Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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7,386
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129
105
104
73
43
10
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7,386
6,774
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226
184
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153
Style: Mid-Century Modern
New Handmade Counter Chair State with Black Powder-coated base, Blue Upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant and light Counter Chair State that is comfortable and versatile. Its upholstery here is seen in velvet (several color options) and powder coated metal structure in Black (mor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Six Scandinavian Midcentury Oak Chairs, circa 1950
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant set of six scandinavian chairs, circa 1950.
Oak, new upholstery off-white boucle fabric .
Dimensions: 105cm H, 46 cm W, 48 cm D, seat height 48 cm.
Good original condition...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Wood
Original Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass RAR Rocking Chair in Navy Blue
Located in Washington, DC
Original vintage rocking chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Base is original and not a replica. Shock mounts are in good shape. The chair was acquired from Herman Miller...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Zinc
8 Sculptural Form 'Oro' Dining Chairs by Raoul Guys, 1951, Airborne, France
By Raoul Guys
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Exquisite and extremely rare set of eight 'oro' dining chairs designed by sculptor and designer Raoul Guys in 1951 for 'Airborne' ,France. These chairs were commissioned by Air Franc...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Six Zig Zag Chairs in Plexiglass, France, 1970’s
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Zig Zag chairs in plexiglass in beautiful pink color with transparency.Interesting minimaliste design.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Plexiglass
Reupholstered Lounge Chairs with Sculptural Ash Wooden Frame France, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of two lounge chairs, in patinated solid ash and Reupholstered bleu velvet, France, 1960s. The grain of the wood is nicely visible, especially on the wide sculpted armrests. Thes...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Ash
12 'Chelsea' Dining Chairs by Introini, Saporiti 1966, Upholstery Fully Restored
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Very rare large set of 12 walnut wood 'Chelsea' dining chairs by Italian designer Vittorio Introini . The upholstery has been fully restored including new Pantera foam throughout and...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Contemporary Mark Chair in Umbra Grey Colored Aluminum, Sit Down Inscription
Located in Milan, Lombardy
The 'Mark' chair distinguishes itself from the Tanit collection, from which it only takes the frame characterized by minimal shape and weight.
The frame of the series is used to acc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
Vico Magistretti "122" Chairs for Cassina, 1967, Set of 8
Located in Lonigo, IT
Vico Magistretti for Cassina "122" chairs for Cassina, 1967, set of eight.
The "122" chairs designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967 have a sculptural design, created with a wooden st...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech, Plywood, Leather
Vintage Set of 6 Cane Cesca Chairs by Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Las Vegas, NV
All original, Vintage set of armless Cesca chairs Marcel Breuer for Knoll. They are finished in ebonized beech and cane. Originally designed in 1928, this is a truly Classic and time...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Design, Haussmann Armchair, Green, by Robert & Trix Haussmann
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
The Haussmann chair is a vibrant timeless piece of comfort and elegance.
This unique three-leg chair premiered at the "Haussmann Expo 64" and was designed by Robert & Trix Haussma...
Category
2010s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
French Wood & Leather Dining Chairs, Mid-Century Modern, Craftsmanship, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
French wood & leather dining chairs, Mid-Century Modern, Craftsmanship, 1950's, France;
Mid-Century Modern dining chairs. We have six of these chairs available, priced per piece. ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Dining Chairs by Gio Ponti for S.A.C. Chiavari, 1950s, Set of 6
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Set of 6 Chiavarine by Gio Ponti restored to be upholstered in the 1950s, available with original back plate with manufacturer's label.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in New Bouclé Fabric by Spahn, Germany 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Spahn, Germany 1950s. Newly reupholstered in a of white bouclé fabric that shows visual depth while providing a smooth finish to the touch. It is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Dinning Chair Ava Brass Fittings Solid Beige Seat and Textured Beige Backrest
Located in Lisbon, PT
Comfortable and elegant, Ava chair is a versatile piece where creativity meets no boundaries: fabrics, solid wood, lacquered wood and brass fittings are chosen and combined to produc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti for Cassina, Italy, 1950's, Set of 4 Leggera Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Gio Ponti, for Cassina, Italy. A harlequin set of 4 " Leggera " chairs. Constructed from Ash frames and recently upholstered Kvadrat fabric.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash
Set of 4 Mid-Century Dining Chairs by a. Šuman, Reupholstered in Black Boucle
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This set of four vintage dining chairs was designed by Czech designer Antonin Šuman in the 1960s. The chairs have been completely restored finished with high-quality wood oil that ga...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash, Wool, Bentwood
Pr. Mid Century Chairs by Richard McCarthy for Selrite Ca. 1950’s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of architectural mid century side chairs by noted designer Richard McCarthy for Selrite Furniture.
