$3,895
H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in
Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a newly restored set of iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the influential
Walnut
$5,995 / set
H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in
Set of 6 Model C140 "Playboy" by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, USA, c. 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a newly restored set of two iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the
Walnut
C140 "Playboy" armchair by Jens Risom, USA, circa 1960
By Jens Risom
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Model C140 armchair, known as the Playboy chair, designed by Jens Risom around 1960 and produced
Leather, Teak
$1,255
H 31.75 in W 22.25 in D 23 in
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Playboy Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern "Playboy" lounge chair or club chair By Jens Risom USA, 1960s
Upholstery, Walnut
$10,500 / set
H 32.29 in W 22.25 in D 21.66 in
Jens Risom Set of Six ‘Playboy’ Armchairs in Black Upholstery and Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
, design 1958, production 1960s The classic Playboy dining chairs by Jens Risom owe their name to their
Faux Leather, Walnut
$7,800 / set
H 34 in W 19.5 in D 23 in
Set of 6 Mid Century Wormley Dunbar Style Cane & Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Parzinger Style Dining Chairs c. 1960 Set of 8 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
$92,800 / set
H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in
Paul Frankl Set of 20 Dining Chairs in Bleached Mahogany & Latte Bouclé c. 1950
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
of 8 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs MEASUREMENTS Arm chair 32” h
Bouclé, Wood, Mahogany
$48,400 / set
H 47 in W 21 in D 23 in
Set of 12 Adrian Pearsall Sculptural High Back Dining Chairs in Latte Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Playboy Dining Chairs
Bouclé, Walnut, Upholstery
$64,200 / set
H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in
Paul Frankl Set of 14 Dining Chairs in Bleached Mahogany & Latte Bouclé c. 1950
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs MEASUREMENTS Arm chair 32” h x 25” d
Mahogany, Bouclé, Upholstery
$48,400 / set
H 34 in W 21 in D 23 in
Set of 14 Paul Frankl Corset Oak Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman in Latte Bouclé
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Dining Chairs c. 1960 Set of 8 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
Jens Risom "Playboy" Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Charleston, SC
Jens Risom walnut 'Playboy" armchairs. C140 Model: marked 1947 There are five available if
Walnut, Upholstery, Cane
Jens Risom Playboy chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Jens Risom walnut armchairs model C140 Playboy chairs. Mad Men era arm chairs that became know as
Walnut
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Playboy Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom mid century walnut playboy chair Each chair measures: 20.75 wide x 22 deep x 32 high
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Pair Jens Risom Playboy chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
A pair Jens Risom walnut armchairs model C140 Playboy chairs. Iconic Mad Men era chairs. All
Fabric, Walnut
Pair Of Jens Risom Walnut "Playboy" Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
A pair of mid century modern "Playboy" chairs designed by Jens Risom and made by Group Nine. Model
Walnut, Cane, Fabric
Jens Risom Mid Century Playboy Chairs, Set of 4
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom mid century playboy chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 23 wide x 23 deep x 32 high
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Playboy Chairs by Jens Risom, Set of Eight
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair, designed by Jens Risom, was popularized by a 1961 publication of Playboy Magazine
Cane, Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Six Cane Back Playboy Dining Chairs By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in London, London
Playboy chair name orignates from 1961 photoshoot in said magazine. Sculptural frame and well sized Seat
Cane, Walnut
American Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom Playboy Armchair
By Jens Risom
Located in San Diego, CA
Playboy chair, in original fabric solid and sturdy, cleaned and oiled.
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Jen's Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 6 dining chairs by Jen's Risom. These are the playboy chairs as they were featured
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 32.29 in W 22.45 in D 21.26 in
Restored Jens Risom "Playboy" C140 Armchairs in Walnut and Dedar Fabric
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Fully restored Risom playboy chair with new back cane and Dedar Aut Aut Fabric on the Seat. No
Cane, Fabric, Walnut
Risom Playboy Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Playboy Magazine, earning it the 'Playboy Chair' nickname. The chair boasts a wide seat and slightly
Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom 'Playboy' Armchairs, Set of Three
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These quintessential chairs were popularized by a 1961 publication of Playboy Magazine featuring
Wool, Walnut
Jens Risom "Playboy" Club Chairs, Pair
By Jens Risom
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern model C140 "Playboy" armchairs designed by Jens Risom
Walnut
Jens Risom "Playboy" Mid Century Cane Back Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom "Playboy" Mid Century cane back chair Each chair measures: 20.5 wide x 19 deep x 32
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 22.25 in D 23 in
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Playboy Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern "Playboy" lounge chair or club chair By Jens Risom USA, 1960s
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom "Playboy" Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Floyd, VA
Set of four Jens Risom walnut "Playboy" armchairs with caned backs. C140 Model. Upholstered in
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom 'Playboy' Armchair Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Oslo, NO
Reupholstered armchair by Jens Risom. Model C140 in walnut frame and wool upholstery.
