Skip to main content

Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

American

Woodard Furniture Company’s diverse offerings have included everything from pine caskets to premium patio furniture over the years.

Lyman E. Woodward founded the family business Woodard Brothers (he dropped the second w for his venture’s name), later Woodard Furniture Co., in Owosso, Michigan, in 1866.

Woodard Furniture produced wood furniture such as birch and oak bedroom pieces, window and door blinds and even pine caskets. Demand for the latter increased during the spread of the Spanish flu in America, and Woodard’s casket business — a new company called Owosso Casket Company — thrived, becoming the largest casket manufacturer in the world throughout the 1920s. Two U.S. presidents, William McKinley and Benjamin Harrison, were buried in Owosso caskets.

On the furniture side, Lyman’s son Lee Woodard spun off his own business as Lee L. Woodard and Sons, opening a shop with his sons, Joseph, Lyman II and Russell Woodard.

During the 1930s, the new company explored the use of metal in furniture-making and introduced a wrought-iron set of patio dining furniture featuring ornate grillwork inspired by French design called Orleans in 1940. The line became a best seller and kick-started the company’s international reputation as a patio-furniture maker, even as the Woodard factory subsequently shifted toward supporting the wartime efforts in manufacturing parts for trucks and military equipment. After World War II, the business returned to making furniture.

Over the years, Woodard and Sons would go on to master metallurgy in furniture making, developing expertise in wrought iron, cast aluminum and tubular aluminum for both indoor and outdoor pieces. While the business started with more traditional styles of furnishings, the company would go on to embrace mid-century modernism. In fact, one of Woodard’s most famous pieces is 1956’s Sculptura chair, variously credited over the years to Russell and/or Joseph.

The Sculptura was reportedly the first sculpted chair made without molds. Not unlike Harry Bertoia’s elegant steel-wire Side chair (also a mid-century darling) in its undulating form, the Sculptura chair, which is composed entirely of enameled woven wrought-iron wire, bears similarity to Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair and Charles and Ray Eames’s DAX chair.

The beloved Sculptura chair was added to the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum’s permanent collection in 1994.

While the Woodard business is no longer in family hands, the company continues to produce fine patio furniture today and even reintroduced the Sculptura chair in 2015 as nostalgia for mid-century modernism gained steam again. 

Find vintage Woodard wrought-iron patio chairs, spun fiberglass dining tables and more for sale on 1stDibs.

to
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
39
68
62
45
40
Creator: Woodard Furniture Co.
2 MCM Polished Aluminum Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs Chrome Tulip Base by Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage MCM (Mid-Century Modern) polished aluminum and chrome tulip base barrel swivel lounge chairs by Russell Woodard, a pair. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials however, it is not signed or marked in any way. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, there is some water spotting throughout the aluminum. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1960’s. Get ready for a little SIZZLE in your SWIVEL with these incredible vintage swivel lounge chairs by Russell Woodard!!! This pair of beauties are comprised of sculptured polished aluminum frames and handsome chrome pedestal bases. Their curved backs sweep down and around to form the arms in a rather curvaceous bucket shape. The bucket seat is perched atop a fabulous chrome swivel base. Yes… we know… most of these Woodard aluminum tulip-shaped chairs have the same aluminum base patterned as the bucket seat and can be used outside; however, this set has the original pedestal chromed base that would not be suitable for the out of doors. They will, however, be very suitable and look wonderful in your sunroom, living room, family room, entryway, bedroom, or any room you choose! Plus… we do have one back cushion to use as a pattern for the back cushion which we will provide upon purchase. These fabulous barrel swivel chairs are the epitome of mid-century modern magnificence and are sure to make a fashionable statement in your home!!! For over 150 years, Woodard has been one of the industry leaders in classic outdoor patio furniture design, manufacturing, and distribution. They are committed to building modern outdoor to timeless classic outdoor and patio furniture. Lyman E Woodard purchased a lumber mill in Owosso, Michigan in 1866 and he and his three brothers founded Woodard Brothers which was a company that manufactured wood furniture, window blinds, door and window sashes, and caskets. In 1882 they created a second company called The Owosso Casket Company and in 1890 Lyman bought his brothers out of that company. Between 1890 and 1900 Lyman’s three sons and his son-in-law joins the business and in 1902 Woodard Brothers opened a planning mill and two more factories in order to make shipping more convenient. Lyman Woodard passed away in 1904 and his three sons and his son-in-law take over. In 1934 due to the Great Depression there was a depletion of hardwood and pine, so the company switched from caskets to making metal outdoor furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Related Items
Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage modern round back chairs on swivel bases. Fun pattern fabric with comfortable barrel back. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
$3,000 / set
H 28.25 in W 31 in D 31 in
Pair Milo Baughman Style Brass Base Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair Milo Baughman Style Brass Base Swivel Club Lounge Chairs . These do a swivel 180 turn. The seat cushions appear to be leather, as the underside appears to have hide. See photo. ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Other