The chairs has unusual and chic faux reptile upholstery, wrought iron frame, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Chair, 1940s
By Stol Kamnik
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Rare dining chairs, Vienna cane.
Material: wood, cane.
Colour: Dark wood.
Period: 1940s.
Condition: mint original condition.
Dimensions: H 82 x W 40 x D 40
Style: Mid-century.
Category
1940s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Brown Saddle Leather Bar Stools, Ch. Perriand, France, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern brown saddle leather bar stools, Charlotte Perriand, France 1960s.
Stunning set of 3 French Mid-Century Modern bar stools designed by Charlotte Perriand for the s...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Chairs Mod "Seconda" Designed by Mario Botta, 1982
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of chairs model "Seconda" designed by Mario Botta for the fine Italian manufacture Alias in 1982. Structure made of lacquered steel tube, cylindrical-shaped backrest made of pol...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Jamestown Royal Lounge Chair, circa 1955
By Jamestown Royal
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Jamestown royal lounge walnut & brass and mohair lounge chair, circa 1955.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 Patchwork De Sede DS-11 Chairs, 1970
By De Sede
Located in amstelveen, NL
Set of 2 cognac leather patchwork De Sede DS11 chairs. The chairs are a bit different in color. Amazing patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Ember Chair by Sun at Six, Sienna and Forest, Midcentury Style Chair in Oak
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
Sun at six is a contemporary furniture design studio working with traditional Chinese joinery masters to handcraft our pieces using traditional joinery. The Ember chair is a versatil...
Category
2010s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Italian Massive Brass Chairs by Chiavari, Upholstery Pink Velvet
By Chiavari
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of refined Italian campanino classic Chiavari chairs, circa 1950s. Massive brass with upholstered with pink velvet.
In very good condition. We are able, to reupholster these ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Green Velvet Chair Designed by Rajmund Halas, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Light form nice vintage chair designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. It has been made of beechwood. Designed and produced in Poland. Chair is after undergone a complete upholstery renovati...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Textile, Beech
Olli Mannermaa for Cassina Chair, 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
Olli Mannermaa for Cassina chair, 1970s.
Dimensions: H= 77 cm; W= 63 cm; D=55 cm; Height seat = 50 cm.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
1970s Rattan Round Bar Stools, Pair
Located in Amherst, NH
Vintage 1970s pair of tall round drum style rattan bar stools with original fabric seats. The stools have a round accented foot rest which is 11.5” H. No marks.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Rattan
Charlotte Perriand Dining Chairs for Les Arcs Ski Resort, circa 1960s, Set of 13
Located in Arles, FR
Stunning set of chairs in the manner of the same that were made by DalVera and chosen by designer Charlotte Perriand for and used in the Les Arcs Ski Resort, circa 1960.
We acquire...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Vintage Wire Chairs by Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in London, GB
A pair of excellent original wire chairs designed by Harry Bertoia. These are original productions by Knoll from the 1960’s, they were made in the USA.
They are not stamped as the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wire
Charlotte Perriand Midcentury Rush Bar Stools, 1960s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Two varnished solid ash and straw “Bauche” stools by Charlotte Perriand for Sentou 1960s - Model designed in 1933.
Original condition with nice patina.
Literature: "Charlotte P...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash
Danish 1970’s Mid Century Chair by Niels Larsen/3 Available/Price is for 1 Chair
By Niels Larsen
Located in London, GB
The price listed is for one chair. There are three chairs available
Niels Larsen Moller was founded in Denmark in 1893 and initially made gymnasium equipment.
These are rare t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Efebino Stool by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, 1966
By Stacy Dukes, Artemide
Located in Lasne, BE
White plastic chair. Stamped under the seat. Measures: Seat height: 24cm Wear due to time and age of the chair.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Exaggerated Back Chair by Jeffrey Greene
Located in Long Island City, NY
This 1950’s Exaggerated Back chair designed by Jeffrey Greene, signed by the maker, is a statement piece, fit for any living room or bedroom. Composed entirely of walnut wood, the el...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Solid White Ash Wood Italian Folding Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful set of vintage solid white ash Italian folding chairs.
Excellent vintage condition. Light weight. Excellent folding mechanism.
W Kiki.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Oswald Haerdtl, Reupholstered in Kvadrat
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This set of four vintage dining chairs was designed by Oswald Haerdtl in the 1950s, famous Austrian designer – together with Mr. Josef Hoffmann he designed the cafe terrace at the Vi...
Category
1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Wool
Woven Rattan High Back Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woven Rattan Peacock style lounge chair with built-in arm rests and round base. In original condition, with minimal wear and rattan loss. Wear is consistent with its age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Rattan
“Tonneau” Fiberglass Chair by Pierre Guariche
Located in Sammushi, JP
"Tonneau" Chair released by Steiner. A product designed by Pierre Guariche in 1954. A rare early vintage with a shell made of fiberglass resin.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Vittorio Nobili Walnut Plywood & Brass Medea Chair
Located in Utrecht, NL
'Medea' chair, designed by Italian designer Vittorio Nobili for Tagliabue, Italy 1955.
