Skip to main content

Otto Zapf Desk Chair

Otto Zapf for Knoll Swivel Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Otto Zapf for Knoll International, desk chair, leather, lacquered metal, United States, design 1974
Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Otto Zapf for Knoll Swivel Desk Chair in Black Leather
Otto Zapf for Knoll Swivel Desk Chair in Black Leather
$3,850
H 33.86 in W 31.11 in D 27.96 in
Otto Zapf For Knoll Black High Back Leather Desk Chair
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Vienna, AT
Also referred as the pillow chair Otto Zapf conceived this chair originally for Knoll. It’s an
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Otto Zapf for Knoll Mid Century Leather Office Chair
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mid Century Leather Office Chair This chair measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 47
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Rare vintage office chair in black leather by Otto zapf for Knoll international
By Otto Zapf
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Designed in the 1970s for Knoll International furniture, this Otto Zapf office chair exudes an air
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chairs in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Stamford, CT
. We currently have six of Otto Zapf’s Executive Chairs in stock, each in its original condition
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous newly reupholstered leather management desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted
$5,200 Sale Price / item
20% Off
H 34.5 in W 30 in D 27.5 in
A luxurious executive desk chair in brown leather by Otto Zapf for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Houston, TX
A luxurious executive desk chair in brown leather by Otto Zapf for Knoll, circa 1970s. This high
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Recent Sales

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Zapf for Knoll, highback adjustable tilt swivel desk chair on five star base with twin wheels
Category

Late 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
H 44 in W 30 in D 29 in
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Zapf for Knoll, highback adjustable tilt swivel desk chair on five star base with twin wheels
Category

Late 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
H 44 in W 30 in D 29 in
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Otto Zapf Executive desk chair. Chair tilts and swivels. Upholstered in its original espresso brown
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
H 44 in W 31 in D 31 in
Otto Zapf Leather Office Chair for Topstar
By Otto Zapf
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
chair designed by Otto Zapf in the early 1970s was first sold by Knoll Int. manufactured and later by
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Leather Office Chair for Topstar
Otto Zapf Leather Office Chair for Topstar
H 50.79 in W 29.53 in D 31.5 in
Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1970
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning desk chair by Otto Zapf, manufactured by Knoll International in the USA around 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Otto Zapf for Knoll Mid Century Upholstered Office Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Countryside, IL
Otto Zapf for Knoll mid century upholstered office chair This chair measure: 30 wide x 27 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Zapf Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Otto Zapf for Knoll, made in France
Category

Vintage 1970s French Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Zapf Chair
Zapf Chair
H 36 in W 31 in D 27 in
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mid Century Upholstered Office Chair
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Otto Zapf for Knoll mid century upholstered office chair This chair measure: 30 wide x 27 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Management Chair, c. 1985, Signed
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous black leather executive management desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chair for Knoll International, USA, 1970
By Kill International, Otto Zapf
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A stunning executive desk chair by Otto Zapf, manufactured by Knoll International in the United
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1 vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchairs
By Otto Zapf
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chairs are upholstered in original gray fabric. Four star swivel and tilt base with casters. This
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Leather Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll International 1970s
By Knoll
Located in Houston, TX
A gorgeous leather desk chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1970s with knoll tag
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Desk Chair for Knoll, 1976
By Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Zapf for Knoll, executive tilt swivel chair. All height dimensions shown are the minimum and can
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Otto Zapf Desk Chair by Knoll International, USA, 1975
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly comfortable and adjustable executive desk chair designed by Otto Zapf, manufactured by Knoll
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Zapf for Knoll, High-Back Adjustable Tilt Swivel Desk Chair on 5 star base with twin wheels
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
H 47 in W 31 in D 32.5 in
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Zapf for Knoll, High back adjustable tilt swivel desk chair on five-star base with twin wheels
Category

