Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 5
Dark Blue High Back Bird Desk Chairs (5) by Fabricius and Kastholm FK 6725, 1964
Located in Vienna, AT
5x Original vintage dark blackish blue leather desk chairs (seat height 19.29") designed by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Kill Interna...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Oak Armchairs Bill Stephens for Knoll International 5 Avail.
By Bill Stephens, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Bentwood armchairs by Bill Stephens for Knoll International. All chairs labeled and in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Fabric is date...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
Banquet Hall, Meeting, Restaurant, Conference Chairs
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Mid-Century Modern style Banquet hall, meeting, conference chairs
Dual leather colours available
Material steel 1" x 1" thickness 3/16"
Painted frame finish
Seat cushion 2-3/8"
Minim...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
One Red Executive Knoll Pollock Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
First designed in 1963, Charles Pollock’s timeless design continues to be produced by Knoll in a variety of finishes.
The Pollock executive chair features what the designer describ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
15 Charles and Ray Eames Aluminum Group Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles and Ray Eames aluminum group side chair, EA330 office conference chair in dark olive green upholstery, five-star base, adjust t...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Rare Red Prouve Style Stacking Chairs with Dark Metal Compass Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prouve style Industrial Stacking chairs with Fritz Hansen style shell seat in red with dark Enameled metal frames by Galvanitas. Creative linking to make rows. In original condition ...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1 KFI Stackable Side Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
KFI Stackable side chair
Contemporary molded dining chair with steel frame. Polyurethane glides to help protect floors from damage. Stacks 5 h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Laminate
Mid-Century Stacking Chairs w/ Grey Plastic Seats & Black Textured Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Stacking School or Restaurant Chairs with Grey Plastic Seating and Black Enameled Frame. In original condition with wear consistent with ...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Midcentury Pelle Stacking Stools by ICF (5 Available)
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful and sleek set of 9 stackable stools designed by Toyoda Hiroyuki for ICF. Thick black leather covering a heavily chromed base. Wonderful details of stitched and laced leathe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Large Stock of Stackable Galvanitas S17 Industrial Dining Chairs
By Galvanitas
Located in Voorburg, NL
Highly wanted and in multiple colors and quantities, with bespoke service available: the Industrial S17 stacking chairs by Galvanitas. These Sculptural chairs are made for optimal co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Vintage Blue Mini Swivel Armchair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1960s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - totally original and unique armchair.
The armchair has undergone a thorough renovation:
...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1 Ward Bennett Oak Mohair Bankers Executive Chair Bronze Base
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Ward Bennett oak mohair executive chair
Designed 1967
Rare version of task chair. Original mohair upholstery with oak frames. Bronze adjustable...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bronze
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 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 6 “Amelie” Dining Chairs by Claudio Bellini for Poltrona Frau
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 6 “Amelie” Claudio Bellini chairs for Poltrona Frau.
These chairs encompass simple forms and precious materials In a natural yet sophisticated style.
Set of six chairs ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Modern Brown Leather Desk Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern brown leather desk chair with brass nailhead trim. A truly timeless classic style crafted in rich brown leather. This practical and f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
S 32 Cantilever Thonet Side Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
S 32 Cantilever Thonet side chair
S 32 Cantilever chair combines the tubular steel frame with leather upholstered seat and backrest for comfort.
Price for 1...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Set 8 Figured Walnut Modernist Armchairs, conference, Gunlocke
By Gunlocke
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great set of 8 solid figured walnut armchairs, stunning brass corner detail, amazing Mid-Century Modern design, superior quality and construction, extremely comfortable, seats appear...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass
Preben Fabricius Jorgen Kastholm Bird Chairs Set Kill 1964
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very large set of high back executive chairs model FK6725 designed by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm, manufactured by Kill International, Germany 1964. These so called bird cha...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Large Stock Stackable Pagholz Galvanitas S22 Industrial Diner Chairs in Brown
By Galvanitas, Pagholz
Located in Voorburg, NL
Highly wanted industrial model S22 stacking chairs by Pagholz. Galvanitas, in Brown frontside with Brown backside and with very dark brown frame. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Mandarin Chairs, Scarce Bamboo Arms
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Mandarin chairs, rare bamboo arms, 5 available
Priced per single chair.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bamboo
Eames for Herman Miller Navy Blue Fiberglass Shell Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Navy Blue Molded Fiberglass Shell Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Vintage shell chairs are prized for their attractive patina, distinct thread te...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Pierre Jeanneret Office Chair
Located in Soho, London, GB
Office chairs from the administrative buildings of Chandigarh (PJ-SI-28-B).
