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Italian Design : Fully Restored 1950s Desk Chair with Armrests
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing a rare find from the 1950s, this desk chair embodies iconic Italian design. Crafted
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Pierre Jeanneret Office Chairs with Rare Stencil Marks
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Soho, London, GB
Office chairs from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh (PJ-SI-28-B).
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Teak
Set of Four Pierre Jeanneret Office Chairs with Rare Stencil Marks
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Soho, London, GB
Office chairs from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh (PJ-SI-28-B).
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Teak
Vladimir Kagan Rare "Luxus Executive Chair" with Lucite Arms 1970s (Signed)
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Rare high back "Luxus Executive Chair" model 7016 with molded lucite arms and tufted butterscotch
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Rare and Perfect Italian Designer Chair
By Gio Ponti
Located in East Hampton, NY
The most beautiful Mahogany desk chair influenced in a Gio Ponti design. Finished with sabots and
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk C...
Materials
Mahogany
Uncommon Height Desk Chair from Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in South Charleston, WV
A very rare model from Arthur Umanoff. Special height chair believed to be used with his rush and
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pierre Jeanneret Mid Century Wooden Office Chair in Teak & Rattan Produced 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century dining / office wooden chair in teak and rattan by Pierre Jeanneret produced for
Category
Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Teak
H 31.11 in W 20.08 in D 21.26 in
Late 1800s Hand Carved Solid Walnut Ladies Desk Chair with Perfect Upholstery
Located in Lisse, NL
in better condition. You can certainly use this comfortable antique chair daily at your desk, but she
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass
Free Shipping
H 30.3 in W 23.2 in D 19.3 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-30-D Committee Chair / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This chair with its characteristic A-shaped profile is a rare classic of history. Through its
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Teak, Leather
H 29.93 in W 23.23 in D 24.81 in
Pierre Jeanneret Committee Chair PJ-SI-30-C Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This chair with its characteristic A-shaped profile is a rare classic of history. Through its
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Cowhide, Fur, Teak
H 33.47 in W 22.84 in D 22.45 in
Desk Office Dining Arm Chair by Kay Korbing for JG Furniture New York
By Kay Korbing
Located in New York, NY
Rare Kay Korbing for JG furniture arm, or desk chair having black leather chicklet style arms
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
JK810 Kill International desk chair Designed by Jorgen Kastholm
By Jørgen Kastholm, Kill International
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Rare leather executive armchair JK810 designed by Jorgen Kastholm and manufactured by German
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-32-C Low Committee Chair / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Jeanneret. Each wooden part is authentic Mid-Century, each wooden part is originally from that chair. No
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
H 31.11 in W 23.63 in D 22.84 in
Mid-Century Modern Office Chair 3117 by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1960s
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Munich, DE
Rare Mid-Century Modern desk or office chair model 3117 with the rare four rolls base. Designed by
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Midcentury Office Chair with Tufted Seat and Back
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare midcentury metal swiveling office chair on wheels with PU leather seat and back cushion
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Iron
Pierre Jeanneret Set of 12 Committee Chairs PJ-SI-30-C / Authentic Mid-Century
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Jeanneret. Each wooden part is authentic Mid-Century, each wooden part is originally from these chairs. No
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Cowhide, Fur, Teak
H 32.09 in W 22.45 in D 24.41 in
Ico Paris Executive Desk Chair for Mobli Italiani Moderni Rome
By Ico Parisi
Located in Weesp, NL
Elevate your office space with this rare, mid century modern desk chair designed by the renowned
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Three White Leather Bird Desk Chairs by Fabricius & Kastholm for Kill
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Alfred Kill International
Located in Dronten, NL
Alfred Kill International during the 1960s.
