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Mid Century Modern Vintage Recliner

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Mid-Century Modern Farstrup Møbler Recliner
Mid-Century Modern Farstrup Møbler Recliner

Mid-Century Modern Farstrup Møbler Recliner

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A vintage reclining chair with tufted back and elegant walnut frame, perfect for adding Mid-Century

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair, 1960s
Italian Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair, 1960s

Italian Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair, 1960s

Located in Catania, CT

Italian mid-century modern reclining armchair from the 1960s, featuring a sculptural solid wood

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Borsani D70 Reclining Sofa, Grey Fabric, Collectible
Vintage Mid Century Modern Borsani D70 Reclining Sofa, Grey Fabric, Collectible

Vintage Mid Century Modern Borsani D70 Reclining Sofa, Grey Fabric, Collectible

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Milano, IT

, but successfully evolved his style to fully embrace the mid-century aestethic after WW2. Amongst his

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Reclining Walnut Lounge Chairs
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Reclining Walnut Lounge Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Reclining Walnut Lounge Chairs

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Discover the elegance of mid-century modern design with these exquisite walnut reclining lounge

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Cognac Leather Reclining Lounge Chair
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Cognac Leather Reclining Lounge Chair

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Cognac Leather Reclining Lounge Chair

By Göte Möbler Nässjö

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Rosewood, Cognac Leather This Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak&Leather Armchair with Reclining Backrest
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak&Leather Armchair with Reclining Backrest

Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak&Leather Armchair with Reclining Backrest

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

very comfortable, with a consistent form. The armchair is in original vintage condition. It has minor

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Elegant Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchairs in Wood, Green, Timeless
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchairs in Wood, Green, Timeless

Elegant Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchairs in Wood, Green, Timeless

Located in Milano, IT

Two vintage Italian armchairs, Mid-Century Modern 1960’s , with wooden frame and petrol green

Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Reclining Figure Mid Century Modern Cubist Painting C.1950s
Reclining Figure Mid Century Modern Cubist Painting C.1950s

Reclining Figure Mid Century Modern Cubist Painting C.1950s

Located in San Francisco, CA

". This fantastic mid century modern painting will fit right in with many modern interiors. Vintage art

Category

1950s Cubist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Milo Baughman
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Milo Baughman

Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Milo Baughman

By James Inc., Milo Baughman

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Walnut

20th Century Italian Mid-Modern Walnut Recliner Lounge Chair by ISA Bergamo
20th Century Italian Mid-Modern Walnut Recliner Lounge Chair by ISA Bergamo

20th Century Italian Mid-Modern Walnut Recliner Lounge Chair by ISA Bergamo

By ISA Bergamo

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian recliner chair, Poltrona Relax made of hand crafted polished

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin

Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin

By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Walnut

1960's Mid-Century Danish Modern IB Madsen Reclining Lounge Arm Chair
1960's Mid-Century Danish Modern IB Madsen Reclining Lounge Arm Chair

1960's Mid-Century Danish Modern IB Madsen Reclining Lounge Arm Chair

By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Adrian Pearsall, Ib Madsen

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage original Midcentury Modern lounge chair for sale. Designed by Danish designer IB Madsen. It

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Vintage Reclining Armchair in Walnut
Vintage Reclining Armchair in Walnut

Vintage Reclining Armchair in Walnut

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage armchair combines Mid-Century Modern style with quality materials and comfortable

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid Century Danish Modern Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair in Brown Leather
Mid Century Danish Modern Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair in Brown Leather

Mid Century Danish Modern Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair in Brown Leather

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A great vintage Scandinavian lounge chair and ottoman set circa 1970's. The set features a

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Vintage Italian Modern Reclining Lounge Chairs
Pair of Vintage Italian Modern Reclining Lounge Chairs

Pair of Vintage Italian Modern Reclining Lounge Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning Mid-Century Modern armchair has the ability to recline, offering extreme comfort in

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany

Mid Century Aluminum Outdoor Patio Lounger with Reclining Back
Mid Century Aluminum Outdoor Patio Lounger with Reclining Back

Mid Century Aluminum Outdoor Patio Lounger with Reclining Back

Located in Freehold, NJ

This vintage 1970s patio lounger features white painted aluminum construction, adjustable seat back

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Mid-Century Reclining Patio Lounge Arm Chairs w/ Extendable Foot-Rests
Pair of Mid-Century Reclining Patio Lounge Arm Chairs w/ Extendable Foot-Rests

