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Mid-Century Modern Rocking 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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Vintage Italian Rattan 1960s Rocking Chair
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This beautiful rocking chair was produced in Italy during the 1960s. It is handmade from rattan and remains in very good vintage condition, few rush losses close to the base as showe...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Rush

Classic Rocking Chair in Ebonized Ash by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1960 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the Classic rocking chair was featured...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Ash

Mid-Century Vintage Primitive Rocker by Angel Pazmino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique vintage rocking chair by Ecuadorian designer Angel Pazmino features leather seat, and unique dowel construction. A stylish Primitive modern chair in any setting. Please c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Leather

Mid Century Modern Guido Faleschini Chrome & Brass Rocking Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern steel frame rocking chair by Guido Faleschini. Item features a heavy ovoid shaped steel frame with chrome/bronze finish, upholstered armrests, and ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel, Brass, Chrome

Stylish Pine Late 1930 Norwegian Rocking Chair
Located in Weesp, NL
Norwegian late 1930 pine rocking chair by Aksel of Norway. This rare piece is in great vintage condition. It will be shipped overseas in a custom made wooden crate in order to avoid...
Category

1930s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Pine

Iconic Midcentury Design Rocking Chair / Expo, 1958
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1950s, Czechoslovakia - maker: TON - paper label - good original condition - also suitable for new upholstery, professionally cleaned - wooden parts refreshed.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rocking Chair in Wood with Woolen Seat by Oswald Haerdtl, Thonet, Austria, 1955
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rocking chair in wood with woolen seat by Oswald Haerdtl, Thonet, Austria, 1955 It comes with a loose woolen cushion.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel

Danish Mid-Century Modern Illum Wikkelsø Rocking Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Black lacquered Illum Wikkelsø Gyngestol No.3 rocking chair manufactured by Niels Eilersen. Designed 1958. Spindle back with distinctive short, curved arms. This rocker is in great v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Beech

Rattan Rocking Chair by Rohe Noordwolde, a Pair Available
Located in Brussels, BE
Rattan rocking chair by Rohe Noordwolde, a pair available Price for one.
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Rare Mid Century modern Poul Hundevad Rocking Chair
Located in Weesp, NL
Poul Hundevad rare mid century modern rocking chair Extremely rare oak and canvas 1950s safari rocking chair by Poul Hundevad. A true beauty and a...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman Steel and Walnut Rocking Chair
Located in Oakland, CA
Rocking chair designed by California designer Gerald McCabe for Brown Saltman, circa 1960. The sling seat is upholstered in the original channel backed black vinyl, which slips onto ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel, Other

Michael Van Beuren Easy Rocking Chair, Pair for Domus
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of Michael van Beuren designed "Easy" rocking chairs feature a sinuous crescent-shaped form supported by an angular frame. Each wood slat is attached to the frame using decorati...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Brass

Early Ralph Rapson Rocker for Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Rocker designed by Minneapolis-based architect Ralph Rapson. Part of a line of chairs designed for Knoll and produced for a short time just after WWII. Rapson was a student at Cranbr...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Birch

20th Century White Patina Bentwood Rocking Chair Thonet Style
Located in Miami, FL
20th century white patina bentwood rocking chair Thonet style.
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Maison Jansen MCM Chrome Rocker, 1970, France
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous chrome and vinyl MCM rocker. Chrome is in good vintage shape, no rust or pits. Upholstery should be replaced as it has few small tears in the fabri...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair by Lee Woodard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sculpted metal frame rocking chair with tufted vinyl upholstery makes a stylish and comfortable addition to any seating area. The scrolled metal rockers...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Metal

Rocking Chairs by Charles Eames for Herman Miller with Alexander Girard Textile
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of rocking chairs designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Chairs have the original Alexander Girard upholstery - excellent original condition with the original zin...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Classic Rocking Chair in Ash by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1960 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the Classic rocking chair was featured...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Ash

Mid-Century Modern Danish Rocking Chair by Adrian Pearsall Blond Walnut Texture
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This gorgeous armchair has been polished to shellac and upholstered again with fabric from the 1950s Measure cm: H73\38, W 75, D 80.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Scandinavian Modern White Vintage Rocking Chair J 16 by Hans Wegner Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern Classic rocking chair J 16 by Hans Wegner designed 1944 and executed by Mobler F.D.B., Denmark, 1964 - marked. The lacquered ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Beech

