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
Period: 1970s
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 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair White Plastic Back with "Funfetti" Upholstery
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
This Eero Saarinen for Knoll plastic-back side chair was reupholstered in a super fun mutli-color dot fabric. We offer this at a set - perfect for a fun ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Textile, Plastic
Ico Parisi 'in the Style of' Office Armchair in Leather and Aluminum, circa 1970
By Ico Parisi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ico Parisi (in the style of) office armchair in leather and aluminum circa 1970.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1 Vintage Midcentury Zographos Alpha Chair Black Leather Bronze Base
Located in Pasadena, TX
Nicos Zographos
The world`s most singular, severely elegant collection of contemporary furniture has been created by Nicos Zographos. He has produced more than 300 kinds of products for thousands of spaces in America and Europe. Zographos is the last adherent to the strict aesthetic principles first defined by the European Bauhaus school, and he is very likely one of the last designers to manage his own manufacturing company.
Leather executive chair designed by Nicos Zographos.
black leather with bronze 4 star base
Higher back than the mid-sized version.
Zographos Alpha...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Vintage German Fabric & Aluminium Desk Chair from Fröscher Sitform
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This pair of modernistic armchairs was produced by the German manufactory Fröscher Sitform during the 1970s. The frame is made of solid aluminum. The ...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Cityscape Fabric Desk Arm Side Chair with Castors Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Wayne, NJ
Chrome cityscape fabric desk arm side chair with castors by Paul Evans Inc. Has a metallic stripe on fabric. May work well as a vanity chair also, b...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Very Rare Plexiglass Desk Chair, 1990s, Italy
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Height adjustable from 44-51cm. Seat width 40cm, cross foot width 64cm. Seat depth 44cm.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Plastic, Plexiglass
Swiss Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss chrome set of 6 chairs, chairs are chrome base and pony upholstery original, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Restored Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
The Eames Aluminum Group collection (1958) began as a special project for Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard, who needed seating for a home they were designing for industrialist J. Irwin Miller in Columbus, Indiana. The pair asked the Eameses to design light, mobile leisure chairs. At the time, Charles and Ray were exploring ways to use aluminum, which had been strengthened, refined and made more affordable since WWII. So, they constructed a lightweight, die-cast aluminum frame and set a sling in it - a “sitting pocket,” as they called it, which subtly conformed to the body’s shape. This completely new type of seat marked a departure from the idea of a chair as solid
Pair of restored Herman Miller...
Category
1970s American 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
1970s Upholstered Ash Armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and comfortable armchair having a fluid and bold ash frame seamlessly encasing a seat upholstered in vintage green wool fabric. Upholstery recommended.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Ash
Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Desk Office Side Chair Armchair
Located in Wayne, NJ
Mid-Century Danish modern rosewood desk office side armchair. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your delivery zip code, as we may be ab...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Other
Set of 4 Milo Baughman Style Chrome Highback Arm Chairs -- 1970s USA
Located in Miami, FL
Nice set of 4 chrome highback arm chairs great for office or dining in the style of Milo Baughman 1970s USA.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Chrome Wheel Office Chair
By Kovona
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia
- Good original condition.
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Armchair Designed by Elmar Flötotto for Pagholz, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very rare type
- Comfortable
- Marked.
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
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
Neil Frankel for Knoll Mid Century Wheeled Office Lounge Chairs, Set of 6
By Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Neil Frankel for Knoll Mid Century wheeled office lounge chairs - Set of 6
These chairs are 28 wide x 25.75 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Black and Chrome Metal Mesh Chair
Located in New York, NY
Classic post modern rationalist design chair, perforated black metal back rest and seat, bright chrome structure. Probably Italian design and production.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Set of Two Armchairs Designed by Elmar Flötotto for Pagholz, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very rare type
- Comfortable
- Marked.
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Midcentury Ray Wilkes Chiclet Office Task Chair
By Ray Wilkes
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller
Ray Wilkes
Originally from Surrey, England, Ray Wilkes brought a combination of British precision and wit to Herman Miller. He earned a design degree from the Royal College of Art in London in 1961 and was awarded an American Travel Scholarship. He became acquainted with Herman Miller when he worked in New York with George Nelson on special products R&D. His contribution to Herman Miller has been in the development of Soft Seating, with special concern for user needs.
Vintage midcentury Ray Wilkes Chiclet...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1970s French Design Roneo Swivel Armchair
By Roneo, Paris
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Swivel office chair from the 1970s – 1980s that we owe to the famous house Ronéo: solid, high quality and comfortable it is composed of a star base metal allowing it to rotate and re...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Fritz Hansen Swivel Office Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern desk chair boasts a tag underneath with the date 1980 and designer name, "Fritz Hansen." A lovely Danish design ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Impeccable Molded Swiveling Armchair by Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable molded swiveling armchair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller.
