While most postwar furniture designers were looking to the future, Dan Johnson found inspiration in the past. The mid-century modern maverick is remembered for his beautiful armchairs, lounge chairs and dining tables with designs that are reminiscent of ancient Rome.
The American furniture designer began his career in the late 1940s by creating solid wood pieces like desks and dining chairs for California furniture manufacturer Hayden Hall. By the early 1950s, he was designing chairs and tables for American furniture importer and producer Selig. In 1955, Johnson moved to Rome on an apartment design commission. While there, he launched Dan Johnson Studio with the goal of bringing a modern approach to the Roman furniture of antiquity.
The pieces from this era of Johnson’s career are characterized by their sculptural metal designs. His most famous work was the elegant Gazelle line, sold in America by Selig. It features dining tables, coffee tables and multiple chair designs that involve a green “Pompeian Verde” patina, metal framing and traditional caning techniques. Due to a high manufacturing cost, the production line was limited and is highly exclusive today.
Another popular design by Johnson for Selig in the 1950s was the Viscount chair. More typical of the mid-century style, it was made with a wood frame, polished brass accents and orange leather upholstery. In the 1960s, Johnson designed a similar aluminum chair for American furniture manufacturer and distributor Shelby Williams, this one with blue upholstery.
Johnson died in 1978. The Gazelle armchair is in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum and Denver Art Museum, and a prototype of the Gazelle lounge chair is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Interior designers regularly use Johnson’s furniture for upscale outdoor spaces in California and New York.
On 1stDibs, find Dan Johnson seating, tables, desks and more.
Dan Johnson Iron Lounge Chair with Bent Walnut Plywood Armrest
By Dan Johnson
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production lounge chair by Dan Johnson 1960s. The lounge chair is constructed of iron with sculpted walnut armrest and upholstered in a new Perennial fabric.
Iron
Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Chaise Lounge
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have 4 of these beautiful Sol Y Luna Chaise lounge chairs by Brown Jordan. These were originally designed by Dan Johnson as the Gazelle chair. We have had them professionally san...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson “Viscount” Cognac Leather and Brass Accent Armchair for Selig
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Modern “Viscount” armchair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig in Denmark circa 1950’s. This elegant design features a newly refinished wa...
Brass
$5,400Sale Price|22% Off
Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna High Top Bar Table and Bar Stools
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful set by Brown Jordan. It is a licensed adaptation in Aluminum of Dan Johnson 1950’s Gazelle design. This set has been repowder coated in a bronze color. The table is 37.5 ...
Aluminum
American Designer, Lounge Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and off white fabric lounge chair, designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 16" Arm Height (inches): 21.38" All items ship from High P...
Iron
Dan Johnson Viscount Chair
By Dan Johnson, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Signature wrap-around brass arms curve continuously from back to front, creating the sculptural silhouette that defines Dan Johnson's 1950s Viscount design. Newly reupholstered in cognac leather while retaining the original espresso-finished wooden frame. The espresso finish shows authentic patina and wear consistent with a vintage piece of this age. Warm cognac leather contrasts with the aged brass arms and dark wood frame, creating a layered palette of browns and metallic tones. The Viscount chair...
Brass
Set of Four Dining Chairs in Chenille and Bronze by Dan Johnson, C. 1950s
By Shelby Williams, Dan Johnson
Located in Westport, CT
A rare set of four Crucible Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams, circa 1950s. Fully restored by Stamford Modern, the walnut frames are refinished in a rich dark walnut, ...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair By Dan Johnson For Pacific Iron
By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your decor with this rare, mid-century modern, lounge slipper chair by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron. This chair features a sleek, minimal, wrought iron frame finished with ba...
Metal
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Armless Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan, Midcentury, USA H 33.5” x W 20.5” x D 21.5” / Seat Ht 17.25” FDV109...
Aluminum
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of deep red leather 'Viscount' chairs by Dan Johnson for Selig
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kleinburg, ON
This stunning armchair is a rare example of Dan Johnson’s Viscount design for Selig, featuring a sleek brass frame and a rich cognac leather upholstery. The chair has a distinctive m...
Brass
Dan Johnson Walnut and Brass Viscount Chair by Selig
By Dan Johnson
Located in Wilton, CT
This Dan Johnson Viscount chair is in its original condition. It has a lovely patina and has kept its structural integrity due to its fine ...
Brass
Dan Johnson Dining Table and or Desk
By Dan Johnson
Located in Chicago, IL
Dan Johnson dining table and or Desk for Arch Industries Inc. Designed 1958, manufactured by Dan Johnson Studio, Rome Italy. Travertine Marble Top wit...
Travertine, Bronze, Wrought Iron
$24,000
Dan Johnson "Satyr" Table
By Dan Johnson
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Three-leg satyr table by Dan Johnson. Bronze base with new glass top, inspired by images of Greco-Roman mythological figures.
