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Mid-Century Modern Side 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
Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture Teak and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four mid-century Danish Modern dining chairs By Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture India, 1950s Sculpted teak frames, with caned seats and backs. Measures: 2...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Sculptural Italian Lounge Chair in Bent Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, teak, metal, fabric, Italy, circa 1960. This midcentury Italian easy chair is designed in the style of Franco Campo and...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Midcentury Chairs in Bouclé Upholstery with Lacquered Wood Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pair of midcentury wood frame chairs completely restored with taupe lacquer and an off white bouclé upholstery - the pair are ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Charles Eames Orange DKR Bikini Chair for Herman Miller, Set of Four
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of four original Charles Eames designed DKR chair with 2 orange and 2 white bikini pads on a black Eiffel base, made by Herman Miller. The wireframe has been restored with an all...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chiavari Brass Side Chair or Chair, 1950s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage Chiavari brass side chair or chair, which was designed, 1950s, Italy. The brass side chair is reupholstered and the seat is covered with light brown velvet...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960s Erik Buch Set of Eight Oak Dining Chairs, Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 8 dining chairs in oak with floating seat designed by Erik Buch for Odense Maskinsnedkeri. The chairs have a simple solid c...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak, Fabric

Eames for Evans Ebonized DCM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early ebonized DCM dining chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, made by Evans for Herman Miller. Molded plywood has great age, wearing its original patina handsomely. Original fi...
Category

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

Materials

Plywood

Set of Four Diner Chairs by Fristho
Located in Voorburg, NL
Very beautiful set of four Fristho chairs, all in original condition and brought in from the first owner. The chairs have a rosewood and stainless steel metal base with the original ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Fireside Chairs by Gio Ponti, circa 1939
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Pair of fireside chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, Italy circa 1939. Solid walnut structure and rush seating. High- ladder back in ...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Rush, Walnut

Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Side Chairs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful set of four side chairs designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar in a dark stained ash.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Midcentury Steel and Leather Office Chair by Cramer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Prototype, Mid-Century Modern, office, desk chair by Cramer features a stylized steel frame with newly upholstered, luggage leather seat and back. This prototype is institutional mid...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Danish Teak Roped Bentwood Dining Side Chair
Located in Countryside, IL
Mid century Danish teak roped bentwood dining side chair Chair measures: 17 wide x 16 deep x 30.5 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Naugahyde Chairs Attrib Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, side chairs atrributed to Jens Risom feature walnut frames with caramel brown Naugahyde upholstery.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Steen Eiler Rasmussen, Side Chair from Rungsted Skole, Metal, Oak, Denmark, 1954
Located in High Point, NC
A chair designed by important Danish architect Steen Eiler Rasmussen in partnership with product designer Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen. Designed for Rasmussens Rungsted Skole in 1954. Produc...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Finn Juhl for Baker Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Finn Juhl designed side chairs for Baker Furniture Co. Teak and faux leather.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Italian Wooden Chair with Leather Upholstery, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Wear consistent with age and use See leather, has slightly heavier signs of wear. See detailed pictures.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set 6 1970s Chrome and Suede Dining Chairs Milo Baughman Style
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic set of six 1970s chrome and suede dining chairs in the style of Milo Baughman. Stunning stylized side chairs, chairs have recently been restored, reupholstered, four with qua...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Chiavari Brass Compass Chairs, 4x
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of four 1950s Italian brass Chiavari chairs with circular medallion backs inset with six point nautical ships compass motif in the style of Gio Ponti and Tomaso Buzzi. Seat cush...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 4 Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin Cantilever Dining or Game Table Chairs
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of four Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin cantilevered armless dining chairs, model #1060 with chrome frames. These chairs were used around a Leo Rosen for...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Midcentury Art Deco Barrel Hall Chairs Side Chairs, France, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Mid Century Art Deco Barrel Chairs. France, Circa 1950. In excellent vintage condition commensurate of age.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

Paul McCobb Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb thin brass frame side chairs (3 available).
Category

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

Materials

Leather

White Metal Peace Back Vanity Chair by Kessler
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s white metal vanity chair by Kessler. Newly powder coated. Curvy front legs. Newly upholstered in Quadrille laminated fabric in blue/white. Sui...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Midcentury Dining Chairs with Tufted Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A handsome set of four midcentury dining chairs with sturdy chrome frames and a vintage brown tufted upholstery covering the seats and backrests. Please confirm the item's location w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Easy chairs by Elmar Berkovich, Netherlands, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern, Elmar Berkovich, lounge chair, 1950, the Netherlands. This is a super rare pair of chairs, original upholstery, teak frame with stunning details Elmar Berkovi...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Italian Mid-Century Wooden and Green Velvet Armchair with Sculptural Armrest
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This beautiful armchair was produced in Italy, circa 1950s. It is made from a sculptural wooden structure with a green velvet upholstery. Its Classic and elegant style resembles cont...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Paul Frankl Corset Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Paul Frankl for Johnson Company Corset side chairs with new upholstery. Iconic design also known as V back chairs. Wood is in original condition ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Two Occasional Chairs Attributed to Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exact match in dimensions, however different fabric on each chair. Both chairs show some cosmetic wear to fabric, usable as is or we also offer upholstery services. Measures: Seat h...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Six Silla Mexico by Diego Matthai
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of six Sillas Mexico "Mexican Chairs" designed by Diego Matthai (born 1942-) in 1971 and had a limited production. The design was inspired by a basi...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Verner Panton 1-2-3 System Chair Fritz Hansen Gold Mid-Century Modern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Verner Panton 1-2-3 System chair for Fritz Hansen in Gold. Item includes designer/ manufacturer stamp to base, vinyl upholstery, swivel base, very...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Modern Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Italian modern style armchair features sculpted hardwood frame with plush upholstered seat and back. Vintage covering, stylish tapered legs, and unique Mid-Century Moder...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Folding Beech Vintage Chair Style Gio Ponti, 1960s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage beech folding chair or lounge chair, which was made in 1960s in Italy. It consists of a solid brown stained and lacquered beechwood construction, while the...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Nylon, Beech

