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 Hayden Hall 1, Dan Johnson
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
Paul McCobb Mahogany Side Table with Brass X Cross Stretcher c. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Smart and elegant mid century modern mahogany side table with sexy brass X cross stretcher designed by none other than top furniture designer of the time Paul McCobb. Simple lines ma...
Brass
Jacques Adnet revolving side table France 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This decorative and uncommon revolving side table, designed by the esteemed Jacques Adnet in the 1950s and manufactured by Atelier Jacques Adnet, France, stands as a remarkable examp...
Metal, 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
French Side Table in Ash, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
French Side Table in Ash, 1950s A charming and sculptural side table crafted in France during the 1950s. This piece embodies the quiet elegance and functional simplicity that define...
Ash
Art Deco side table, Poland, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco side table made in Poland in the 1950s. Made of walnut wood. Minimalist design will work great in contemporary interiors. Very good condition, after renovation. The wood h...
Walnut
1950s French Fluted Wood Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful wood side table from France, 1950s. Rectangular veneer wood top with fluted detail on four legs. Original finish in a medium stain showing beautiful age and grain. Perfect ...
Wood
$1,101 / 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
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
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
$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
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