Pair of Mid-Century Reclining Patio Lounge Arm Chairs w/ Extendable Foot-Rests

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of American Mid-Century reclining patio chairs. This pair of vintage iron patio chairs from

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Metal and Upholstery, USA
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Metal and Upholstery, USA

Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Metal and Upholstery, USA

Located in San Francisco, CA

A pair of Mid-Century Modern adjustable outdoor patio recliners with an integrated side table

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Vintage Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair
Vintage Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair

Vintage Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair

By Milo Baughman

Located in Chicago, IL

A very nice and early Vintage Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair. This chair will most likely

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Black Leather Swivel Chair & Ottoman
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Black Leather Swivel Chair & Ottoman

Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Black Leather Swivel Chair & Ottoman

By Unico

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

preferences. The set blends perfectly with both modern and vintage décor, adding elegance, class, and a

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Metal

Vintage Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
Vintage Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair

Vintage Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair

By Thayer Coggin

Located in Esperance, NY

Vintage Thayer Coggin recliner lounge chair.

Category

Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Vintage Italian Leather Reclining Armchair and Stool
Vintage Italian Leather Reclining Armchair and Stool

Vintage Italian Leather Reclining Armchair and Stool

Located in London, GB

A stylish and incredibly comfortable vintage Italian leather reclining armchair and stool. They

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Danish Modern Teak Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Danish Modern Teak Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Danish Modern Teak Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Danish modern reclining lounge chair and ottoman manufactured in Denmark, circa 1960s. This

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Mid-Century Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by H.W. Klein for Bramin
Mid-Century Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by H.W. Klein for Bramin

Mid-Century Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by H.W. Klein for Bramin

By Bramin Mobler, Henry Walter Klein

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Introducing the exquisite mid-century teak reclining lounge chair and ottoman, expertly designed by

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Bouclé, Teak

20th Century Swedish Vintage High Back Beech Recliner Set by Folke Ohlsson & Dux
20th Century Swedish Vintage High Back Beech Recliner Set by Folke Ohlsson & Dux

20th Century Swedish Vintage High Back Beech Recliner Set by Folke Ohlsson & Dux

By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish adjustable armchair or high back recliner with an ottoman

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Metal

Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for S.
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for S.

Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for S.

By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen

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 Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech, Walnut

Vintage Black Leather Ekornes Stressless Style Swivel Recliner Lounge Chair
Vintage Black Leather Ekornes Stressless Style Swivel Recliner Lounge Chair

Vintage Black Leather Ekornes Stressless Style Swivel Recliner Lounge Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Vintage Mid Century Modern Black Leather & Canvas Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair in the Style of Ekornes

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Brazilian Modern Armchair by Celina Decorações, Brazil Mid-20th Century
Brazilian Modern Armchair by Celina Decorações, Brazil Mid-20th Century

Brazilian Modern Armchair by Celina Decorações, Brazil Mid-20th Century

By Celina Decoracoes

Located in Utrecht, NL

most active in the mid-20th century era until the 1980s. The company began as an upholstery studio

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Oak Lounge Chair by Jack Van Dre Molen
Vintage Mid Century Modern Oak Lounge Chair by Jack Van Dre Molen

Vintage Mid Century Modern Oak Lounge Chair by Jack Van Dre Molen

Located in Seattle, WA

Oak Lounge Chair with Mid Century Modern Lines Throughout and Wood Slatted Back. This Chair

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Vintage Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Tubular Chrome Recliner
Vintage Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Tubular Chrome Recliner

Vintage Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Tubular Chrome Recliner

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

collectors of mid-century design. Add this vibrant masterwork of comfort and style to your collection today.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs

By Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

natural beauty of the wood while providing a sturdy foundation. Perfect for adding a touch of mid-century

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Vintage Original Henry Moore Exhibition Poster Reclining Woman Gallery Maeght
Vintage Original Henry Moore Exhibition Poster Reclining Woman Gallery Maeght

Vintage Original Henry Moore Exhibition Poster Reclining Woman Gallery Maeght

By Henry Moore

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

This vintage, 1984, original, lithograph poster, "Reclining Woman", by iconic Mid Century Modern

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Mid-Century Swiss Modern Leather & Bent Wood Lounge Chair from Giroflex
Vintage Mid-Century Swiss Modern Leather & Bent Wood Lounge Chair from Giroflex

Vintage Mid-Century Swiss Modern Leather & Bent Wood Lounge Chair from Giroflex

By Giroflex Stoll, Martin Stoll

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

vintage condition. It has minor scratches on the leather and a natural patina. On the underside of the

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Adrian Pearsall Highback Recliner Lounge Chair in Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Highback Recliner Lounge Chair in Walnut

