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Mid-Century Modern Swivel 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
Number in Set: Single Piece
Vintage Channeled Back Swivel Lounge Chair
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Channeled back Swivel lounge chair. America, circa 1970’s. Fully restored with a pale emerald designer velvet perched on an oak base in dar...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Mid-Century Italian Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Beautiful and comfortable Italian swivel armchair or desk chair, 1960's. The chair is reupholstered with new fabric and new foam, this is i...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Saarinen Style Mid-Century Wheeled Desk Chair
Located in Countryside, IL
Saarinen style mid-century wheeled desk chair. This chair measures: 25 wide x 23.25 deep x 33.25 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm he...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Black Tulip Chair
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern black tulip chair. Featuring original acrylic design with newly upholstered black fabric. Price includes complimentary schedule...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Acrylic

Dutch Mid-Century Swivel Tub Chair in Brown Leather and Fur Pad
Located in Chicago, IL
A dutch mid-century swivel tub chair in brown leather with fur pad. Fur pad is fixed to seat. Slightly smaller black chair also available. Conditio...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fur, Leather

Beige Bouclé Fabric and Brass Finishes Swivel Armchair
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Welcoming and round shaped swivel armchair in beige bouclé fabric with brass finishes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

George Nelson Low-Back Executive Tilt-Swivel Chair for Herman Miller
Located in Seattle, WA
George Nelson & Associate was one the driving force for the revolutionary of Office space furniture in the 50s and 60s. Between 1955 and 1964, the group came up with some of the most iconic design of the Mid-Century Modern era such as the CSS shelving...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde

off White Bouclé Fabric with Brass Finishes Swivel Armchair
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Off white bouclé fabric with brass finishes Swivel armchair.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

1 of 3 Charles & Ray Vitra Eames EA108 Hopsak Swivel Office Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 3 original fully stamped Charles & Ray Eames Hopsak chrome swivel armchairs RRP £2,200 each Super iconic, award winning, what more can you say, these are pretty much the most comfortable office chairs ever made, these are fully stamped with the model number to the base and the Eames label...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Edward Wormley Swivel Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Swivel Chair, laminated flat spindles, seat and crest rail with, X base with solid mahogany tapered legs. Newly upholstered button tufted seat with Spinneybeck leather...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Curved Back Swivel Chair by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The curved back swivel chair is a tuxedo style lounge chair with curved corners and a metal base. The chair features down-wrapped, removable s...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

1960's Pair of Robin Day Rotating Chairs
Located in Paris, FR
A super stylish pair of 20th-century vintage chairs in expertly restored condition by the notable English designer Robin Day in the 1970s. This model is designed with a single leg ...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Vladimir Kagan Swivel Cube Lounge Chair, 1969
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely comfortable and minimalistic lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan – New York Collection- for Directional is based on a ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Toshiyuki Kita 'Aki' Swivel Armchair for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Toshiyuki Kita in 2000. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The price given applies to the chair as seen in the first picture. Please ask for pricing in other materials/col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff Slat Style Bar Stools
Located in Wilmington, DE
Set of 4 mid-century Arthur Umanoff slat style bar stools Offered is a great set of 4 mid-century Arthur Umanoff slat style bar stools. They have the simple lines and design seen ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

1960s Mid Centry Burnt Orange Brown Leather Swivel Chair in style of Arne Norell
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautifully made 1960s leather swivel chair. A well crafted piece with heavy chrome base and high quality leather with hand stitching. Originally a dark reddish brown, the leather ...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Design Scandinavian Leather Armchair or Lounge Chair by PEEM, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Finland - Made of metal, leather - Maker: PEEM - Good, original condition - Cleaned.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Italian Vintage Office or Desk Swivel Chair
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage swivel chair not adjustable in height with star-shaped base. Ideal in the office to receive your clients! Original leather covering in good aesthetic condition, iron structur...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Vintage Blue Mini Swivel Armchair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1960s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - totally original and unique armchair. The armchair has undergone a thorough renovation: ...
Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

