Skip to main content

Walter Lamb Chairs

American

Forward-looking architect Walter Lamb is best known for his revolutionary and widely loved patio furniture — he salvaged metal tubing from sunken ships in Pearl Harbor in the 1940s to create alluring chaise longues and other pieces for the backyard. His vintage furniture designs have been adorning patios worldwide for almost a century.

Trained as an architect at the University of California Berkeley campus, Lamb found himself in Hawaii during the 1940s. This period was a time of growth for furniture designers and manufacturers, as veterans were returning to the United States, getting married and starting families. These folks needed practical furniture for their new homes, and as the movement we now call mid-century modern took shape, imaginative architects and furniture makers would fill that need. Lamb was one such innovator.

Lamb worked the shaped tubing and fittings he’d gathered from battleship wreckage into proper frames and wrapped the structures in marine-grade cotton cording to create comfortable, element-proof outdoor furniture. Today his patio furniture has an esteemed place in the history of design. In fact, furniture enthusiasts are eager to restore and collect his iconic aged furniture rather than purchase reproductions.

Postwar California would become reputable as a manufacturing center for versatile furniture intended for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Seating, tables and other items — often made with rattan — produced by the likes of McGuire and Brown Jordan became a defining feature of organic modern living, a style that still characterizes many California interiors and influences innumerable design firms. Pasadena’s then-new Brown Jordan picked up Lamb’s designs, which eventually included dining tables, side tables and coffee and cocktail tables. And along with these furnishings, Lamb's sculptural vintage seating — his curvaceous lounge chairs and armchairs with cotton cord seats — while perfect for your fire pit, shouldn’t be relegated to outdoors-only settings.

Lamb received much acclaim for his work. The Museum of Modern Art in New York recognized his 1940s-era outdoor furniture for Brown Jordan with a design award.

On 1stDibs, find a noteworthy collection of vintage Walter Lamb furniture.

to
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
28
654
482
302
281
Creator: Walter Lamb
Walter Lamb Arm Chairs
Walter Lamb Arm Chairs

Walter Lamb Arm Chairs

By Walter Lamb

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Walter Lamb Arm Chairs. Manufactured by Brown Jordan Beautiful natural verdigris surface Set of 6

Category

1960s American Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Copper

Walter Lamb Square Lounge Chair
Walter Lamb Square Lounge Chair

Walter Lamb Square Lounge Chair

By Walter Lamb

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Walter Lamb Bronze and Rope Lounge Chair Manufactured by Brown Jordan Beautiful natural patina

Category

1960s American Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Related Items
18th Century Welsh Country Lambing Chair
18th Century Welsh Country Lambing Chair

18th Century Welsh Country Lambing Chair

$2,500

H 44 in W 27 in D 28 in

18th Century Welsh Country Lambing Chair

Located in Calgary, Alberta

This lovely country farm oak lambing chair was found in Wales, UK. From the 17th to the 19th century, these chairs were commonplace in British farmhouses...

Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair of Walter Lamb Inspired Outdoor Poolside Chaise Lounge Chairs
Pair of Walter Lamb Inspired Outdoor Poolside Chaise Lounge Chairs

Pair of Walter Lamb Inspired Outdoor Poolside Chaise Lounge Chairs

On Hold|$1,850 / set

H 33 in W 71.25 in D 27.75 in

Pair of Walter Lamb Inspired Outdoor Poolside Chaise Lounge Chairs

By Walter Lamb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Walter Lamb inspired outdoor poolside chaise lounge chairs with metal frames and white elastic cording. In very original condition with heavy patina, fading and discoloration...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Metal

Walter Knoll Turtle Chair in STOCK
Walter Knoll Turtle Chair in STOCK

Walter Knoll Turtle Chair in STOCK

$495Sale Price|81% Off

H 31.89 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in

Walter Knoll Turtle Chair in STOCK

By PearsonLloyd, Walter Knoll

Located in New York, NY

On the outside, the bucket is a success with its clean sweeping vital lines; inside, a second, comfortably upholstered bucket is perfect for relaxing. Turtle is easy to swivel with a...

Category

2010s European Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise Lounge, circa 1960s
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise Lounge, circa 1960s

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise Lounge, circa 1960s

By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sculptural bronze 'Waikiki' rocking chaise lounge by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. These collectible examples of functional art features curvy tubular bronze frames and rewoven with ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze & Vinyl Patio Wide Lounge Chair
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze & Vinyl Patio Wide Lounge Chair

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze & Vinyl Patio Wide Lounge Chair

By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wide patio lounge chair by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. The chair has a simple construction in tubular bronze with a patinated finish, with rounded squares serving as runners on e...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Jacques Quinet Arm Chair
Jacques Quinet Arm Chair

Jacques Quinet Arm Chair

$14,500

H 29.88 in W 23.25 in D 18.88 in

Jacques Quinet Arm Chair

By Jacques Quinet

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Jacques Quinet arm chair in black leather with signature contrast hand stitching and thick brass feet. Wonderful angled legs and patina to leather on legs. Seat newly upholstered in...

Category

1950s French Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise, 1960s, New Canvas
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise, 1960s, New Canvas

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise, 1960s, New Canvas

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sculptural bronze 'Waikiki' rocking chaise lounge by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. These collectible examples of functional art features curvy tubular bronze frames and rewoven with ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Linen Arm Chair
Linen Arm Chair

Linen Arm Chair

$3,690 / item

H 39 in W 28 in D 30 in

Linen Arm Chair

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

French inspired upholstered linen bergère chair. This French inspired chair is based on an original Napoleon III style pair of chairs. Napoleon III was the nephew of the Napoleon tha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Linen

English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester

English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester

By Lamb of Manchester

Located in London, GB

An aesthetic movement chair By Lamb of Manchester designed by W.J. Estall Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...

