Mid-Century G-Plan Tulip Chair
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, England
Single mid-century Tulip chair by G-Plan. With teak veneered bent ply-wood sides and back with exaggerated chrome buttons. Original tan leatherette upholstery. U.K circa 1960.
Faux Leather, Teak
Armchair Wing Swivel Lounge G-Plan 6250R Brown Draylon 1962 James Bond Blofeld
By G-Plan
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
G Plan’s origins go back to 1898, when Ebenezer Gomme began handcrafting beautiful furniture in his workshop.
Oak
Ib Kofod Larsen for G-Plan Danish Design Range. Teak armchair with G plan stamp
Located in London, GB
Ib Kofod Larsen for G-Plan Danish Design Range. Teak armchair with gold G Plan stamp and faded Kofod signature underneath the seat . Some tears to sides of seat.
Teak
Rosewood K M Wilkins G-Plan G Plan Housemaster Armchair Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By G-Plan
Located in Wayne, NJ
English midcentury Housemaster swivel chair in Rosewood with fabric and chrome. Circa 1970, this design Classic was conceived by K M Wilkins for G Plan. Sold almost exclusively throu...
Rosewood
Unavailable
H 40.95 in W 37.01 in D 38.19 in
Vintage G Plan World’s Most Comfortable Chair Tilt and Swivel Armchair, 1962
By G Plan Furniture
Located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
"The Sixty Two" aptly was designed in 1962 by G Plan. It was originally marketed as "The World's Most Comfortable Chair". What makes this such an iconic design, is the recognizable w...
Velvet
Unavailable
H 39.77 in W 33.86 in D 34.65 in
G Plan Wingbacked Blofeld Swivel Chair Model 6250 Black Leather Eames Era
By Paul Conti, G Plan Furniture
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Dubbed “The most confirmable chair in the world”, the G Plan 6250 wingbacked swivel armchair in sumptuous black leather was the brain child of legendary designer Paul Conti in 1976 f...
Brass
Floral G-Plan Housemaster Chair
Located in Alton, GB
An absolutely stunning English mid-century Housemaster swivel chair in teak with original patterned fabric and chrome. Circa 1970, this design classic was conceived by K M Wilkins fo...
Fabric, Teak
Unavailable
H 32.68 in W 31.5 in D 37.41 in
Danish Design Brown Leather Swivel Armchair Retro G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Innovative design was a staple of the Scandinavian design school and nowhere was this more apparent than with the use of new and varied materials to create ever more daring and styli...
Leather
Pair of Ib Kofod Larsen 4513 Armchairs, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A pair of model 4513 teak wood armchairs by Danish designer Ib Kofod Larsen for British furniture manufacturer G Plan.
Leather, Teak
Unavailable
H 35.04 in W 27.96 in D 36.23 in
Leather Metropolitan Designer Armchair Easy Lounge Chair Retro Eames G Plan Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
The Mid-Century designers experimented widely with differing styles and shapes taking advantage of exciting new materials and techniques to create ever more challenging and exciting ...
Leather
Unavailable
H 33.86 in W 29.93 in D 33.86 in
Retro Danish Rosewood and Fabric Armchair Office Desk Chair G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
The Danish designers of the 1960s took everyday items and made them stylish, architectural, organic and highly sought after, utilising cutting edge technologies and materials of the ...
Fabric, Rosewood
Pair of G Plan Mikado Chairs with Stools
Located in Alton, GB
Extremely rare and fastly appreciating pair of G Plan Mikado Armchairs with matching foot stools. Mid-century, retro vintage style circa 1973 in L702 ‘Verona’ fabric. A future Classi...
Fabric, Hardwood
Unavailable
H 39.38 in W 37.41 in D 36.23 in
Mid-Century Rocking & Swivel Lounge Armchair 'Blofeld' 6250 by G-Plan, 1960s.
By G Plan Furniture, Paul Conti
Located in Dublin 8, IE
The iconic Model 6250 lounge chair, often nicknamed the “Blofeld chair” after its appearance in classic James Bond films, is a celebrated design by G-Plan from the late 1960s. This e...
Velvet, Walnut
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 25.99 in
Turquoise Leather Swivel Armchair Desk Chair Retro G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
If there is one thing the 1960s are synonymous for it’s style and colour, with designers experimenting with ever bolder colors and patterns to create stunning and unique pieces of fu...
Chrome
Unavailable
H 37.41 in W 34.26 in D 34.26 in
Danish Design Chrome and Fabric Recliner Armchairs Retro G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Innovative design was a staple of the Scandinavian design school and nowhere was this more apparent than with the use of new and varied materials to create ever more daring and styli...
