Skip to main content

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.

76
8,239
to
793
5,436
2,486
8,239
8,239
8,239
1,797
1,227
589
185
176
159
141
133
103
81
68
58
35
33
23
18
14
15
16
898
40
5,848
1,517
1
2
10
65
235
1,761
1,930
1,070
251
58
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4,205
4,028
467
895
234
547
174
456
158
360
119
372
5,148
4,904
2,448
1,858
1,558
6,164
2,228
1,233
1,156
1,050
189
142
138
112
84
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 20th Century
Herman Miller Aluminum Group Management Chair by Charles Eames, c. 1965
Located in Belmont, MA
Eames Aluminum Group for Herman Miller Task Chair, Zeeland, Michigan, c. 1965, aluminum, leather, Herman Miller manufacturer's label, ht. 30, wd. 23...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Tubular Armchair by Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Brasília, BR
Tubular armchair designed by Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto in the 70s. Made from black lacquered metal. This is the perfect piece for a collector. The cushions are original. They bea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

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

Set of Four Midcentury English Faux Bamboo Armchairs with Thin Cushions
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four English Midcentury faux bamboo armchairs with thin cushions. This set of four English Midcentury armchairs, crafted in the sought-after faux bamboo style, presents an e...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Armchairs for Casa e Giardino, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of armchairs designed by Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino series, wooden structure, padding and covering in original textured velvet of the time, kept in excellent condition, as shown...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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

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

Pair of 2 Italian Contemporary Armchair 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pair of 2 Italian Contemporary Armchairs from the 1970s encapsulates the innovative and avant-garde spirit of Italian design during that era. With their sleek lines and bold shap...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Armchair Made In Rosewood By Hans Olsen Made By Brdr. Juul K. From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant armchair in rosewood with black leather cushions is a splendid example of classic Danish design. The rosewood, with its deep color and fine grain, gives the chair a uniq...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

Pair Palle Suenson Armchairs for Jacob Kjaer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Palle Suenson armchairs for Jacob Kjaer. The frames of the chairs are walnut with the original Niger leather. These chairs have nice lines and are constructed well with curve...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, 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

Marco Zanuso Lady armchair 1960s
Located in bari, IT
A timeless must still in production this vintage armchair named Lady by master designer Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s production. Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 1916 - Milan, July 11,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Finnish Mid-Century Upholstered Armchair, Finland ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Throughout the Nordic countries, there's a long history of pride in the craftsmanship of using natural materials like wood. This beautiful armchair is a great representation of the q...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Giusto Puri Purini Set Bamboo and Brass Two Armchairs and Table. Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Rare Pair of armchairs with bamboo and brass frame, seat with padding and upholstered in brown fabric, and small support table with bamboo and brass frame, designed by architect Gius...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Bamboo and Rattan Armchairs with Drawers - Italy 1960
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Bamboo and Rattan Armchairs with Drawers - Italy 1960s
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan

1970s architect Milan Čeček Armchair Apolo 92for Interiér Praha , Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia . Designer architect Milan Čeček . Good original condition . Seat Height 39cm .
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

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

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 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

Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and blue velvet covering and legs in brass and black lacquered metal. It is recommended to replace the lining...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

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

Lounge Chair by IVM, 1960s
Located in Lasne, BE
Swivel armchair in black leather and plastic shell. Seat height 43cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Plastic

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

Bamboo and Rattan Armchair, Italy, 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Italian-made armchair produced in the 1960s. Bent bamboo and woven rattan frame. Good overall condition, some marks due to normal use over time.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

20th Century Armchair Tripolina by Viganò with Faux Leather Cover and Pocket
Located in Turin, Turin
Iconic armchair model "Tripolina" designed by Vittoriano Viganò and produced for Paolo Viganò, from 1950s. The Tripolina chair is an archetypical object coming from the history of ef...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1970s Italian Armchair in Black Leather
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Cleaned
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Poltrona reclinabile Anni 50
Located in Milano, IT
Poltrona con schienale reclinabile in legno di faggio tinto,cinghie metalliche, cuscini in espanso con rivestimento in velluto. Restaurata. ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

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

Franco Albini PL19 or Tre Pezzi Armchair in Red Fabric by Poggi 1970s
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
PL19 or Tre Pezzi armchair with frame in black lacquered tubular steel, seat and back in padded red fabric. Designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg in 1959 for the Nuove terme Lui...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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