All 3 chairs have the very rare and desirable option of tilt
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 35.44 in W 28.75 in D 22.84 in
L´Atelier , swivel Office Chairs, very rare, original label, Brazil, 1970s
By L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
unclear if the design of this very rare swivel office chair is by Jorge Zalszupin himself or somebody of
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
H 27.17 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Desk Chair in Black Leather and Metal
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll, desk chair, model 76S, leather, metal, United States, design 1950, later
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Knoll Desk Chair in Contrasting Saddle Leather/Suede, Vintage Swivel Base
By Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
thorough polish, and we install four new chrome ball casters. This chair features a rare vintage iteration
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 33 in W 25.5 in D 24.5 in
Rare Set of 24 Ward Bennett for Brickel Custom Executive Leather & Brass Chairs
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by American design legend Ward Bennett, these chairs were produced in the mid 1980s by
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass, Bronze
H 42 in W 27.5 in D 26.5 in
Mid Century bentwood armchair by Antonín Šuman for TON
By Antonín Šuman, Ton N.P. Bystřice pod Hostýnem
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Rare bentwood desk chair designed by Czech architect Antonín Šuman and manufactured by Thonet
Category
Antique 1690s Czech Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Beech, Plywood
Rare Desk with Chair by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in Torrance, CA
Brown Saltman, desk with chair, wood, United States, circa 1940s
A cubist desk with chair. This
Category
Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Mario Bellini Post-Modern Executive Desk Chair for Vitra, Signed and Dated 1992
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
chairs would work great in a Post-Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Plastic
H 35.5 in W 24 in D 28 in
Rare Five-Piece Drexel Counterpoint Modular Desk Dresser Mid-Century Modern
By John Van Koert
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Extremely rare five-piece set of John Van Koert's Drexel Counterpoint modular desk and chair plus
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany
Giuseppe Rivadossi Writing Desk in Walnut With Rare Guglielmo Pecorini Chair
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi writing desk combined with Guglielmo Pecorini chair
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 29.93 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
Italian Design Icon: Rare 1950s Desk Chair with Armrests
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing a rare find from the 1950s, this desk chair embodies iconic Italian design. Crafted
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Rare Modern Italian G.C Columbo Desk with Chair
By Tonon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, two-tone desk, that easily blends with any modern interior. A matching slatted back chair is included
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Burl, Lacquer
Rare Italian Maple Midcentury Desk with Bookcase
By Associazione Artigiana Canturini del Mobile
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This Italian desk made of glossy lacquered maple wood with a light blue finish from the 1950s
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Jorge Zalszupin Commander Office Chair
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Handsome vintage Commander Chair designed by Brazilian master Jorge Zalsuzpin. Features a rare gray
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1961 Danish Teak Peter Lovig Nielsen for Mobelfabrik Black Leather Desk Armchair
By Lovig Dansk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Mid Century Modern circa 1961 Peter Lovig
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
H 30.91 in W 23.63 in D 21.26 in
Set of Four Eames for Herman Miller Swivel Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dazzling mid-century set of four padded swivel chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
1974 Charles Pollock Executive Chair for Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Houston, TX
Two incredible Charles Pollock for Knoll executive chairs in a rare cranberry-red mohair, labeled
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Herman Miller ES102 Intermediate Chair Design Charles & Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
rare Herman Miller ES102 Intermediate Desk chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames
Upholstery in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Herman Miller ES102 Intermediate Chair Design Charles & Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
rare Herman Miller ES102 Intermediate Desk chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames
Upholstery in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Vintage Executive Task Chair by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll
By Knoll, Vincent Cafiero
Located in Wilton, CT
, together they define Knoll’s greatest work of the Mid-Century. A member of said team was Vincent Cafiero, a
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk C...
