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.
$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
$2,796Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.62 in W 56.3 in D 25.6 in
vintage bar table with chairs dining table bar stools 1950s
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage bar table with chairs dining table bar stools 1950s Vintage bar table with 4 chairs. Oak table with inlaid tiles. Complete set in be...
Ceramic, Rattan, Oak
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Square Side Table
By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A side table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The table has a square shape with rounded corners, supported by four legs in matching bronze. T...
Bronze
High Brown Milk Stools
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown milk stools by Bicci de' Medici Studio Dimensions: Diameter 30cm x height 40cm Materials: Natural wood. Pigment. Technique: Carved wood. Handmade. Oiled. Stained Designer...
Wood
$2,464Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 44 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Vintage Bohemian Rattan Dining Set, Glass-Top Table and Four High-Back Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully preserved 1970s rattan dining set that embodies the relaxed elegance of California coastal and tropical modern design. This five-piece set includes a sculptural round r...
Velvet, Cane, Rattan, Glass
High Brown Milk Stools
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown milk stools by Bicci de' Medici Studio Dimensions: Diameter 30cm x height 40cm Materials: Natural wood. Pigment. Technique: Carved wood. Handmade. Oiled. Stained Designer...
Wood
Four Shell Grotto Chairs and Coordinating Table
By Brown Jordan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of four Grotto chairs newly upholstered and powder coated. The set are a compliment to any dining area, inside or out of doors. The powder coating allows them to be outside as ...
Aluminum
Brown Jordan Rattan Coffee Table
By Brown Jordan
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome organic modern coffee table by Brown Jordan has a circular base of rattan with a lovely tobacco leaf finish which supports a glass top. 16"h X 36"d Also available is ...
Rattan, Glass
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Round Bronze Patio Coffee Table
By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patio coffee table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and a circu...
Bronze
Brown Jordan Glass Top Console Table
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Classical style cast aluminium base with shell carved cabriole legs. Original glass top included but has a small chip, can be replaced if preferred by buyer. Later grey paint over or...
Aluminum
1970s 5-Piece Brown Jordan Tamiami Patio Set
By Brown Jordan
Located in La Mesa, CA
A timeless vintage patio set by Brown Jordan, featuring their iconic Tamiami collection design. This set includes a round glass-top table and four armchairs with powder-coated aluminum frames in a sunny yellow finish. The chairs showcase the signature Tamiami vinyl strap weave in white, offering both style and comfort with a striking geometric appeal. The Tamiami line blends clean mid-century lines with durable, weather-resistant materials, making it a favorite among collectors and design lovers. Ideal for outdoor entertaining, this set brings Palm Springs charm to any patio, garden, or sunroom...
Aluminum
$22,082 / item
H 30 in W 86.5 in D 47 in
Giorgio Collection Luna Ebony Macassar Oval Dining Table in High Gloss Finish
By Giorgio Collection
Located in New York, NY
Oval dining table with one center leaf of cm 50 (19” ½), inlay top in Ebony Makassar with 6mm filet in Zebra veneer in high gloss polyester. Brushed and chrome stainless steel detail...
Chrome
Brown Jordan Glass-Top Outdoor Side Table, circa 1980s
By Brown Jordan
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant and minimal Brown Jordan outdoor side table featuring a sculptural powder-coated aluminum frame in a soft off-white finish. The gently curved square apron supports an inset g...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Dan Johnson designed set for Brown Jordan. The original glass has been replaced with a beautiful piece of travertine. The chairs measure approximately 20 inches wide, 21 inches dee...
Stone, Metal
Sold
H 30.25 in W 66 in D 42 in
Rare Architectural Dining Table by Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall Furniture
By Dan Johnson, Hayden Hall 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Dan Johnson. Manufacturer: Hayden hall furniture. Period/Style: Mid-Century Modern. Country: United States. Date: 1947. Dimensions: 30.25″ H x 6...
Mahogany, Walnut