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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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Hans Wegner High Back Lounge Chair, Model GE-375, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large-scale high back armchair by Hans Wegner with solid oak frame and original cushions in greenish wool, produced by GETAMA in 1969, model GE 375, detachable neck cushion, original...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Oak

Mid-Century Czech Republic Armchairs w/ Original Fabric
Located in East Hampton, NY
Mid-century Czechoslovakian designed bent wood armchairs. We have left the original vintage mid-mod fabric which is very cool and with no tears, minor fading from age and use. The ...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Leather, Liceu de Artes, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Available today, these Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Leather by Liceu de Artes made in Brazil during the 1960s are nothing less than spectacular! What makes this mid-cent...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Chrome Steel Cantilever Arm Chairs - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Chrome Steel Cantilever Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features Sturdy and substantial construction, seamless joints, very nice vintage set....
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Ash Bow Wood Series Armchairs by Steiner of France
Located in Dorchester, MA
The French furniture company Steiner produced this striking pair of armchairs as part of their Bow Wood series in the early 1950s. The legs are formed of large curves of golden ash; ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Cabinetmaker, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Sofa, Sheepskin, Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Cabinetmaker, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Sofa or Settee, Honey Sheepskin, Oak, Denmark, 1940s Danish modern sofa or settee designed by an unknown cabinetmaker and produced in Denmar...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

1950s H-410 Armchairs by J. Halabala, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of armchairs by Czech furniture designer J. Halabala. Made in the 1950s, the design was produced in Central European furniture factories throughout the mid-20th Century. The e...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Bentwood

Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Leather Wrapped Teak Chair for Willy Beck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armchair by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, c.1950s, Denmark. The chair features a solid teak frame with a dark navy leather upholstered wide seat, backrest and le...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

1960s Central European Modern Armchairs, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
These upholstered armchairs were produced in Czechia, circa 1960. Upholstered with a fluffy white boucle, the slight recline and cushioned seat make for a comfortable posture. Contra...
Category

20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Hardwood

Pair of Leon Frost Signed Lucite Armchairs
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A pair of Leon Frost signed Lucite armchairs with upholstered velvet seat and back, curved modern design.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Lucite

20th Century Czech Wooden Armchairs with Upholstered Seats and Back, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of 20th Century Czech Wooden Armchairs with Upholstered Seats and Backs is a stunning representation of classic design meeting comfort. The warm wooden frames are beautiful...
Category

20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Stainless Steel, Ash, and Leather PK11 Armchair by Poul Kjærholm
Located in Dorchester, MA
Poul Kjærholm designed the PK11 chair in 1957 as a matching companion to the PK51 worktable. The PK11 is a complex and beautiful modern chair carried by a three-...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Adrian Pearsall Executive Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Experience the epitome of mid-century modern design with this Adrian Pearsall-designed chair for Craft Associates. This piece has been meticulously restored and reupholstered with pl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Walnut

Classic Charles Eames Herman Miller Lounge Chair 1970's Cognac Brown Leather
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful Charles Eames, Herman Miller lounger chair and ottoman, 1970's. Original cognac brown leather and Brazilian rosewood with unusual grain patterns/flaming effect. The chair h...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Coated Cane and Aluminium Folding Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern white pair of coated cane and aluminium folding armchairs Very light armchairs... circa 1lb.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

First edition Mart Stam for Thonet B262 Armchair c. 1930’s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First edition Mart Stam for Thonet B262 Armchair c. 1930’s. Stam is regarded by many as the inventor of the tubular steel cantilever chair. His design was the inspiration for Mies v...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Nickel

Scandinavian Set of Three Mid century Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scandinavian orange set of 3 chairs ,very comfortable the back rest is adjustable and it can be adjust like the show on the photos .
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Pair of ‘Landmark’ Cane Chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel, 1970, Mohair
Located in Round Rock, TX
Beautiful vintage pair of cane and ash “Landmark” armchairs designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel - 1970s. A personal favorite, these examples still retain their original green mohair...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mohair, Upholstery, Cane, Oak

