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.
Walnut Tufted George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman by Plycraft
By Charles and Ray Eames, Plycraft, George Mulhauser, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for ONE chair with ottoman. The second chair has been sold. Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern white lounge chair with ottomans designed in the manner of George...
Metal
$4,361 / item
George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman by Plycraft
By Charles and Ray Eames, Plycraft, George Mulhauser, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for ONE chair with ottoman. The second chair has been sold. Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern white lounge chair with ottomans designed in the manner of George...
Metal
Pair of 'Mrs' Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in London, GB
A pair of American walnut plywood lounge chairs from the 1960's by American designer George Mulhauser. This larger version is seen with the more rarely wooden legs. The smaller famou...
Silk, Plywood
Classic Mid Century Plycraft Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Plycraft
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Plycraft Mr. style lounge chair and ottoman, executed in bent plywood, vinyl faux leather, chrome and steel. The chair swivels and tilts on its center pole support, which is ...
Upholstery, Plywood
$1,443
H 15.75 in W 21.26 in D 24.02 in
George Mulhauser Leather Ottoman Chrome Star Base for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
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.
Steel
$1,450 / set
H 40 in W 32.5 in D 24 in
Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Murphy Miller for Plycraft c 1950’s
By Plycraft, Murphy Miller Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century lounge chair and ottoman designed by Murphy Miller for Plycraft, circa 1950’s. The swivel and tilt chair features bent plywood arms which are attached to the tufted vinyl upholstered seat and backrest. The not often seen ottoman features a fully tufted surface which is supported by the tapering tubular metal four leg base. This example is in good, original condition showing some signs of age and use, specifics to follow. The vinyl upholstery on the seat cushion of the chair has a small flaw, and the upholstery at the top of the side of the back shows minor scuffs. The chair is fully functional and usable as is, or you can have it reupholstered if you prefer a more polished look. In the style of the Mulhauser , and Eames plywood lounge chairs...
Metal
George Mulhauser Bent Plywood Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960's molded plywood lounge chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser. The chair features stylish wing-like arms, tufted cream uber soft colored vinyl, and a swivel base. The chair wa...
Chrome
$2,100Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 32 in W 36 in D 35 in
'Mr Chair' and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic Mid-Century Modern 'Mr. Chair' and ottoman, designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the 1960s. A timeless example of American Modernist design, this sculptural lounge ...
Plywood, Faux Leather
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
This comfortable pair of midcentury lounge chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Professionally upholstered with orange/yellow colored velvet fabric with solid wood feet.
Upholstery
Vintage Plycraft Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Plycraft
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage Plycraft lounge chair and ottoman Mid-Century Modern swivel lounge chair and matching ottoman by Plycraft. Tufted caramel...
Walnut
$4,500
H 39 in W 36.5 in D 31.5 in
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This iconic mid century modern chair features sculptural bent walnut armrests and new textured leather tufted up...
Leather, Walnut
Mr. Chair
By George Mulhauser
Located in Malibu, CA
Iconic "Mr." Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. Constructed of bent walnut plywood and upholstered in its original button tufted black Naugahyde, this chair sits atop an adjusta...
Chrome
Sold|$3,750 / set
H 36.5 in W 36.5 in D 35 in
Classic Modernist 1960s Plycraft George Mulhauser “Mr. Chair” and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic "Mr." Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. Constructed of bent walnut plywood and upholstered in its original button tufted black Naugahyde, this chair sits atop an adjusta...
Naugahyde, Wood, Plywood
Mid-Century George Mulhauser Mr. Lounge
By George Mulhauser
Located in Raleigh, NC
Very nice mid century modern George Mulhauser Mr. Lounge swivel and spring reclining lounge. Amazing condition straight out of a time capsule. Hardly ever used and is very comfy. No ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Walnut
George Mulhauser Plycraft Walnut Lounge Chair
By George Mulhauser
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An exceptionally stunning swiveling lounge chair with molded walnut frame having woven upholstery in the style of Danish modern design. This rare hard to find chair is extremely comf...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 27.25 in W 22.25 in D 20.75 in
Expertly Restored - George Mulhauser "Scroll" Swiveling Armchair for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Leather, Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
George Mulhauser, Sultana Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and white fabric "Sultana" armchairs designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft, USA, 1960s. Dimensions: 28 “ H x 23.125” W x 19.25” D Seat height: 17.5” H
Fabric, Walnut
George Mulhauser, Sultana Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and white fabric "Sultana" armchairs designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft, USA, 1960s. Dimensions: 28 “ H x 23.125” W x 19.25” D Seat height: 17.5” H
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 39.5 in W 38.5 in D 38 in
Restored Pair of Bent Ply Faux White Tufted Leather George Mulhauser Mr. Chairs
By Plycraft, Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser, Florence Knoll
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...
Metal
Sold
H 49.5 in W 31 in D 30.63 in
Restored Plycraft Ivory Leather Walnut George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Original and authentic Mid-Century "Mr. Chair" with ottoman designed by George Mulhauser. The magnificence of the fiery grained, rich patinated walnut can't be overstated. It's tr...
Metal
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Red Sultana Swivel Armchair
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm height 24.5". Red lacquered walnut...
Upholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Yellow Sultana Swivel Armchair
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm he...
Upholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Green Sultana Swivel Armchair
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm he...
Upholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Blue Sultana Swivel Armchair
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm he...
Upholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
Midcentury George Mulhauser for Plycraft "Mr. Chair" & Ottoman
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful midcentury lounge chair & ottoman designed by George Mulhauser and manufactured by Plycraft. This vintage chair and ottoman have a ...
Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 22 in D 21 in
Expertly Restored - George Mulhauser "Scroll" Sculpted Arm Chair for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare armchair designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft Co. in the United States circa 1950s. This extraordinary swivel chair has been sturdily constructed with laminated walnut bent...
Leather, Walnut, Scrap Wood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 33.86 in D 33.86 in
20th Century George Mulhauser Reclining Lounge Chair in Wood and Leather '50s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Turin, Turin
George Mulhauser, born in 1922, was known for his pioneering molded plywood designs and iconic lounge chairs. Graduating in 1953 from Pratt Institute with a degree in Industrial Desi...
Metal