Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

1911-1986

Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.

Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.

During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.

Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.

Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: Edmond J. Spence

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Edmond J. Spence, C. 1950s

$9,600 / set

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Edmond J. Spence, C. 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence, Urban Furniture

Located in Westport, CT

A stunning pair of lounge chairs by Edmond J. Spence for Urban-Aire Group, c. 1950s, meticulously restored by Stamford Modern. Showcasing clean lines, gentle curves, and a sophistica...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair Mid Century Modern Black Lacquered Sculptural Lounge Chairs Edmond Spence

$4,795 / set

Pair Mid Century Modern Black Lacquered Sculptural Lounge Chairs Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous pair of Black lacquered hardwood lounge chairs by Edmond J. Spence c1955. Beautiful Sculptural armrests with a tilted back for maximum comfort. Fantastic updated cushion in ...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Lacquer

Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair

$5,347 / set

Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence mid-century lounge chairs - pair. Each chair measures: 27 wide x 33.5 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 13 (without cushion) and arm height/chair clearance 23 in...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery

$2,747

Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Urban Aire mid century walnut lounge chair with black upholstery The chair measures: 27.5 wide x 33.5 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm height ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Original Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chair

$3,000

H 32.68 in W 24.81 in D 22.84 in

Original Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chair

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Iconic “Yucatán” chair designed by Edmund Spence and produced in Mexico by Industria Mueblera S.A. as part of the celebrated Continental-American Collection. This piece represents an...

Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cedar

Vladimir Kagan, Lounge Chair, Leather, Walnut, USA, 1950s

$28,000

H 41.5 in W 28 in D 38.5 in

Vladimir Kagan, Lounge Chair, Leather, Walnut, USA, 1950s

By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.

Located in High Point, NC

An adjustable walnut and brown leather lounge chair or chaise longue designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, USA, 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible w...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Koene Oberman, Mid-Century Modern, Wood High Back Lounge Chair, 1960

$4,498 / set

H 37.41 in W 30.32 in D 37.8 in

Pair of Koene Oberman, Mid-Century Modern, Wood High Back Lounge Chair, 1960

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

High back lounge chairs by Koene Oberman, circa 1960. Originated in Denmark In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs, USA, 1950s

$4,500 / set

H 27.5 in W 29.5 in D 30 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs, USA, 1950s

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Elevate your living space with this exquisite pair of mid-century modern lounge chairs, handcrafted in the USA. Built upon sturdy oak frames with a refined walnut stain, these chairs...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Federico Munari, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, Italy, 1950s

$16,900 / set

H 31 in W 31 in D 24 in

Federico Munari, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, Italy, 1950s

By Federico Munari

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of brown beige velvet fabric and walnut lounge chairs, designed by Federico Munari and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s. 14” seat height

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence

$3,950 / set

H 32.5 in W 23 in D 21 in

Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

A superb set of a very difficult to find series of chairs by Edmond Spence, circa 1950's. Birch with cane backs. Excellent Restored Condition, with wonderful patina. The price noted ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century Lounge Chair Attributed to Gunlocke after Risom

$875

H 27 in W 26 in D 22 in

Mid Century Lounge Chair Attributed to Gunlocke after Risom

By Jens Risom, Gunlocke

Located in New York, NY

Stylish Mid Century lounge chair design after Jens Risom, attributed to Gunlocke. The chair has orange vinyl cushions, and a solid wood (probably maple) frame. The chair is solid and...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

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 Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Gio Ponti, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Walnut, Italy, 1950s

$34,000

H 34.75 in W 27.625 in D 35.25 in

Gio Ponti, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Walnut, Italy, 1950s

By Gio Ponti, Cassina

Located in High Point, NC

A walnut and blue fabric lounge chair, model 811, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Meda, Italy, c. 1956. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with a...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

Pair of Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Frames Leather Sling Seat Lounge Chairs

$6,400 / set

H 28 in W 28 in D 32 in

Pair of Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Frames Leather Sling Seat Lounge Chairs

By Durland, Dux of Sweden

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of Danish modern beige sling upholstery lounge chairs. Very comfortable sling seats.

