Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Office Chairs and Desk Chairs For Sale
1958, Ray & Charles Eames, Herman Miller, PSCC Fiberglass Office Desk Chair
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house.
Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
2005 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Aluminum Executive Desk Chair in Blue Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This particular example dates to 2005. T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Desk Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Desk Chair, reupholstered with Spinneybeck Leather.
High quality structure and mechanisms, tilt swivels and is adjustable, Label on underside Metal "D" Dunb...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Vintage DoMore Office Swivel Chair Upholstered in White Faux Shearling
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage DoMore office swivel chair upholstered in white faux shearling. The white faux shearling upholstery offers a appealing contrast to the Industrial...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Machine Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Enamel, Steel
20th Century French Louis XV Carved Walnut and Cane Desk Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study or office with this elegant vintage armchair. Crafted in Provence, France, circa 1990, the chair stands on cabriole legs decorated with leaf motifs at the shoulders,...
Category
Late 20th Century French Louis XV Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier).
Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations.
Literature: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23.
Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments.
Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory.
Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Industrial Black Leather Desk Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern industrial-style swivel desk chair with channel quilting onyx black leather upholstery on a metal frame with wooden armrests.
Dimensions: 25" W x 28" D x 38" H
Seat - 21" H
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Web President High Back Armchair With Headrest And Arms by Enrico Pellizzoni
Located in Milan, IT
Swivel chair with headrest and arms. Inner steel frame, expanded polyurethane padding, covered with soft leather. Five-star base with gas seat height adjustment and tilt control mech...
Category
2010s Italian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Saarinen Executive Armchairs in Velvet, Swivel Base, Gold Edition, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
The next generation of Eero Saarinen's famed executive chairs have arrived, 100% authentic Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive chairs completely restored ground-up with an extra touch ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Scriba Contemporary Oak and Tan Leather Dining Chair
By ACOOCOORO
Located in Mexico City, MX
Scriba is a seemingly simple, delicate dining or desk chair; made by traditional Japanese wood joinery, and artisanal saddlery: two disciplines where texture, craftsmanship, and the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Bauhaus swivel office chair in solid wood By Ama Elastik Modell 364, 1930s
By Bauhaus, Ama Elastik
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Bauhaus swivel office chair in solid wood By Ama Elastik Modell 364 ,1930s
The chair is in good condition
Measurements:
Height : 83 cm------ 91
Width: 39 cm
Depth: 47 cm...
Category
1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Fine French Mid-Century Mahogany Side Chairs by Roset
By Ligne Roset
Located in Long Island City, NY
Roset (name of the company before it was renamed "Ligne Roset") -
A fine French 1950s side/desk chair in solid mahogany.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Oak
Customizable Inno Lab ZA Swivel Adjustable Chair by Harri Korhonen
Located in New York, NY
Measures: Height: 780-890 mm
Width: 600 mm
Seat height: 400-510 mm
Depth: 600 mm
5-STAR CROSS LEG WITH WHEELS OR GLIDERS,
SWIVEL GAS LIFT G
Lab ZA is a meeting chair that combi...
Category
2010s Finnish Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric
2009 Nicos Zographos High Back Bucket Executive Desk Chairs w/ Alpha Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are original Alpha bucket executive desk chairs, initially designed by Nicos Zographos in 1964. The listed price includes one chair, and we have four chairs available for purch...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Erik Kirkegaard 1960s Danish Rosewood Desk Chair
Located in London, England
Erik Kirkegaard - Compass Desk Chair, c1960s
A rare and highly sought-after desk chair by Erik Kirkegaard, produced by Hong Stolefabrik in Denmark, circa 1956. The curved back provi...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
2007 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Ivory Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Management Chairs, model EA335, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in 2007...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Saarinen Executive Armless Chair in Royal Blue Velvet, Vintage Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
We've been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these vintage chairs using an elegant Italian...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Herman Miller Eames Tall Navy Blue Fabric Desk Chair Soft Pad
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic Eames for Herman Miller Soft Pad Executive Height office chair from the Aluminum Group Collection was manufactured in the 2000s. This executive height chair features a...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair
By Emeco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair. Item features an adjustable height, sculpted aluminum base, black vinyl upho...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
2004 Vitra Meda Desk Chair by Alberto Meda in Black Leather with Fabric Back
By Vitra, Alberto Meda
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Vitra Meda desk chair, originally designed by Alberto Meda in 1996. This particular example was produced by Vitra in Germany C. 2004. The design is comprised of an aluminum base with a seat upholstered in black leather and fabric on the back.
The chair measures 27 inches deep, 27 inches wide...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
2012 Vitra ID Trim Desk Chair Polished Aluminum & Leather by Antonio Citterio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available but the price listed is for one chair) ID Trim chair in very dark brown leather, designed by Antonio Citterio, produced by ...
Category
2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
19th Century, Ming Style Official's Hat Chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese "Official's Hat Chair" in elmwood. Ming style.