1970s Swivel Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A desk chair with the original channel-stitched upholstery, on an X-form caster base.    
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Curved Back Swivel Chair by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The curved back swivel chair is a tuxedo style lounge chair with curved corners and a metal base. The chair features down-wrapped, removable s...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Rock Swivel Lounge Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1970. Furniture that’s art. Arms gently slope out like a blossoming tulip. An overstuffed cushion runs down along the edge of the seat back...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Modern Swivel Chair in Lime Green Velvet
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our swivel chair is crafted out of solid hard maple with a firm back and a solid 8-way hand tied spring base. Covered in a lush lime green velvet, th...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Maple, Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Beech Desk Chair Jorgen Rasmussen 1950s Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage desk chair or office chair designed by Jorgen Rasmussen 1950s in Denmark and executed by Labofa. The chromed metal frame shows four wheels. The seat and th...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Model No EA 105, 1958, THE Original Charles and Ray Eames / Miller Swivel Chair
Located in Markington, GB
Stunning cast aluminium framed chair (Aluminium group, model No EA 105, 1958) Designed by Charles and Ray Eames. These are NOT a copy but an original from 1958 ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Leather Swivel Chair with Wooden Writing Board by Geoffrey Harcourt, 1970s
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Special version of the easy swivelchair, type F141, designed by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1970. Soft grey leather upholstery and aluminium 5-leg base on w...
Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Kroehler Swivel Slipper Chair, 1962
Located in Doylestown, PA
Fabulous vintage swivel slipper chair by Kroehler, 1962. A beautiful chair upholstered in a vibrant shade of tangerine orange faux leathe...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Button Back Swivel Chair in Holly Hunt Ecriture Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This refined and graphic Mid Century Modern swivel chair was realized in the United States circa 1960. It features a sculptural stylized shell form with button back detailing. The ch...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Restored Mid-Century Brass Swivel Chair in Violet Leather - Modern Elegance
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the world of mid-century luxury with our professionally restored Mid-Century Brass Swivel Chair, upholstered in an exquisite violet leather color. This chair, crafted by ex...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

1960s Miroslav Navratil Swivel Armchair in Sheepskin Fabric, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered with quality synthetic fabric imitating sheepskin - Swivel base in good/sturdy condition - Height of seat 37 cm.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Iron

Height-Adjustable Swivel Chair 1980s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good condition - Adjustable height 37-52 cm - Leatherette - Height-adjustable and folding backrests.
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Kroehler Swivel Slipper Chair, 1962
Located in Doylestown, PA
Fabulous vintage swivel slipper chair by Kroehler, 1962. A beautiful chair upholstered in a vibrant, creamy shade of white faux leather ...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Swivel Wilkhahn Lounge Chairs in Black Leather and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wilkhahn, lounge chairs, leather, metal, German, 1970s Cubic, low lounge chairs on a swivel base. This patinated German lounge chairs features a comfortable seating shell upholste...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Unique Carlo Perazzi Swiveling Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Have a seat in this ultra complementary but comfortable Carlo Perazzi leather chair. A unique modern design makes this piece stand out. This unique chair...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather

Arne Jacobsen Model 3117 Adjustable Desk Work Chairs, 1955, Early Matching Pair
Located in London, GB
Arne Jacobsen (designer) Fritz Hansen (manufacturer), Denmark Pair of Model 3117 desk chairs, designed 1955 Black lacquered veneered plywood, nickel-plated steel, swivel base on...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Prototype Danish Modern Swivel Lounge Chair by Hans Erik Johansson
By Hans Erik Johansson
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Hans Erik Johansson Manufacturer: Westberg Furniture, Tranås Era: 1950s Materials: Wool, Aluminum Measurements: Inquire for dimensions Condition: In ...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Scandinavian Style Leather Office Swivel Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1970s - Very good orig. Condition - Dark black leather, not very used - Price for piece.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather

Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Swivel Lounge Chair
Located in New York, NY
Nice early example of iconic Eames design Aluminum Group lounge chair in dark gray vinyl, circa 1950-1970. This example features the earlier version of the bases, please see images. ...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Low Slung Vintage Swivel Chair in New Fur
Located in Stamford, CT
Low Slung Vintage Swivel chair in New Fur on a Chrome Base. Seat height: 14.5 in. IgXA.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Kroehler Swivel Slipper Chair, 1962
Located in Doylestown, PA
Fabulous vintage swivel slipper chair by Kroehler, 1962. A beautiful chair upholstered in a vibrant shade of turquoise faux leather with ...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Curved Back Swivel Chair by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The curved back swivel chair is a tuxedo style lounge chair with curved corners and a metal base. The chair features down-wrapped, removable s...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 4 Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff Slat Style Bar Stools
Located in Wilmington, DE
Set of 4 mid-century Arthur Umanoff slat style bar stools Offered is a great set of 4 mid-century Arthur Umanoff slat style bar stools. They have the simple lines and design seen ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Ginormous Swivel Papasan Chair
Located in New York, NY
Ginormous swivel Papasan chair in concentric circle bamboo. Period 1970s version of this iconic form. Very good original condition, clean and read...
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Midcentury Black Vinyl and Micro Fiber Swivel Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This plush swivel chair is meant for your home office or entertainment room. With clean lines and sophisticated style, this chair is sure to be a co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Faux Leather