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

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

Armchair Made In Rosewood By Henry W. Klein Made By Bramin From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This armchair is a fine example of Danish furniture art from the 1960s, designed by Henry W. Klein and manufactured by Bramin. With its rosewood frame and cognac leather seat, this c...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Danish Mid-Century Oak Armchair by Erik Kirkegaard
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Danish Modern oak chair by Erik Kirkegaard, circa 1960's. This beautifully sculpted solid oak frame offers comfort without an imposing footprint. Chair shows original upholstery wit...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

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

Vintage French Bobbin Wooden Armchair With Rush Seat
Located in Dorchester, GB
Well proportioned French bobbin turned armchair with rush seat. Made from oak this armchair has worn well and has a nice patina. The rush seat is in good condition and the chair is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

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

‘Bullhorn’ Armchair in Teak and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
‘Bullhorn’ dining chair, teak, leatherette, The Netherlands, 1960s This dining chair from Dutch origin owes its name to the armrests that are based on the shape of a bull horn. The ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Pair Of French Armchairs - Modernist - Ca 1950
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pair of modernist armchairs from the 1950s. These armchairs of French origin are typical of the modernist movement. They are close to the work of Pierre Guariche in particular. They ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 dining chairs by Fatima Arquitetura, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 dining chairs by Fatima Arquitetura, 1960s Set of six beautiful high-backed dining chairs in solid wood with cane seats and backs, finished with turned w...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set Of 2 Armchairs Model J147 Made In Oak By Erik Ole J. Made By FDB
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two armchairs, model J147, exudes a sublime combination of comfort and elegance. Made from solid oak and upholstered in a stylish gray wool cover, these armchairs offer a...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Oak

Robert Lewis Bronze and Sheepskin Lounge Chair, Santa Barbara, California, 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage bronze framed armchair with new sheepskin upholstery by Robert Lewis, Santa Barbara, circa 1930s. In good condition with a lovely patina to the bronze.
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair Of Bauhaus Armchairs, Hynek Gottwald - 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair Of Bauhaus Armchairs, Hynek Gottwald - 1930s
Category

1930s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs By Gigi Radice for Minotti, 1950s
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of armchairs designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti with a solid wood structure and metal legs. Upholstered in Dedar jacquard velvet, originall...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1960’s Swedish mid century chair by Sigvard Bernadotte for France & Søn
Located in London, GB
The price listed is for 1 chair. A rare Swedish mid century modern chair by renowned designer Sigvard Bernadotte, produced by Danish manufacturer France & Son. There are a total of...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Tobia Scarpa, Set of four Pigreco wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy (1959)
Located in Argelato, BO
The Pigreco chair was designed by the famous Italian architect Tobia Scarpa in 1959 for the Gavina company. This is an extremely important work in Scarpa's artistic career, in fact i...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Sculptural Solid Wood Armchair, Europe ca 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This eye-catching chair has a lot of personality, recalling different design styles and eras, including the Arts and Crafts movement, the minimalistic pine models of Axel Einar Hjort...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Two 1970s Danish "341" Chairs In Rosewood & Leather By Arne Vodder For Sibast
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of 1970s space-age "341" armchairs by Arne Vodder for Sibast. They are priced per chair. Viewings are welcome at our showroom in London. Width: 68cm Depth: 62cm Height: 87cm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood, Leather

LC1 Lounge Chair by Le Corbusier, 1980s
Located in Norwalk, CT
The LC1 chair is an icon of modern design, combining functional comfort with an exceptional aesthetic, featuring a tubular steel frame, and this example has black hair on cowhide sta...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Lounge Chairs, Denmark, 1950s, Newly Upholstered in Sheepskin
Located in London, GB
A super pair of lounge chairs, newly upholstered in grey / brown sheepskin, Denmark, 1950s. Fast shipping worldwide. .
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Sheepskin

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

1970s Armchair in Black Leather, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good condition with minor signs of use - The sides parts were newly reupholstered in very similar black leather - Cleaned
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Suite de quatre fauteuils “Barrel chairs 606” conçus par Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Cet incontournable fauteuil du mouvement Arts & Crafts du début du XXe siècle reprenant la forme d’un baril, est inventé par l’architecte Frank Lloyd Wright en 1904 et ensuite édité ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cherry

Danish Mid Century Easy Chair, 1960s
Located in ŚWINOUJŚCIE, 32
Danish armchair from 1960s. Teak armrests. Needs to be restoration.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Teak

Very nice curved armchair .Solid Teakwood . Design by Johannes Andersen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice curved armchair .Solid Teakwood . Design by Johannes Andersen for Uldum Møbelfabrik 1960s . Ideal Desk Chair . comes with the original fabric upholstery .
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

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.

Recently Viewed

View All