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Teak
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
We have a set of 12 like new Eero Saarinen executive armchairs. These would be wonderful re-upholstered in something for your home or office. Chrome is bright and shiny, foam is very...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
20th Century Vintage Grey Velvet Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1970s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Six Industrial Stacking Armchairs by W. Gispen for Riemersma, 1950s
By Riemersma, Willem H. Gispen
Located in Antwerp, BE
These chairs designed by W H. Gispen and were made in the 1950s for Riemersma.
The backs of the chairs are made of black lacquered wood, the arm-rests are naturally teakwood and ha...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage White and Blue Leaves Velvet Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1960s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1960s Desk Chair by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A desk chair with original sage upholstery, on an X-form base. Casters can be added.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Eames for Herman Miller Parchment DSS Shell Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original 1960s molded fiberglass parchment white shell chairs on stacking base, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Gleaming shells ...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
One Eames For Herman Miller Executive Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid century modern executive chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The high back model from the Aluminum G...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Franco Albini Set of Six Midcentury Brazilian Dining Chairs jacaranda and fabric
Located in Barcelona, ES
Franco Albini (1905-1977)
Set of six dining chairs with arms (Price per chair)
Manufactured by Forma Brazil
Brazil, 1950s
Solid jacaranda wood and fabric
Measurements
58 cm x 55 c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Jacaranda
20th Century Vintage Light Gray Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1970s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage Gray Swivel Armchair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1960s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Zogrophos Bucket Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 6 Nicos Zogrophos high back executive chairs. Available per chair or as set of ten.
Grey leather and loose cushions on five-star c...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Six Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Plum Leather Executive Chairs as Set or Singles
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of six plush office, desk or conference armchairs designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar, D labels, chairs in dark eggplant leather with 5 star solid aluminum bases, adjustable se...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1 Nicos Zographos Bucket Chair with Grey Circle Upholstery
Located in Pasadena, TX
One bucket chair by Nicos Zographos. These chairs have a five star steel base on coasters and the upholstery is a gray fabric with circle patterns. These timeless chairs would look ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Ralph Lauren Leather Wrapped "Cliff House" Desk Chair, 2000s
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Coronado, CA
Ralph Lauren leather wrapped "Cliff House" desk chair in black leather, inspired by the designs of Jacques Adnet. This piece was made in Italy. The frame is comprised of hand-stitche...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Black Leather Knoll Pollock Chair. Circa 1980s.
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous vintage original black leather Pollock desk chair designed by Charles Pollack for Knoll. Features original black leather in very good original condition.
On 4-star chrome p...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Knoll Pollock Chair in Black Leather
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous vintage original black leather Pollock desk chair designed by Charles Pollack for Knoll. Features original black leather in very good original condition.
On 4-star chrome p...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Eames for Herman Miller High Back Leather Chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group chairs in premium plush black leather with high-backs.
An icon of Mid Century Modern design that continues to be produced today. Manual heig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Gunlocke Leather Conference Office Chairs Set of, 8
By Gunlocke
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Original Vintage Mid-Century Modern Gunlocke leather conference office chairs set of - 8. With Traditional & Mid-Century Modern Design Combined. Modern elements on the stretcher hard...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Eames for Herman Miller High Back Aluminum Group Chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ask for custom shipping quote
An icon of Mid-Century Modern design that continues to be produced today. Manual height and tilt. 50th anniversary addition premium black leather that ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Leather Desk Conference Chair
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
Ward Bennett for Brickel and associates barrel-back leather chair 30 available
4-star anodized bronze base swivel conference room chair in a ...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Selection of Mid Century Modern Desk Chairs
By Unagusta
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Mid Century Modern Desk Chairs, American, circa 1950's. They are all currently being refinished and/or reupholstered. The price noted below INCLUDES refinishing in your choice of color and reupholstery in your fabric. From left to right, top to bottom, they are: TOP ROW:
1) Paul McCobb desk chair, circa 1950's. It measures 35"H x 17"W X 16.5"D x "Seat H. It is priced at $650 each. 2) Paul McCobb desk armchair, circa 1950's. It measures 35"H x 23.5"W x 22"D x 17.5"Seat H x 24.5" arm height. It is priced at $650. 3) Paul McCobb Planner Group desk chair, circa 1950's. It measures 31"H x 19.75"W x 17.5"D x 17.5"Seat H. It is priced at $650.
BOTTOM ROW: 4) Clean lined desk chair, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950's. It measures 32"H x 18"W x 21"D x "Seat H. It is priced at $650. 5) Rosewood Model 77...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-century Modern office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern office chairs and desk chairs 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 office chairs and desk chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern office chairs and desk chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original office chairs and desk chairs, popular names associated with this style include Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Knoll, and Charles Pollock. 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 office chairs and desk chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $150,900 while the average work can sell for $1,928.
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