to Harvey Probber

$3,400

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Barrel Club Chair Attributed to Harvey Probber

By Harvey Probber

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, club chair attributed to Harvey Probber features a round, barrel shape, walnut

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood, Walnut

Handsome Lawrence Peabody Barrel Back Tub Chair Selig, Mid-Century Modern

$3,600

Handsome Lawrence Peabody Barrel Back Tub Chair Selig, Mid-Century Modern

By Lawrence Peabody

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Handsome Lawrence Peabody barrel back tub chair. We love the large-scale wide flair arms with the

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Selig Imperial Barrel Chair

$2,200

Selig Imperial Barrel Chair

By Selig

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Round club chair by Selig for their "Imperial" line. Great mid-century modern form with wood base

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Handsome Harvey Probber style Swivel Barrel Back Lounge Chairs Mid-Century

$4,400Sale Price / set|20% Off

Handsome Harvey Probber style Swivel Barrel Back Lounge Chairs Mid-Century

By Harvey Probber

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Gorgeous pair of Harvey Probber style swivel Barrel back lounge chairs. These chairs retain

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs or Lounge Chairs Walnut Base

$4,500 / set

Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs or Lounge Chairs Walnut Base

By Milo Baughman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A super comfy matching pair of barrel back lounge chairs circa 1960's. These feature swiveling

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

Mid-Century Modern Seating

20th Century Seating

Fabric Seating

Seating on Sale

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Mid Century Barrel Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century barrel chair for your home. A mid century barrel chair — often made from fabric, wood and upholstery — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a mid century barrel chair, we have 669 options in-stock, while there are 4 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century barrel chair — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century barrel chair, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century barrel chair over the years, but those crafted by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin and Vladimir Kagan are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Century Barrel Chair?

Prices for a mid century barrel chair can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $20 and can go as high as $29,975, while the average can fetch as much as $3,499.

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

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.

Questions About Mid Century Barrel Chair

What is a mid-century chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
How can you tell if a chair is mid century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
Are Wassily chairs mid-century modern?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is an iconic chair from the mid-century modern era?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

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