Dan Johnson Chairs

American, 1918-1979

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.

Creator: Dan Johnson

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Arm Chairs by Dan Johnson, 1950

$7,794 / set

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Arm Chairs by Dan Johnson, 1950

By Dan Johnson, Selig

Located in San Diego, CA

A sculptural study in proportion and restraint, this rare set of four "Viscount" arm chairs by Dan Johnson represents one of American mid-century design's most quietly extraordinary ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

1960s High-Back Lounge Chair by Dan Johnson for Selig, Denmark

$4,500

1960s High-Back Lounge Chair by Dan Johnson for Selig, Denmark

By Dan Johnson, Selig

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lounge chair by Dan Johnson for Selig c.1960s, Denmark. The lounge chair features a sculpted wood frame with curved armrests. The seat cushion and back have been newly upholstered, w...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

Restored Wrought Iron Chair and Ottoman by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron, USA

$12,500 / set

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Lucite Folding Chairs, 1970s

$895 / set

H 30 in W 17.5 in D 17 in

Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Lucite Folding Chairs, 1970s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Very nice set of four mid century modern Lucite folding chairs. Great to have when you need that extra seating for your dinner party. Fold ...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig

$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 Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig

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...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Set of Four Mid-Century Dining Chairs

$1,320Sale Price / set|44% Off

H 34.26 in W 16.54 in D 19.69 in

Set of Four Mid-Century Dining Chairs

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Munich, DE

Set of four mid-century oak dining chairs, probably Italian.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century "Gazelle" Armchairs by Dan Johnson, in Aluminum and Cane

$25,000 / set

H 32 in W 18 in D 18 in

Mid-Century "Gazelle" Armchairs by Dan Johnson, in Aluminum and Cane

By Dan Johnson

Located in New York, NY

A rare pair of Gazelle Armchairs, created by American designer Dan Johnson (1918-1979). According to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art: "Dan Johnson was a mid-twentieth centu...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1950s Wrought Iron, Wood, and Rattan Arm Chair

$475

H 28 in W 21 in D 17.5 in

1950s Wrought Iron, Wood, and Rattan Arm Chair

Located in Victoria, BC

This distinctive and meticulously crafted chair, believed to originate from South Africa in the 1950s based on our research, boasts a frame meticulously fashioned from painted wrough...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs

$5,395Sale Price / set|35% Off

H 37.75 in W 21.75 in D 18.25 in

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs

By John Widdicomb

Located in Huntington, NY

A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

Dan Johnson Cantilever Lounge Chair (2002 Limited Production)

$4,500

H 28.5 in W 32 in D 27 in

Dan Johnson Cantilever Lounge Chair (2002 Limited Production)

By Dan Johnson

Located in Chicago, IL

Dan Johnson Cantilever Lounge Chair (2002 Limited Production) Designer: Dan Johnson Model: Cantilever Lounge Chair Production Date: 2002 (period-correct limited production) Origin: L...

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Metal

Dan Johnson Viscount Chair

$2,195

H 28 in W 22 in D 20 in

Dan Johnson Viscount Chair

By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Dan Johnson

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair Modernist Lawrence Peabody for Selig Danish Modern Danish Lounge Chairs

$3,380 / set

H 27 in W 30 in D 32 in

Pair Modernist Lawrence Peabody for Selig Danish Modern Danish Lounge Chairs

By Selig, Lawrence Peabody

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern masterpieces, whose elegant silhouettes speak to a golden era of Danish design: these are the Number 596 lounge chairs, conceived by the vis...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair

$2,595

H 27 in W 30 in D 32 in

Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair

By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 30 wide x 32 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance of 22.75 inch...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Pair of Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs by Selig

$2,500 / set

H 24.75 in W 32 in D 27 in

Pair of Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs by Selig

By Selig

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This comfortable pair of swivel style lounge chairs by Selig make a stylish addition to any setting. Rounded back seats with sturdy metal bases, this unique matching pair is perfect ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Rare Restored Lounge Chair in Beech by Dan Johnson for Selig, Denmark, c. 1950s

$4,550

H 35 in W 26 in D 33 in

Rare Restored Lounge Chair in Beech by Dan Johnson for Selig, Denmark, c. 1950s

By Selig

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a newly restored high-back angular lounge chair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig and manufactured in Denmark during the mid-1950’s. Featuring a beautifully carved solid ...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Beech

Previously Available Items

Set of Ten Mid-Century Viscount Chairs by Dan Johnson, c. 1950's

Sold

H 29 in W 20.5 in D 20 in

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

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Brass "Cane" Slipper Chairs by Dan Johnson

Sold

H 30.75 in W 16.5 in D 25 in

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...

Category

1960s American Regency Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

1950s Dan Johnson Beige Fabric Wrought Iron Frame Slipper Chair for Pacific Iron

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 4 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Gazelle Chairs

Sold

H 31.25 in W 18.13 in D 20.5 in

Set of 4 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Gazelle Chairs

By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson

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. ...

Category

20th Century American Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Metal

California Modern Lounge Chair by Dan Johnson for Selig

Sold

H 28 in W 29 in D 29 in

California Modern Lounge Chair by Dan Johnson for Selig

By Dan Johnson, Selig

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lounge chair designed by California-based designer Dan Johnson and produced in the mid-1950s by Selig. The lightweight wire frame has a square seat- and back cushion and angled legs....

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Ten Mid-Century Viscount Chairs by Dan Johnson, c. 1950's

Sold

H 29 in W 20.5 in D 20 in

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

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams Crucible Chair

Sold

H 31 in W 18 in D 20 in

Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams Crucible Chair

By Dan Johnson, Shelby Williams

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams Crucible Chair having cast aluminum and wood frame on upholstered seat and back. Beautiful lines on this seldom found chair. In amazing original vinta...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Bronze

Dan Johnson Occasional or Desk Chair

Sold

H 28.5 in W 21.5 in D 19 in

Dan Johnson Occasional or Desk Chair

By Dan Johnson

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Ebonized mahogany and anodized aluminum chair by Dan Johnson, circa late 1960s. This example has been masterfully refinished and reupholstered ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Dan Johnson Bronze Gazelle Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 27 in W 22 in D 26 in

Pair of Dan Johnson Bronze Gazelle Lounge Chairs

By Dan Johnson

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Rare pair of Dan Johnson Gazelle lounge chairs in beautifully patinated bronze and cane. Very rare matched pair in very good condition.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Sold

H 30 in W 24 in D 29 in

Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron Lounge Chair and Ottoman

By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron

Located in Dallas, TX

This set of lounge chair and ottoman by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron is spectacular. Comfortable and equally fashionable, features clean lines, and a timeless design that never goes ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Metal

Dan Johnson Sol y Luna Lounge chairs '4'

Sold

H 34 in W 20 in D 22 in

Dan Johnson Sol y Luna Lounge chairs '4'

By Dan Johnson

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, these four wonderfully organic Sol Y Luna lounge chairs by Dan Johnson (an adaptation of Johnson's 1954 Gazelle ...

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Dan Johnson "Viscount Chairs", Denmark, 1950s

Sold

H 28 in W 23 in L 28 in

Dan Johnson "Viscount Chairs", Denmark, 1950s

By Dan Johnson

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of "Viscount Chairs" designed by Dan Johnson. Produced in Denmark, 1950s. Restored. Espresso wood tone, polished brass, black leather upholstery.

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Chairs

Materials

Brass

Dan Johnson chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Dan Johnson chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Dan Johnson chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Dan Johnson were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, and Ejvind A. Johansson. Prices for Dan Johnson chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,125 and can go as high as $32,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,400.