Midcentury Garden Swing in Child White Worked Metal, 1950s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury garden swing in child white worked metal, 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Metal

Zenith Shell Rocking Chair RAR by Eames for Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
The iconic rocker: Zenith Shell Rocking Chair RAR designed by Charles and Ray Eames featuring the iconic organically shaped fiberglass shell resting ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Elegant Rocking Chair in the Thonet Style
Located in Miami, FL
In the style of the French designer Thonet .  Elegant design Rocking Chair Mid Century Modern .
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood

Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Rocking Chair for Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Spectacular Adrian Pearsall walnut rocking chair for Craft Associates. This fabulous sculptural rocker is in great restored condition. The high end woven turquoise upholstery and foa...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Danish Rocker by Holgar Georg Jensen, 1958
Located in Hanover, MA
Danish teak rocking chair designer by Holgar Georg Jensen* part of the Kubis collection for Tønder Møbelværk Denmark, 1958. Original upholstery ve...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Teak

Walter S. Chenery "Gemini" Rocking Chair for Lurashell, UK 1960
By Walter S. Chenery, Lurashell
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful "Gemini" rocking chair designed by Walter S. Chenery, manufactured by Lurashell in the United Kingdom around 1960. This very comfortable lounge chair has a wonderful o...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass, Wood

Pine Rocking Chair by Designer Craftsman Jeremy Broun
Located in Munich, DE
Signed high back rocking chair by woodworker Jeremy Broun.
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Pine

Model 66 Rocking Chair by M. Nissen for Pastoe
By M. Nissen I.S – Horsens 1, Nissen, Pastoe, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mid-century Dutch rocking chair designed by M. Nissen for Pastoe Furniture. Heavily inspired by Finn Juhl's iconic "Spade" chair, it features great midcentury lines with curv...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood

Franco Albini Style Wicker Bamboo Rocking Chair
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare Franco Albini style arm rattan rocking chair. This chair features a steam bent bamboo frame. This rare rocking chair was made in the late 1950s-1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Vintage Iron Rocking Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Metal frame rocker with leather arm straps and tufted cushioning. Great circular form with sturdy frame. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Beech Bentwood Rocking Chair from Ton, 1960s
Located in Żory, PL
Midcentury rocking chair produced by Ton (formerly Thonet) in the 1960s. Made of bent beechwood, upholstered with new fabric that is resistant to dirt and abrasion. Woodwork remains ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Thonet Style Chrome Frame Rocking Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sleek modern rocking chair features a tufted vinyl seat with stylish chrome frame. Mounted wooden rockers ensure a fluid rocking motion, while padde...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair by Paoli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century modern rocking chair with sculptural maple frame and geometric patterned upholstery. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Barry Michael Murphy Apple Picker Rocker Chair
By Barry Michael Murphy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable and lightweight rocker in ash and elm with v-back support and inlayed apple detail. Made in the 1980s by Barry Michael Murphy out of Windmill Hill in East Sussex, England...
Category

1980s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Ash, Elm

Awesome Salterini Style Mid-century Rocking Chair Patio
Located in Pemberton, NJ
OUTSTANDING MID-CENTURY MODERN SALLTERINI STYLE VINTAGE IRON ROCKER. THIS ROCKER IS IN VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION -JUST PAINTED AND LOOKS GREAT. THERE ARE NO BREAKS IN THE WEL...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Iron

1940s Rocking Chaise Lounge by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable rocking chaise with caned seat and back with bent ash frame and a cushion upholstered in grey savak with natural leather welting.  
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wool, Cane, Ash

Swedish Rocking Chair in Pine, 1940s
Located in Karlstad, SE
Swedish rocking chair in pine, 1940s a stunning rocking chair in the style of Axel Einar Hjorth with beautiful lines, low profile and circular seat. Condition: Excellent restored con...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Tubular Chrome Rocking Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage metal and vinyl rocking chair features a stylish chrome frame with unique circular rockers. Vintage vinyl covering is sculpted for er...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Angel Pazmino Leather and Wood Rocking Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage rocker by Angel Pazmino. Untouched . In original finish with tooled leather backrest and seat. Fully signed. In the style of Adrian Pearsall. C...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Purple Vintage Rocking Chair Roland Rainer Vienna circa 1958
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage rocking chair from lacquered beechwood in crazy purple color tone with a light brown oakwood seat. Designed by Roland Rainer circa 1958 and executed by Tho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Beech, Oak