Named "Official's Hat Chair" as the chair mimics the brimmed hats of Chinese government workers in th...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Ming Antique Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Elm
Charcoal Finish Organic Modern Desk Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With natural wood bent arms curved and flowing from around the back and gracefully merging into the base as if it were one solid piece. The adjustable height and swivel chair is comp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Organic Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Vintage 1970s Techfab Chromcraft Latte Lounge Chairs
By Chromcraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Techfab chromcraft lounge chairs. Original Vinyl Upholstery in very nice condition. Arms are optional. Easily removable as shown in last photos. In the manner of Herman Miller Alexander Girard, Charles Eames, Milo Baughman
Price is for the PAIR.
History of Arnold Defense
From sprockets to rockets: Our diverse manufacturing history
It may surprise you to learn that our company originally manufactured trendy dinette sets and household furniture in a large factory on Semple Avenue in St. Louis...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 8 Italian Bross Beetle Dining Chairs by Enzo Berti
By BROSS, Enzo Berti
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 8 Italian bross beetle dining chairs by Enzo Berti
Designed by Enzo Berti, the Beetle chair offers a simple design to compliment any dining tabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Beech
2010s Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Management Desk Chair in Fabric w/ Pneumatic
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Desk Chair, Model EA435, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. This example dates to the 2010s. I...
Category
2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Obsidian Black Leather, Black Swivel Base.
Located in Wilton, CT
We have been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these chairs using a supple Italian Leather...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Space Age Black Faux Leather Swan Desk Chair Office Chair 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage desk chair from faux leather and metal tulip - like 1960s.
A wonderful office chair or desk chair, this model from the 1960s with a metal base with four wheels and a seat shell covered with black faux leather.
This sleek office chair shows swiveling and smoothly rocking function and great seating comfort.
The stylishly desk chair could work perfectly in your home office or office space and makes a wonderful statement.
This space age desk chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Leather Desk Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Barrel-Back leather desk chair 6 available
4-star anodized bronze base swivel conference room chair...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Curved Leather Office Chair
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern curved leather office chair. America, circa 1970s. Original Mid-Century Modern design with sleek curved shaping. Masterfully restored...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cofemo Italy leather office chair 80s
By Cofemo
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
Very futuristic, elegant looking office chair made of thick saddle leather in very good condition. The black leather only shows slight signs of wear on the armrests. The leather is s...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Hilton Office Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair Hilton Office with seat with wooden structure
upholstered and covered with beige velvet fabric. With
swivel base in stainless steel in matte black fi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italy Ghidini 1961 Pair Burnished Brass Armchairs Contemporary Design
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Brescia, IT
This three-legged armchair with a very comfortable backrest, is an invitation to relax, to enjoy the minutes slowly.
Fully hand made in Italy.
Variations are available in the brass f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass
Set of 4 Minimalist Metal X-Line Chairs by Niels Jørgen Haugesen for Hybodan
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This rare set of four stacking X-line chairs was designed in 1977 by Niels Jørgen Haugesen and produced by Hybodan A/S in Denmark. They are made of chrome-plated steel rods and a bla...
Category
1970s Danish Minimalist Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Jacob Kjaer UN Armchairs
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of United Nations armchairs attributed to Jacob Kjaer in original black vinyl upholstery. One arm shows a sign of repair ( last photo ) otherwise structurally strong with minima...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
17th Century Italian Armchair with Plumage
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The straight uprights of the backrest are surmounted by gilded plumages. Gilded acanthus leaves in the form of consoles adorn the top of the two front legs, supporting the large flat...
Category
17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Fine Arts & Crafts Armchair by G M Ellwood, Made by J S Henry
Located in Long Island City, NY
Designed by George Montague Ellwood and made by J S Henry, with marquetry and brass details.
Category
1910s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Eames Herman Miller Tall Black Leather Desk Chair Executive Thin Pad
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic Eames for Herman Miller Thin Pad Executive Height office chair from the Aluminum Group Collection was manufactured in 2003. This classic mid century modern office chai...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Italian Baroque Silver Mecca Giltwood Throne Armchair, Rome 17th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
This antique Italian Rococo 17th century throne armchair sourced in a palazzo in Rome, features swirls, curls and foliate motif richly hand carved...
Category
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Silver Leaf
Black leather armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll International
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Armchair, “Executive Chair”, designed by Charles Pollock in the 1970s for Knoll International.
Black molded plastic shell with chrome contours, aluminum star base, comfortable, ergo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Leather Desk Chair Denmark, 1950s
By Normina
Located in London, GB
Description:
A black leather desk chair, produced by Normina, Denmark during the 1950s. With its spareness of line and neatly upholstered leather seat and back, this mahogany framed ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted Cantilevered Desk Chair in Spinneybeck Saddle L
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar tufted cantilevered desk chair in spinneybeck saddle leather, reupholstered.
Also features solid walnut wood base and ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair Polka Dot Deluxe
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
This whimsical Eero Saarinen for Knoll side chair was just reupholstered in our Connecticut workroom. It was completed in a velvet p...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Saarinen Executive Armchairs Knoll Mid-Century Modern
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Enhance your space with this timeless pair of Mid-Century Organic Modern Executive Armchairs by renowned designer Eero Saarinen for Knoll. These iconic chairs feature a classic 4-leg...
