Jack Lenor Larsen was a celebrated American mid-century modern textile designer born in Seattle. He fostered connections throughout the design and architecture industries beginning in 1950, and today, his influential eponymous design company is widely recognized for its muted hand-spun textured textiles. Larsen manufactured fabrics all over the world for more than six decades, using both traditional and modern weaving techniques.
Larsen initially studied in the architecture program at the University of Washington before he quickly realized he was instead interested in furniture design and interiors. He earned his MFA in 1949 from the Cranbrook Academy of Art — the go-to art school for design stars of the mid-20th century. The following year he moved and opened a studio in New York City where he launched his career.
For one of his first commissions, which was to design curtains for the Lever House — a New York City icon designed by Gordon Bunshaft and Natalie de Blois — Larsen created a linen and gold metal-themed weave to complement the building’s famed glass walls. He designed similarly magnificent textiles for the Phoenix Opera House, the Wolf Trap Theater and more.
Nowhere is Larsen’s profound impact on textile design more evident than at LongHouse Reserve, his house in East Hampton, New York. Modeled after a seventh-century Shinto Shrine, the home and its surrounding sculpture gardens opened to the public in 1992.
Larsen built LongHouse Reserve in collaboration with Charles Forberg. The property features sliding panels that showcase the revered artisan’s fabrics as well as works by Lucie Rie, Wharton Esherick, and Edward Wormley. The gardens feature sculptures by Willem de Kooning, Sol LeWitt and Yoko Ono.
Larsen had a solo exhibit at the Louvre in 1981. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Find vintage Jack Lenor Larsen lounge chairs, sofas, and dining room chairs on 1stDibs.
Vintage Boho Drexel Wingback in Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Drexel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a commanding statement in your library or living room with this spectacular vintage wingback chair by Drexel, upholstered in a highly collectible plush velvet by the legendary t...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$4,500 / set
H 45 in W 21 in D 21.5 in
Fabulous Asian Modern Widdicomb Dining Chairs Jack Lenor Larsen Blue Velvet
By John Widdicomb, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Asian modern set of six dining chairs by Widdicomb, two armchairs and four side chairs. We love the original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric but it does show wear-one has a small p...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric Bench by Brower Grand Rapids
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Brower Furniture Co.
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote your zip. Lovely Mid Century Bench made by Brower Furniture of Grand Rapids. Appears to be...
Steel
$5,950 / set
H 28 in W 158 in D 37 in
1970s Milo Baughman in Jack Lenor Larsen Blue Brown Lattice Velvet Sectional
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare two pieces sectional by Milo Baughman upholstered in Jack Lenor Larsen fabric.. This beautiful cotton velvet cut lattice sectional is statement piece which is also com...
Velvet, Wood
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 114.5 in D 71.5 in
Sexy Jack Lenor Larsen Red Velvet Sofa Sectional
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super sexy Jack Lenor Larsen abstract red velvet sofa sectional. This is one of a kind masterpiece is attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional...
Upholstery
$6,495 / set
H 30 in W 136 in D 73 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Sectional Sofa - Jack Lenor Larsen Primavera Velvet
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional midcentury sectional sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen Primavera Velvet Fabric This sofa measures: 136 wide x 73 deep x 30 inch...
Upholstery, Wood, Velvet
$4,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 28 in D 40 in
Spectacular Milo Baughman Style Chrome Oval Rocker Jack Lenor Larsen
By Milo Baughman, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Milo Baughman style chrome oval rocker with Jack Lenor Larsen velvet fabric on the seat cushion. We had the seat cushion re...
Chrome
$1,650 / set
H 28.5 in W 34 in D 30 in
Benjamin Baldwin for Jack Lenor Larsen Furniture Company Barrel Chairs
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Benjamin Baldwin Designed chairs for Jack Lenor Larsen INC. Circa 1975. Great Barrel Chairs on Casters. Hard to find any of his furniture designs! Chairs need to be reupholstered....
Upholstery
1960s Vintage Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1960s Vintage Wing Back Lounge Chair upholstered in a stunning vintage Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery. Stained walnut base.
Upholstery, Walnut
Scrumptious Jack Lenor Larsen Sofa Hollywood Regency Mid-Century
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Hollywood Regency style Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet Sofa. This piece is to die for fabulous still in nice vintage condition. The fabric only shows some light wear-see photos...
Upholstery, Lacquer
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 27 in W 89 in D 34 in
Glamorous Selig Jack Lenor Larsen Style Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Glamorous Selig sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen style cut velvet fabric. The original fabric is in remarkable condition and is even more fabulous in person. This is a true vintage gem an...
Upholstery
$1,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 22 in
Jack Lenor Larsen Black Lacquer Cage Armchairs, a pair
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Wichita, KS
Black Lacquer Jack Lenor Larsen Cage Chairs upholstered in new animal print Scalamandre fabric. The chairs are from the 1970’s in the mid-century Hollywood Regency style and have an ...
Fabric, Wood
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 21.5 in D 24 in
Pair Of Jack Lenor Larsen Lounge Arm Chairs
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pasadena, TX
A pair of chairs designed by Jack Lenor Larsen. Walnut frames with rich mohair upholstery.
Fabric, Walnut