Materials
Steel
1960 Vintage Office Chair Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Biella, IT
one chair Anonima Castelli production Italy, Giancarlo Piretti design years ’60
rare tipology
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno "Modus" Office Chair, Italy 1970s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Naples, IT
Rare yellow Modus office chair with armrests and adjustable height, designed by Osvaldo Borsani and
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
One Vintage Midcentury Ward Bennett Brickel Executive Chair
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
unusual version of executive desk chair with combined
chrome and oak wood base on castors. With swivel
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
1973 Knoll Executive Chrome and Tufted Velour Office Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Basel, BS
Two available, sold separately--Original 4 leg base (Sought after!!) brown and chrome Mid Century
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Vintage Midcentury Ray Wilkes Chiclet Office Task Chair
By Ray Wilkes
Located in Pasadena, TX
midcentury Ray Wilkes Chiclet office tack chair
Rare version of task chair by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Early Arne Jacobsen 3117 Office Chair by Fritz Hansen Turqouise Faux Leather
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in München, BY
Early Mid-Century Modern office chair model 3117 with the rare four rolls base and adjustable
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 36.23 in W 19.69 in D 20.08 in
Baker Far East Collection Vintage Chair Ebonized Wood in Style of Michael Taylor
By Baker Far East Collection
Located in Lomita, CA
. The chair was designed as part of a two-piece set with a desk. It has all of the graceful design style
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
H 34 in W 22 in D 22 in
Authentic Jean Prouvé Metropole "305 / Standard Chair" in Metal & Plywood 1950s
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare "Standard Chair / Metropole 305" in black painted metal and plywood by Jean Prouvé produced by
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 31.89 in W 16.54 in D 18.12 in
1970 Knoll Executive Chrome + Orig. Vtg. Knoll Red Textile Leather Office Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Basel, BS
Mid Century Vintage Knoll Pollock chair--RARE beauty-- from the era of the height of the creation of
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
H 30 in W 32 in D 21 in
Victorian Cast Iron Lion Base Blue Leather Ships Captains Swivel Office Chair
Located in GB
timber is Walnut, the seat base blue leather, and the base heavy cast iron
These chairs are very rare
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Iron
H 35.44 in W 22.05 in D 18.71 in
EA178 Loose Pad Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Fiberglass shell with upholstered frame, loose cushion. Extremely rare and hard to find. Aluminum
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Hans J. Wegner Danish 1940s Leather and Oak Model A721 Executive Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Highclere, Newbury
An exceedingly rare Hans J. Wegner Model A721 cognac leather and oak early Danish Mid-century
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 35.44 in W 24.41 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf
By EG Kvaliteet, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
finesse of Mid-Century Modernism, resulting in a design that's both refreshing and distinctive. His
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rare Desk with Matching 'S5' Armchair by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, 1950s
By Belform, Alfred Hendrickx
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Beautiful ‘Model 305’ desk with matching ‘S5’ chair designed by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform. Both
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Formica, Wood, Lacquer
H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 28.35 in
Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Prophecy Desk and Chair c. 1960's
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare Heywood Wakefield Prophecy desk and chair. This stylish desk features a white Formica
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Formica, Wood
Rare Arne Jacobsen 'Djob' Writing Desk, 1971
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Writing desk designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1971. Part of the 'DJOB' system for Denmark's National
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Aluminum Group EA 116 Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, USA, 1990s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, vintage Model EA 116 Swivel Chair designed by Eames couple for their now iconic
Category
1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 34.75 in W 24.5 in D 29 in
Mid-Century Modernist Sculptural Hand-rubbed Walnut Desk Chair by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and stylish chair by esteemed Mid-Century Modernist designer Paolo Buffa originates from
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
H 30.5 in W 25.5 in D 18 in
Mid Century Danish Drop Leaf Expanding Desk Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Baltimore, MD
A desk with incredible form and presence. This rare most attractive original Danish Modern drop
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Rare 19th Century Tavern, or Clerks, Chair
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An extremely rare mid-19th century English country
Tavern chair, or high clerks chair, having
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Materials
Ash, Elm
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll, Model 2480 Oval Table Desk, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This particular Florence Knoll oval table desk is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1961
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
60s Mid Century Danish Teak Rosewood Arne Vodder Exec. Desk w/ Bookshelf drawers
By Arne Vodder
Located in Madison, WI
beautiful rare early piece.
DIMENSIONS
Overall Dimensions=
55" Width
25.5" Depth
28.5" Height
Chair
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
H 28.5 in W 55 in D 25.5 in
Rare Vintage Rustic Western Oak Desk & Chair Set from Yellowstone National Park
By Westwood Industries
Located in Lafayette, IN
This desert oak desk & chair set was custom ordered by the Yellowstone National Park Services from
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Iron
H 29 in W 48 in D 18 in
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Rare Desk With Chair Mid Century For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the rare desk with chair mid century you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and fabric, every rare desk with chair mid century was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the rare desk with chair mid century you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each rare desk with chair mid century bearing mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Ico Parisi each produced at least one beautiful rare desk with chair mid century that is worth considering.
How Much is a Rare Desk With Chair Mid Century?
A rare desk with chair mid century can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,982, while the lowest priced sells for $171 and the highest can go for as much as $125,000.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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