Vintage Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Esperance, NY
Vintage Thayer Coggin recliner lounge chair.
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Vintage Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Esperance, NY
Vintage Thayer Coggin recliner lounge chair.
Fabric
$4,550
H 42 in W 27.75 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Boho Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Reclining Lounge Chair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Boho Reclining lounge chair. Designed by the iconic Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin and tagged below.
Metal
Pair of Milo Baughman "Recliner 74" Chairs for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a beautiful pair of Recliner 74 chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Leather, Walnut
$3,450
H 27.5 in W 41.5 in D 32 in
1960s Milo Baughman Recliner 74 for Thayer Coggin with New Leather Upholstery
Located in Sacramento, CA
1960s Milo Baughman Recliner 74 reclining lounge chair by Thayer Coggin.
Leather, Wood
$2,801
H 38.59 in W 26.38 in D 34.26 in
Vintage Tubular Chrome Recliner by Milo Baughman for James Inc./Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Vintage Tubular Chrome Recliner by Milo Baughman in original vintage condition with signs of use. We provide our clients with professional restoration and upholstery services.
Chrome
Milo Baughman Recliner
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Baltimore, MD
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin recliner. Tufted black leather upholstery with sculptural walnut frame.
Walnut
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Walnut Model 74 Recliner
By Milo Baughman
Located in Portland, OR
Baughman is one of the original California Craft designers, and is known for his simple and clean designs that have just enough of something extra to make them special. This chair is...
Walnut, Wool
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Houston, TX
Gorgeous Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin recliner with leather upholstery. Walnut frame has been restored.
Leather, Wood
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner
Located in Houston, TX
Original Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair in excellent vintage condition!
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin recliner. Original upholstery, usable condition, but not mint.
Teak, Upholstery
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Redding, CT
Original Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair Solid Walnut with black vinyl upholstery Milo Baughman knew how to design sophisticated, sexy chairs -- even when it cam...
PVC, Walnut
Sold
H 41.5 in W 30 in D 29 in
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Wilmington, DE
Midcentury Danish modern Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin recliner lounge chair. What a find.
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Oakland, CA
Originally designed in 1965 by Milo Baughman, this iconic Mid-Century Modern recliner is a timeless lounge chair for all environs. On a solid black walnut frame with sloping arms the...
Fabric, Wood
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Reclining Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A reissue of the Baughman design by Thayer Coggin this chair is American made in High Point.
Walnut, Fabric
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Oak Reclining Leather Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern leather and oak Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin reclining lounge chair, made in the 1950s.
Leather, Oak
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Walnut Viceroy Lounge Recliner Chair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A vintage "Viceroy" recliner designed by Milo Baughman and made by Thayer Coggin.
Fabric, Walnut
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Mid Century Walnut Recliner
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman For Thayer Coggin Mid Century Walnut Recliner This recliner measures: 28.5 wide x 33 deep x 42 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21 inches ?
Upholstery, Walnut
Milo Baughman Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Milo Baughman. Manufacturer: Thayer Coggin. Period/Style: Mid-Century Modern. Country: United States. Date: 1960s. Dimensions: 39″ H x 33.25″ W x 40″ D. Seat height...
Walnut
Milo Baughman Model-74 Reclining Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Milo Baughman Manufacturer: Thayer Coggin Country of origin: United States Date of manufacture: 1950-1959 Materials: Walnut wood, new fabric Period style: Mid-Century ...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Milo Baughman Model-74 Reclining Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant reclining chair Model-74 designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States circa 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 39 in W 30 in D 31.5 in
Modern Black Leather Restored Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin High-Back Recliner
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Houston, TX
A Vintage Mid-Century Modern walnut “Recliner 74” with flip-out footrest by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Steel
Sold
H 40 in W 27.25 in D 36 in
Vintage Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage walnut reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States, circa 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 40 in W 29 in D 37 in
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, 1950s
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 40 in W 29 in D 37 in
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, 1950s
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, 1950s Reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 40.5 in W 28.5 in D 35 in
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
Sold
H 40.5 in W 28.5 in D 35 in
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Walnut Recliner
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin oversized recliner with new milk chocolate hopsack fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
Milo Baughman Recliner 74 by Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Diego, CA
A firm believer that good design can have a positive influence in our lives, Baughman knew how to design sophisticated, sexy chairs – even when it came to a recliner. Recognized as o...
Walnut
Milo Baughman Walnut Recliner for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Milo Baughman Recliner with a walnut frame and with a newly upholstered cream fabric. Knob on right side of chair lets you lock the chair into several positions or you can leave unlo...
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Swivel_Reclining Lounge Chair Most likely will need upholstery.
Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin
Located in Peabody, MA
Mid-Century recliner by Milo Baughman, ca. 1960s. With two reclining positions. Sculptural walnut framework, original upholstery.
Walnut, Upholstery
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Walnut Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Oakland, CA
Originally designed in 1965 by Milo Baughman, this iconic Mid-Century Modern recliner is a timeless lounge chair for all environs. On a solid black walnut frame with sloping arms the...