Exciting Milo Baughman Style Chrome Oval Rocker Panton Fabric, Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Exciting Milo Baughman style chrome oval rocker. Psychedelic Panton inspired black and white vintage fabric covers the removable pad and looks amazing. The...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Gray Leather Armchair and Ottoman with Brushed Steel Arms
Located in Middleburg, VA
The Mid-Century Modern gray leather armchair and ottoman set with Brushed Steel Arms is a great example of mid-century modern design. The recent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Isabella rocking chair by Karl-Axel Adolfsson for Gemla Möbler, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Karl-Axel Adolfsson in the mid 1950s for Gemla Möbler, Sweden, Sweden’s oldest furniture manufacturer - founded in 1861 and still in busin...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Milo Baughman Style Chrome Rocking Chair, USA, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Cool Milo Baughman style chrome rocking chair covered in white vinyl. USA 1970s
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1930s Pair of Chestnut Chiavari Rocking Chairs with Springs, old America style
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Sturdy style old America 1930s chestnut Chiavari rocking chairs with springs, restored new upholster Measures cm: D 76, W 76, H 40/82.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Chestnut

1960s Architectural Design Art Rocking Chair after Fredrik Kayser
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Sculpted steel rocking chair in the manner of Fredrik Kayser teak model, circa 1960s Solid welded steel construction. Gorgeous graphic linen fabric seat and back cushions. One of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian Rocking Chair Model 572 By Cassina
Located in London, GB
An incredible and very rare rocking chair (has been attributed to Gio Ponti in the past and shows a strong and striking resemblance to his designs) in walnut, rubber and fabric for C...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel

1st Generation Eames RKR Rocker by Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
Charles and Ray Eames designed their fiberglass and wire chairs to be fitted with a wide variety of bases to offer a range of heights, uses, and aesthetics. One of the most desirable...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Steel

Plywood Child's Rocker by Albrecht Lange & Hans Mitzlaff
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Perfect plywood rocker by Albrecht Lange & Hans Mitzlaff with sinuous curves and great proportions.
Category

1960s Russian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Midcentury Rocking Chair
Located in Vienna, AT
Midcentury rocking chair still unrestored made by TON (former Thonet factory) delivery time 4-5 weeks
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Midcentury Rocking Chair in Beechwood
Located in Vienna, Austria
Rocking chair in beachwood made in Czechoslovakia in early 1950s. Simple design inspired from Shaker and Scandinavian design. With original patina.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair and Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lovely vintage modern wood frame chairs with sculpted arms, spindle backs and thick cushions. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).  
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Don Shoemaker Rosewood Swinger Chair Signed Senal, Mexico
Located in Chicago, IL
A great vintage example. Not a reproduction. Beautiful grain. Signed on cross stretcher. Are pictures available upon request.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood

Italian Rocking Chair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova
Located in Mexico City, MX
Wonderful "Sgarsul" rocking chair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova. Lacquered wood in black with orange leather. Gae Aulenti was a prolific...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mogens Kold All Orginal Rocker
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Wonderful and rare Mogens Kold rocker. All original finish, fabric and straps. Would recommend having new straps put on this great rocker. Its a tru...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Early Eames for Herman Miller Rocker
Located in Stockton, NJ
Early Eames for Herman Miller rocker with a rare coral colored fiberglass seat. Excellent vintage condition.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Rare Herman Miller Rocking Chairs by Peter Protzmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage pair of chrome frame rocking chairs features the stylish design of Peter Protzmann as presented by Herman Miller. Unique modern shape, iconic chrome design, and comforta...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Liceu De Arte Brazilian Jacaranda Wood Rocking Chair in Beige Leather, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Brazilian jacaranda wood rocking chair upholstered in beige leather by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Jacaranda, Leather

Mid-century Modern rocking chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern rocking 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 rocking chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern rocking 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 rocking chairs, popular names associated with this style include Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames, and Varjosen Puunjalostus. 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 rocking chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $48,400 while the average work can sell for $2,050.

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