Bronze
$4,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Gazelle 10B chairs in all cast aluminium by Dan Johnson
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kleinburg, ON
The Gazelle chair was designed by Dan Johnson in 1958 as part of a series of chairs that Johnson developed during and after completing a commission to design an apartment in Rome. Jo...
Aluminum
Restored Wrought Iron Chair and Ottoman by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron, USA
By Dan Johnson
Located in Deland, FL
Classic design meets modern materials. This ultra-rare chair and ottoman set, designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Pacific Iron between the late 40's and early 50's, has recently ...
Wrought Iron
Black & Brass Viscount Chair by Dan Johnson
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in San Francisco, CA
An iconic Viscount armchair, designed by Dan Johnson for Selig. The frame has been carefully restored and finished in an elegant black lacquer. The brass armrests feature a rich, nat...
Brass
Pair of Dan Johnson Three Drawer Dressers for Hayden Hall
By Hayden Hall 1, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of dresser by Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall, c.1950s, USA. The maple dressers feature three drawers with thick edges that protrude the surface top of the case pieces. Dimensions ...
Maple
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan, Midcentury, USA H 33.5” x W 20.5” x D 21.5” / Seat Ht 17.25” Arm Ht ...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson Viscount Chair
By Dan Johnson, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Signature wrap-around brass arms curve continuously from back to front, creating the sculptural silhouette that defines Dan Johnson's 1950s Viscount design. Newly reupholstered in cognac leather while retaining the original espresso-finished wooden frame. The espresso finish shows authentic patina and wear consistent with a vintage piece of this age. Warm cognac leather contrasts with the aged brass arms and dark wood frame, creating a layered palette of browns and metallic tones. The Viscount chair...
Brass
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Side Table by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Side Table by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan, Midcentury, USA W 24” x D 14.75” x H 13.5” FDV10938 *Wear consistent ...
Aluminum
$6,600 / set
Dan Johnson, Side Tables, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Hayden Hall 1
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of mahogany side tables designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Hayden Hall Furniture, USA, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 21.25” H x 29” W x 18” H
Mahogany
American Designer, Slipper Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson
Located in High Point, NC
A bouclé and iron slipper chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 16.5" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Iron
Dan Johnson, Slipper Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and off white fabric slipper or lounge chair, designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Pacific Iron, USA, 1950s. 15” seat height
Iron
Completely Restored Dan Johnson for Viscount Mid-Century Brass Armchair 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Kodawood
Located in St. Louis, MO
Dan Johnson "Viscount" for Kodawood, distributed by Selig, armchair or desk chair, circa 1950s. Refinished in dark ebony stain with new foam, orange leather and polished brass. Arm h...
Brass
Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams Aluminum Armchair - rare variation
By Dan Johnson, Shelby Williams
Located in Chicago, IL
Cast aluminum chair designed by Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams. Manufactured by Crucible Products. This appears to be a early variation where no wood arms were ever attached. As T...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair This chair measures: 22.75 wide x 21 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance 26.2...
Brass
Price Upon Request
Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall Solid Maple Desk, 1947
By Dan Johnson, Hayden Hall 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one of Dan Johnson’s earliest and rarest designs, made for Hayden hall of Alhambra, California. The form is classic California midcentury. Made fro...
Maple
Brown Jordan Sun Shade Umbrella
By Brown Jordan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brown Jordan Sun Shade. Nice Original Condition. Base and pole have been repainted somewhat recently. Shade material is original as well as t...
Aluminum
$2,600
H 31.5 in W 27.5 in D 27 in
Wrought Iron Jerry Johnson Leather Sling Lounge Chair (3) Leathercraft 1954
By Jerry Johnson
Located in Camden, ME
Wrought iron and leather sling lounge chairs designed by Jerry Johnson for Leathercraft, circa 1954. Three available, two as pictured the 3rd can be custom fitted to your choice of c...
Wrought Iron
1940s Danish Lounge Chairs with Maple Frame and Armrests
By Hjalmar Jackson, Carl Malmsten
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Danish lounge chair made in the tradition of Scandinavian makers such as Hjalmar Jackson and Carl Malmsten with a wooden base and armrests made from Maple adding a lot of e...
Wool, Maple
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 26.25 in W 22 in D 20 in
Pair of deep red leather 'Viscount' chairs by Dan Johnson for Selig
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kleinburg, ON
This stunning armchair is a rare example of Dan Johnson’s Viscount design for Selig, featuring a sleek brass frame and a rich cognac leather upholstery. The chair has a distinctive m...
Brass
Swedish designer elegant lounge chairs, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Pair of lounge chairs by unknown Swedish designer and cabinetmaker. Generous proportions and beautiful details on legs. Original fabric with signs of use.
Fabric, Beech
Danish 1940's Easy Lounge or Club Chair with Oak Armrests
By Fritz Hansen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant easy chair from the late 1940s very typical of Fritz Hansen's design style both in terms of legs and armrests leading many dealers in Denmark to believe the chair is indeed ...