Leather, Walnut
Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Recliner Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Classic design reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 39 in W 26 in L 39 in
Milo Baughman James Inc Thayer Coggin Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Milo Baughman, James Inc.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early Milo Baughman designed sculpted frame reclining walnut lounge chair and matching ottoman for James, Incorporated (An early division of Thayer Coggin) Chair features eight very ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Milo Baughman reclining chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Amarillo, TX
Milo Baughman reclining lounge chair. Thayer Coggin USA , circa 1960's.
Leather, Teak
Midcentury Milo Baughman Reclining Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Amazing Milo Baughman reclining lounge chair. Chrome tubular frame covered with Verner Panton fabric. This stunning chair has a heavy chrome finish. The upholstery is clean and comfo...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Milo Baughman Recliner 74 Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of chic and comfortable recliners from Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, featuring streamlined silhouettes with elegantly shaped solid walnut frames.
Upholstery, Walnut
Bradington Young Milo Baughman Style Brass Frame Recliner
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1980s Milo Baughman-style reclining armchair with an angular goldtone frame. This chair has been newly reupholstered in a silvery grey slubby silk / cotton textured velvet. Lab...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair Model-74 by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage walnut reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States, circa 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair Model-74 by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage walnut reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States, circa 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair Model-74 by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage walnut reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States, circa 1950s.
Fabric, Walnut
Midcentury Teak Recliner with Tiger Velvet Upholstery by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Astoria, NY
A vintage reclining lounge chair in teak with tiger velvet upholstery by Milo Baughman.
Textile, Wood
Milo Baughman Reclining Lounge Chair
By Verner Panton, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Amazing Milo Baughman reclining lounge chair with Verner Panton fabric. This stunning chair has a heavy chrome finish. The upholstery is clean and comfortable. Truly an exceptional p...
Chrome
Mid Century Recliner Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Milo Baughman Recliner for Thayer Coggin, Solid walnut frame with Black leatherette vinyl.
Walnut, PVC
Pair of Milo Baughman Reclining Lounge Chairs
Located in Hanover, MA
A pair of Milo Baughman recliners for Thayer Coggin. One black vinyl, the other green vinyl.
Walnut
Modern Black Leather Restored Milo Baughman Style High-Back Recliner
By Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
A Vintage Mid-Century Modern walnut “Recliner 74” with flip-out footrest in the style of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Steel
Milo Baughman Style Danish High Back Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Identical to the Milo Baughman designed recliner for Thayer Coggin. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer)
Sold
H 42 in W 28.5 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner-1968 with Black Vinyl
By Milo Baughman
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Midcentury Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin recliner-1968 in black vinyl Dimensions: 28.50" W x 30" D x 42" H x seat 14".
Wood
Mid-Century Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Recliner Lounge Chair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage example of Milo Baughman's Mid-Century Modern 74 reclining armchair. It features an amazing, sculptural solid walnut frame and the original black vinyl upholstery. The chai...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Milo Baugh For Thayer Coggin Reclining Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Original brown tweed upholstery, with original black vinyl upholstered foot rest. Teak frame, in original finish. Nice example of this American, Danish influenced recliner.58"- L in ...
Upholstery, Teak
Milo Baughman Recliner by Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thayer Coggin recliner designed by Milo Baughman.
Chrome
Reclining Lounge by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Classic recliner by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin with a low-profile walnut frame, broad armrests and elegant buttoned black naugahyde upholstery.
Milo Baughman Reclining Lounge Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Milo Baughman Manufacturer: Thayer Coggin Period/Style: Mid-Century Modern Country: United States Date: 1960s Dimensions: 40.75?H x 28?W x 33?D Seat height 17? Mat...
Fabric, Walnut
Milo Baughman Chrome Reclining Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Milo Baughman Manufacturer: Thayer Coggin Period or style: Mid-Century Modern Country: United States Date: 1970s Dimensions: 39.5 H x 27 W x 32 D Seat height 17.5 ...
Steel, Chrome
Milo Baughman Sculpted Walnut Reclining Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant reclining chair designed by Milo Baughman for James Inc. in the United States circa 1950s. This comfortable Mid-Century Modern recliner features a newly upholstered seat rest...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 38.75 in W 27.75 in D 29.5 in
Signed Milo Baughman Chrome & Brown Suede Lounge Recliner for Thayer-Coggin 1976
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in St. Louis, MO
This classic 1970s modern lounger, retains the original Thayer-Coggin labels including designed by Milo Baughman, but does show stains to suede from age and use.
Chrome
Milo Baughman Recliner for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Manufactured by the Thayer Coggin furniture company.
Milo Baughman Reclining Lounge Chair Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Milo Baughman reclining lounge chair Thayer Coggin. Milo Baughman designed reclining lounge chair for James Inc., with original labels beneath extending footrest.
Sold
H 40 in W 27 in D 40 in
Milo Baughman for James Inc Thayer Coggin Sculpted Walnut Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, James Inc.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early Milo Baughman designed sculpted frame reclining walnut lounge chair for James, Incorporated (An early division of Thayer Coggin).
