Sleek Karpen of California Barrel Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Karpen of California, Karpen & Bros.
Located in Dallas, TX
Infuse your home with this luxurious pair of modernist Karpen lounge chairs. Perfectly proportioned
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of modernist lounge chairs, manufactured by Karpen Company of California, circa 1950s. They
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Taupe Mohair, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered
Brass
Pair of Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs, circa 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of modern lounge chairs, manufactured by the Karpen Company of California, circa 1950s. They
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Linen Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
were made by The Karpen Company of California in the 1950s and artfully restored. Solid walnut legs
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Blue Wool, circa 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of modernist lounge chairs, manufactured by the Karpen Company of California, circa 1950s
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather, circa 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of modernist lounge chairs, manufactured by the Karpen Company of California, circa 1950s
Brass
Modernist Karpen of California Lounge Chairs in Red Velvet
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Handsome pair of lounge chairs by the Karpen Company of California, circa 1950s. Newly
Nickel
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Grey Alpaca Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in
Brass
Modernist Karpen Style Barrel Club Chair in Blue Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
Midcentury modernist chair in the style of Karpen Bros. The barrel shaped chair features splayed
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Karpen Modernist Lounge Chairs
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of modernist lounge chairs, manufactured by Karpen Company of California. circa 1950's. They
Brass
Pair of Sculptural Modernist Lounge Chairs by Karpen
By Karpen & Bros.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Sculptural Modernist Lounge Chairs, designed for the Karpen Company, circa 1950's. They
Modernist Swivel Wingback Chair by Karpen of California
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
A beautifully designed swiveling wingback chair in cream leather by the Karpen Company of
Brass
1960's Karpen Of California Modernist Lounge Chair
By Karpen of California
Located in New York, NY
1960's mid-century modern walnut and brass lounge chairs by Karpen Of California, fully restored
Brass
Pair of Modernist Wing Chairs by Karpen of California
By Karpen of California
Located in Danville, CA
Pair of Italian Modern style lounge chairs by Karpen of California. The pair have been
Velvet, Hardwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Lounge Chairs by Karpen of California
By Karpen of California
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated pair of Mid-Century Modernist lounge chairs features sculptural burnished walnut
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Karpen 1960
By Karpen of California
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare modernist sofa by Karpen of CA Furniture. Fully restored and reupholstered in felted wool
Upholstery
Modernist Two-Piece Cerused Oak Cabinet
By Karpen & Bros.
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist two-piece cerused oak cabinet with bi-fold doors. Top part concealed glass shelves
Oak
Modernist Walnut and Brass Lounge Chairs
By Karpen of California
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of vintage walnut and brass lounge chairs in the manner of Karpen Company of California, circa
Brass
Modernist Contoured Scoop Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Karpen of California
Located in Rochester, NY
stretcher. In the manner of / or attributed to Karpen of California. A rare sculptural masterpiece.
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of lounge chairs designed by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Walnut legs fully restored
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Beige Chenille
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Granite Velvet
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Charcoal Mohair, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Re-upholstered in
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Navy Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Re-upholstered in
Nickel
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Navy Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Re-upholstered in
Nickel
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Taupe Mohair, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Taupe Mohair, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in
Brass
Modernist Karpen of California Lounge Chair, C. 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
produced by The Karpen Company of California in the 1950s and artfully restored. Solid walnut legs gleam
Brass
Modernist Karpen of California Lounge Chairs in Granite Velvet
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning and rare pair of lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered
Brass
Single Modernist Karpen Lounge Chair in Taupe Mohair, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning lounge chair by Karpen of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in taupe mohair
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Grey Alpaca Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
were made by The Karpen Company of California in the 1950s and artfully restored by Stamford Modern
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Grey Alpaca Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
were made by The Karpen Company of California in the 1950s and artfully restored by Stamford Modern
Brass
Modernist Karpen Lounge Chairs in Hazel Linen Velvet, 1950s
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
were made by The Karpen Company of California in the 1950s and artfully restored. Solid walnut legs
Linen, Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Sleek Karpen of California Barrel Lounge Chairs
By Karpen & Bros., Karpen of California
Located in Dallas, TX
Infuse your home with this luxurious pair of modernist Karpen lounge chairs. Perfectly proportioned
Velvet, Wood
Karpen of California Modernist Lounge Chairs
By Karpen of California
Located in Portland, OR
Modernist high-back lounge chairs by Michael Karpen for Karpen of California. Original coil
Mohair, Wood
Karpen of California Modernist Lounge Chairs
By Karpen of California
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare pair sculptural lounge chairs by Karpen of California. These chairs hardly ever become
Mohair, Birch
Modernist Lounge Chair by Karpen of California
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
Handsome lounge chair by the Karpen Company of California, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in
Brass
Modernist Lounge Chairs by Karpen of California
By Karpen of California
Located in Westport, CT
were made by The Karpen Company of California in the 1950s and artfully restored. Solid walnut legs
Brass
California Modernist Club Chairs by Karpen of California
By Karpen of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning pair of modern club chairs designed and manufactured by Karpen of California in the United
Metal
1950's Modernist Arm Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Modernist Low Arm Chairs in Karpen of California style with ebonized solid mahogany
Velvet, Wood
$5,000 / set
H 18.5 in W 19 in D 19 in
Pair of Wrought Iron and Marble 'Entretoise' Side Tables by Design Frères
By Design Frères, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic pair of wrought Iron and marble 'Entretoise' side tables by Design Frères. Matte black wrought iron bases with polished white veined marble tops.