1970s Swivel Chair in Black Leatherette, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 4 items available - Good original condition with signs of wear including minor damages in leatherette upholstery.
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Violet Mid-Century Modern Bar Stool In The Style Of Arthur Umanoff
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Violet Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff style bar stool with wooden back support. Newly upholstered and powder-coated in a vibrant ultra violet paint. The seat height is 28 inches   
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Swivel Tilt Office Desk Chair by the Good Form General Fireproofing Company
Located in New York, NY
Architectural design, commercial quality swivel, tilt desk, office chair by Good Form, General Fireproofing. This example has a four leg aluminum base, with vinyl upholstered seat an...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Curved Back Swivel Chair by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The curved back swivel chair is a tuxedo style lounge chair with curved corners and a metal base. The chair features down-wrapped, removable s...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 4 Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff Slat Style Bar Stools
Located in Wilmington, DE
Set of 4 mid-century Arthur Umanoff slat style bar stools Offered is a great set of 4 mid-century Arthur Umanoff slat style bar stools. They have the simple lines and design seen ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Original Mid Century Red Leather and Chrome Swivel and Armchair Set by Pieff
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An exceptional original Pieff Gamma red leather suite. Originally purchased from Harrods in the 1970s this is a one owner set of the highest quality. The Pieff Gamma range was not produced in large numbers so complete sets like these are rare to find. As with all Pieff furniture, they were made to last with high quality chrome bases and the very best leather. This red suite is a statement piece and will make a stunning addition to a stylish interior. In excellent original condition, some age related wear to the leather but no rips of tears. the chrome is also in excellent condition with only a few minor blemishes as is to be expected from this 50yr old piece. The Swivel bases work perfectly with newly fitted bearings. The Pirelli rubber seats...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Swivel Chair by I. V. Chair Company Brooklyn NY
Located in New York, NY
Stylish and well-made swivel office, desk chair by I.V. chair company Brooklyn NY (109 Jewel St). Interesting example of Brooklyn modern after Fritz Hansen etc. This chair shows cosm...
Category

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

20th Century Vintage Dark Green Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Armchair from the 1970s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small apartm...
Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Giovanni Gariboldi Swivel Chair in Leather and Wood, Italy, 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Giovanni Gariboldi Swivel chair in leather and wood, Superb office chair.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Swivel Leather Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique Plycraft style leather armchair features bentwood shell design, plush vintage leather upholstery, and metal swivel base. Stylish...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Shaw Walker Co. Mid-Century Blue Faux Leather and Steel Rolling Office Chair
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century rolling adjustable office chair with blue vinyl upholstery, silver metal frame with four wheels, and wooden armrests. (Shaw Wal...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Walnut Base Swivel Club Chairs
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern swivel club chairs What a find. Offered is a pair of swivel chairs on walnut bases. The upholstery is in usable condition and it is structurally sound. The walnut base has some surface scratches and age wear. They are not signed. See our other listings for more midcentury and Danish modern furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Italian Swivel Lounge Chair in Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leatherette, wood, Italy, 1970s Large and comfortable winged lounge chair in yellow faux-leather upholstery. The rounded overall shape of the easy chair, with the wing...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Wood, Faux Leather

Mid-Century American Brown Tufted Leather Swivel Office / Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century American brown tufted leather swivel office / armchair with brass upholstery nails and a wooden five leg rolling swivel base.   
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern swivel 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 swivel chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern swivel chairs made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original swivel chairs, popular names associated with this style include Charles and Ray Eames, Milo Baughman, Herman Miller, 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 swivel chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $245 and tops out at $78,600 while the average work can sell for $3,403.

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