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.
$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
"Teoca" Coffee Table with Marble Top
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Teoca" coffee table is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern f...
Hardwood
Coffee Table, Centre Table
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XV style coffee table made by La Maison London. Rocaille revival style, hand-carved in solid wood, finished in hand-painted gesso white. Deep button upholstery with a raspber...
Wood
"Xilte" Coffee Table
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" coffee table is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archytypical modern f...
Hardwood
Modern Walnut Coffee Table
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This modern walnut coffee table is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each table is a hand-made mitered box from walnut v...
Walnut
$33,000
H 16.15 in W 30.32 in D 45.28 in
Levitaz Vela Coffee Table, Sculptural Cast Bronze Table, Contemporary
By Katz Studio
Located in San Jose del Cabo, BCS
Vela Coffee Table, from the Levitaz Collection, embodies contemporary design through its unique marriage of material and form. Cast in bronze, this coffee table takes on the illusion...
Bronze
Modern Glass Top Coffee Table
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These are handmade from our family to yours! See how we do it here. Our stumps are now kiln dried! This process helps with major cracking, moisture issues, and bugs! This Modern Glass Top...
Hardwood
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
Upholstered Center Table Eli Colors
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
This creative center table named Eli is unique in its conception. Format enhanced by the piping details, where different textures are coordinated. The top in leather offers a perfect...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery
BELMOND Modern Wood Coffee Table
Located in Frazão, Porto
Bold crescent-curved legs and round top catches the eye for its outstanding design, accentuated with a eucalyptus frisé grey veneer finish. With sophisticated simplicity, this table...
Brass
$8,853 / item
H 11.82 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Duna Rectangular Coffee Table in Solid Walnut Wood Coffee Table by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Duna Rectangular Coffee Table in Solid Walnut Wood Coffee Table by Joel Escalona Duna Collection is a set of wood tables and surfaces in...
Wood, Walnut, Hardwood
$8,403 / item
H 11.82 in W 31.5 in D 55.12 in
Booleanos Rectangular Coffee Table in Black Wood Veneer Table by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Booleanos collection reflects the concept of involuntary interactions and unexpected intersections. This geometric coffee table designed by Joel Escalona is a visual game that capt...
Plywood
$8,094 / item
H 16.54 in W 47.25 in D 35.44 in
Duna Coffee Table in Solid Poplar Wood, Coffee Table by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Duna Coffee Table in Solid Poplar Wood, Coffee Table by Joel Escalona Duna Collection is a set of wood tables and surfaces inspired by the vast sand dune regions of the world. These...
Wood, Poplar, Oak, Hardwood
Dan Johnson Gazelle Coffee Table
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dan Johnson Gazelle Coffee Table with Travertine Top, 1960s Provenance: Richard & Constance