Carrara Marble, Wrought Iron
Smoked Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Central Brass Plate
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall sconces made of a piece of curved and wavy Murano glass with a central brass plate. Two lights per sconce. Price per sconce
Brass
The Charles Dudouyt Coffee Table
Located in Banbury, GB
A fine carved and turned oak small circular table in the manner of Charles Dudouyt. The incised oak top on spinal corkscrew design column on triple ball feet. Polished lightly aged o...
Oak
Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases
Located in New York, NY
large bamboo pair of table lamps with brass bases. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely brass bases and bamboo tops held by brass top.
Brass
$2,438 / item
H 11.8 in W 11.8 in D 7.5 in
Tulip Organic Modern Contemporary Wall Sconce, Wall Light in White Plaster
By Hannah Woodhouse
Located in London, GB
Handmade Tulip organic modern wall light/ wall sconce, in silky smooth white plaster, created by artist Hannah Woodhouse in her London studio. Contemporary organic modern design insp...
Plaster
Mid-Century Folding Screen, Room Divider
By Dumais Made
Located in Bantam, CT
Finish -Walnut: Mahogany -Cane -Brass -Minimum wear to cane at the edges -Good vintage condition ...
Brass
Amuneal's Brass Pantry Cabinetry
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Brass Pantry Cabinetry, part of our metal Kitchen Collection, is designed as a feature element for any space. The three doors on the upper cabinets are fabricated with a kn...
Brass
Ondamarmo Vulcano Onyx Matte Polished Side Table
Located in AVENZA CARRARA, IT
The Ondamarmo series by Federica Elmo includes 6 objects: The extra large dining table, two smaller size tables, three shelves, and a tray designed as an evolution of the shapes of t...
Onyx
Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Brass
$4,950
H 69.69 in W 24.22 in D 5.91 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall-Mounted Mirror with Shelf in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall-mounted mirror with shelf, teak, mirrored glass, Italy, 1950s An exemplar of mid-century modern design, this sleek, wall-mounted mirror epitomizes finesse and the inimitable ch...
Mirror, Teak
Pair Milo Baughman Brass Barrel Back Chairs, Restored
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning pair of heirloom quality barrel chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Super high style, swivel chairs recovered in luxurious brown velvet that contrasts beautifull...
Brass
Tête-à-tête Settee by Randy Culler for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Dallas, TX
An innovative tête-à-tête de-sign by Randy R. Culler for Thayer Coggin, Inc. This is Thayer Coggin’s newfangled version of a victorian courting settee. The two curves allow the seate...
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 70 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 13.5 and arm height of 21 inches Great...
Upholstery, Wood
$725 / set
H 1.19 in W 6.3 in D 2.76 in
Arms Door Handles by Quintana Partners, Solid Brass & Chrome, Spain
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Arm Door Handles combine elegance and originality in a unique proposal that transforms any space with its iconic and sophisticated design. With the stylized shape of an arm, thes...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of "Bamboo" style benches by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of benches in "bamboo" style gilt metal, upholstered with a fabric by Métaphore. Creation by Studio Glustin. France, 2024
Metal
Stylish Pair of Blush Pink Swivel Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
Sit back and relax in these excellently proportioned and fantastically comfortable pair of swivel club/lounge chairs in the style of Milo Baughman, 1970s. Graceful silhouette these c...
Velvet
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.
While this specific seating is known to all for its comfort and familiar form, the history of how your favorite antique or vintage lounge chair came to be is slightly more ambiguous.
Although there are rare armchairs dating back as far as the 17th century, some believe that the origins of the first official “lounge chair” are tied to Hungarian modernist designer-architect Marcel Breuer. Sure, Breuer wasn’t exactly reinventing the wheel when he introduced the Wassily lounge chair in 1925, but his seat was indeed revolutionary for its integration of bent tubular steel.
Officially, a lounge chair is simply defined as a “comfortable armchair,” which allows for the shape and material of the furnishings to be extremely diverse. Whether or not chaise longues make the cut for this category is a matter of frequent debate.
The Eames lounge chair, on the other hand, has come to define somewhat of a universal perception of what a lounge chair can be. Introduced in 1956, the Eames lounger (and its partner in cozy, the ottoman) quickly became staples in television shows, prestigious office buildings and sumptuous living rooms. Venerable American mid-century modern designers Charles and Ray Eames intended for it to be the peak of luxury, which they knew meant taking furniture to the next level of style and comfort. Their chair inspired many modern interpretations of the lounge — as well as numerous copies.
On 1stDibs, find a broad range of unique lounge chairs that includes everything from antique Victorian-era seating to vintage mid-century modern lounge chairs by craftspersons such as Hans Wegner to contemporary choices from today’s innovative designers.