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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
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
Teak Lounge Chairs from Spain
Located in Pasadena, TX
Teak Lounge Chairs from Spain Unique mid century style design crafted in Spain. Teak and chrome on sides and base. See sofa also available.
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

One Red Executive Knoll Pollock Chair
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 Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Stanley Walnut Mid Century Dining Side Chair
Located in Countryside, IL
Stanley Walnut Mid Century Dining Side Chair This chair measures: 20 wide x 19 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 18 inches All pieces of furni...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Wegner "China Chair" for Fritz Hansen in Cherry and Leather
Located in Seattle, WA
At the Cabinetmakers' Guild's Autumn Exhibition in 1943, Wegner presented his first version of a chair inspired by an old Chinese chair, which he had...
Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Knoll Style Office Chair in Black and Ivory Tweed, c. 1970's
By Rogers & Goffigon, Florence Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern chair with minimalist industrial design. Fine example of utilitarian furniture, great as an office chair or as an easy chair. Satin black enameled metal frame is c...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Bronze Chair Model 'Pegasus' by Mark Brazier-Jones
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze chair with seat covered in goatskin by Mark Brazier-Jones. Signed and numbered 35/100. Circa 1994. Mark Brazier-Jones is an internationa...
Category

1990s British Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

(1) Lane High Back Cane Burl Dining Chairs 6 AVAILABLE
Located in Pasadena, TX
(1) High Back Dining Chairs by Lane Furniture 10 AVAILABLE Rare set of high-back chairs in oak featuring cane backs and velvet upholstery. Eight side and two armchairs.  
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set 6 Charles Hollis Jones Mid-Century Modern Lucite X Base Dining Chair
Located in Miami, FL
Superb set of 6 tubular lucite & brass dining chairs with a Gothic shaped high back rest, designed by Charles Hollis Jones in the 1970. Very detailed with brass tip to the backrest ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Lucite, Fabric

1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Desk Conference Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and associates barrel-back leather chair 4-star anodized bronze base swivel conference room chair in a rich brow...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pine Bench Les Arc by Charlotte Perriand, French Modernism, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pine Bench Les Arc by Charlotte Perriand, French Modernism, 1970s Pine bench designed by the French designer Charlotte Perriand in the 1970s. It is c...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

Lucite Vanity Stool, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid century curved lucite vanity stools with reupholstered zebra print velvet seat cushions in style by Charles Hollis Jones. The design of this modern lucite set vanity stools makes...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Italian mid century curved wood and legs Ant chair by Fritz Hansen, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid century modern curved solid wood and chromed legs Ant chair by Fritz Hansen, 1970s. Ant model chair with seat in curved solid wood and legs in chromed steel rod. Design b...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Signed Eames Herman Miller Shell Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 4 Eames Herman Miller Stacking Chairs CIRCA 2000 Black molded material with fabric seat pad White powder coated base Signed Herm...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

1970s Mid-Century Modern Red Lacquered Armchairs with White Boucle Cushions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back into the 1970s with our captivating pair of mid-century modern armchairs, expertly restored and hand-crafted from wood by our in-house team of specialists. Each chair boast...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Designer Lucite T-Back Side / Desk Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vintage designer lucite t-back side chair or desk chair. Very high quality well made forms. Uncertain to designer or origin. Possibly Italian. Style of Kagan
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Lucite

Panton Chair
Located in Highland, IN
The Panton chair is an important icon of modern design and has a fascinating history as Verner Panton experimented with a variety of materials to best realize the design. The most co...
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Paint, Foam

Desk Office Armchair Designed by Walter Knoll, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful brown leather armchair designed by Rudolf Bernd Glatzel for Walter Knoll, from the Art collection series. Structure made of heavy stainless steel, brushed frame and orig...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Wooden Armchairs, French Work Signed Clairitex, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of folding armchairs are made of vernished wwood. This is a French work signed Clairitex. Circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

French Design Pierre Chapo S45 Chairs, Set of Five, 1980s
Located in Renens, CH
Set of five S45 ‘Chlacc’ chairs by Pierre Chapo: “The S45 is one of the most sculptural creations in the Chapo catalogue, a design that bears not a passing resemblance to the icon...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Elm

Norman Cherner Mid Century Chair
Located in Countryside, IL
Norman Cherner mid century chair The chair measures: 17 wide x 20.5 deep x 32 high, with a seat height and chair clearance of 18 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Design Stools for IKEA, Swedish, 1970s
By IKEA
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ikea manufactured wooden stools. A great piece of Swedish Mid-Century Modern design. Perfect for a dining area or office space where the number of seats change from day to day. Can b...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Childs Chair by David Rowland for Thonet
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Presenting a truly rare and exceptional piece of design history - the Child's Softech Chair, designed by the renowned David Rowland for Thonet...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Black Leather Chairs by Cattelan Italia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of four black leather dining chairs by Cattelan Italia similar to leather chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Solid White Ash Wood Italian Folding Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful set of vintage solid white ash Italian folding chairs. Excellent vintage condition. Light weight. Excellent folding mechanism. W Kiki.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Alain Delon for Maison Jansen Armchairs Brass Chrome Copper Alcantara, 1972
Located in Paris, IDF
The white alcantara fabric and mix of metals with brass copper and chrome layers make up the decorative frame of this beautiful and rare pair of armchairs designed by Alain Delon and...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass, Copper, Chrome

Flow Lounge Chairs Tom Lloyd Luke Pearson Walter Knoll
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Pair of Mid-Century Modern Flow Lounge Chairs Attributed to Tom Lloyd & Luke Pearson for Walter Knoll ...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Eames Herman Miller Shell Chairs Multiple
Located in Pasadena, TX
Eames Herman Miller fiberglass stacking chairs 2000s 100 available Black molded material with fabric seat pad White powder coated base Mea...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Polystyrene