Walnut
2nd Generation Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Brazilian Rosewood
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
This chair has been completely restored including: refinished rosewood shells, new black leather
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 32.75 in W 32.75 in L 32.75 in
Brazilian Rosewood Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
). “ * In 1961, Playboy magazine sang the chair’s praises by saying the Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman “sank
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 15 in
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Leather and Rosewood, 2nd Generation
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
cushions (designed by Alexander Girard). “ * In 1961, Playboy sang the chair’s praises by saying the Eames
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 32.75 in
2nd Generation Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood, Circa 1960's
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
). “ * In 1961, Playboy sang the chair’s praises by saying the Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman “sank the
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 15 in
1st Generation Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Hunter Green and Rosewood
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
cushions (designed by Alexander Girard). “ * In 1961, Playboy sang the chair’s praises by saying the Eames
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 15 in
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Original Yellow and Rosewood, 3rd Generation
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
(designed by Alexander Girard). “ * In 1961, Playboy sang the chair’s praises by saying the Eames Lounge
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 15 in
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Hunter Green and Rosewood, 2nd Generation circ
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
cushions (designed by Alexander Girard). “ * In 1961, Playboy sang the chair’s praises by saying the Eames
Aluminum
Set of eight " PLAYBOY " arm chairs by JENS RISOM
By Jens Risom
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Set of 8 walnut " PLAYBOY " arm chairs by JENS RISOM. Beautiful chairs with caned backs and strong
Elegant Pair of Walnut Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in Grey Leather
By Jens Risom
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant pair of walnut playboy lounge chairs by Jens Risom. Chairs are freshly upholstered in a
Leather
Pair of Jens Risom Classic "Playboy" Chairs, circa 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of original Jens Risom "Playboy" chairs. Made of teak with original striped upholstery, tags
Teak
Set of Four Jens Risom "Playboy" Chairs in Walnut, Cane and Leather
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four fully restored Jens Risom 'Playboy' chairs, model C140. This set features all new
Leather, Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom Set of Ten "Playboy" Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Highland, IN
A signature design of Risom's, this beautiful set of ten "Playboy" chairs includes eight armchairs
Cane, Leather, Walnut
Jens Risom for Jens Risom Designs Midcentury Playboy Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Known as the "Playboy Chair," this Mid-Century Modern Classic achieved significant notoriety when
Wood
Jens Risom Iconic "Playboy" Chairs and Dining Table, circa 1960
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six sculptural Playboy chairs by exemplary designer Jens Risom with extendable dining table
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 32.5 in W 22.5 in D 23 in
Jens Risom Playboy Chair in Leather + Walnut, Model C140 Occasional Armchair
By Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom Playboy chair - Iconic mid century modern sculpted walnut model C140 "Playboy" armchair
Leather, Walnut
Set of 6 Risom Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Very chic set of 6 dining chairs designed by Jens Risom. Know as the Playboy chair, this model is
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Set of Six Jens Risom "Playboy" Walnut & Cane Dining Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
are named "Playboy" chairs from the important modern furniture designers feature in the July 1961
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Playboy Bunny Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Fun swivel bar stool or chair signed by assorted playboy bunnies from 1986-2005.
