Set of 8 Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama, 1969
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama, 1969
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Set of 8 Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama, 1969
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama, 1969
Metal
$2,237 / set
H 71 in W 46 in D 45 in
Set of "Tulu" chairs by Kazhuide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 4 'Tulu' chairs by Kazuhide Takahama (1930-2010) for Simon International, Italy, 1968. The
Metal
$3,297 / set
H 29.14 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century set of four Italian "Tulu" Chairs by K. Takahama for Gavina, 1969.
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of four grey "Tulu" chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina Studio Simon, 1969. This set is
Metal
$18,845 / set
H 29.14 in W 18.71 in D 16.93 in
Kazuhide Takahama Set of Twelve Tulu Chairs in Leather and Steel by Simon Gavina
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of twelve Tulu stackable chairs with frame in bent steel rod, seat and back in leather
Steel
$2,826 / set
H 28.75 in W 17.72 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century set of "Tulu" Chairs by Kazhuide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy '68
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of four "Tulu" chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina Studio Simon, 1968. This set is for
Metal, Chrome
Set of 4 Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon, 1968
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
Set of 4 Tulu chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama with original upholstery in velvet. Structure
Steel
$8,244 / set
H 28.35 in W 20.48 in D 18.51 in
Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1970, set of 8
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of 8 Tulu chairs, designed by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina in 1970. The project expresses
Steel
$950
H 28.75 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Kazuhide Takahama 'Tulu' Chair in Red Corduroy for Simon International 1966
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon International
Located in Tilburg, NL
Kazuhide Takahama 'Tulu' Chair in Red Corduroy for Simon International, Italy, 1968. Beautiful
Metal
$2,626 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair for Cassina, Chrome Frame, Mid-Century
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair For Cassina Symbol of cutting-edge construction and avant-garde
Chrome
$3,792 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair for Cassina, Chrome Frame, Mid-Century
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair For Cassina Symbol of cutting-edge construction and avant-garde
Chrome
$2,626 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair for Cassina, Chrome Frame, Mid-Century
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair For Cassina Symbol of cutting-edge construction and avant-garde
Chrome
$3,805 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair for Cassina, Chrome Frame, Mid-Century
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair For Cassina Symbol of cutting-edge construction and avant-garde
Chrome
$2,626 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair for Cassina, Chrome Frame, Mid-Century
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair For Cassina Symbol of cutting-edge construction and avant-garde
Chrome
$1,001 / item
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chair by Cassina, Metal & Leather, Italy
By Kazuhide Takahama, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
. Please get in touch. Symbol of cutting-edge construction and avant-garde experimentation, Tulu is a
Metal
$8,127 / set
H 28.75 in W 18.12 in D 17.92 in
Set 8 Stackable Chairs in Chromed & Ecru Bouclé By K. Takahama for Simon Gavina
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a set consisting of 8 "TULU" chairs, designed in the late 60s by the
Chrome
$4,946 / set
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Italian mid-century Stackable Chairs Tulu by Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1973
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Stackable Chairs Tulu by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1973 Set of
Steel
$824
H 28.75 in W 19.3 in D 18.9 in
Italian modern brick leather chair Tulu Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1973
By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brick leather chair Tulu Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1973 Chair mod. Tulu
Metal
$4,358 / set
H 29.14 in W 18.9 in D 20.08 in
Eight 'Tulu' Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama Production Simon Gavina 1970s
By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina
Located in Milano, IT
Set of eight vintage dining chairs with chrome-plated tubular frame, foam padding and original red fabric upholstery.
Fabric
$4,299 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.48 in D 18.9 in
Set di 6 Sedie modello Tulu di Kazuhide Takahama per Simon Gavina
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Ghedi, IT
Set di sei sedie Tulu, disegnate da Kazuhide Takahama per Gavina negli anni ’70, capolavori del
Fabric
Unavailable
H 28.75 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
Kazuhide Takahama Mid-Century Modern Velvet Tulu Chairs to MYC Gavina Set of Six
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Escalona, Toledo
Set of six "Tulu" model chairs, designed by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina. Edition
Steel, Chrome
Set of Eight Tulu Dining Chairs Designed by Kazuhide Takahama, circa 1968
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in London, GB
Set of 8 Tulu dining chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama c.1968
Set of Four Takahama for Simon Gavina 'Tulu' Chairs
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Astoria, NY
Kazuhide Takahama (Japanese, 1930-2010) for Simon Gavina set of four 'Tulu' chair, chromed steel
Steel
Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon International
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The Tulu chair was designed by the Japanese designer Kazuhide Takahama for Simon International in
Chrome
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Italian Mid-Century Bouclè Fabric n Steel Tulu Chairs by Takahama Cassina, 1968
By Cassina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Bouclè fabric and steel Tulu chairs by Takahama for Cassina, 1968 Pair of Tulu
Steel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Italian Mid-Century Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Tulu chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1960s. Set of six Tulu chairs
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Italian Mid-Century Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Tulu chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1960s. Set of four Tulu chairs
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Italian Mid-Century Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Tulu chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1960s. A pair of Tulu chairs
Metal
Set of Eight Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina
By Kazuhide Takahama, Studio Simon
Located in Dronten, NL
The Tulu chair was designed by the Japanese designer Kazuhide Takahama for Simon International in
Steel, Chrome
Set of Six Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina
By Kazuhide Takahama, Studio Simon
Located in Dronten, NL
The Tulu chair was designed by the Japanese designer Kazuhide Takahama for Simon International in
Steel, Chrome
Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina 1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Milano, IT
Group of 4 chairs, chromed metal tubular, foam padding and fabric upholstery.
