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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
Number in Set: Set of 2
1960s Pair of Ton/Thonet Beech Armchairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Wooden parts have been repolished. Seat Height 43cm.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Siesta armchair by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa 1980s with puff
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair with lacquered wood footrest, foam padding, leather upholstery.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Coppia di Poltrone Anni 60 marroni in pelle
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di poltrone con struttura in legno di faggio tinto, seduta e schienale in pelle telata. Buone condizioni.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Brazilian Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Cane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, walnut, fabric, cane, Brazil, 1950s. The style of these Brazilian armchairs is simple and understated, where clear, fluent lines are allowed to emerge in the ...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

1960's X Base Black Lacquer Director Chairs With Mohair Upholstery.
Located in New York, NY
1960's Hollywood regency style director chairs newly reupholstered in mohair fabric and newly lacquered in black, with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut, Lacquer

Julius Chair 10y, in Mutenye Wood by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Julius Chair 10y, in Mutenye Wood by Duistt In order to celebrate Duistt 10 years special landmark, Duistt releases the redesigned of Julius Dining Chair, originally designed in 201...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood, Oak

Melchiorre Bega Italian Pair of Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Pair of armchairs design by Melchiorre Bega, Italy, 1950s. The chairs have a compact curved form and feature the original red upholstery fabric. The armchairs are freshly cleaned and...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

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

Brown Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This chair takes luxury to a new level with its deep padded barrel backrest and seat that feels like a warm embrace. The chair's robust and rounded silhouette is a nod to classic cl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Crystal White Leather Swivel Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This chair takes luxury to a new level with its off-white leather, deep padded barrel backrest, and seat that feels like a warm embrace. The chair's robust and rounded silhouette is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Modern Brown Leather and Lucite Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This chair features a sleek, Cuba Brown leather seat and backrest that provide a luxurious sitting experience, contrasted with clear acrylic side panels that give the illusion of flo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Acrylic

Retro Caramel Leather Wingback Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A seamless blend of classic design and modern comfort. Crafted with sumptuous, caramel-colored Cuba Brown leather, this chair exudes a rich, inviting vibe that beckons you to sit and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modern Black Leather and Lucite Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A bold fusion of avant-garde style and classic comfort. This chair features a sleek, onyx black leather seat and backrest that provide a luxurious sitting experience, contrasted with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Acrylic

Modern Blue Leather and Lucite Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
This chair features a bold fusion of avant-garde style and classic comfort. It showcases a sleek and updated Chateau Blue leather seat and backrest that provide a luxurious sitting e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Acrylic

Black and White Cowhide and Lucite Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a modern vintage-western feel, featuring luxe lucite acrylic sides and a black and white cowhide seat and back. A unique combination of materials makes this piece a true stateme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Acrylic

Pair of Leve Metal Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Whitstable, GB
Joaquim Tenreiro, Leve armchairs (light) - 1960s. Manufactured by Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações. Metal frame, armrests in Jacaradá. Metal shows signs of a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Dining Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A model C1700A patio armchair in patinated bronze, designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The chair has a tubular frame supported by a bent bronze runner and arm on ea...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Leather Lounge Armchairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, Pair Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stylish full-grain leather lounge armchairs are by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, originally designed in 1966, this set newer, and produced by Thayer Coggin in High Point, No...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 2 Windsor Chairs in Solid Walnut by Kipp Stewart for Drexel, USA, c. 1960
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a set of visually captivating "Centennial" Chairs designed by the iconic design duo of Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougal for the lauded Drexel Furniture Co. Taking inspi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-97 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of a loose foam se...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Cedar

Pair of armchairs from the 1950s-60s
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Pair of 1950s armchairs of Italian manufacture. Armrest frame in stained wood and upholstery in bouclé fabric. The set has been completely restored for both the wooden parts and the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Pair of Gae Aulenti Chrome Locus Solus Armchairs. Italy 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Sleek pair of Gae Aulenti Locus Solus Armchairs in chrome and black faux-leather seats, Italy 1960s
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Pair of Armchair by Jorge Zalszupin, L'atelier, MidCentury, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This pair of armchairs had the wood completely restored and the upholstery redone.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer Danish Modern Style Armchairs in White
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very handsome pair of matching side chairs from the 1950s. They feature solid oak framing with Black Lacquer & white naugahyde upholstery.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Naugahyde

Brown Leather Accent Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this chair features a supple top-grain leather that beckons you to sit and unwind. The warm, rich Cuba Brown leather is beautifully compl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Blue Leather Accent Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this chair features supple top-grain leather that beckons you to sit and unwind. The bold Chateau Blue leather is beautifully complemente...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Hungarian Armchair, 1960s- New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Hungarian Armchair, 1960s- New Upholstery
Category

1960s Hungarian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Contemporary "Flowers" Armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Unusual pair of "Flowers" armchairs upholstered with an off-white fabric. Contemporary. Origin: France.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage-Style Cuba Brown Leather Club Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted of luxurious top grain leather in warm brown color, this stylish and comfortable chair is perfect for your den, library, or living room. Color variation is common and accept...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Cream Mohair Armchairs by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform - Belgium, 1958
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of lounge chairs by the known Belgium designer Alfred Hendrickx. The models shown is documented as the S12 model produced by Belform, Belgium in the late 1950s. Freshly re-...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Black Leather Accent Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this chair features supple top-grain leather that beckons you to sit and unwind. The dark Onyx Black leather is beautifully complemented ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Melchiorre Bega, Armchairs, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1949
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood and beige fabric armchairs designed by Melchiorre Bega and produced by Figli Di Amadeo Cassina, Italy, c. 1949. Seat height 17”.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Manhattan Armchairs by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Manhattan is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1960 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The piece is made of a wood s...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Faux Leather

