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Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Edward Wormley
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Armchairs for Dunbar in Dark Expresso x 2
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Neoclassical Style occasional arm chairs for Dunbar model No. 116B. As shown in "The Other Face of Modernism" book on Wormley , and in the 1940s...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Edward Wormley Lounge chairs model 4872A for Dunbar, 1948. Gray, Brass Legs
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948. Expertly reupholstered in a light gray wool blend fabric. The original legs are made of solid brass. T...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Mobilier Universel Set of Six Dining Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar executed by Mobilier Universel, Jules Wabbes, set of six armchairs, lacquered black wood and fabric, Belgium, 1960s. This set of six grand armchairs is exe...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Six Cane Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and unusual set of six dining chairs with a cane wrapped barrel back and an upholstered seat atop four slender legs.
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940 Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Set of Six, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
Edward Wormley, two armchairs, and four side chairs. Dunbar, USA. Mahogany and leather. Signed with applied gold rectangular metal manufacturer's label to the seat bottom [Dunb...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Dunbar Edward Wormley Pair of Janus line armchairs mahogany mid century Berne
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Carved detailed Dunbar, Berne IN design by Edward Wormley. Needs reupholstery
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Chair
Located in New York, NY
No. 5482 Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany, brass and fabric. Fantastic model with floating seat and padded armrests.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Leather and Walnut Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this handsome pair of armchairs features solid walnut frames whose curvaceous armrests contrast well with the strong lines of the legs. The sea...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back and Brass Armchair
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar cane back and brass armchair. Circa 1950's.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Midcentury "Quinn" Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 1170, Walnut + Wool
Located in Decatur, GA
"Quinn" chair, Model no. 1170 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1965. Sculpted walnut arms transition seamlessly to the upholstered back creating a wonderful silhouette. Frame is so...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" Chair, ca. 1955
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" chair, ca. 1955. Professionally restored walnut frame with new back caning and new upholstered seat with super soft and luxurious ivory wool f...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Pair of Outstanding Armchairs for Dunbar in Velvet Midcentury
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stunning pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs. Dark African mahogany frames with intersecting brushed steel cross stretchers. Newly upholstered in a white textured velvet.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Desk Arm Chair for Dunbar
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Desk / Arm Chair for Dunbar. Model # 1170. Model Name: Quinn
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tilt-Back Sheridan Lounge Chair in Walnut Cane & Brass
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant lounge chair was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the late 1960s and was only produced for a very short time. The frame is crafted from solid American claro waln...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice simple and dramatic armchair lounge chair form by Edward Wormley. Should be purchased with the intent to reupholster. Needs to be softer on inside back.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Y" Modernist Lounge Chairs
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair Dunbar Lounge Chairs designed by Edward Wormley,,Retains early 'D' metal badge label,, minor damage to caning ( see photo),, E...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Cane, Wood

Set of "Y" Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
A set of "Y" armchairs, designed by the Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new caning, walnut frame work fully restored, stained in d...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Chicago, IL
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wood shows some wear. I think will benefit from some touching up from a refinishe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Caned Back Wooden Dining Armchair
Located in New York, NY
SET of 4 American Mid-Century dining armchairs with dark stained wooden frames, solid wooden seats, and caned backs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)(PRICED AS SET)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Big Texan' Brown Leaf Pattern Upholstered Lounge
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century 'Big Texan' form oversized lounge / armchair with brown leaf patterned fabric upholstery with removable back and seat cushions. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNIT...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Caned Back Linen Seat Wooden Dining Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century dining armchairs with wooden frames, woven striped beige, gray, and orange linen upholstered seats, and caned backs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Linen, Upholstery

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pulled Feather Patterned Upholstery Wooden
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century dining armchairs with dark stained wooden frames, purple, gold and brown pulled feather patterned upholstered seats, and caned...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar High Back Taupe Lounge Armchair and Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century high back lounge armchair and matching ottoman set, with textured brown / taupe fabric upholstery with button tufting on the back cushion, matching antimacassars...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Metal

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Crushed Gold Velour and Walnut Lounge Armchair
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century lounge armchair with square arms and a slightly tapered short back, with crushed gold velour upholstery with button tufted detail on the back cushion, resting on...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Beige Upholstered Fluted Leg Lounge Armchair
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century lounge armchair with plush upholstery in a textured taupe and beige with a small skirt concealing four fluted legs. (EDWARD J WORMLEY ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Fabric

