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.
$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
Bakelite, Brass and Iron 1950s Side Tables
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Chic set of three low tables with tubular iron bases, laquered in black paint and ending in brass sabots. The tabletops are black bakelite, with brass surrounds. Heavy, very nice ...
Brass, Iron
Vintage Side Table 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Side Table 1950s
Wood
Pair of Italian 1950s Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian pair of side tables, rosewood and the top is glass mirror. Bottom of the legs are the brass boots. Side tables are in original condition as shown on the photos. we recommend ...
Brass
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
$1,195
H 26.25 in W 20 in D 16 in
1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
By Handley Johnson Handley
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal style Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table Measures 20" in width and 26.25" in height and 16" in depth.
Brass
Paul McCobb, Leather, Cane, Brass, Side Table, USA, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul McCobb, American Mid-Century Modern, Leather, Cane, Brass, "The Irwin Collection" Side Table, USA, 1950s A distressed leather, brass, and wood side table designed by Paul McCob...
Brass
$4,500
H 26.125 in Dm 20.5 in
Round Tiered Side Table in Mahogany & Walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Troy, MI
Early model 5926 lamp table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar USA circa 1950s Two tier design with round Walnut surfaces supported by three sculpted mahogany legs with subtle co...
Mahogany, Walnut
White French Midcentury Side Table, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This 'Snow White' side table was designed and manufactured in France in the 1950s. It is made of white lacquered perforated metal and brass details in the manner of Mathieu Matégot.
Brass, Metal
$3,295
H 24.25 in W 25.25 in D 29 in
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mid Century Cork and Mahogany Side End Table
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mid Century Cork and Mahogany Side End Table This side table measures: 25.25 wide x 29 deep x 24.25 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Cork...
Mahogany, Cork
German Wooden Side Table, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This side table was designed in Germany in the 1950s. It has a tabletop that is curved up at the ends with inlaid stripes. The no-frills design and the glossy finish of the tabletop ...
Brass
$1,086 / set
H 22.05 in W 20.08 in D 13.39 in
1950s Jindrich Halabala Mahogany Bedside Tables, Czechoslovakia
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
- Refurbished - some sign of use in the veneer parts - sturdy and stable.
Wood, Mahogany
Alvar Aalto Side Table 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
L-legged side table from 1950s designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek. The table has beautiful patina of age and original cream white linoleum top. The table is in great c...
Birch
Dan Johnson Side Table for Hayden Hall, USA, c.1947
By Dan Johnson
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Dan Johnson Side Table for Hayden Hall, USA, c.1947.
Mahogany
Rare Dan Johnson Side Tables for Hayden Hall Furniture
By Dan Johnson
Located in Oakland, CA
An early design by American Dan Johnson (1918-1979) for Hayden Hall Furniture, a pair oak side tables with cantilevered tops and striking triangul...
Oak
Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall End Tables
By The Hayden Company, Dan Johnson
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of side tables designed by Dan Johnson for Los Angeles-based Company, Hayden Hall. Original mahogany finish with a nice patina. Only made for one ye...
Mahogany