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Kazuhide Takahama Italian Set of Four Steel Tulu Chairs for Simon Gavina, 1969
By Dino Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A Takahama Kazuhide Modernist set of four steel chairs in original red fabric manufactured in Italy
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 28.94 in W 18.9 in D 19.69 in
Set of 8 'Tulu' Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Sittard, LI
Set of 8 'Tulu' dining chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina. Produced in Italy in the 1970s
Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Italian Tulu Velvet Chairs by Tazuhide Takahama, Produced by Gavina, 1968
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Tulu iron and velvet chairs by Tazuhide Takahama, produced by Gavina in 1968. Set of 4
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Italian Tulu Velvet Chairs by Tazuhide Takahama, Produced by Gavina, 1968
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Tulu iron and velvet chairs by Tazuhide Takahama, produced by Gavina in 1968. Set of 6
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Italian Tulu Velvet Chairs by Tazuhide Takahama, Produced by Gavina, 1968
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Tulu iron and velvet chairs by Tazuhide Takahama, produced by Gavina in 1968. Italian Tulu
Stainless Steel
Set of 6 Tulu by Kazuhide Takahama chairs, 1968
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Roma, RM
Set of 6 "Tulu" by Kazuhide Takahama chairs in green velvet and chromed steel rod structure, 1968
Metal
Group of 4 Chairs Simon Gavina Tulu Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Milano, IT
Group of 4 chairs; tubular in chromed metal, foam padding and fabric covering.
Metal
Group of 4 Chairs Simon Gavina Tulu Leather, Italy, 1960s-1970s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Milano, IT
Group of 4 chairs; chromed metal tubular, foam padding and leather upholstery.
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Italian mid-century Stackable Chairs Tulu by Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1973
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Stackable Chairs Tulu by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1973 Set of
Steel
Sold
H 28.75 in W 18.51 in L 28.75 in
Set of Four Chair in Green Velvet by Takahama for Gavina Model Tulu, 1969
By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina
Located in Milano, IT
Tulu Model. The chairs are made of tubular steel. Its realization gives the chairs an almost
Steel
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Kazuhide Takahama per Simon Gavina Set di 4 Sedie "Tulu", Italia 1960s
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Naples, IT
Set di quattro sedie Mod.Tulu disegnate nel 1967 dall'architetto e designer giapponese Kazuhide
Chrome
Sold
H 28.94 in W 19.3 in D 21.86 in
Four Chairs 'Tulu' by Kazuhide Takahama Production Simon Gavina Years 70-80
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Milano, IT
Set of dining chairs with chrome-plated metal frame, foam-filled seat and back, and original period fabric upholstery in shades of brown.