Late 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
H 44 in W 30 in D 29 in
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Otto Zapf executive chair, low-back lounge, tilt swivel adjustable seat height on wheels. Signed
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
H 35.5 in W 30 in D 31 in
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
"The Pillow Chair" zapf for Knoll executive lounge chair with tilt and swivel functions. Original
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
H 38 in W 26 in D 28 in
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Large pillow like cushions upholstered in original tan leather. Tilts and swivels with adjustable height.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
H 44 in W 29 in D 30 in
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
Large pillow like cushions upholstered in original espresso brown leather. Tilts and swivels with adjustable height.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair
H 44 in W 29 in D 30 in
Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Leather Chair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Pasadena, TX
Zapf, Otto (1931- ) Birthplace: Rossbach, CSSR. Knoll Products: Executive chair, Zapf System
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Desk Chair, c. 1985, Signed
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous leather executive management desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Highback Executive Leather Desk Chair, Signed
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous highly patinated burgundy leather highback executive desk chair is by Otto Zapf for
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Leather Office Chair for Topstar
By Otto Zapf, Topstar
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
function, as well as the stepless height lock, work perfectly. The office chair designed by Otto
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Leather Office Chair for Topstar
Otto Zapf Leather Office Chair for Topstar
H 47.25 in W 29.53 in D 31.5 in
Executive Low Back Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Was previously reupholstered in new blue fabric. Designed by Otto Zapf for Knoll.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Patinated Leather Executive Chair, Signed
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous highly patinated brown leather highback executive desk chair is by Otto Zapf for
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Management Chair, c. 1985, Signed
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous leather management desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1985
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Management Chairs, Signed
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These gorgeous black leather executive management desk chairs are by Otto Zapf for Knoll
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Knoll Zapf Chair in Brown Leather
By Otto Zapf
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Zapf Dark Brown Leather Low Back Side Office Chair Features: Upholstered Dark Brown
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Knoll Zapf Chair in Tweed Fabric
By Otto Zapf
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Zapf Advanced Low Back Executive Chair Swivels, tilts and rolls on casters Four star
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1 Vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchair
By Otto Zapf
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chair is upholstered in original gray fabric. Four star swivel and tilt base with casters.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf Desk Chair Low for Topstar
By Otto Zapf, Topstar
Located in JM Haarlem, NL
This comfortable office or desk chair was designed by Otto Zapf in the seventies. It's a high
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Otto Zapf Desk Chair Low for Topstar
Otto Zapf Desk Chair Low for Topstar
H 35.04 in W 32.68 in D 31.89 in
1970s Otto Zapf for Knoll Executive Chair
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Houston, TX
Handsome Otto Zapf for Knoll executive desk chair in cognac leather on four-star base with casters
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Office Chair by Knoll International, Germany, 1976
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
Otto Zapf office chair by Knoll International, 1976. Wood, metal and leather. Very good original
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious desk chair in brown leather upholstery with swivel and tilt mechanism by Otto Zapf for
Category

Vintage 1970s American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery

Pair Of Leather Swivel Chairs
By Otto Zapf
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Pair of vintage swivel chairs in original butterscotch leather. Highback desk chair also available.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Grey Leather Executive Desk Chair
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This very comfortable high back office or desk chair was designed by Otto Zapf and manufactured in
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll, circa 1970s
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Austin, TX
Comfortable, cushioned executive style desk chair on swivel base, designed in the style of Otto
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

People Also Browsed

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Category

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating 'Méandre' gilt bronze finish side chair by Design Frères. Gilt bronze finish over steel frame. Natural linen upholstered cushion with contrasting piping. Chic and unders...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
$2,900 / item
H 32.5 in W 18 in D 20 in
Custom Round Mohair Velvet Ottoman with Oak Feet
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Round Ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in a mustard ...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Oak, Mohair, Velvet

Custom Round Mohair Velvet Ottoman with Oak Feet
Custom Round Mohair Velvet Ottoman with Oak Feet
$2,035 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 23.63 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE (LARGE) floor lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant‘s Foot– for the prominent shape at its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Textile, Wood, Linen, Fiberglass

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...
Category

2010s Italian Side Tables

Materials

Onyx

Ondamarmo Vulcano Onyx Matte Polished Side Table
Ondamarmo Vulcano Onyx Matte Polished Side Table
$4,003 / item
H 17.72 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak

White Rounded Square Fiberglass Quad Coffee Table by Mike Ruiz-Serra
By Mike Ruiz Serra
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Quad is a low, sculptural coffee table with four hemispherical legs that acts as a quiet yet powerful visual anchor in the room. Cast in fiberglass, it has a unique satin finish ...
Category

2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Bespoke Round Italian Travertine Dining Table
Located in London, London
Travertine dining table Made to order in Italy Round top Dimensions can be adjusted Honed or polished finish Rounded or straight edges Travertine pedestal Photos show recently...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Travertine

Bespoke Round Italian Travertine Dining Table
Bespoke Round Italian Travertine Dining Table
$4,910 / item
H 30.71 in Dm 47.25 in
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone needs a teddy bear and yours can be this chic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa newly upholstered in soft curly camel teddy bear fabric. Modern. In your face sexy. Super soft teddy be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Jacob Jensen for Labofa Black Leather Office Chair
By Labofa A/S, Jacob Jensen
Located in Germantown, MD
Jacob Jensen For Labofa black leather office chair in good vintage condition. Measures 25.5" W x 22" D x 38" H. Arm height is 27". Seat interior width 22", seat interior Depth 19". ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Iron

Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps by Olivia Cognet
By Olivia Cognet
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of tall and elegant table lamps made in ceramic by the French artist Olivia Cognet, topped with Dedar Milano fabric lamp shades. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2016, French art...
Category

2010s French Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps by Olivia Cognet
Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps by Olivia Cognet
$15,262 / set
H 21.66 in Dm 9.06 in
Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Charles Pollock for Knoll executive chair in burnt orange. This leather executive desk chair has swivel base with adjustable height. Base with all wheels in working condition...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange
Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange
$1,599 / item
H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in
Gae Aulenti bed mod. ‘Tennis’ for Gavina, Italy 1972
By Gae Aulenti, Gavina
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Large king size bed by Gae Aulenti mod. ‘Tennis’ for Gavina, Italy 1972. Unique and iconic bed from the ‘Tennis‘ series referring to the round shapes and the typical stitching patter...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Leather, Wood

Gae Aulenti bed mod. ‘Tennis’ for Gavina, Italy 1972
Gae Aulenti bed mod. ‘Tennis’ for Gavina, Italy 1972
$24,295
H 18.71 in W 95.28 in D 103.55 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Swivel Tilt Desk Chairs c. 1980's 16 available
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in New York, NY
Sharp modern design classic, designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll, circa 1980's. Known as the Executive Chair, this iconic example features a tufted black leather seat and back rest...
Category

Late 20th Century American Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Gio Ponti Headboard and Bedframe with Attached Nightstands
By Gio Ponti, Giordano Chiesa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bed by Gio Ponti, executed by Giordano Chiesa, c.1950s, Italy. This one of a kind piece was commissioned by the Ceccato family, owners of the popular confectionary empire, Dulciora, ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut, Birch

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Otto Zapf Desk Chair", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Otto Zapf Desk Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the otto zapf desk chair you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of animal skin, leather and metal, every otto zapf desk chair was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer otto zapf desk chair, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A otto zapf desk chair made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Modern — is very popular.

How Much is a Otto Zapf Desk Chair?

A otto zapf desk chair can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,425, while the lowest priced sells for $1,450 and the highest can go for as much as $5,800.

Finding the Right Office-chairs-desk-chairs for You

An essential part of every office or home workstation, office chairs and desk chairs are critically important to your comfort and getting the job done.

Desk chairs have evolved over time. While writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson pined for a wider range of motion and introduced some improvements to his English-style Windsor chair, inventing the swivel chair along the way. So the next time you roll, recline or swivel at your vintage desk, remember: The third president of the United States had a lot to do with that functionality.

Changes in the availability of resources have also led to innovations in desk chair design. After World War II, for example, optimistic American designers made use of wartime materials in their efforts to create practical domestic goods.

Mid-century modernism is the name given to the broad postwar time period that prioritized thoughtful design. Journalist Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” cites “ergonomic wisdom” as part of the reason for the longevity of the era’s furnishings, and when it comes to sitting in a desk chair for hours at a time, what could be more important than ergonomic support?

As mid-century modernism was marked by resourcefulness and boundless creativity — and produced designers who, in most cases, prioritized comfort and support — it follows that all mid-century chairs are not the same. Nowhere is this perhaps more evident than at Herman Miller. The legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer got its start in the office, with design director George Nelson enlisting the likes of Charles and Ray Eames to produce desk chairs and lounge chairs that are still celebrated today. Elsewhere at the time, the numerous pieces Florence Knoll created for Knoll’s office furniture line were envisioned as design solutions for the changing needs of residential and office spaces.

If you’re working remotely and streamlined seating isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid of making a statement with your office chair. Introduce a touch of drama to your video calls by way of 19th-century desk accessories and the alluring forms we typically associate with antique desk chairs designed in the Empire and Regency styles. For a minimalist touch, a spare, utilitarian Industrial-style office chair can work in any space but will fit in particularly well amid the exposed brick and steel architecture that characterizes a loft apartment.

An inspiring home office cleverly mixes materials and styles to create a welcoming place of productivity and comfort, and if you’re gathering with colleagues at your company HQ, an array of wood, leather and metal office chairs can help integrate disparate textures in a conference room or any other collaborative space. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse collection of office and desk chairs today.