Pair of 1970s Italian Bamboo Armchairs, Style of Franco Albini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 1970s Italian Bamboo Armchairs, Style of Franco Albini Italy, Circa 1970s A great pair of Italian bentwood bamboo arm/club chairs, each one in superb condition, with war...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of Mid Century Modern Solid Teak Armchairs with Boucle Upholstery
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Presenting a stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs, crafted by the renowned Albert Salman Associates and Salman Fine Furniture Craftsman of California. These elegant chairs s...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Pair of 2 Mid Century Italian Armchairs In Style of Zanuso 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pair of 2 Mid Century Italian Armchairs, crafted in the style of Zanuso, exude timeless elegance. Their distinct design features fully brass legs that add a touch of luxury. Rece...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Set Of Six Russell Woodard Outdoor Sculptura Patio Armchairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful set of 6 vintage Russell Woodard Sculptura patio armchairs in rare green. Very nice condition having no breaks or weakness. 2 of the chairs retain their original "WOODARD...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Swedish Mid-Century Lounge Chair
Located in New York, NY
A comfortable chair with a stunning minimalist design and a buttery soft leather seat. The arms and legs of this chair are bolted directly to the frame of the seat and back which con...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

1960s Black Leather Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s high back black leather chair from Denmark. Some wear on leather that is consistent with age and use.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Armchairs By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of mid-century modern armchairs by Jens Risom feature lacquered walnut legs with fully upholstered bodies in moss green tweed that is in keeping with Scandinavian color tre...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Original Early George Nelson for Herman Miller Pretzel Chair
Located in Sarasota, FL
George Nelson for Herman Miller pretzel chair. Rare and beautiful chair with very low production. Production being this one either 1957 or 1958. Believed to be under 100 of these ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Gorgeous Circa 1970s Mid-Century Modern “Safari” Chair in New Leather
Located in Shippensburg, PA
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN MAPLE & LEATHER SAFARI CHAIRS ATTRIBUTED TO WILHELM KIENZLE Circa 1970 unmarked brand new expertly crafted leather and custom machined hardware a pair to this ...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Zanine Caldas - F armchair
Located in Houston, TX
José Zanine Caldas (1919–2001) was born in Belmonte, a small town in southern Bahia. As an inquisitive, curious and multifaceted artist – known for his houses and wooden furniture – ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1 Knoll Don Petitt Model #1105 Armchair
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 vintage Knoll Don Petitt model #1105 oak armchair Bentwood armchairs by Don Petitt for Knoll. Sculpted oak comprise legs and arms as well as the seat b...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Set of 2 Danish Model 113 Oak Armchairs by Nanna Ditzel, Denmark, c. 1950's
Located in Deland, FL
These “Model 113” chairs, with their elegant and ergonomic shape, are instantly recognizable as being Danish Mid-Century Modern. As with most of Ditzel’s designs, like her iconic “E...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Stunning Pair of Chrome and Upholstered Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs in the style of Milo Baughman having heavy chrome curved arms and base, recently upholstered in a neutral chic nubby striped tan and whi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Arne Vodder for Sibast Rosewood Armchairs Set of Four
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Here is a set of four Danish rosewood armchairs in black leather by Arne Vodder for P. Olsen Sibast (Sibast), circa 1960s. These could be used as dining chairs, but are large enough ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

French Woven Lounge Chairs 1940's
By Vibo
Located in Hudson, NY
French Mid Century Ripe Chairs by Adrien Audox and Frida Minet for Vibo.
Beautifully curved bentwood and original woven rope seats.
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Bentwood

Set of 8 signed Lion in Frost Lucite Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 8 Lucite signed Lion in Frost Armchairs. Newly reupholstered in beige ultra suede.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Ultrasuede, Lucite

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Arm Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Vintage condition
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Jakob Müller Armchair with Adjustable Seat " Ronco "
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jacob Müller's simple but inspired and light armchair, frame in ashwood, seat in plywood, produced by Wohnhilfe Switzerland 1950. This exemplar has a high back. The seat can easily b...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Ash, Plywood

Set of Eight Warren Platner Armchair.
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 8 Warren Platner armchair, newly upholstered. 3 armchair with the knoll logo . Very good vintage condition, please see video .
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Walnut "Quinn" Armchair By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern "Quinn" chair (model no. 1170) in walnut, was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1965. Wormley transitions from the carved wood to the upholstery seamless...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Wool