Category

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Bertu Arm Chair, Modern Mondo Arm Chair, Maple
Bertu Arm Chair, Modern Mondo Arm Chair, Maple

Bertu Arm Chair, Modern Mondo Arm Chair, Maple

$2,500 / item

H 27 in W 42 in D 30.5 in

Bertu Arm Chair, Modern Mondo Arm Chair, Maple

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

This Mondo Arm Chair in Maple is beautifully constructed from solid wood and veneer in Ohio, USA. The chair's silhouette is low, simple, and modern with comfortable reversible back a...

Category

2010s American Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Maple

Pair of Mid-Century Rocking Chaises Walter Lamb Waikiki Lounge Style CA. 1950s
Pair of Mid-Century Rocking Chaises Walter Lamb Waikiki Lounge Style CA. 1950s

Pair of Mid-Century Rocking Chaises Walter Lamb Waikiki Lounge Style CA. 1950s

$4,200Sale Price / set|27% Off

H 31 in W 65 in D 20 in

Pair of Mid-Century Rocking Chaises Walter Lamb Waikiki Lounge Style CA. 1950s

By Walter Lamb

Located in Camden, ME

Designed with a clean sculptural profile, these mid-century rocking chaise lounges combine lacquered steel tubing with finely handwoven flagpole cord for a light, architectural prese...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items
Walter Lamb Pair of Classic Bronze Chairs
Walter Lamb Pair of Classic Bronze Chairs

Walter Lamb Pair of Classic Bronze Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 23 in

Walter Lamb Pair of Classic Bronze Chairs

By Walter Lamb

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A great pair of Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan occasional chairs. Frames with beautiful bronze finish and patina, newly recorderd with cotton cord.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Copper

Walter Lamb Armchairs for Brown Jordan, circa 1959
Walter Lamb Armchairs for Brown Jordan, circa 1959

Walter Lamb Armchairs for Brown Jordan, circa 1959

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Walter Lamb set of four armchairs for Brown Jordan, circa 1959. Very nice consistent verdigris patina.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Copper

One Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Outdoor Indoor Dining Chair
One Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Outdoor Indoor Dining Chair

One Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Outdoor Indoor Dining Chair

By Walter Lamb

Located in Pasadena, TX

Living in Honolulu post WW2, Lamb was involved in the salvage effort in Pearl Harbor. From materials reclaimed from sunken ships, (copper and bronze tubing...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 21st Century Lounge Chairs with Ottomans by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan
Pair of 21st Century Lounge Chairs with Ottomans by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan

Pair of 21st Century Lounge Chairs with Ottomans by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan

By Walter Lamb

Located in Southampton, NY

Pair of 21st century lounge chairs with ottomans by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. Bronze tubing, marine and UV stabile cording in black. Total depth 32.5", total width 22.75", o...

Category

2010s American Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Rare and Early Set of Six Dining Chairs by Walter Lamb
Rare and Early Set of Six Dining Chairs by Walter Lamb

Rare and Early Set of Six Dining Chairs by Walter Lamb

By Walter Lamb

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Rare and early set of six indoor / outdoor patio dining chairs by Walter Lamb. The armchairs measure: 22.25" wide x 20.75" deep x 32.5"...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Three Walter Lamb Occasional Bronze Chairs
Three Walter Lamb Occasional Bronze Chairs

Three Walter Lamb Occasional Bronze Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 25 in

Three Walter Lamb Occasional Bronze Chairs

By Walter Lamb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These came from an old estate that belonged to Ike and Tina Turner 1950s-1960s view park area Los Angeles. The house and all its' contents was sold roughly 50 years ago to a dentist....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Walter Lamb Chairs

Walter Lamb Chairs
Walter Lamb Chairs

Walter Lamb Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 21.5 in D 23 in

Walter Lamb Chairs

By Walter Lamb

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Walter Lamb chairs with original flagline rope and patina.

Category

1950s American Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Robert Lewis Chairs, predates Walter Lamb
Robert Lewis Chairs, predates Walter Lamb

Robert Lewis Chairs, predates Walter Lamb

Sold

H 32.5 in W 20.5 in D 24 in

Robert Lewis Chairs, predates Walter Lamb

By Walter Lamb

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Pair of chairs by Robert Lewis. A well known design source in Santa Barbara from 1914 - 1952. His designs predate Walter Lamb's and were the inspiration for Walter Lamb. In 1932 Lewis represented Warren McArthur and if you look at early McArthur card tables you will see the joinery that Robert Lewis uses for the front leg are identical to this chaise. Whenever you see the Cartier like double C stretcher bars you are looking at Lewis not Lamb. Lamb was caught in Lewis's backyard tracing the arm radius's which are very similar. Lewis started working in copper and steel tubing framed furniture in 1932 as a result of his relationship with Warren McArthur. Chairs measure 24" deep, 20.5" wide, 32.5" high and seat height is 17.5". Inside seating is 17.5" wide, 18" deep. A matching Chaise Lounge is also available. NOTE: Thank you to Nick Brown...

Category

1930s American Vintage Walter Lamb Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Walter Lamb chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. Prices for Walter Lamb chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,500 and can go as high as $4,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,500.