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Mid-Century Modern Canvas Armchairs

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Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Birch, Bentwood

Continental Mid-Century Style Tufted Leather Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Mid-Century style bentwood armchair featuring curved arms and a brown leather button
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Pair of Paul Laszlo Mid-Century American Geometric Upholstered Armchairs
By Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of Mid-Century (1950s) American armchairs with flat right-angled arms, padded backs
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

70s Safari Canvas Armchair from Wilhelm Kienzle
By Wilhelm Kienzle
Located in Stuttgart, DE
beech wood with natural-clolored linen seating. The comfort of the armchair is very nice, since the
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Wood

  • 70s Safari Canvas Armchair from Wilhelm Kienzle
  • 70s Safari Canvas Armchair from Wilhelm Kienzle
  • 70s Safari Canvas Armchair from Wilhelm Kienzle
  • 70s Safari Canvas Armchair from Wilhelm Kienzle
H 32.29 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Arm Chair with Burlap Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern tubular chrome arm chair with burlap seat. Item features tubular chrome frame
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Scandinavian Modern Birch Wood Lounge Chair with Black Canvas Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Scandinavian Modern birch wood lounge chair with black canvas seat. Item features a canvas
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Birch

Gerd Lange Mid-Century Modern Farmer Series Chairs and Table 1965
By Gerd Lange
Located in Weesp, NL
Farmer series chairs and table designed by Gerd Lange for Bofinger in the 1965. 8 pieces of wood, 4 square rods, 2 fabric panels. All built strictly at right angles. The fabric panel...
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Mid-Century Modern "Far East Collection" Arm Chairs by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Cane by John Graz, 1950s, Brazil
By John Graz
Located in New York, NY
can blend into almost any type of contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, boho chic, or modern environment
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Hardwood, Wood

Pair of Wire-Brushed White Oak & Canvas Arm Chairs, 20th century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
match the fine quality of the chairs. Each is covered in its original black canvas with various tears
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
By Fred Lowen
Located in LYON, FR
. Canvas has been repaired and reinforced. Leather has been Cleaned and conditioned. Blackwood frame has
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

  • Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
  • Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
  • Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
  • Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
H 15.75 in W 25.99 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Black Siesta Lounge Chair by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, Norway 196
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Leather Styling Advice: Mid-Century Modern Elegance: The "SIESTA" armchair embodies the mid-century
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Vintage Padded Armchair
Located in Premariacco, IT
Armchair for bedroom or hall with armrests and wooden structure and seat upholstered in hazelnut
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood

  • Vintage Padded Armchair
  • Vintage Padded Armchair
  • Vintage Padded Armchair
  • Vintage Padded Armchair
H 28.94 in W 22.64 in D 19.3 in
Vintage Safari Armchair by Gerd Lange, 1965
By Gerd Lange
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Fine set of iconic Farmer chairs by Gerd Lange, made in the 1960s. The comfort of these armchairs
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Wood

  • Vintage Safari Armchair by Gerd Lange, 1965
  • Vintage Safari Armchair by Gerd Lange, 1965
  • Vintage Safari Armchair by Gerd Lange, 1965
  • Vintage Safari Armchair by Gerd Lange, 1965
H 28.35 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
Metal, Canvas and Leather Designer Fauteuil
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
Poltrona Frau designs. Metal chromed frame and canvas carry the leather cushions and gives this chair a
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

  • Metal, Canvas and Leather Designer Fauteuil
  • Metal, Canvas and Leather Designer Fauteuil
  • Metal, Canvas and Leather Designer Fauteuil
  • Metal, Canvas and Leather Designer Fauteuil
H 29.53 in W 24.02 in D 266.93 in
20th Century Armchair Tripolina by Viganò with Faux Leather Cover and Pocket
By Vittoriano Vigano, Paolo Viganò
Located in Turin, Turin
Iconic armchair model "Tripolina" designed by Vittoriano Viganò and produced for Paolo Viganò, from
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set of four “Metteur en scène” (director’s) armchairs by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet, Compagnie Des Arts Français
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of four “director” armchairs, the structure and base in black forged steel by Jacques Adnet
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas

Erik Wørts Safari Lounge Chair in Off-White Canvas
By Erik Wørts
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Erik Wørts for Niels Eilsersen, safari chair, stained beech, canvas, Denmark, 1960s This sturdy
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Beech

Viking by Frau Norway Armchairs, 1970
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Rome, IT
Comfortable and welcoming and with a truly special design, this red armchair from the Viking series
Category

Vintage 1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

  • Viking by Frau Norway Armchairs, 1970
  • Viking by Frau Norway Armchairs, 1970
  • Viking by Frau Norway Armchairs, 1970
  • Viking by Frau Norway Armchairs, 1970
H 39.38 in W 31.5 in D 39.38 in
Safari Armchair Futurum by Rastad & Relling, Norway, 1960s
By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Safari futurum armchair by Rolf Rastad and Adolf Relling for Sørlie Möbler produced in Norway in
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Pair of Vintage Scandinavian Beechwood and Canvas Safari Chairs, circa 1970s
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A finely made pair of Scandinavian safari chairs from the third quarter of the 20th century, they
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Beech

Jan Vanek Curved Easy Chair in Oak and Woven Canvas Straps, Praque 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, or luxury boutique. When you choose for used mid-century
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Oak

Tripolina armchair produced by Dino Gavina, Italy 1950s
Located in Argelato, BO
This Tripolina armchair is produced by Dino Gavina in 1950, it is a supporting structure in chromed
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Rare pair of Italian armchairs with elegant scrollwork
Located in Milano, IT
of refined beauty. Here is a pair of exquisite 1950s Italian armchairs, each a testament to the
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Sune Lindström, Nordiska Kompaniet, Trivia, Safari Chair in Canvas Linen
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Sune Lindström
Located in Hasselt, VLI
stains on the original linen canvas. In our opinion, the original and untouched state of this piece adds
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of vintage Italian armchairs attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Enter a realm where time has stood still, where the essence of mid-century Italian design comes to
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Hans Wegner "Round" Walnut & Leather Armchair for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. _______________________________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Hans Wegner "Round" Teak & Cane Armchair for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Teak

Marco Zanuso Pair of Woodline Armchairs Arflex Italy 1964
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
and usage. A real nice catch for any modern home, office or interior. An armchair with a striking
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Dan Johnson “Viscount” Brass Accent & Cognac Leather Armchair for Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Modern “Viscount” armchair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig in Denmark circa 1950’s
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Hans Wegner “Round” Sculpted Walnut & Leather Armchair for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. _______________________________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Hans J. Wegner Jh-515 Armchair for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner model JH 515 oak armchair. Seat and back upholstered with canvas. Executed by
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Louis Paolozzi Pair of Low Back Armchairs Lounge Chairs in Red, France 1950's
By Louis Paolozzi
Located in New York, NY
Early pair of Louis Paolozzi armchairs in original waxed canvas on solid elm legs. Upholstery in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather

Classic Hans J. Wegner "Wishbone" Oak Armchair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Wood, Oak

Dan Johnson “Viscount” Cognac Leather and Brass Accent Armchair for Selig
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Modern “Viscount” armchair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig in Denmark circa 1950’s
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Safari Chairs for Rud Rasmussen & Cado
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Danish Modern folding safari chairs (Model MK-16) designed by Mogens Koch in 1932, one
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Italian Set of Six Armchairs in Pine with Light Blue Laced Backrest
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six armchairs, pine and fabric, Italy, 1970s. This set of six armchairs from Italy is
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Directors Chair Bamboo Wood Coral Red Cotton Canvas Fabric Upholstery Foldable
By Telescope Chair Company
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern coral red cottan canvas and bamboo wood folding director chair with canvas sling
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Safari chair in canvas by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, model KK47000
By Kaare Klint
Located in Amstelveen, NL
transformed an historical archetype into a modern, collapsible chair in the 1960's. Kaare Klint’s KK47000
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Campaign Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Softwood

California Modern Walnut & Cane Arm Chair by Gene L. Hackleman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Walnut

Danish Modern Sculpted Oak & Teak Arm Chair by Arne-Hovmand Olsen
By Komfort, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling “Bambi” Cane Armchair for Gustav Bahus
By Rolf Rastad, Adolf Relling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Teak