Metal
Kazuhide Takahama, Set of Six 'Tulu' Chairs, 1968
By Simon International, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Firenze, IT
Set di sei sedie ‘Tulu’ disegnate da Kazuhide Takahama nel 1968 per Simon, una delle sedie reca
Steel
Djuna Black Marble Side Table by Kazuhide Takahama
By Kazuhide Takahama, Dino Gavina
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Japanese designer is known for such as the Tulu chair, the Antella table, …. This furniture exudes a
Sold
H 28.35 in W 18.9 in D 19.69 in
Set of Six Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon International, 1967
By Simon International, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of six Tulu chairs designed in 1967 by Japanese architect and designer Kazuhide Takahama for
Steel
Sold
H 28.75 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Set of 4 Tulu’ chairs by K.Takahama for Simon Gavina 70's, Italy
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Padova, IT
The Tulu Chair is one of the most iconic creations by Kazuhide Takahama for the Italian company
Steel
Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Set of Twelve 'Tulu' Chairs
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, set of twelve 'Tulu' dining chairs, leather and chrome, Italy
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 7.88 in D 7.49 in
Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Set of 6 "Tulu" Chairs, Italy 1960s
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Naples, IT
Set di sei sedie Mod.Tulu disegnate nel 1967 dall'architetto e designer giapponese Kazuhide
Chrome
Tulu Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Tulu chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, set of 4 stackable chairs Dimensions: W 50 cm, D
Metal
4 Set Simon Gavina Tulu Chairs
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Montecchio Precalcino, VI
The TULU chair is a design by Kazuhide Takahama from 1968. Light, elegant and comfortable, the
Aluminum
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Midcentury Tulu Leather Chairs by Kazhuide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy 68
By Cassina
Located in Stockholm, SE
Original tubular chrome Tulu chairs designed by Kazuide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Cassina in 1968
Chrome
Sold
H 28.75 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Set of 6 Tulu Dining Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina, 1960s
By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Kazuhide Takahama Producer - Gavina Model - Tulu Dining Chairs Design Period
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 18.9 in D 19.69 in
Kazuhide Takahama Mid-Century Modern "Tulu" Chairs to MYC Gavina, Set of Four
By Gavina, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Escalona, Toledo
Set of four "Tulu" model chairs, designed by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina. Edition
Steel, Chrome
$1,198Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 28 in W 36 in D 6 in
Fireplace Screen in Metal with a Blackened Steel Finish Customizable
By Redsoul
Located in Seattle, WA
The Court Screen is a modern metal fireplace screen cover that can be used flush fitted into the fireplace opening or can stand right outside a fireplace opening. It protects from sp...
Steel
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...
Wood, Oak
$661Sale Price / item|55% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade ...
Oak
$5,029 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table 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 ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
Pillow Chair by Ash - Mint Velvet
By ASH NYC
Located in New York, NY
The Ash Pillow Chair, everyone’s favorite companion reimagined in a new textile in four luscious colorways. A comfortable, custom-woven, fully upholstered velvet throne dreamed in an...
Velvet
Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite iron tripod lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new oyster linen shade. Multiple available, sold individually. Takes one E12 base bulb, up to 25 W or highe...
Iron
$6,242 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
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...
Hardwood
$8,272
H 29.14 in W 38.98 in D 74.81 in
Large Mid-Century Cipollino Ondulato Marble Dining Table, Italy
By Roche Bobois, Stone International
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing the Italian Post-Modern Dining Table: A Timeless Marvel of Design and Elegance If you're in search of a statement piece for your dining room, look no further than the It...
Marble
$2,096 / set
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Tables Brutalist Style, 2022
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne. The creator chose for the Pyrénées mo...
Oak
$29,000 / set
H 26.38 in W 147.64 in D 37.8 in
Mario Bellini Modular "Camaleonda" Sofa in Four Segments for B&B, Italy 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words for ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options f...
Fabric, Wood
$696 / item
H 7.4 in W 1.8 in D 7.7 in
Gae Aulenti & Piero Castiglioni 'Minibox' Table Lamp in Green for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Gae Aulenti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gae Aulenti & Piero Castiglioni 'Minibox' table lamp in green for Stilnovo Founded in 1946 in Milan, Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting companies in Italy during the M...
Metal
$7,067
H 24.02 in W 21.66 in D 16.93 in
Tobia Scarpa, Set of four Pigreco wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy (1959)
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Leather, Wood
$2,416Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in
Arflex Botolo Chair in Heidi Fabric by Cini Boeri
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Botolo Chair is designed by Cini Boeri for Arflex. An innovative upholstered rolling chair with three large tubular legs. Botolo is an ideal place to sit, relax and be creative. Cini...
Metal
$14,750 / set
H 28 in W 41 in D 41 in
Craft Lounge Chairs, Lafer Lounge Chairs, Brown Leather and Walnut, Modern
By Percival Lafer, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft lounge chairs, lafer lounge chairs, brown leather and walnut, Modern Designer: Percival Lafer Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern S...
Leather, Walnut
Kazuhide Takahama was a Japanese designer born in Miyazaki, Japan. After graduating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1953, Takahama designed the Japanese Pavilion for the Milan Triennale. There he met Dino Gavina, and over the next decade, Takahama designed several pieces for Gavina.
Later, Takahama also collaborated with B&B Italia, Simon and Knoll, just to name a few. His designs are clear in line and shape and have a high-quality design. With the functionalist approach to modernism, he designed with a Japanese sense of material and aesthetics conveniently combined with Western elements.
Find vintage Kazuhide Takahama furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Morentz)
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.