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Mid Century Butterfly Chair with Black Canvass Sling

$475

H 34 in W 30 in D 24 in

Mid Century Butterfly Chair with Black Canvass Sling

By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy

Located in New York, NY

Midcentury butterfly chair with yellow canvas sling seat. Clean, ready to use condition. Please view the companion chair with yellow seat, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

$5,800

H 34 in W 29.5 in D 34 in

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

Located in High Point, NC

A flower pattern fabric and walnut lounge chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 20” Arm Height (inches): 21.38" All items ship from High Point, No...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6

$10,947 / set

H 31.75 in W 24.75 in D 19 in

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 19 deep x 31.75 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.5 inches All pieces of f...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Previously Available Items

Rare Lounge Chair by Edmund J. Spence

Sold

H 31 in W 29 in D 34.5 in

Rare Lounge Chair by Edmund J. Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rare "Urban-Aire" group lounge chair, designed by Edmund J. Spence, circa 1950s. This design has long been attributed to Paul McCobb for his Predictor Group, it has been verified as ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Edmond J. Spence, 1950s

Sold

H 29 in W 24.5 in D 29 in

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Edmond J. Spence, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Westport, CT

A set of meticulously restored lounge chairs, designed by the eminent Edmond J. Spence in the 1950s for Urban-Aire Group, now revived to their former glory by Stamford Modern. These ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Edmond J. Spence, 1950s

Sold

H 29 in W 24.5 in L 29 in

Walnut Lounge Chairs by Edmond J. Spence, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Westport, CT

Rare pair of sculptural walnut lounge chairs by Swedish-born designer Edmond J. Spence for "Urban-Aire" Group, circa 1950s. Completely restored exposing the beautiful walnut grain. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Edmond Spence Pair of Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 29.25 in W 27.5 in D 32 in

Edmond Spence Pair of Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Pair of Edmond Spence lounge chairs, circa late 1950s. These examples have newly finished black lacquered frames and have been newly upholstered in a cream boucle. Price listed is fo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Pair of Edmond Spence Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 30.5 in W 28.5 in D 35 in

Pair of Edmond Spence Lounge Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Chicago, IL

Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs, solid walnut frames, Windsor style back with loose cushion seat and back reupholstered with Great Plains [SONOMA: PEAT HEATHER 1479/14].

Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rare Edmond Spence Strapped Lounge Chairs, 1950s

Sold

H 29 in W 24.5 in D 34 in

Rare Edmond Spence Strapped Lounge Chairs, 1950s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Westport, CT

Rare pair of lounge chairs by Swedish born designer Edmond J. Spence for "Urban-Aire" Group, circa 1950s. Walnut frames completely restored. Updated straps. Newly upholstered in G...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Rare Edmond Spence Strapped Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 29 in W 24.5 in D 34 in

Rare Edmond Spence Strapped Lounge Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Westport, CT

Rare pair of lounge chairs by Swedish born designer Edmond J. Spence for "Urban-Aire" Group, circa 1950s. Walnut frames completely restored. Straps have been replaced. Newly upholst...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Rare Lounge Chair by Edmund J. Spence

Sold

H 29 in W 28.5 in D 33.5 in

Rare Lounge Chair by Edmund J. Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rare "Urban-Aire" group lounge chair, designed by Edmund J. Spence, circa 1950s. This design has long been attributed to Paul McCobb for his Predictor Group, it has been verified as ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rare Edmond Spence Strapped Lounge Chairs

Sold

H 29 in W 27.25 in D 35 in

Rare Edmond Spence Strapped Lounge Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Westport, CT

Rare pair of lounge chairs by Swedish born designer Edmond J. Spence for "Urban-Aire" Group, circa 1950s. Walnut frames completely restored. Straps have been replaced. Brass hand ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modernage Lounge Arm Chairs by Edmond Spence

Sold

H 33 in W 28 in D 34 in

Pair of Modernage Lounge Arm Chairs by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence, Modernage Furniture Company

Located in Peabody, MA

Rare pair of low slung Urban-Aire mid-century lounge chairs by Edmond Spence for Modernage, ca. 1953. Popularly misattributed for years to O'Hearn Furniture as a design by Paul McCo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs by Edmund J. Spence

Sold

H 29 in W 28.5 in D 33.5 in

Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs by Edmund J. Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of Rare "Urban-Aire" Group Lounge Chairs, designed by Edmund J. Spence, circa 1950's. This design has long been attributed to Paul McCobb for his Predictor Group, but thanks to ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs by Edmond J. Spence 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 Byron Botker, Weiman/Warren Lloyd, and Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison. Prices for Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,295 and can go as high as $6,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,500.