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George Mulhauser

Reflecting on George Mulhauser’s decades-long career conjures up images of him sitting in his well-known Mr. Chair — a luxurious reclining mid-century modern lounge chair for Plycraft made from a single sheet of plywood — and thinking to himself what mark he would leave on the world of furniture design.

Mulhauser studied industrial design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated in 1953. His early designs were quite venturesome and landed him his first design job in the Manhattan studio of architect, journalist and designer George Nelson, who was the director of design for legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller.

In 1955, Mulhauser designed his now-immediately recognizable Coconut chair. Angular and visually striking, this alluring lounge chair, with its sloping molded plastic shell, was something of a prelude. Soon, Mulhauser would make the acquaintance of American furniture designer Paul McCobb. Mulhauser collaborated with McCobb on concepts for molded fiberglass chairs, and McCobb’s Origami chair for Directional would become a big hit on the mid-20th century market.

Mulhauser kept busy. In his home studio, he sketched out each furniture design on paper and then translated them to handmade scale models. Mulhauser engaged his neighbors and family in trying out his sophisticated seating and gathered feedback for improvements. He designed his Mr. Chair for Plycraft — an adjustable armchair with a seat of tufted leather that yielded a series — and collaborated with many other companies throughout his career, including Directional, Singer, Overman and the Design Institute of America. He also taught furniture design at Pratt Institute, while the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts brought him on as an instructor of 3-D design.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage George Mulhauser chairs, lounge chairs and other furniture.

Mid-Century Mr. Lounge with Ottoman by Mulhauser
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century lounge chair with ottoman. The Mr. Chair was designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, circa 1960s. The back of the lounge is made from bentwood walnut with a wonderful ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Plycraft Mulhauser Mr Chair and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser
Located in Tulsa, OK
Iconic Plycraft George Mulhauser Mr chair and ottoman. Above average condition and structurally sound. Walnut veneer has some small chips and sligh...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair by Murphy Miller
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning 1960s lounge chair by Murphy Miller. This gently used swivel lounge chair boasts winged walnut armrests and vinyl upholstery. A vintage gem th...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

George Mulhauser Leather Ottoman Chrome Star Base for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Munich, DE
Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft´, USA, 1960s. Steel and faux black leather. Measures: H 40 x W 54 x D 61 cm.  
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Steel

Bentwood Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set by George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s
By George Mulhauser
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare piece of American Mid-Century Modern history: the George Mulhauser "Mr. Chair" bentwood lounge chair and ottoman ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Walnut

Plycraft Walnut / Leather Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser
By George Mulhauser
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut lounge chair in black leather with button cushions and a rocking chrome star base . Designed by George Mulhauser for the Plycraft Chair company this lounger is very com...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Mulhauser

Materials

Leather, Walnut

George Mulhauser for Plycraft MCM Walnut Sultana Swivel Chairs - Set of 4
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Countryside, IL
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Mid Century Walnut Sultana Swivel Chairs - Set of 4 Each swivel chair measures: 22.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm he...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Metal

Restored Pair of Bent Ply Faux White Tufted Leather George Mulhauser Mr. Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser, Florence Knoll, Plycraft
Located in Chattanooga, TN
There's something indescribably awesome about these Mulhauser chairs in tufted white upholstery. Cool, casual and comfortable in their skin. Anywhere they go, is exactly where they'r...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Mulhauser

Materials

Metal

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George Mulhauser furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

George Mulhauser furniture 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 George Mulhauser furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by George Mulhauser were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Pfister, Erwine & Estelle Laverne, and Kroehler Mfg. Co.. Prices for George Mulhauser furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $32,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,896.
Questions About George Mulhauser
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    George Mulhauser was a furniture designer. He is best known for designing a chair called Mr. Chair, a luxurious reclining mid-century modern lounge chair for Plycraft made from a single sheet of plywood. Other famous designs by Mulhauser include the Coconut chair and the Origami chair. Shop a range of George Mulhauser furniture on 1stDibs.

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