Upholstery, Walnut
Midcentury Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern high back reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Walnut
Vintage Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous vintage reclining lounge chair by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Reclining Lounge Chair by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great reclining lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin.
Fabric, Wood
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$2,850
H 40 in W 30 in D 33.5 in
Folke Ohlsson teak 'Duxiesta' Adjustable Arm Chair by DUX - Sweden 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folke Ohlsson teak 'Duxiesta' Adjustable Arm Chair by DUX - Sweden 1960's 1960's Folke Ohlsson for DUX Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Teak Wood Adjustable Frame. Made in Sweden. Adjustabl...
Wool, Teak
Toshiyuki Kita "Dodo" Reclining Lounge Chair by Cassina
By Cassina, Toshiyuki Kita
Located in Highland, IN
Winner of the 1999 Good Design Award, the "Dodo" chair by Toshiyuki Kita is a dynamic chair with swivel & recline features as well as a retractable footrest. This allows versatile f...
Aluminum
Milo Baughman Sculptural Walnut Reclining Chair for James Inc.
By James Inc., Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing, Brass Accents, Original Pull Lever, Original Backrest Springs __________________________________...
Brass
1960s Mid Century Walnut Recliner by Folke Ohlsson for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century walnut recliner was designed by Folke Ohlsson and manufactured by Dux in Sweden circa 1960s. This fantastic recliner features a walnut frame with gray upholstery. Th...
Fabric, Walnut
Sven Ivar Dysthe Reclining Lounge Chair
By Sven Ivar Dysthe, Dokka Mobler
Located in Highland, IN
This exceptional lounge chair by Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Mobler is a handsome, powerful design. With a frame of solid teak, the seat features a horn-shaped headrest (which reminds...
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Highland, IN
This reclining lounge chair and ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen combines sexy lines, incredible comfort, and great function. The chair features five positions of recline accommodating eve...
Birch, Upholstery
Vintage Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A very nice and early Vintage Milo Baughman Recliner Lounge Chair. This chair will most likely need some attention at a workshop as the joints have weakened over time. Original uph...
Wrought Iron
Swedish Walnut Recliner Chair by Alf Svensson for Dux
By Alf Svensson, Dux of Sweden
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning mid-century walnut recliner chair, designed by Alf Svensson for Dux in the 1960s, is a true masterpiece of Scandinavian design. The solid wood frame stained in a warm w...
Fabric, Walnut
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Denton, TX
A very rare pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin lounge chairs. These are an earlier model that include the original labels. These chairs have been restored in a faux teddy bear i...
Walnut
Milo Baughman Lounge Chair by Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome, tailored Milo Baughman design from 1958 is nick-named the "Laid Back Lounge". It takes inspiration from Scandinavian design of the period with it's upholstered body su...
Upholstery, Walnut
Midcentury Italian Reclining Pair of Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian 1970s vintage lounge chair in original white fabric from the 1970s the chair reclines when the reclining button turns left. When the lounge chair recline fully extended is 50...
Upholstery
19th Century Reclining Wing Armchair
Located in Cheshire, GB
19th century wing armchair, the shaped reclining back above large movable arm rests, leading down to fully adjustable stool, Upholstered in tartan fabric. Raised on four tuned legs t...
Wood
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
H 38 in W 29 in D 37 in
1970's Ultra Modern Nade for Burdines Recliner/ Lounge Chair
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Ultra Modern Recliner/ Lounge Chair Tagged "Made for Burdines". Very comfortable and when open length is 57 inches.
Metal
$18,900
H 32 in W 68 in D 21 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Six Drawer Chest of Drawers
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century (1950s) walnut six-drawer chest of drawers with rattan-wrapped dowel drawer pulls and four tapered brass legs with circular brass feet. (T.H. Robsjohn-gibbings f...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Reclining Club Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Great pair of Italian mid-century reclining club chairs. Circa 1970. A fine addition to any home!
Wood
Milo Baughman was one of the most agile and adept modern American furniture designers of the late 20th century. A prolific lecturer and writer on the benefits of good design — he taught for years at Brigham Young University — Baughman (whose often-scrambled surname is pronounced BAWF-man) focused almost exclusively on residential furnishings, such as chairs, sofas and benches. He had a particular talent for lounge chairs, perhaps the most sociable piece of furniture.
Like his fellow adoptive Californians Charles and Ray Eames, Baughman’s furniture has a relaxed and breezy air. He was famously opposed to ostentatious and idiosyncratic designs that were made to excite attention. While many of his chair designs are enlivened by such effects as tufted upholstery, Baughman tended to let his materials carry the aesthetic weight, most often relying on seating and table frames made of sturdy and sleek flat-bar chromed metal, and chairs, tables and cabinets finished with highly-figured wood veneers.
Like his colleagues Karl Springer and the multifarious Pierre Cardin, Baughman’s designs are emblematic of the 1970s: sleek, sure and scintillating.
As you will see from the furniture presented on 1stDibs, Milo Baughman’s designs for the likes of Drexel Furniture, Glenn of California and — for five decades — Thayer Coggin are ably employed as either the heart of a décor or its focal point.
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.