Pair of Wire-Brushed Oak and Leather Arm Chairs after Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF "BRIDGE METTEUR EN SCENE" (1932) WIRE-BRUSHED OAK AND SADDLE-LEATHER ARM CHAIRS AFTER JEAN-MICHEL FRANK Unmarked Circa third quarter of the 20th century brand new artisan-m...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Guillerme & Chambron Double Cup Armchairs, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Rare solid oak armchairs by Guillerme & Chambron with swiveling drink trays on either side. Very comfortable with their new latex cushions upholstered in Pierre Frey Bouclé with cont...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Pair of Leopard Parsons Chairs with Brass Sabots, Custom
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of custom Parsons chairs in the style of Milo Baughman with brass sabots. Available in new velvet leopard velvet upholstery (as shown), or in your choice of fabric for $5600 + 1...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Carved Dolphins Shape Arms Rounded Back Lounge Chairs Leather Upholstery AS IS
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Carved Dolphins Shape Arms Rounded Back Lounge Chairs Leather Upholstery AS IS
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Deco "Senate" Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a dash of timeless old-world elegance into any space with this charming vintage French Deco armchair. Giving a nod to P. Jeanerret's "Senate Committee" chair with its fully uphol...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Woven Lounge Chairs 1940's
By Vibo
Located in Hudson, NY
French Mid Century Ripe Chairs by Adrien Audox and Frida Minet for Vibo. Beautifully curved bentwood and original woven rope seats.
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Bentwood

Jacques Adnet Black Vinyl & Brass Armchairs, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
President armchairs by Jacques Adnet, in their original Vinyl on brass legs. Sold in pairs.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Square Wrought Iron Chairs in the Manner of Quinet, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Square section wrought iron chair with comfortable curved back. Twelve available.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Guillerme & Chambron Petit Repos Armchair in Green Bouclé, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
An early example of the petit repos chair in original patina, newly upholstered in a green bouclé.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Gilbert Steiner Black Armchair, France 1960's
By Gilbert Steiner
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Visiteur chair in original vinyl, on brass legs. Six available. Priced as singles in COM.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Custom 1960s Style Wood and Velvet Armchairs by Adesso Imports
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of custom 1960s style armchairs upholstered in grey velvet with wood and brass details. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports.
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pale Blue Tall Italian Wingchairs, Italy 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of light blue cotton upholstered armchairs in the style of Paolo Buffa on cherry legs with brass accents.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Graceful "AP Originals" 1960s Armchairs in White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A graceful pair of classic Eero Saarinen-influenced Dutch armchairs. Originally manufactured by "AP Originals", and retaining the original black bases, these have been newly upholste...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 8 Tempestini for Salterini Black Enamel Iron "Radar" Dining Chairs, 1950s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini set of eight radar dining armchairs. Featuring sculpted sturdy hoop frameworks in black enameled wrought iron, curved ergonomic full backs,...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Lady Chair in the style of Marco Zanuso
Located in San Diego, CA
This chair features the iconic upholstered structure and curved armrests that embodies the timeless appeal of mid-century furniture, combining technical excellence, refined craftsman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Modern 'Wishbone' Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This modern armchair takes its beautiful design from the iconic mid-century master Hans Wegner, and his Wishbone chair. The floating back rest flows to the arms and down the legs. Pl...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

1970s Arkana Safari Sling Teak Lounge Chair by Maurice Burke in Black Leather
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Classic and iconic Chelsea Safari Chair designed by Maurice Burke for Arkana Furniture in Scotland. The original black leather contrasts perfectly with the reddish teak patina frame...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Pair Of French Green Mid-Century Modern Faux Bamboo Metal Armchairs
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of French green Mid-Century Modern faux bamboo metal armchairs Newly powder-coated green, was original worn down chrome Newly upholstered in a white faux suede. DC, Philade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Danish Modern Mahogany & Leather Arm Chair, Danish Overseas Imports, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare Danish-designed arm chair constructed from solid mahogany and featuring new Italian leather upholstery. Simultaneously elegant and minimal this extraordinary chair...
Category

1960s Philippine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Modern 'Cow Horn' Style Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This armchair has a rounded back in the style of the iconic mid-century Cow Horn chair made famous by Louis Van Teeffelen. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

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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