Chrome
Unavailable
H 43.31 in W 22.45 in D 25.2 in
Pieff Eleganza Solid Mirror Chrome and Leather Armchair Retro G Plan Eames Era
By Pieff and Co., Tim Bates
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Founded in 1954 as Production Facilities Ltd (PFL), it was not until 1966 that Tm Bates, the younger of the Bates brothers started to design what was to become the company’s signatur...
Chrome
1950s Pair of Vintage G Plan Armchairs
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A superb and extremely rare 1950’s pair of vintage G Plan armchairs, which were made in England. The quality is outstanding, they are very stylish and comfortable. The frames have a...
Bouclé, Wood
1960's Pair of G Plan Tulip Armchairs
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very rare pair of rosewood armchairs by G Plan. They were designed as part of the ‘Tulip Group’ by KM Wilkins. They were made in England and date from the 1960’s. The ...
Wood, Bouclé
Pair of Mid Century G-Plan Siesta Armchairs, Circa 1950s
By G-Plan
Located in Surrey, GB
A pair of Mid Century G-plan Siesta armchairs reupholstered in white boucle fabric, circa 1950s. Dimension: W 66cm x D 90cm x H 84cm Seat height: 42cm.
Upholstery, Beech
1960's Pair of Leather & Teak G Plan Housemaster Armchairs
By G-Plan
Located in London, GB
A stunning and exceptionally comfortable pair of vintage cream leather and teak Housemaster armchairs by G Plan. These were designed by KM Wilkins, they were made in England and date...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 36.23 in W 20.48 in D 22.45 in
Two Armchairs, Rio Rosewood and Leather, Stamped G-Plan, 20th Century
By G-Plan
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
Two magnificent armchairs from the firm G-Plan (United Kingdom).
Leather, Rosewood
1950's Pair of Vintage Armchairs by G - Plan
By G Plan Furniture, Ebenezer Gomme
Located in London, GB
A stunning and rare pair of vintage armchairs, designed by E. Gomme for G- Plan. these date from the 1950’s. They are of amazing quality, the frames are extremely well built and t...
Fabric, Oak
G-Plan Swivel Chair Model.62 1970's
By G-Plan
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
G-PLAN is a brand developed by E.Gomme, a long-established British furniture manufacturer founded in 1898, incorporating Scandinavian design to create a simple, stylish aesthetic pre...
Fabric, Teak
A pair of 1950’s Hammock armchairs by E.Gomme
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, Lambeth
An early 1950’s G Plan 6006 Hammock lounge chair designed by E.Gomme .A early post war design with a curved seat and out turned armrests above angular black laquered legs showing off...
Velvet
1960's Vintage G Plan Swivel Armchair
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A great example of the famous G Plan model 62 swivel armchair. Marketed as ‘The most comfortable chair in the world’, it is hard to disagree! This really is exceptionally comfortable...
Faux Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.94 in W 29.53 in D 33.47 in
Pair of 1960s Ib Kofod Larsen G Plan "Danish Range" Afrormosia Lounge Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ebenezer Gomme, G-Plan
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
To meet the increasing demand for 1960s Scandinavian imported furniture, UK company, G-Plan hired Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen to create an entirely new and exclusive range for th...
Fabric, Teak
Retro Swivel Rocking Armchair by G-Plan Vintage, 1960s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic retro swivel chair, made by G-plan and dating from around the 1960s-1970s. This was originally marketed as 'the most comfortable chair in the world', and you can...
Rosewood
Pair of Vintage Leather G Plan Armchairs / Two Seat Sofa
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very rare pair of vintage leather G Plan armchairs / two seat sofa. They were made in England, they date from the 1950’s. The quality is superb, it has a versatile des...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Danish Teak Upholstered Sleigh Armchairs
By G Plan Furniture, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of stunning teak armchairs feature angled, cut-out, sleigh legs with seats and backs upholstered in beige wool blend pinstripe. The chairs are believed to be Danish in the style...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 32.68 in W 35.04 in D 35.04 in
Vintage G Plan Housemaster Swivel Lounger Armchair Teak Chrome Wool No1
By G-Plan
Located in Norwich, England
A superb iconic British statement chair - G-Plan “Housemaster” lounger armchair. circa 1970. Teak bent-ply design with oversized chrome plated brass T-back. The lounger's mechanis...
Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 36.23 in D 35.04 in
Pair G Plan Teak Tulip Lounge Armchairs with Bouclé Wool Upholstery
By G-Plan
Located in Norwich, England
A pair of G-Plan teak ‘Tulip’ lounger armchairs, designed by K.M. Wilkins, reupholstered in bouclé wool. circa 1970. These superbly comfy loungers are getting harder to source. Th...
Chrome
Sold
H 32.68 in W 35.04 in D 35.04 in
Vintage G Plan Housemaster Swivel Lounger Armchair Teak Chrome Wool No 2
By G-Plan
Located in Norwich, England
A superb iconic British statement chair - G-Plan “Housemaster” lounger armchair. circa 1970. One of two available. Teak bent-ply design with oversized chrome plated brass T-ba...
Chrome
Sold
H 37.01 in W 35.44 in D 36.62 in
One of a Kind Fully Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather G Plan Housemaster Armchair
By G Plan Furniture
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning one of a kind fully restored G Plan Housemaster swivel armchair Simply put this is the absolute finest example of this chair anywh...
Chrome
Sold
H 35.44 in W 36.23 in D 37.01 in
Midcentury G Plan Paul Conti 6250 'Blofeld' Swivel Tilt Lounge Armchair E.Gomme
By G Plan Furniture, Ebenezer Gomme
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
The G Plan 6250 chair with its distinctive wingback was marketed as ‘The most comfortable chair in the world’. This really is exceptionally comfortable with its tall tufted backrest,...
Naugahyde, Teak
Midcentury Low Saddleback Armchair by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
Armchair by G Plan Love the shape and textures of this fabulous, super comfy chair!
Teak
Mid Century Saddleback Armchair by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
Armchair by G Plan Love the shape and textures of this fabulous, super comfy chair!
Velvet, Teak
Mid Century Saddleback Armchair by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
Armchair by G Plan Love the shape and textures of this fabulous, super comfy chair!
Velvet, Teak
Mid Century G Plan Wingback Saddleback Armchair in Velvet
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
G Plan Wingback Saddleback Armchair Step into the world of unparalleled luxury and exclusivity with the Rare Chair Company's limited edition offering: a matching pair of GPlan Wingb...
Velvet, Rubber, Teak
Mid Century Armchair by G Plan in Velvet
By G-Plan
Located in Tarleton, GB
Saddleback Armchair by G Plan Love the shape and textures of this fabulous, super comfy chair!
Velvet, Teak
Limited Edition Mid-Century Saddle Back Armchair by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
G Plan Armchair Love the colour, fabric and textures on this chair.
Bouclé, Rubber, Teak
Limited Edition Mid-Century Saddle Back Armchair by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
G plan armchair. Love the colour, fabric and textures on this chair.
Cotton, Oak, Teak
Pair of Midcentury G-Plan Chrome Modular Armchairs Sofa Vintage
By G-Plan
Located in London, England
Pair of G-plan modular low armchairs with original beige/brown upholstery and chrome frame. The body looks like one long foam that folds and creates a seat, the foam stays in place w...
Chrome
Sold
H 37.01 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
G-Plan Wingback Armchair and Footstool in Blue Wool with Beech Legs, circa 1956
By G-Plan
Located in Derby, Derbyshire
A wonderful example of a mid-1950s British wingback chair, a model 406 manufactured by G-Plan circa 1956 produced until circa 1961 and a model 405 footstool, a rare opportunity to ge...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 40.95 in W 37.01 in D 38.19 in
1960s G Plan ‘Most Comfortable Chair in the World’ 6250 Swivel Wingback Armchair
By Paul Conti, G Plan Furniture
Located in London, England
1960s G Plan furniture iconic swivel chair and known as ‘The most comfortable chair in the world’ model No. 6250 designed by Paul Conti. A stunning and very cool design Classic. Rece...
Metal
G-Plan Model 404 Occasional Chair in Grey Wool, circa 1953
By V.B. Wilkins, G-Plan
Located in Derby, Derbyshire
A rarely available model 404 occasional chair designed by V B Wilkins for G-Plan, England c.1953 and in production until 1959. Fully restored with all new foam and upholstered in a l...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 29.93 in W 36.23 in D 36.23 in
Mid Century Tulip Lounge Armchair by K M Wilkins for GPlan in Orange Velvet
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Tarleton, GB
GPlan Tulip Armchair in Velvet Discover the truly exquisite mid-century Tulip lounge chair by the renowned furniture maker GPlan! This masterpiece has been thoughtfully restored and...
Chrome
G Plan Armchair 1960s Vintage Retro Button-Back Black Casters
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
A fantastic original G Plan button-back armchair, sitting on four casters, black leatherette material, offered in great vintage condition, look truly amazing.
