Dan Johnson Lounge 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

Highback Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson in Velvet, C. 1950s

$9,600 / set

Highback Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson in Velvet, C. 1950s

By Dan Johnson

Located in Westport, CT

A striking pair of vintage lounge chairs designed by Dan Johnson in the 1950s, showcasing the clean architectural lines and refined craftsmanship of mid-century American design. The ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

American Designer, Lounge Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s

$7,800

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Dan Johnson, Slipper Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s

$6,700

Dan Johnson, Slipper Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s

By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron

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

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Dan Johnson Cantilever Lounge Chair (2002 Limited Production)

$4,500

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs in Burgundy Velvet & Beech, 1950s

$4,241 / set

H 27.56 in W 28.75 in D 27.17 in

Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs in Burgundy Velvet & Beech, 1950s

Located in Rødding, DK

Danish pair of club chairs in burgundy velvet, likely by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s. Each chair has a gently channelled, barrel-shaped back that curves into tightly rolled scroll a...

Category

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

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Danish high back lounge chair

$1,469

H 38.59 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Danish high back lounge chair

Located in BE

This beautiful Danish lounge chair from the 1970s showcases the craftsmanship and character that define Scandinavian design. Made in Denmark, the designer and manufacturer remain unk...

Category

1970s Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Milo Baughman, Scoop Lounge Chair, Iron, Brown Fabric, USA, 1950s

$3,100

H 28.25 in W 26.5 in D 27 in

Milo Baughman, Scoop Lounge Chair, Iron, Brown Fabric, USA, 1950s

By Milo Baughman

Located in Stamford, CT

Milo Baughman, American Mid-Century Modern, Iron, Brown Fabric, "Scoop" Lounge Chair, USA, 1950s A lacquered iron and beige fabric "Scoop" lounge chair designed by Milo Baughman for...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Danish Modern, Highback Lounge Chair, Elm, Wool, Denmark, 1950s

$3,200

H 36.5 in W 26.5 in D 33 in

Danish Modern, Highback Lounge Chair, Elm, Wool, Denmark, 1950s

Located in Stamford, CT

Danish Mid-Century Modern, Highback Lounge Chair, Elm, Wool, Denmark, 1950s An organic modern lounge chair designed and produced in Denmark c. 1950s. This example has a wonderful hi...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Elm

Milo Baughman Mid-Century Cantilever Lounge Chairs

$2,300 / set

H 36.5 in W 23.5 in D 23 in

Milo Baughman Mid-Century Cantilever Lounge Chairs

By Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature an incredibly heavy chrome frame with elaborate orange vinyl upholstery. This extremely comfortable pair have overstuffed ...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Space Age Leather Cantilever Lounge Chair, 1960's

$3,656

H 34.65 in W 27.56 in D 38.59 in

Space Age Leather Cantilever Lounge Chair, 1960's

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

This 1960's lounge chair embodies the sleek, futuristic aesthetics of space-age design. Upholstered in premium grey eco-leather, it features a sculptural, ergonomic form that offers ...

Category

1960s European Space Age Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Eames LCM Lounge Chair, Herman Miller, USA, 1950s

$1,621

H 26.38 in W 22.05 in D 25.6 in

Eames LCM Lounge Chair, Herman Miller, USA, 1950s

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

An Eames LCM lounge chair, Herman Miller, USA, 1950s. Ash plywood, chrome-plated steel and original rubber feet caps. With manufacturers label. ...

Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Paolo Buffa Style, Wingback Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s

$4,900 / set

H 38.25 in W 30 in D 34 in

Paolo Buffa Style, Wingback Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Stamford, CT

Paolo Buffa Style, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Wingback Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s Pair of modernist lounge chairs by an unknown maker and produced in Italy in the mi...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Lounge Chair in Walnut and Fabric 1950s

$6,450

H 38.59 in W 31.89 in D 33.47 in

Lounge Chair in Walnut and Fabric 1950s

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Lounge Chair, walnut, fabric, Europe, 1950s A beautifully proportioned lounge chair with a sculptural wingback silhouette and inviting, rounded lines. Upholstered in richly textured...

Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs

$2,600 / set

H 31 in W 33.5 in D 34 in

1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs

Located in Miami, FL

1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs with original green finish. Chairs have casters in the front. Chairs need to be recovered, we can help.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman, Knoll, USA, 1950s

$8,106 / set

H 35.44 in W 38.98 in D 37.01 in

Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman, Knoll, USA, 1950s

By Knoll, Eero Saarinen

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

An early production Eero Saarinen womb chair and ottoman, made by Knoll, USA, 1950s. Newly upholstered in luxurious pure Alpaca fabric (brown / grey) with a structure of fibreglass, black enameled steel frames and first edition feet / glides. Fast shipping worldwide. When asked by Florence Knoll to design 'a chair that was like a basket full of cushions - something she could really curl up in', Eero Saarinen produced the Womb chair...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items

Dan Johnson Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs with Iron Frame, USA

Sold

H 27 in W 26 in D 33 in

Dan Johnson Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs with Iron Frame, USA

By Dan Johnson

Located in Dallas, TX

Designed by Dan Johnson in the 1950s, made by Pacific Iron. The chairs boast a sculptural iron frame and an upholstered seat and back. The first few photos are AI generated and show ...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Dan Johnson, Lounge Chair, Cowhide, Iron, Wood, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 27 in W 28.5 in D 31 in

Dan Johnson, Lounge Chair, Cowhide, Iron, Wood, USA, 1950s

By Dan Johnson

Located in High Point, NC

A green-dyed cowhide, black-lacquered iron and wood lounge chair designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Selig, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to wood arms and metal frame consistent with age ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Dan Johnson Iron Lounge Chair with Bent Walnut Plywood Armrest

Sold

H 26.5 in W 24 in D 31 in

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.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair By Dan Johnson For Pacific Iron

Sold

H 25 in W 26 in D 26 in

Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair By Dan Johnson For Pacific Iron

By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson

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...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Set of Oak, Mohair and Bronze Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson, C. 1950s

Sold

H 32 in W 28 in D 28 in

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...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

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 Selig, Dan Johnson

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Dan Johnson, Lounge Chair, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 29.5 in W 26 in D 29.5 in

Dan Johnson, Lounge Chair, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s

By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson

Located in High Point, NC

A beige velvet and black-lacquered iron lounge chair, designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Pacific Iron, USA, 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new velvet. 15" seat height

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Dan Johnson, Slipper Chair, Metal, Fabric, Pacific Iron, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 30 in W 26.93 in D 32.25 in

Dan Johnson, Slipper Chair, Metal, Fabric, Pacific Iron, USA, 1950s

By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron

Located in High Point, NC

A fabric and black-lacquered metal slipper chair designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Pacific Iron, USA, 1950s.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Dan Johnson High-Back Lounge Chair with Brass Accents for Selig

Sold

H 35 in W 25.5 in D 33 in

Dan Johnson High-Back Lounge Chair with Brass Accents for Selig

By Selig, Dan Johnson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

High-Back lounge chair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig and manufactured in Denmark circa 1950’s. Featuring a beautifully carved walnut-stained beechwood frame with five slats accen...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Dan Johnson Iron Lounge Chair with Walnut Armrests for Selig

Sold

H 31 in W 24 in D 25.5 in

Dan Johnson Iron Lounge Chair with Walnut Armrests for Selig

By Selig, Dan Johnson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

The Iron Lounge Chair with Walnut Armrests by Dan Johnson is a beautiful and unique piece of furniture that combines industrial materials with warm, natural wood. The chair has a sle...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Iron

Dan Johnson Leather Sling Chair

Sold

H 28 in W 32.25 in D 26.5 in

Dan Johnson Leather Sling Chair

By Dan Johnson

Located in Chicago, IL

Dan Johnson leather sling chair, Tubular bent steel with leather sling, newer production from a rare series from the 1950's, exact period correct ...

Category

Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Dan Johnson Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Wrought Iron Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron

Sold

H 30 in W 26.25 in D 32 in

Wrought Iron Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron

By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, lounge chair set by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron features an armchair and slipper chair with minimal wrought iron frames with ...

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Dan Johnson lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Dan Johnson lounge 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 lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs by Dan Johnson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lounge chairs by Allan Gould, Jack Lenor Larsen, and Jerry Johnson. Prices for Dan Johnson lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,450 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,700.