Category
1960s American Organic Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1970s Scandinavian Steel and Leather Vitesse Office Swivel Chair by Bolia
By Bolia
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Scandinavian steel and leather Vitesse office swivel chair by Bolia.
Category
Late 20th Century European Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
1979 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair in Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This particular example dates to 1979. It features blac...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Herman Miller Chrome & Black Pair of Armchairs Original Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Striking pair of Herman Miller chrome & black armchairs wearing their original gray iridescent fabric. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Italian, Emiliana, Baroque Large Carved & Shaped Walnut Open Armchair, ca. 1680
Located in Atlanta, GA
from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, having an arched and shaped slightly reclining backrest and fitted seat, with curving carved open arms, raised on tall turned legs joined by ...
Category
1680s Italian Baroque Antique Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Lovely Vintage Restored Brown Leather Oak Framed Captains Directors Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely fully restored original oak framed vintage hand dyed cigar brown leather directors chair.
...
Category
20th Century English Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Victorian Chesterfield Office chair in green leather, England, 1860s.
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Beautiful Patinated English Bureau chair,
Rotating mechanism,
Beautiful patinated green leather.
Category
1860s British Antique Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Oak, Leather
Soft Pad Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for ring Mobelfabrikk Norway, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 2 Black leather armchairs with aluminium base and wheels. Turns on itself. Dimensions: Seat height 51cm. Stamped Ring Mobelfabrikk Norway. Wear due to time and age.
FOR SHIPPI...
Category
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Swiveling Armchair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern sculptural swiveling armchair designed by Eero Saarinen featuring a cruciform chromed steel base with casters. The seat retains its original textured wool uphols...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
2008 Vitra Meda Conference Desk Chair in Leather and Aluminum by Alberto Meda
By Alberto Meda, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Meda conference desk chair, originally designed by Alberto Meda for Vitra in 2006. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several available for purchase. These pa...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Wim Den Boon Executive Chairs in Black Leather, 1950s
By Wim Den Boon
Located in Antwerp, BE
Black executive chair, Wim Den Boon, the Netherlands, the 1950s.
Wim Den Boon formed 'Groep &' just after the liberation of The Netherlands in 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Series Seven Office Chair Model 3217 By Arne Jacobsen For Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
The "Seven" office chair, model 3217, designed by Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, is a timeless piece of mid-century modern design. This version of the i...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
2015 Brian Kane for Steelcase Bindu Executive Conference Desk Chairs in Leather
By Brian Kane, Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Bindu high-back executive conference chairs, designed by Brian Kane for Steelcase in 2014. These particular examples date to 2015. The listed price includes one chair, and ...
Category
2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Iron
Ico Parisi Office Chair, Yellow Leather
By Ico Parisi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Office chair by Ico Parisi for MIM, circa 1960s.
Aluminum base with curved plywood back and newly upholstered leather seat.
Multiple quantity available - Priced individually.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Armchair "Mondo" by Karl-Erik Ekselius, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by JOC, Vetlanda, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Antique and Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
An essential part of every office or home workstation, office chairs and desk chairs are critically important to your comfort and getting the job done.
Desk chairs have evolved over time. While writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson pined for a wider range of motion and introduced some improvements to his English-style Windsor chair, inventing the swivel chair along the way. So the next time you roll, recline or swivel at your vintage desk, remember: The third president of the United States had a lot to do with that functionality.
Changes in the availability of resources have also led to innovations in desk chair design. After World War II, for example, optimistic American designers made use of wartime materials in their efforts to create practical domestic goods.
Mid-century modernism is the name given to the broad postwar time period that prioritized thoughtful design. Journalist Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” cites “ergonomic wisdom” as part of the reason for the longevity of the era’s furnishings, and when it comes to sitting in a desk chair for hours at a time, what could be more important than ergonomic support?
As mid-century modernism was marked by resourcefulness and boundless creativity — and produced designers who, in most cases, prioritized comfort and support — it follows that all mid-century chairs are not the same. Nowhere is this perhaps more evident than at Herman Miller. The legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer got its start in the office, with design director George Nelson enlisting the likes of Charles and Ray Eames to produce desk chairs and lounge chairs that are still celebrated today. Elsewhere at the time, the numerous pieces Florence Knoll created for Knoll’s office furniture line were envisioned as design solutions for the changing needs of residential and office spaces.
If you’re working remotely and streamlined seating isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid of making a statement with your office chair. Introduce a touch of drama to your video calls by way of 19th-century desk accessories and the alluring forms we typically associate with antique desk chairs designed in the Empire and Regency styles. For a minimalist touch, a spare, utilitarian Industrial-style office chair can work in any space but will fit in particularly well amid the exposed brick and steel architecture that characterizes a loft apartment.
An inspiring home office cleverly mixes materials and styles to create a welcoming place of productivity and comfort, and if you’re gathering with colleagues at your company HQ, an array of wood, leather and metal office chairs can help integrate disparate textures in a conference room or any other collaborative space. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse collection of office and desk chairs today.
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