Walter Lamb Rocking 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.

Creator: Walter Lamb

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Rocking Chair

$6,500 / item

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Rocking Chair

By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A bronze rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forming the backrest, arms, e...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Rocking Chair

$6,500

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Rocking Chair

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A bronze rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forming the backrest, arms, e...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Brown Jordan Neoclassical Style Garden Dining Chairs

$2,500 / set

H 34.5 in W 18.5 in D 21 in

Set of Four Brown Jordan Neoclassical Style Garden Dining Chairs

By Brown Jordan

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Neoclassical style set of four patio and garden dining chairs made by Brown Jordan. Heavy and solid cast aluminum construction with a lattice design influenced by Mario Papperzini fo...

Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Silver Powder Coated Brown Jordan Patio Set with Round Table and 4 Chairs

$6,800 / set

H 29.25 in Dm 48.5 in

Silver Powder Coated Brown Jordan Patio Set with Round Table and 4 Chairs

By Brown Jordan

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Silver Brown Jordan Florentine round patio table with 4 chairs. Professionally stripped painted and powder coated in silver. Has the original glass top . Table 48.5” Diameter 29.25”...

Category

1980s American Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Black Aluminum and White Vinyl Patio Set by Brown Jordan

$4,500 / set

H 25 in W 21.75 in D 23 in

Black Aluminum and White Vinyl Patio Set by Brown Jordan

By Brown Jordan

Located in Palm Springs, CA

1950’s iconic “Kantan” Patio set design by Tadao Inouye for Brown Jordan. The set has be newly professionally restored. Constructed of black powder coated aluminum and white vinyl s...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Restored Rare 14 Piece Méandre Outdoor Patio Set by Walter Lamb for Pacific Iron

$29,999Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 33.5 in W 25.5 in D 24.5 in

Restored Rare 14 Piece Méandre Outdoor Patio Set by Walter Lamb for Pacific Iron

By Walter Lamb, Pacific Iron

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This expansive 14-piece patio set, crafted by designer Walter Lamb for Pacific Iron Products Co in Los Angeles, features his iconic wave motif adorning each table and chair base. The...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Iron

Walter Lamb, Chaise Longue, Bronze, Fabric, USA, 1955

$8,900

H 32 in W 26 in D 69 in

Walter Lamb, Chaise Longue, Bronze, Fabric, USA, 1955

By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb

Located in High Point, NC

A bronze and fabric cord chaise longue designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan, USA, c. 1955. Seat Height (inches): 12.25" Arm Height (inches): 17.13" All items ship ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Adrian Pearsall Rocking Chair for Craft Associates

$3,500

H 32.25 in W 27.5 in D 34.25 in

Adrian Pearsall Rocking Chair for Craft Associates

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Middlesex, NJ

Adrian Pearsall Rocking Chair for Craft Associates

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of Four Vintage Brown Jordan Patio, Poolside Garden Chairs

$600 / set

H 31.5 in W 21 in D 23.5 in

Set of Four Vintage Brown Jordan Patio, Poolside Garden Chairs

By Brown Jordan

Located in New York, NY

Set of four vintage Brown Jordan Tropitone Leillani poolside lounge chairs, having aluminum frames and woven vinyl strap upholstery. The chairs are all structurally sound and sturdy,...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Brown Jordan Hall Bradley Calcutta Patio Furniture

$6,950 / set

H 34.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in

Set of Brown Jordan Hall Bradley Calcutta Patio Furniture

By Brown Jordan

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Set of Calcutta Outdoor Patio Furniture designed by Hall Bradley in 1967 and manufactured by Brown Jordan, USA. Featuring 4 Armchairs and a Round Table with a glass top in cast Alumi...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Inouye, Kantan for Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs and Ottoman

$3,500 / set

H 12.75 in W 26.5 in D 28 in

Inouye, Kantan for Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs and Ottoman

By Brown Jordan, Tadao Inouye

Located in Denton, TX

Tadao Inouye, Kantan for Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs and Ottoman. The Japanese designer created his pivotal mid-century collection for Brown Jordan in 1956 using the latest lightweigh...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

French 19th Century Wrougt Iron Rocking Chair

$2,900

H 35.5 in W 20.75 in D 32.25 in

French 19th Century Wrougt Iron Rocking Chair

Located in Charleston, SC

Rare 19th century French wrought iron rocking chair with most of its original green paint with patient rust. Upholstered in natural colored antique linen.