Black Asymmetric Surrealist Wood and Rush Side Chair, France, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Black asymmetric surrealist wood and rush side chair, France, 1960s.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

1952, Egon Eiermann for Wilde & Spieth, Wooden Folding 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 Beach, check last picture of this listing or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) This wooden folding chair...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Tonneau Guariche Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bent plywood chairs in original condition from the 1950s missing their original upholstery Located in Brooklyn.  
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plywood

White Bertoia Steel Wire Side Chair With "X" Base by Knoll, Set of 6
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 6 original 1950s white steel wire Bertoia side chairs with "X" base by Knoll. Hans and Florence Knoll never insisted that Harry Bertoia design furniture when they originally ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of 20th century mahogany side chairs with floral upholstered seats.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Midcentury Children Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of charming midcentury stools are meant for the youngsters in your life. Perfect for any playroom or bedroom. Featuring metal frames and vinyl seats. Please confirm the ite...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Anonima Castelli Bologna Red Leather Italian Midcentury Chair, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of refined chairs of Anonima Castelli, with a beautiful bright red color. Wooden structure, covered in red eco leather, original of the period. Four legs in oakwood lacquered. ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Set Hans Eichenberger Leather and Stainless Steel Lounge Chairs for Girsberger S
Located in Voorburg, NL
A pair of very comfortable lounge chairs with a heavy stainless steel base and tuffed leather cushions designed by Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Zanotta, Pair of Grey Leather and White Lacquered Metal Folding Chairs, Italian
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of folding chairs is made of white lacquered metal with a grey leather seat and back. These are comfortable and easy to store as they can be fold. These chairs are Italian,...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Wood and Fabric Armchairs by Nordiska, Argentina, circa 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and fabric armchairs by Nordiska. Argentina, circa 1950.
Category

1950s Argentine Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Midcentury Beechwood Armchair, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
A 20th century vintage Italian armchair designed with curved armrests and splayed and tapered front legs with stretchers. This design piece is fully restored with yellow velvet uphol...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

1948, Ray & Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Fiberglas Stacking Side Chair
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...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of Four Midcentury Games Chairs in the Style of Dorthy Draper/Billy Hanes
By Dorthy Draper
Located in Buchanan, MI
Set of four midcentury games chairs in the style of Dorthy Draper/Billy Hanes. Great Scale and color.
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Set of Four Neoclassical Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
located in NY
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Faux Leather

Pair of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Wood Leather Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of vintage Norman Cherner plycraft bent wood leather chairs Norman Cherner studied and taught at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Minimalist Iron and Maple Chair in the Manner of Paul McCobb
Located in Garnerville, NY
Contoured solid maple back and seat supported by a durable iron frame, circa 1950. Good condition.
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Iron

Set of 4 French 1950s Dining Chairs, Brown
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern French dining chairs, in original brown vinyl. Solid frames, classic modern style.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Classic Hans Wegner Side Chairs in Oak
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of signed Hans Wegner side or dining chairs by C.M.Madsens, Denmark ca' 1950s. Oak with newly recaned seats. Comfortable and sculptural these chairs look beautiful from any an...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

1950s Set of Four Model 675 Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of dining chairs with exposed walnut frames supporting floating laminated seats and sculptural back rests, both covered in vintage upholstery. Designed in 1953 as a component o...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Single Medea Chair by Italian Designer V.Nobili, 1955, Plywood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful and famous Medea chair designed by Vittorio Nobili, in 1955. The plywood shell is veneered in teak with a beautiful grain, and is formed out of a single piece of thermo-f...
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Red 'Oase' Lounge Chair by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1950's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The Oase lounge chair was designed by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958, and gained the Signe d'Or price in 1959. A beautiful piece of Dutch design! This chair is newly uphol...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set 6 Pop Modern "S" Dining Chairs Attributed to Verner Panton Model 275 S
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning set of six dining chairs, Classic 1960s pop modernist design. Attributed to Vernor Panton, Model 275-s. Amazing quality, heavy. Dark charcoal grey fabric wrapped over S-shap...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Steen Eiler Rasmussen, Side Chair from Rungsted Skole, Metal, Oak, Denmark, 1954
Located in High Point, NC
A chair designed by important Danish architect Steen Eiler Rasmussen in partnership with product designer Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen. Designed for Rasmussens Rungsted Skole in 1954. Produc...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Soro Stolefabrik, Mid-Century Modern Six Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Vinyl, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Six Mid-Century Modern Danish dining chairs by Soro Stolefabrik. Each branded SAX Made in Denmark. These finely constructed dining chairs ...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Pair of "Eva" Chairs by Sven Erik Fryklund for Haga Fors Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home iconic Scandinavian mid-century design with this charming pair of beech dining chairs designed by Swedish architect Sven Erik Fryklund (1921-2003) for his nation's Hagafor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Beech, Bentwood

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Dining Chairs by Eugene Schoen
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs were realized by the esteemed American designer Eugene Schoen circa 1940. They feature a rectangular legs; a gently con...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Gorgeous Dutch Wicker and Steel Chairs
Located in Voorburg, NL
Beautiful set of two Wicker chairs with a sophisticated steel base, produced in the Netherlands. The chairs feature beautifully designed rattan with linear detailing in the style of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern side 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 side 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 side 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 side chairs, popular names associated with this style include Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Knoll, and Lawson-Fenning. 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $149 and tops out at $133,498 while the average work can sell for $2,501.

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