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chairs in Boucle Fabric 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chairs in Boucle Fabric from the 1980s epitomizes the iconic Scandinavian design ethos of simplicity, functionality, and comfort. Crafted...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Mid Century Modern Armchair with Wheels 1970s - New Upholstery - 3 available
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid Century Modern Armchair with Wheels 1970s - New Upholstery - 3 available
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Coppia di Poltrone attribuite ad Augusto Bozzi, Anni '50
Located in Baranzate, IT
Due poltrone attribuite ad Augusti Bozzi con struttura in metallo verniciato nero e seduta in tessuto. Anni '50.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

A Pair of "Stora Furulid” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
There is a certain “Malmsten-esque” charm to the Swedish designer’s pieces that manifests in the gentle but defined curves and cosy appearance. The expression “Swedish Modern” was ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Onyx Black Leather Club Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted of luxurious top-grain leather in simple black, this stylish and comfortable chair is perfect for your den, library, or living room. Color variation is common and acceptable ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Sirocco Lounge Chairs in Rosewood, Arne Norell, Ab Aneby, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of safari chairs in a black leather and rosewood frame. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, in the 1960s. This set is in a very go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC1 Chair by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched in 1965. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A light, compact chair designed and presented at ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1960s Pair of Scandinavian Leather Armchairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of wood, leather - Good condition. - Fabric suitable for exchange - Armchairs bear signs of use
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Chateau Blue Leather Club Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted of luxurious top-grain leather in a wonderful blue hue, this stylish and comfortable chair is perfect for your den, library, or living room. Color variation is common and acc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Elegant Italian Lounge Chairs in Brass and Beige Camel Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, fabric, brass, Italy, 1950s. This Italian armchair is characterized by an elegant aesthetic due to its curvaceous lines and round edges. The seating area is s...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1970s armchairs in lilac velvet and white lacquered wood
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of lacquered wood armchairs with foam padding and velvet upholstery. Una pai...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Stylish Leather Downfilled Wingback Armchairs by Durlet, 1970s, Set of 2
Located in Izegem, VWV
These very comfortable downfilled leather armchairs by renowned Belgian company Durlet were created in the 1970s and are still in a great condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Down

1940s Pair of Cocktail Armchairs by Gösta Jonsson Newly Upholstered, Swedish
Located in London, GB
Pair of 1940s Swedish deep-seated armchairs with generous curved backrests designed by Gösta Jonsson. These armchairs/easy chairs are exceptionally well-proportioned and well-padded ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Pair of "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1956
Located in New York, NY
Created by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1956, the Oscar armchair was an homage to Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012), one of the most important Brazilian architects in modern architecture...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

Comb Coffee Table Khana Colection by Hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
This unique coffee table , combining natural materials with a minimalist interpretation , was designed with inspiration from the comb symbol in Anatolian rug motifs . While it carri...
Category

2010s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

LC1 "Le Corbusier" by Cassina n 22066 - 22067 with black frame
Located in Carpi, IT
Discover the pinnacle of enduring elegance with this exemplary pair of LC1 chairs by Le Corbusier, produced by the renowned Italian manufacturer Cassina. These chairs are a perfect e...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Coppia di Poltroncine Anni 50-60
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di poltroncine con imbottitura in espanso, rivestimento in skai e struttura in legno di faggio tinto.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Pair of Vintage Swedish Armchairs by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning pair of vintage Swedish armchairs by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist. This model is called the ‘Lilla Adam’, they were made in Sweden in the 1960’s. The quality is a...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Birch

Mid-century Pair of Large Swedish Armchairs Newly Upholstered In a Green Fabric
Located in London, GB
A pair of very comfortable Swedish armchairs circa 1950s/60s. These armchairs boast a generous size and are newly upholstered in soft green boucle fabric. These armchairs are support...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Maison Jansen neoclassical pair of armchairs reupholstered 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Newly reupholstered in a soothing textured off white colour fabric from Pierre Frey, this beautiful pair of armchairs is a perfect example of Maison Jansen neoclassicism from the 196...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Pair of 50s-60s Armchairs
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of small armchairs with foam padding, skai upholstery and stained beech wood frame.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Daumiller Armchair for GUBI in Brown/Black Pine
Located in Glendale, CA
Daumiller Armchair for GUBI in Brown/Black Pine. Solid in construction, simple in form, and sculptural in expression, the Daumiller Armchair reflects designer Rainer Daumiller’s lif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Alky Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s, Set of 2
Located in Lasne, BE
Pair of alky chairs in red fabric designed by Giancarlo Piretti in the 70s. Seat height: 37cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Alky Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s, Set 2
Located in Lasne, BE
Pair of alky chairs in red fabric. Seat height: 37cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of armchairs, Italian manufacture. C1950s
Located in Baranzate, IT
Pair of armchairs with wooden feet and original fabric upholstery of the period. Italian manufacture. C1950s
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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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