Molded walnut plywood shell with high gloss lacquer finish accented with brass hardware.
Four...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
2x Scissor Chair & Table for Kids, Pine Wood 1970, style of Charlotte Perriand
Located in Munster, NRW
extremely charming set consisting of 2 folding chairs and a folding table, made of pine wood with fine brass details.
the chairs are based in design on the scissor chairs by charlot...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
Authentic Vintage Tolix A56 Armchairs in Original Paint
By Tolix, Jean Pauchard
Located in Woodbury, CT
Designed by Jean Pauchard in 1956, son of Xavier Pauchard who founded Tolix in 1925, the A56 armchair or “fauteuil” in French has become one of the most influential pieces of 20th Ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Mid-Century Red Sky and Metal Chair, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Red sky chair, 1960s.
Upholstered stool covered in red sky and black metal structure.
In patina, structure with marks and unstitching on.
Measurements in c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mathieu Mategot Black Perforated Metal Side Chair France circa 1953
Located in Chicago, IL
French designer Mathieu Mategot black painted perforated metal side chair. Many of Mategots' designs were intended for outdoor garden use thus painted and often repainted by the owne...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Counter Chair Alma with Soft Cotton Velvet, Walnut and Brass
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
In a piece that combines classic and modern aesthetics we can find a certain harmonic gracefulness paired with an intimate voluptuousness that can embrace you and surprisingly break ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Dark Green Velvet 'Shell' Chair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful chair type 1020 colloquially called "shell" produced by the Slupsk centre of furniture industry in the 1960s in Poland. They are after full renovation upholstery and carpen...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Beech
Bar Chair Miami with Soft Blue and Green Upholstery, Black base, Brass Details
Located in Lisbon, PT
The iconic Miami bar chair combines clean lines with soft upholstery resulting in an effortless modern Classic that is perfectly proportioned.
This versatile chair features enriching...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Metal
John Vesey Aluminum and Walnut Folding Directoire Bench, circa 1958
By John Vesey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Such an incredible rare example of precision design of the 1950s, by John Vesey Inc, this aluminum Classic Folding Bench in the Directoire style is in high-demand and sought after by...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
20th Century Light Crème Boucle Chair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chair is after a complete upholstery renovation; the woodwork has been refreshed. Seat and back is dressed in crème, durable...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Studio Metal Chair Sculpture, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Studio metal chair, in stock
Studio built with geometric design in metal with dark bronze patina
Metal woven rush seat
Back with concentric circles
Tubular legs joined by stretchers
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 10
Located in Lonigo, IT
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, black lacquered wood and straw seat, 1960, set of ten.
The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs....
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Straw, Wood
Contemporary Tanit Classic Chair in Yellow Fluorescent Coloured Aluminum
Located in Milan, Lombardy
The ‘Tanit Classic’ series features backs and seats of aluminum. The panels are variously perforated, thus creating an interesting geometric effect.
Seats and backs feature a cheque...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
20th Century Camel Soft Boucle Chair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair designed by Prof. Rajmund Halas. Made of beechwood. Chair is after a complete upholstery renovation, the woodwork has been refreshed. Seat and back is dressed in camel, durable...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström Pair of "Caryngo' Chairs in Oak with Canvas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström for Swedese, pair of "Caryngo' chairs, oak, canvas, Scandinavia, 1960s
Carl Malmsten and Yngve Ekström pair of "Caryngo' chairs with an oak frame and...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Canvas
Salterini Garden Patio Armchair
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Nice Salterini garden, patio, poolside chair having a wrought iron frame with zig zag metalwork pattern, and metal mesh seat and back. The chair is in very good, original condition, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Bunnik, NL
Set of 4 chairs with backs made of papercord. Light, elegant dining chairs. Maple wood frame, seats reupholstered with woolen fabric. Rarely seen, they will be an eye catcher in the ...
Category
1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Papercord, Maple
Dark Green Velvet 'Shell' Chair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful chair type 1020 colloquially called "shell" produced by the Slupsk centre of furniture industry in the 1960s in Poland. They are after full renovation upholstery and carpen...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Beech
Pair of Chairs in Wicker and Steel Attr. to Raoul Guys for Airborne, ca 1950
By Raoul Guys
Located in Brussels , BE
pair of chairs in wicker and steel attr. to Raoul Guys for Airborne , ca 1950.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Guillerme et Chambron 4 Chairs in Blackened Oak, "Edition Votre Maison"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron 4 chairs in blackened oak, "Edition Votre Maison", circa 1970
Original woolen fabric, discolored.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
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