1970's Brown Velvet Tufted Chrome High Back Parsons Dining Chairs
Located in Chattanooga, TN
What's more 70's legit than tufted brown chevron velour? These aluminum leg parsons dining chairs check all the boxes and are back in vogue with a vengeance. Perched on chrome flat-bar bases...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair Nico Zographos Ireland Arm Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Rare pair of Ireland chairs by Nico Zographos. One Ireland chair designed by Nicos Zographos in 1962 and made by Zographos Designs Ltd. Upholstered in brown leather.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

1970's Lucite Balloon Back Chair with Grey Leather Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
1970's Lucite balloon back chair with gray leather upholstery. The chair is in good condition overall. The upholstery has subtle marks on top and acrylic frame shows minor crazing an...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Lucite

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 Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Giancarlo Piretti, Plia Chairs, 1970s
Located in Renens, CH
Plia foldable chairs produced by Castelli and designed by Giancarlo Piretti (also known for the Alky or Plona lounge chairs). These practical folding chairs are still in very goo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Wegner PP66 "Chinese Chairs" for PP Mobler in Oak and Papercord
Located in Seattle, WA
At the Cabinetmakers' Guild's Autumn Exhibition in 1943, Wegner presented his first version of a chair inspired by an old Chinese chair, which he had...
Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Shelby Williams MCM Swivel Bucket Chairs Red Vinyl Faux Leather & Chrome X Base
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome pair of Shelby Williams Mid-Century Modern swivel bucket chairs with chrome X base. Newly upholstered in bright red vinyl faux leather fabr...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti Anonima Castelli Style MCM Smoked Lucite Folding Chair Set 3
Located in Countryside, IL
Giancarlo Piretti Anonima Castelli style mid century smoked Lucite folding chairs - Set of 3 Each chair measures: 18.5 wide x 19.25 deep x 29.5 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inch...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 6 Wegner PP66 "Chinese Chairs" for PP Mobler in Oak and Papercord
Located in Seattle, WA
At the Cabinetmakers' Guild's Autumn Exhibition in 1943, Wegner presented his first version of a chair inspired by an old Chinese chair, which he had...
Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Stool Industrial Design in the Manner of Gio Ponti Italy 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Stool Industrial design in the manner of Gio Ponti Italy 1970s. A nice example of a mixture of aesthetics and functional demands. Although its destination can be seen as the workshop...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Teak and Cane Occasional Chair
Located in Countryside, IL
Mid Century Teak and Cane Occasional Chair The chair measures: 22.25 wide x 25.5 deep x 30.5 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17 in...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Teak

Jan de Jong High Chairs Bossche School 1970 Dom Hans van der Laan
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and very collectable examples of the "Bossche school" furniture by architect Jan de Jong . Together with Dom Hans van der Laan, de Jong who started ou...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Iron

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 Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Black Leather & Metal Chairs, French Work, in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Pair of black leather and metal chairs. Circa 1950.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid Century Vinyl Side Chairs After Tommi Parzinger
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of vibrant Green Vinyl side chairs after Tommi Parzinger. Iron frames in black paint with spindle lower backs and brass finials on the support...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Iron

1 Vintage Steelcase Coalesse Bindu Arm Chair by Brian Kane
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bindu chair designed by award-winning designer Brian Kane for Coalesse. A modern chair which combines comfort and performance with clean lines and Minimalist design. Upholstered in t...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Gunlocke Chair Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern armchairs boast a dark walnut frame with sculpted armrests and upholstered backrests. A wonderful design that ensures comfort without sacrificing...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Emiel Veranneman Osaka Chair De Coene Belgium 1968
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful 'Osaka' chair designed by Emiel Veranneman and manufactured by De Coene, Belgium 1968. The Osaka dining chair was designed by Emiel Veranneman and usd at the Belgian pavili...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pair of Midcentury Red Fabric and Black Plastic Italian Armchairs, Menphis 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of wonderful midcentury red fabric and black plastic armchairs. These amazing pieces were produced in Italy during the 1980s. These items are extremely elegant and wonderfull...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Six Stacking Chairs, Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Red Fiberglass, 1974.
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of six stackable dining room chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, manufactured in midcentury, 1974. The chairs are labe...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Sculptural Metal Side Chairs, 1980s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Set of two side chairs, 1980s. The chairs are constructed out of a black lacquered tubular steel frame and have a square perforated shaped seating, the curved blue connection line cr...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

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

Karl Springer Tulip Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Tulip armchair. The chair is gilt leather over wood. Signed underneath.
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Set of Six Mikado 1800 Chairs designed by Walter Leeman for Kusch+Co, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very practical - Stackable - Comfortable - Marked by label.
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Large Vintage Ceremonial Chairs
Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR
Pair of large vintage Italian ceremonial chairs in black lacquer with brass.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Parsons Dining Chairs with Arch Backs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome set of six matching dining chairs circa 1970's. Chairs are in very clean ready to use condition.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Set of 6 Brueton Brno Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 6 Brueton Industries Brno Tubular Chairs Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Stainless steel tubular frames. MFG label underneath. Seat...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Classic Vintage Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM chair.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

18 DSS Stacking Chairs, Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Orange Fiberglass
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of 18 stackable dining room chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or ear...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1974, Gijs Bakker for Castelijn, Set of Stackable Bended Wood Strip Chairs
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chairs are 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 B...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

22 DSS Stacking Chairs, Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Red Fiberglass, 1974
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of 22 stackable dining room chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, manufactured in midcentury, 1974. The chairs are labeled ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal

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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