Jens Risom Cane Back "Playboy" Side Desk Chair
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, walnut "Playboy" side chair by Jens Risom is a great desk chair with newly
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Playboy Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional and iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut model C140 "Playboy" armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 31.5 in W 21.6 in D 19 in
Set of 8 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of eight Jens Risom Playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft and
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 21.6 in D 19 in
Set of 12 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of twelve Jens Risom Playboy Dining Chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft
Upholstery, Walnut, Cane
Sold
H 33 in W 21.6 in D 19 in
Set of 10 Fully Restored Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Playboy Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large set of ten Jens Risom Playboy dining chairs professionally reupholstered in super soft camel
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Jens Risom Set of Four 'Playboy' Dining Chairs in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
These "Playboy" walnut armchairs by Jens Risom feature original cane backs. The chairs stands out by
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Jens Risom "Playboy" Lounge Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of Jens Risom "Playboy" lounge chairs in solid walnut, circa 1960s. Note we have a second pair
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut "Playboy" Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Austin, TX
A pair of Jens Risom “Playboy” C140 chairs in walnut. The chairs have been reupholstered with zebra
Walnut, Cane, Leather
Jens Risom Walnut "Playboy" Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Austin, TX
A pair of Jens Risom “Playboy” C140 chairs in walnut. The chairs have been reupholstered with an
Upholstery
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.45 in D 22.84 in
Vintage 1950s Walnut C140 Playboy Lounge Chair or Armchair by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Huddersfield, GB
Vintage C140 "PLAYBOY" chair. Designer: Jens Risom, Denmark, circa 1950. A true 1950s design
Cane, Walnut
Jens Rison Set of "Playboy" Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Nottingham, GB
are made in walnut. Nicknamed "The Playboy Chair" due to the Risom/American Designers article featured
Cane, Leather, Walnut
Set of Eight Jens Risom 'Playboy' Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Long Beach, CA
, but they are more frequently referred to as the playboy chair because Jens chose to appear with this
Set of Four Walnut Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Austin, TX
A set of four Jens Risom “Playboy” side chairs in walnut. The chairs have been reupholstered with a
Walnut
Sold
H 32.29 in W 22.45 in D 21.66 in
Pair Of Jens Risom ‘Playboy’ C140 Walnut Carver Dining Chairs/Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Pair of Jens Risom 'Playboy' C140 Walnut Carver Dining Chairs/Lounge Chairs Mid
Other
Iconic Playboy Club Swivel Chair
Located in Stamford, CT
Swivel chair with the iconic playboy club image
Steel
Set of 6 Jens Risom "Playboy" Side Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New London, CT
Professionally restored set of Jens Risom's iconic side chairs in walnut with new caned backs and
Walnut
Custom Jens Risom Black Dining Chairs With Great Patina
By Jens Risom
Located in Framingham, MA
wonderfully for that aged look. Chairs: 33" tall x 20.5" deep x 19.5" wide. Seat height: 17.75" Playboy
Naugahyde, Cane, Wood, Paint
Jens Risom Walnut "Playboy" Chairs, Set of Four
By Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of four walnut and cane "Playboy" chairs by Jens Risom. Classic Risom superior design in rich
Cane, Walnut
Four Jens Risom Playboy Chairs in Walnut and Cane
By Jens Risom
Located in Hadley, MA
Four Jens Risom “Playboy” C140 chairs in solid black walnut. Classic configuration; upholstered in
Walnut
Set of Eight Jens Risom Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom, Jens Risom
Located in Bridport, CT
famously referred to as the "Playboy" chair, after it made its debut in a photo shoot called "Young Moderns
Cane, Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Playboy Bunny Barstools Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Staten Island, NY
Vintage Playboy Bunny Rabbit 40" seats or chairs - set of 2 These chairs are in Excellent condition
Leather
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
$229,532Sale Price|33% Off
H 51.19 in W 55.12 in D 201.58 in
Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward
By Henry Ward
Located in Amsterdam, NL
England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...
Other
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
$2,616Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 11.82 in Dm 21.66 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass Low Coffee Table in Petrol Green by Yiannis Ghikas
By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
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
LU Swing Sconce Plug-In
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful plug-in version of our Lumfardo Luminaires brass LU swing sconce in patinated brass. Wired with an E26 medium based socket. Light bulb provided as well as all mounting hard...
Brass
Kai Kristiansen Walnut and Mohair Mohair Velvet Bench
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
A beuatiful bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar in Denmark. This hand-made to order bench has a solid walnut frame ...
Mohair, Oak, Walnut
$13,536 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
$10,500
H 28.5 in W 86 in D 34 in
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Rosewood Case Sofa 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 take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Foam, Rosewood
Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez
By laura gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish. Flared legs, backrest and seat upholstered in a textured cream fabric by Dedar.
Oak, Fabric, Bouclé
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 27 in D 26 in
Pair of Vintage Midcentury Restored Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
Jens Risom`s career has spanned nearly sixty years. He began his study of design in the Copenhagen workshop of Kaare Klint in 1935 and joined Ernst Kuhn`s architectural office in 193...
Cowhide, Walnut
Jens Risom Walnut Lounge Chairs in Ivory Shearling, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Jens Risom lounge chairs expertly reupholstered in soft ivory shearling with professionally refinished walnut frames. An exemplar of Mid-Century Modern desi...
Hide, Walnut
Pair of Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom Design
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern arm chairs by Jens Risom Design feature extremely thick padded seating, a floating style backrest, and sculpted arm rests. A sturdy walnut fr...
Upholstery, Walnut
Jens Risom Style Caned Dining Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of mid-century caned back dining chairs in the style of Jens Risom. Two arm chairs and four side chairs. Slender arms and tapered legs ad a modern feel to your dining room. Arm c...
Walnut
$3,719Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 26.78 in D 28.35 in
Jens Risom Lounge Chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA, 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Jens Risom lounge chair U-430 for Risom Inc., USA 1950s Upholstered in new Kvadrat Fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
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.
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.