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.
Plycraft Oak & Blue Lacquer Sultana Table by George Mulhauser c. 1950s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Gregarious and sculptural Sultana Table designed by George Mulhauser with an oak top and blue lacquered scrolling legs. Made by Plycraft in the 1950s, this Sultana table is furniture...
Wood, Oak
$3,800Sale Price|22% Off
'Sultana' Sculptural Dining Table by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural and highly collectible example of the 'Sultana' dining table designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft in the 1960s. Part of an iconic line that included tables, seating and coordinating pieces, this table exemplifies Mulhauser’s ability to marry structural ingenuity with decorative flair. The design is anchored by a sweeping, scroll-formed wood base refinished in a dark brown stain, its looping curves radiating outward to create a visually dynamic silhouette that remains remarkably elegant. Resting atop this sculptural support is a 48" round glass top (but different size tops can be made upon request), which displays the base like a piece of modern art while providing generous surface area for dining or entertaining. Part of Plycraft’s signature Sultana line is a suite that also included armchairs and side chairs, this table reflects the best of mid-century American modernism with a Hollywood Regency sensibility. Its balanced proportions, bold yet refined detailing, and high-quality materials make it an exceptional focal point for both classic and contemporary interiors. Ideal for collectors, interior designers and decorators, and discerning clients seeking a centerpiece dining table that is both functional and a work of art, this Mulhauser Sultana...
Wood
A Dining Table by Formanova, Italy, 1960's
By Forma Nova
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic dining/center table by Formanova, Italy, 1960's. Mahogany top, brushed stainless steel, base. Super duty-heavy base, great sculptural details.
Steel
$29,900
H 30 in W 43 in D 40 in
Flora Dining Table, Contemporary Lux White Sculptural Resin Dining Table
By Katz Studio
Located in San Jose del Cabo, BCS
The Flora Dining Table transforms the movement of unfolding fabric into a sculptural foundation. Its base rises in a spiraling composition of folds, ridges, and sweeping contours, ap...
Resin
Rustic Modern French Dining Table in Oak 1950s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, France, 1950s A beautifully crafted French dining table from the 1950s, made from solid oak and distinguished by its bold architectural form and honest craftsmans...
Oak
1950s French Brutalist Extendable Dining Table in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Extendable dining table, solid oak, France, 1950s This French dining table from the 1950s has a distinctly rustic and almost brutalist presence. Its appearance is closely connected ...
Oak
1970s Sculptural Chrome Dining Or Center Table
By Pace Furniture Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Modern sleek and sculptural chrome 1970s tubular dining or center table. This table is simply stunning. The photographs really capture its beauty. Curved chrome supports reflect and ...
Chrome
“Lock D” Sculptural Bamboo Dining Table, 'Base'
By Jan Paul
Located in Maastricht, NL
“LOCK” sculptural bamboo dining table is designed out of the qualities, possibilities and characteristics of its material: bamboo. The frame is build up from pressed layers of flexible bamboo. The shape is formed by the bamboo’s natural bending curve. The layers of bamboo curve through each other and entwine, locking each other in place. Two different color-tones are used: natural and caramel bamboo. This “layer cake”enhances the curves ,flow and shape of the table. End result is a mix of nature and mathematics, of possible and impossible. A strong dynamic shape that looks different watched from different viewing points...
Bamboo, Glass
$2,863
H 28.35 in W 111.82 in D 40.16 in
Pedestal Extension Table model 5559 By GEORGE NELSON for HERMAN MILLER 1950S
By George Nelson
Located in Vigevano, PV
Pedestal Extension Table model 5559 By GEORGE NELSON for HERMAN MILLER 1950S
Aluminum
$1,784Sale Price|22% Off
H 28.35 in Dm 43.31 in
Dining Table in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This rosewood dining table from the 1960s is an iconic example of Danish furniture design. The table is created with care and expertise, and its timeless aesthetic fits perfectly wit...
Rosewood
Striking Sculptural Octopus Gilt Bronze Center or Dining Table
Located in Rome, IT
Modern gilt bronze dining or center table in the shape of an octopus. The glass top can be custom-made on request. Dimensions of the sculpture is height 77 cm diameter 115 cm. Glas...
Bronze
A Fine 1950s French Compass Oak Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Mid-Century compass legs oak dining / writing table with 2 raw wood end extensions (15 3/4" each).
Oak
Italian Rustic Oak Cross-Legged Dining Table, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Rustic dining table with X-shaped legs in massive oak wood, made in Italy in the 1950s. Seats six people comfortably. The table is in very good condition.
Oak
Modernist round solid oak dining table from the 1950s
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in LYON, FR
We are proud to present this round solid oak dining table from the 1950s, in the manner of Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Chapo. A thick 5 cm circular top, four substantial cylindrica...
Oak
Sold
H 29.14 in Dm 42.13 in
Extension Table No 5653 George Muhlhauser + George Nelson, Contura/Herman Miller
By Contura, George Nelson, George Mulhauser
Located in Munster, NRW
A George Nelson table is a classic, fitting every interior. This version does that literally, because it transforms from a small round table into an oval dining table 1.52 metres long – if there are a few more guests than expected. the versatile table, designed by George Nelson and George Mulhauser in 1956, consists of a four star powder coated steel base and a round formica top, split in half to allow insertion of a matching rectangular middle plate. The two halve plates slide on a unique patented mechanism: the ‘Watertown table...
Metal
Sold
H 28.5 in Dm 35.5 in
Mid-Century Modern George Mulhauser Scroll Table Pair of Scroll Chairs Plycraft
By George Mulhauser
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
We are present this lovely dinette set by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. Scoll table and pair of scroll chairs in a distressed olive green color. In very good vintage condition. Dime...
Wood
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Sultana Dining Table, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" dining table By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 41.75" W x 41.75" D x 26" H. Knee clearance 25" H. Blue...
Formica, Bentwood
Four George Mulhauser for Plycraft Sultana Chairs with Round Table
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Hanover, MA
Very rare complete dinette set of the mid-1960s "Sultana" round table with four swivel dining armchairs by George Mulhauser of Plycraft Corp of Massachusetts who were innovators in the use of bent plywood. They made molded plywood airplane bodies for training pilots during World War 2. High gloss red enamel lacquer which has recently been restored. Chairs have white vinyl seat cushions and backpads. 42 inch diameter table top is white laminate. Measure: 26 inches high. Provenance: From the estate of Tucson, Arizona "First Lady of Fashion", Cele Peterson...
Plywood