Norwegian Modern Sculpted Teak & Leather Arm Chairs by Gerhard Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Wood

Set of 4 Heinz Meier for Landes Midcentury "Ascona" Chrome Chairs
By Heinz Meier
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 midcentury American Modern (1960s) \"Ascona\" tubular chrome armchairs with walnut cross
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Rasmussen Edition
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stamford, CT
Kaare Klint Safari chair - Rasmussen Edition of canvas and leather. With later canvas.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas

Pierre Paulin AP-14 "Anneau" Butterfly Chair by AP Polak, 1950's
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
the 50's. The dual metal tubular steel frames, connected with clips, suspend the white canvas sling
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Dutch Red Lacquered "Farmer" Chair by Gerd Lange for Bofinger
By Gerd Lange
Located in Chicago, IL
20th Century Dutch Red Lacquered "Farmer" chair by Gerd Lange for Bofinger. Wooden armchair frame
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Elias Svedberg
Located in Bochum, NRW
A Safari armchair designed by Elias Svedberg, Sweden, 1940s. Made of wood, brown harness leather
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Leather

  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Axel Thygesen Oasis Safari Chairs for Interna, Denmark, 1960s
By Interna, Axel Thygesen
Located in Nordhavn, DK
manufactured in the 1960s. Beech frame with a black canvas seating. Untouched in good original condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Beech

Pair of Axel Thygesen Oasis Safari Chairs for Interna, Denmark, 1960's
By Interna, Axel Thygesen
Located in Nordhavn, DK
manufactured in the 1960s. Beech frame with a black canvas seating. Untouched in good original condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Beech

Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Chairs for Interna
By Mogens Koch, Interna Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch pair of folding chairs in beech and canvas. Executed by Interna, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

  • Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Chairs for Interna
  • Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Chairs for Interna
  • Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Chairs for Interna
  • Mogens Koch Pair of Folding Chairs for Interna
H 34.26 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Safari Chairs Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kaare Klint, safari chairs, Denmark Danish canvas and leather safari chairs Full original
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Wood

Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Elias Svedberg
Located in Bochum, NRW
Midcentury Scandinavian design Elias Svedberg Triva Safari chair, Sweden 1940s, in original vintage condition. Triva Safari chair by Elias Svedberg for NK – Nordiska Kompaniet. Or...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Wood

  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
  • Vintage Scandinavian Safari Chair
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Mattson Original Eva lounge chair from 1962
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Berlin, DE
Eva Rare Pernilla lounge arm chair in beech and canvas webbing designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

  • Mattson Original Eva lounge chair from 1962
  • Mattson Original Eva lounge chair from 1962
  • Mattson Original Eva lounge chair from 1962
  • Mattson Original Eva lounge chair from 1962
H 32.29 in W 27.96 in D 23.63 in
Scandinavian cantilever chair from the 1970s
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
. The black canvas suspension is also firm and dimensionally stable. The tension is guaranteed
Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

  • Scandinavian cantilever chair from the 1970s
  • Scandinavian cantilever chair from the 1970s
  • Scandinavian cantilever chair from the 1970s
  • Scandinavian cantilever chair from the 1970s
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Ole Wanscher 'Colonial Chair' 'OW 149' for Carl Hansen & Sons
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Stamford, CT
caned frame seat and purple canvas cushions.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC3 Outdoor Collection by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched in 2019
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Hans J. Wegner "Wishbone" Ebonized Arm Chairs for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
modern design. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Iconic Hans J. Wegner “Wishbone” Oak Arm Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Wood, Oak

Niels Møller Model-71 Leather & Teak Arm Chairs for J.L. Møllers
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak

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Mid-Century Modern Canvas Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of mid-century modern canvas armchairs available for sale. Each of these unique mid-century modern canvas armchairs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using canvas, fabric and wood. Mid-century modern canvas armchairs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-century modern canvas armchairs made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Mid-century modern canvas armchairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen and Mogens Koch are consistently popular.

How Much are Mid-Century Modern Canvas Armchairs?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,450, while they’re typically $556 on the low end and $30,171 highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

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

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

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

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

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

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests. The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary 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.

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 antique, new and vintage seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.