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut, Cane, and Tan Leather 'Janus' Lounge Armchair
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century 'Janus' lounge / armchair with a wooden frame with dark walnut veneer, a rounded caned back, and a tan leather button tufted seat cushion and round back cushion,...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Blue Diamond Patterned Lounge Armchair and Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rolling boudoir / lounge armchair and matching ottoman, upholstered in a light blue and white diamond patterned fabric with button tufted back detail, both resti...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Blue Striped Upholstered Walnut Frame 'Janus'
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century 'Janus' lounge / armchair with a walnut frame and blue, beige, and brown geometric stripe patterned fabric upholstery with a button tufted back, resting on four ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut, Cane, and Tan Leather 'Janus' Lounge Armchair
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century 'Janus' lounge / armchair with a wooden frame with dark walnut veneer, a rounded caned back, and a tan leather button tufted seat cushion and round back cushion,...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut, Wood

Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Red Upholstered Swivel Lounge Chair and Footstool
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century tapered high back lounge armchair and matching wedge-form footstool, upholstered in a bright red textured fabric with button tufting on the headrest and back cus...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Dunbar Leather and Brass Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Leather and Brass Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960. Original leather.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Open Frame Lounge or Armchair, circa 1960
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Dunbar open frame lounge or armchair, circa 1960. Newly restored with new upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame. Bears makers label on underside. Measures: H 29.5 in. x W 25.5 in...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5480 Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Edward Wormley design, the ‘A-Frame' chair is a wonderful example of Wormley’s expertise in mixing materials into sophisticated, architectural forms. Employing dark stain...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair, Horseshoe curved back with original leather-covered armrests, solid mahogany frame, brass exposed screws...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley Lounge Chair #4796 for Dunbar
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely lounge chair model #4796 produced by Dunbar Furniture Company "Dunbar For Modern" Line, production date of 8/2/1950 - 10/23/1950. The perfect reading chair, very com...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Edward Wormley Black Leather Janus Lounge Chair, Model 5701, Dunbar, 1957
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward Wormley black leather Janus lounge ch air, Model 5701, Dunbar, 1957 ash, leather; 33.75 H × 30.5 W × 34 D in; Stitched manufacturer's mark to decking ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

Edward Wormley Pair of Armchairs in Green Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, beech, velvet, United States, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixties. The...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

1950s Sculpted "Janus" Dining Height Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original putty suede upholstery wi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany and Steel Armchair, 1950s
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern club or lounge chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, circa 1950s Solid African mahogany frames, with brushed steel stre...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Beautiful Edward Wormley Armchair, Green Leather Chair, Dunbar, Mahogany
Located in Miami, FL
Rare green leather chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Leather has some damages.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Club Chairs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning pair of oak framed chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, referred to as “Edward’s Chair”. New fabric and great original finish. Chairs...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Edward Wormley Pair of Arm Chairs in Leather with Mahogany Bases 1960s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Pair of arm chairs reupholstered in brown leather with dark mahogany bases by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1960's (original Dunbar label on bottoms).
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Pair of Armchairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection pair of armchairs. Very rare pair of chairs all redone, newly refinished and reupholstered in a velvet. Beautiful elegant chair with except...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Armchairs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-l...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Armchairs, Pair
Located in East Hampton, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley, signed Dunbar armchairs (to underside) known as "Edward's Chair," these handsome examples have stained oak frames and stainless steel stretchers. Very high qu...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair Restored
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern lounge chair on solid brass cone shape legs by Edward Wormley.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ( model 4710A ). These chairs have been newly restored, refinished and reupholstered, and are in excellent ready...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

'A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Classic 'A-Frame' armchair with a woven caned backrest, upholstered black leather seat and brass capped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar in t...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Armchairs
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of Edward Wormley armchairs. Great side chairs for any room or as dining chairs.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair. Model number 6309, part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. Beautiful channelled mahogany frame with ultra-suede seat and back c...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Ash

Edward Wormley For Dunbar "Morris" Lounge Chair
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar multi position recliner known as the "Morris" chair. Classic reinterpretation the lounge chair has three positions. Mahogany in dark, original finish...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Swiveling Barrel Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair (2) of continuous arm swivel chairs in laminated walnut having tan button tufted leather cushions and a cruciform stretcher detail.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid-century Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Artifort, Knoll, and Pierre Paulin. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $145 and tops out at $134,145 while the average work can sell for $3,694.

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