Contractor base model.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage Swivel Desk Chair by Jansko
By Jansko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This high back desk chair features shapely vinyl swivel seat and sturdy metal base. Stylish Mid-Century Modern design adds retro appeal to home or business office. Fixed seat height ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
1979, Frederick Scott, Aluminium Ergonomic Supporto Office Chair for Hille
By Hille, Frederick Scott
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item 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 Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-)
Desk chair. The height as well as the seat back are adjustable. The chair has traces of wear like the chrome has become dull at places and the leather shows a bit age, but the chair is still a beautiful piece.
The max height is 111 cm and the seat height is 55 cm and the minimal height is respectively 103 cm and 47 cm.
The total width of the chair is 58 cm, but the width of the seat is 45 cm
Frederick Scott was one of the most highly respected office furniture designers to date, with a career spanning 40 years. The Supporto...
Category
1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Frank Mariani Leather Desk Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Mariani for PACE Furniture Collection Desk Chair, Tilt swivel with adjustable height on five star polished cast aluminum base.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Aluminum
High Back Shell Chair
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fully adjustable upholstered desk chair having a molded fiberglass body resting on an early four-pronged aluminum base with casters.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Cityscape Leather Desk Chair with Castors by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful cityscape chair in chrome and brass patchwork made by Paul Evans studio for Directional, circa 1974. The chair is supported by exposed leg...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass, Chrome
One Max Pearson For Knoll Black Leather Executive Chair
By Max Pearson
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 mid century modern executive chairs designed by Max Pearson and made by Knoll. Black leather upholstery on four-star bases with c...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Chrome Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, 1970s, chrome framed armchair features ebonized maple armrests and newly upholstered seat and back in a moss green, cotton linen blend.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Chrome and Tweed Desk Chair Upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon, c. 1970's
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-century modern desk chair or side chair with sleek cantilevered frame in polished chromed steel. Upholstered in woven tweed Rogers & Goffigon fabric in hues of steel blue and gre...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Walter Knoll Logos Neckleather Chair Bernd Münzebrock
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Bernd Münzebrock designed this office chair model Logos for Walter Knoll
The seat is made of strong thick brown neckleather, the quality as known fro...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Karl Springer "Regency Arm Chair" in Lacewood Veneer, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
"Regency armchair" in lacewood veneer with leather seat and back by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Robert Josten 1970s Metal Grid and Glass Desk with Wood Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unusual Robert Josten 1970s aluminum grid desk with glass top and wood chair.
Chair dimensions:
Height 36.5, width 14.5, depth 17.5, seat 19.75.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Desk Chair Attributed to Pierre Paulin
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern Desk Chair Attributed to Pierre Paulin.
Freshly recovered and ready for a new home. Height adjustable and adjustable tilt.
Seat height is 17.5” to 19.5”
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Set of Six CAB 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina in white Leather, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Brescia , Brescia
When first produced in 1977, the CAB was the first chair to feature a free-standing leather structure, inspired by how human skin fits over our skeleton. The leather upholstery is co...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Iron
Soft Pad Office Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for ICF, 1970s, Set of 6
Located in Lasne, BE
Set of 6 burgundy leather armchairs with aluminium base and wheels. They turn on themselves. Seat height 52cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1975 Knoll Executive Chrome and Tufted Brown Leather Office Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Basel, BS
ONE LEFT, sold individually--Original 4 leg base (Sought after!!) brown Leather and chrome Mid Century Vintage Knoll Pollock chair--RARE beauty-- from the era of the height of the cr...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, 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
Vintage Charles Pollock For Knoll Arm Executive Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous vintage original red orange Pollock desk chair / executive chair designed by Charles Pollack for Knoll. This is original orange red fabric in almost pristine original condit...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
1970's Wood & Formica Chair, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage single chair made of wood and formica. Wooden parts were carefully refurbished.
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Formica, Wood
1970s Swiss De Sede Ds 35 Executive Swivel Leather Office Chair Armchair Castors
By De Sede
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
De Sede has been creating premium quality leather furniture in Switzerland since the mid-1960s. This fabulous example of a De Sede DS 35 Executive office...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Plona Armchair by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli 1970S
Located in Lasne, BE
Plastic and metal folding armchair. Stamped. Wear on the plastic (see photo) and on the metal (see photo). Measure: Seat height: 43cm.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
1973 Knoll Executive Chrome and Tufted Velour Office Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Basel, BS
Two available, sold separately--Original 4 leg base (Sought after!!) brown and chrome Mid Century Vintage Knoll Pollock chair--RARE beauty-- from the era of the height of the creatio...
Category
1970s American Vintage 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
Tri Mark Dining Chairs, Set of Eight in Ultra Suede, USA, 1970s
By TriMark
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous set of 8 ultra suede Tri Mark dining chairs. made in the USA in the late 70s. All original.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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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