Pair Milo Baughman Style Brass Base Swivel Lounge Chairs
Pair Milo Baughman Style Brass Base Swivel Lounge Chairs
$3,800 / set
H 27.5 in W 30.75 in D 32 in
J Robert Scott Barrel Swivel Chairs
By Sally Sirkin Lewis
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful set of 4 leather swivel chairs in Calfskin by J Robert Scott. Sally Sirkin Lewis used the softest and highest grade leather. They ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather

J Robert Scott Barrel Swivel Chairs
J Robert Scott Barrel Swivel Chairs
$9,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 29 in
Milo Baughman - Thayer Coggin Swivel Barrel Lounge Chair Glossy Black Laminate
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, this sexy chair is an absolutely iconic design. Theglossy black laminate backing is clean and bright and comple...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Laminate

Pair of Swivel Sculptural Lounge Chairs in Grey Bouclé with Chrome Base, Italy
Located in New York, NY
This large and substantial pair of swivel lounge chairs was custom made in Florence, Italy. Upholstered in a soft grey Italian bouclé, the chairs have a sculptural, modern shape with clean lines and a bold presence. Each chair features a generously sized seat and back for comfort, and a round polished chrome plinth base that allows for smooth 360-degree swivel movement. A cylindrical cushion is elegantly nestled within the chair’s curved structure, adding to the tailored, sculptural aesthetic. This pair of swivel lounge chairs are on display at the Gallery at 200 Lex at the New York Design Center...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Swivel Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Nice early example of iconic Eames design Aluminum Group lounge chair in dark gray vinyl, circa 1950-1970. This example features the earlier version of the bases, please see images. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair Of Tulip Base Swivel Chairs By Milo Baughman For Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of blue upholstered swivel chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. The chairs with button tufted seat and backrest, armless form with swivel motion and all resting u...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Swivel Tub Lounge Chair With Chrome Barrel Base Description
Located in Dallas, TX
This 1970's inspired tub lounge chair with a chrome swivel base has been refinished and reupholstered by the Selby House in a Pierre Frey mohair / wo...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Chrome Swivel Lounge Chair by Leon Rosen for Pace
By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage chrome swivel lounge chair designed by Leon Rosen for the Pace Collection in the United States, circa 1970s. This c...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Selig Mid Century Walnut Base Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Selig
Located in Countryside, IL
Selig Mid Century Walnut Base Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 30 wide x 29 deep x 26.25 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance 22 inch...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Selig Mid Century Walnut Base Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
Selig Mid Century Walnut Base Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
$4,595 / set
H 26.25 in W 30 in D 29 in
Swivel Tilt Chrome Base Lounge Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Oakland, CA
The ultimate in comfort, the Roxy Swivel Tilt Lounge Chair, designed by Milo Baughman in 1965, is a modern classic. Featuring a curved back and a 360-degre...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage modern round club chairs with swivel action, and original stripe fabric. These make a comfortable addition to your home or office. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
$1,900 / set
H 25.5 in W 28 in D 28.5 in
Previously Available Items
SPECIAL LISTING FOR JEFFERY Pair Russell Woodard Swivel Aluminum Lounge Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
SPECIAL LISTING FOR JEFFERY Awesome set of 2 polished aluminum tulip shaped swivel lounge chairs by Russell Woodard. The chairs are in wonderful vintage condition; however, we only h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Woodard Furniture Co. swivel chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Woodard Furniture Co. swivel chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs.
Questions About Woodard Furniture Co. Swivel Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    To identify Woodard furniture, try to locate the maker's markings. On wrought iron pieces, you will usually find an embossed name on the frame. Other pieces produced by the manufacturer typically have metal tags welded onto their frames or bases. You can find pictures of Woodard maker's marks on trusted online resources and compare the images to your piece. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you. Find a range of Woodard furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    To tell if furniture is Woodard, you can look for the maker's markings, as nearly all pieces produced by the company will feature the Woodard name. On seating, you will usually locate a mark embossed on the frame beneath where the cushions go. Tables often have a metal tag on their legs or beneath their tops. If you have difficulty locating a marking, consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help you make an identification. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Woodard furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Woodard furniture comes from a factory located in Owosso, Michigan. Lyman E. Woodard opened the company there in 1866. Today, the company uses many of the same manufacturing techniques. It takes more than 50 people to build one piece from start to finish. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Woodard furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To identify Woodard patio furniture, examine its frame. Most pieces produced by the American furniture maker will have the Woodard name embossed directly onto its surface or on a metal tag attached to an inconspicuous area. If you have any difficulty locating a maker's mark, a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can be of assistance. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Woodard patio furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    To identify vintage Woodard patio furniture, look for the maker's markings. On three-piece sets, you'll typically find paper labels that bear the brand name underneath the cushions. Sofa and chair frames may also feature welded-on metal labels bearing the brand name. For wrought iron pieces, check the frame for an embossed "Woodard" mark. Once you find the markings, you can use trusted online resources to determine a rough idea of the age of your piece. Anything produced more than 20 years ago, but less than a century ago, is vintage. Pieces more than 100 years old are antique, while those made within the last two decades are contemporary. If you're unable to locate any markings, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you with identification and dating. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Woodard furniture.

Recently Viewed

View All