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Linen, Paint

Orange Faux Bamboo Conservatory Chair, Brown Jordan

$877

H 34.26 in W 20.67 in D 19.69 in

Orange Faux Bamboo Conservatory Chair, Brown Jordan

By Brown Jordan

Located in Hastings, GB

A superb Brown Jordan Calcutta faux bamboo chair, inspired by Chippendale this chair dates to the 1960’s, it has been overpainted during it’s lifetime and the top colour is now a vib...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Tamiami Garden Patio Poolside Lounge Chair att. to Brown Jordan c 1980s

$295

H 30 in W 25 in D 23.5 in

Vintage Tamiami Garden Patio Poolside Lounge Chair att. to Brown Jordan c 1980s

By Brown Jordan

Located in New York, NY

Stylish lawn, garden, patio, poolside \lounge chair attributed to Brown Jordan, as part of the Classic Tamiami series, circa 1980s. This example is structurally sound and sturdy, it ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Previously Available Items

Early Walter Lamb Bronze & Canvas Rocking Chair

Sold

H 32.5 in W 22 in D 33.5 in

Early Walter Lamb Bronze & Canvas Rocking Chair

By Walter Lamb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The late 1940s or early 1950s Walter Lamb rocking chair predating his partnership with Brown Jordan. The chair has a frame in thick tubular bronze....

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Early Model Bronze Patio Rocking Chair by Walter Lamb

Sold

H 32 in W 20.75 in D 33 in

Early Model Bronze Patio Rocking Chair by Walter Lamb

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The late 1940s or early 1950s Walter Lamb rocking chair predating his partnership with Brown Jordan. The chair has a frame in tubular bronze with t...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Patio Set by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan, New Cording

Sold

H 31.25 in W 21.75 in D 32 in

Bronze Patio Set by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan, New Cording

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This listing is for a set of Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan bronze patio furniture which includes: - 2 lounge chairs - 2 ottomans - 1 rocking chair - 1 side table CONDITION: Seats ne...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Walter Lamb Rocking Chair for Brown Jordan

Sold

H 32 in W 20.75 in L 32 in

Walter Lamb Rocking Chair for Brown Jordan

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A bronze rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forming the backrest, arms, a...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb Rocking Chair for Brown Jordan

Sold

H 32 in W 20.75 in D 33 in

Walter Lamb Rocking Chair for Brown Jordan

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A bronze rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forming the backrest, arms, a...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Early Model Walter Lamb Patio Rocking Chair

Sold

H 31 in W 21 in L 31 in

Early Model Walter Lamb Patio Rocking Chair

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A late 1940s or early 1950s Walter Lamb rocking chair predating or from the early days of his partnership with Brown Jordan. The chair has a frame ...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Rocker in Bronze

Sold

H 32 in W 21 in D 31.75 in

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Rocker in Bronze

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A rare rocker or rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. Recently recorded in cotton by the firm that Brown Jordan recomme...

Category

1950s American Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Pair of Walter Lamb Bronze Patio Rocking Chairs for Brown Jordan

Sold

H 32 in W 20.75 in D 33 in

Pair of Walter Lamb Bronze Patio Rocking Chairs for Brown Jordan

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of bronze rocking chairs designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chairs have a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forms the backrest...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Signed Walter Lamb for Brown-Jordan Bronze Outdoor Rocking Chair, circa 1950

Sold

H 31 in W 21.5 in D 32 in

Signed Walter Lamb for Brown-Jordan Bronze Outdoor Rocking Chair, circa 1950

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bronze rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb and manufactured by Brown Jordan. A rarity with the original label still in-tact as these, being usually used outdoors, tend to lose the ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Early Model Walter Lamb Bronze Patio Rocking Chairs

Sold

H 31 in W 21 in D 32 in

Pair of Early Model Walter Lamb Bronze Patio Rocking Chairs

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of bronze rocking chair designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a sculptural shape, with tubular bronze forming the backrest, arms, and exaggerated...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Single Walter Lamb Bronze and Rope Patio Rocking Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 20.75 in D 33 in

Single Walter Lamb Bronze and Rope Patio Rocking Chairs

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Walter Lamb's patio rocking chair, produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forming the backrest, arms, and exaggerated r...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Walter Lamb Patio Rocking Chairs for Brown Jordan

Sold

H 32 in W 20.75 in D 33 in

Pair of Walter Lamb Patio Rocking Chairs for Brown Jordan

By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of bronze rocking chairs designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chairs have a sculptural shape, with a single formation of tubular bronze forms the backrest...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Lamb Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb rocking chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Walter Lamb rocking chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Walter Lamb rocking chairs, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original rocking chairs by Walter Lamb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1940s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider rocking chairs by Milo Baughman, Adrian Pearsall, and Charles Eames. Prices for Walter Lamb rocking chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,500 and can go as high as $6,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.