Wool, Oak
Safari Armchair in Natural Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Safari lounge chair, leather, stained beech, metal, Europe, 1970s Stunning safari lounge chair covered in original upholstery made of natural cognac brown leather. The chair shows v...
Metal
1950s Danish Lounge Chair
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Repolished stained beech legs
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech
$4,869
H 30.32 in W 33.08 in D 33.47 in
Gösta Jonsson Attributed Lounge Chair, 1950s, Sweden, Pure Alpaca Fabric
By Gösta Jonsson, Flemming Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Gösta Jonsson attributed lounge chair, 1950s, Sweden, newly upholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Alpaca, Beech
$5,995 / set
H 30.5 in W 29 in D 32 in
Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These exceptional Danish modern lounge chairs represent a masterful collaboration between renowned architect and furniture designer Ib Kofod-Larsen and Selig, dating to the 1960s. Ea...
Fabric, Walnut
$7,211Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 25.99 in D 29.14 in
Lounge chair, by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb USA-1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant lounge chair, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in the mid-1950s, exemplifies the finest in mid-century design. Widdicomb, known for its premium craftsman...
Maple, Walnut
$5,000 / set
H 33.75 in W 31.25 in D 69.25 in
Designed by Tadao Inouye, Kantan Chaise Lounges for Brown Jordan
By Brown Jordan, Tadao Inouye
Located in Denton, TX
Designed by Tadao Inouye, Kantan Aluminum exemplifies the breezy spirit of patio life. The frame is newly powder coated in Gray with new white lacing. ...
Aluminum
California Design Architectural Dressers Dan Johnson
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of dressers. From an estate in Hancock Park Los Angeles. These were usually made for interiors. Only a few have survived. Limited. Studio made of plywood (no press-board) ...
Wood
Dan Johnson "Viscount" Armchair for Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armchair by Dan Johnson for Selig, c.1950s, USA. The seat cushions have been reupholstered with a cream colored Loro Piana cotton fabric. The armrests feature a sleek brass rod that wraps around the back of each seat cushion. The frame is a stained birch featuring an "x" seat base and tapered dowel legs. Two available. Priced individually. Dimensions 22.25" width x 20.5" depth x 28" height; 17.75" seat height, 26.5" arm height. Condition Good restored condition, professionally refinished with new Loro Piana upholstery.
Brass
8 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Armchairs
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
8 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna armchairs after a Gazelle design by Dan Johnson. The chairs are aluminum and likely from the early 2000’s. They are weathered and there is wear to the finis...
Aluminum
1960s Brown Jordan Sol y Luna Gazelle Garden Patio Table
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Garden Patio Table by Brown Jordan. Model Sol y Luna Gazelle . Designed by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan in 1954 Made of aluminum. Patinated. 28.5 h x 28 di...
Aluminum
Sold
H 32.75 in W 18.5 in D 21.5 in
1960s Gazelle Sol y Luna Patio Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of patio chairs designed by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan. USA circa the 1960s. Model Sol y Luna Dining Chairs. Made of Aluminum. Set of two (2) Gazelle ...
Aluminum
Set of Ten Mid-Century Viscount Chairs by Dan Johnson, c. 1950's
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of ten Mid-century Viscount chairs with brass, light brown leather and rich walnut wood by Dan Johnson. Made in Denmark, c. 1950's. Dimensions: 29"H x 20.5"W x 20"D
Brass
Pair of Brass "Cane" Slipper Chairs by Dan Johnson
By Dan Johnson
Located in Toronto, CA
Slipper chairs, with their stripped-down forms, are an ideal way to add extra seating without encumbering a space. This brass pair by furniture designer Dan Johnson (1918 – 1979) hav...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 24 in D 32 in
1950s Dan Johnson Beige Fabric Wrought Iron Frame Slipper Chair for Pacific Iron
By Dan Johnson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Dan Johnson armless slipper chair for Pacific Iron. This lovely 1950s accent lounge chair features a beige fabric wool blend upholstery, and a wrought iron frame. This piece has a ...
Wrought Iron
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Chairs in Leather Set of 4
By Dan Johnson
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a gorgeous set of 4 dining chairs which were designed by Dan Johnson for Selig. Dramatic and curvilinear form, these chairs have the sweeping arms made of solid brass. Elegan...
Brass
Set of Oak, Mohair and Bronze Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson, C. 1950s
By Dan Johnson
Located in Westport, CT
Immerse yourself in mid-century modern elegance with this exquisite pair of lounge chairs by renowned designer Dan Johnson, crafted circa 1950-1959. These chairs boast a sturdy oak f...
Bronze
Set of 4 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Gazelle Chairs
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely set of 4 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna chairs. These Gazelle chairs originally designed by dan Johnson in bronze are simply elegant. The reissue by Brown Jordan are in aluminum. ...
Metal
Dan Johnson"Viscount" Chair
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Highland, IN
Often incorrectly attributed to Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen, these elegant chairs are an early design by American architect Dan Johnson. They were produced and distributed by Sel...
Brass