Adrian Pearsall Highback Recliner Lounge Chair in Walnut

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Iconic mid-century modern lounge recliner designed by Adrian Pearsall. Crafted with a sculptural

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Staffordshire Cats Reclining on Cushions, Vintage
Pair of Staffordshire Cats Reclining on Cushions, Vintage

Pair of Staffordshire Cats Reclining on Cushions, Vintage

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

mid to late 20th century based on the color palette and the glaze. They are in good vintage condition

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Vintage Leather and Chrome Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Vintage Leather and Chrome Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Vintage Leather and Chrome Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman

By Milo Baughman

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful vintage leather and chrome reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed in the United

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Walnut Lounge Chairs
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Walnut Lounge Chairs

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Walnut Lounge Chairs

Located in Tulsa, OK

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Walnut Lounge Chairs In very good vintage condition and

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen

Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen

By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig

Located in Los Angeles, CA

________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Oak, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Scoop Side Chair
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Scoop Side Chair

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Scoop Side Chair

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Tulsa, OK

. * * * Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Scoop Chair. Above average vintage condition and structurally

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Side Tables
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Side Tables

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Side Tables

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Tulsa, OK

. * * * Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Side Tables. Above average vintage condition and

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Vintage 1980 Ekornes Stressless Recliner — Scandinavian Leather Lounge Chair
Vintage 1980 Ekornes Stressless Recliner — Scandinavian Leather Lounge Chair

Vintage 1980 Ekornes Stressless Recliner — Scandinavian Leather Lounge Chair

By Ekornes Stressless

Located in Almelo, NL

. Crafted in Norway circa 1980, this iconic mid-century modern chair is celebrated for its superior

Category

Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Coffee Table
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Coffee Table

Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Coffee Table

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Tulsa, OK

. * * * Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Jacks Coffee Table. Above average vintage condition and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Czech Wooden Armchairs, a Pair
Mid-Century Modern Czech Wooden Armchairs, a Pair

Mid-Century Modern Czech Wooden Armchairs, a Pair

Located in High Point, NC

The graphic shape and crisp monochromatic color palette of these vintage wooden armchairs evoke a

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Reclining Lounge Chair in the Manner of John Bone
Vintage Reclining Lounge Chair in the Manner of John Bone

Vintage Reclining Lounge Chair in the Manner of John Bone

By Finn Juhl

Located in Pasadena, TX

Vintage John Bone style reclining lounge chair. A Danish teak lounge chair which sits straight up

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Teak

1070's Vintage Plush Brown with Chrome Recliner/ Barcalounger Chair
1070's Vintage Plush Brown with Chrome Recliner/ Barcalounger Chair

1070's Vintage Plush Brown with Chrome Recliner/ Barcalounger Chair

By Barcalounger

Located in Opa Locka, FL

1970's Vintage Plush Brown Comfortable Reclining Chair/ Barcalounger. Very comfortable this chair

Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 3 Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Rosewood & Black Leather Chairs
Set of 3 Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Rosewood & Black Leather Chairs

Set of 3 Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Rosewood & Black Leather Chairs

By Bramin Mobler, Henry Walter Klein

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

reclined. The seat is recessed into the chair frame, and the backrest slightly extends beyond the outline

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Sculptural Italian Walnut Armchair, 1950s – Mid-Century Modern Design Icon
Sculptural Italian Walnut Armchair, 1950s – Mid-Century Modern Design Icon

Sculptural Italian Walnut Armchair, 1950s – Mid-Century Modern Design Icon

By Gio Ponti

Located in Almelo, NL

Sculptural Italian Walnut Armchair, 1950s – Mid-Century Modern Design Icon A stunning example of

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Newly Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Newly Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Newly Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1960s

Located in Almelo, NL

Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Newly Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1960s This elegant pair of mid

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Danish Modern Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ib Kofod Larsen
Danish Modern Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ib Kofod Larsen

Danish Modern Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ib Kofod Larsen

By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Ib Kofod Larsen expertly crafted this remarkable Danish modern walnut reclining lounge chair and

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

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Mid Century Modern Vintage Recliner For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century modern vintage recliner you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, fabric and animal skin, every mid century modern vintage recliner was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the mid century modern vintage recliner you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century modern vintage recliner, those designed in Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. A well-made mid century modern vintage recliner has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Milo Baughman, De Sede and Thayer Coggin are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Vintage Recliner?

The average selling price for a mid century modern vintage recliner at 1stDibs is $2,250, while they’re typically $453 on the low end and $13,970 for the 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 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.