Danish Dyrlund Teak and Fabric Armchair G Plan Eames Era
By Dyrlund
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Established in 1960, Dyrlund quickly established themselves as a leading Danish design firm with their stunning and functional designs taking into account new manufacturing technique...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 35.04 in W 31.5 in D 38.59 in
Limited Edition Mid Century Saddle Back Armchair by G Plan in Teal Velvet
By Ebenezer Gomme
Located in Tarleton, GB
G plan armchair Love the colour, fabric and textures on this chair.
Velvet, Rubber, Teak
Pair of G Plan Siesta Model 411 Chairs
Located in Alton, GB
A gorgeous and rarely sourced pair of Model 411 Siesta Chair designed by VB Wilkins & E-Gomme for G-Plan in 1956.? Designed to give uniform support from the nape of the neck to the b...
Velvet, Hardwood
G Plan Housemaster Chair & Footstool in Teak by K M Wilkins, circa 1970s
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
The Housemaster chair was designed by K.M.Wilkins who designed other upholstered furniture for G Plan such as the Saddle suite , but the Housemaster chair must be his most prominent ...
Teak
Sold
H 32 in W 33 in D 29 in
G Plan Housemaster Chair and Footstool in Teak by K M Wilkins, circa 1970s
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
The Housemaster chair was designed by K.M.Wilkins who designed other upholstered furniture for G Plan such as the Saddle suite, but the Housemaster chair must be his most prominent d...
Teak
Sold
H 32 in W 33 in D 29 in
G Plan Housemaster Chair and Footstool in Teak by K M Wilkins, circa 1970s
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Wilkins who designed other upholstered furniture for G Plan such as the Saddle suite, but the Housemaster chair must be his most prominent design.
Teak
Teal Leather Swivel Armchair Desk Chair Retro G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
If there is one thing the 1960s are synonymous for it’s style and color, with designers experimenting with ever bolder colors and patterns to create stunning and unique pieces of fur...
Sold
H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 25.99 in
Royal Blue Leather Swivel Armchair Desk Chair Retro G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
If there is one thing the 1960s are synonymous for it’s style and color, with designers experimenting with ever bolder colors and patterns to create stunning and unique pieces of fur...
Leather
Brown Leather Swivel Armchair Desk Chair Retro G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Office furniture can be dull and bland but this wonderful chair from the 1960s proves that it can also be bold and beautiful whilst still retain gin practicality and versatility in a...
$12,000 / set
H 32.68 in W 16.93 in D 43.31 in
Gio Ponti "807 Distex" Lounge Chair for Cassina, Camel and Brown Velvet, 1953
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti " 807 Distex" lounge chair for Cassina, camel and brown velvet, Italy, 1953 Designed in 1953 and presented at the X Triennale di Milano in 1954, the 807 “Distex” by Gio Po...
Velvet
$1,450 / set
H 40 in W 32.5 in D 24 in
Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Murphy Miller for Plycraft c 1950’s
By Murphy Miller Inc., Plycraft
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century lounge chair and ottoman designed by Murphy Miller for Plycraft, circa 1950’s. The swivel and tilt chair features bent plywood arms which are attached to the tuft...
Metal
$2,813
H 27.17 in W 29.53 in D 28.35 in
Original Artifort 975 Swivel Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt (80s Deep Brown Edition)
By Artifort, Geoffrey Harcourt
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
The Artifort Heritage & Harcourt’s Philosophy: When you invest in Artifort, you are acquiring a piece of world-renowned Dutch design history. Founded in 1890, the brand's name is de...
Leather
Swivel Lounge Chair Mid Century Modern Model 62 by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
Once described as 'the worlds most comfortable chair' this reupholstered piece in Italian velvet will surely bring out your inner Bond Villain. Appearing in original black the model ...
Velvet
Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chair Set, Red Upholstered, Mid-Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century tapered high back lounge armchair and matching wedge-form footstool, upholstered in a bright red textured fabric with button tufting on the headrest and back cus...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair in the Style of Probber, Baughman
By Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional mid century swivel lounge chair, having a fully upholstered bucket style seat and back, mounted on four spayed tapered pole legs. The frame features an exaggerated and dr...
Upholstery
Percival Lafer Brazilian Rosewood & Leather Lounge Chair, Circa 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern lounge chair by Percival Lafer, crafted in Brazil from richly figured Brazilian rosewood and upholstered in supple cognac-colored leather. The chair fe...
Leather, Rosewood
$4,800
H 24 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Milo Baughman style Midcentury Brown Velvet Tub Swivel Armchair in COM
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
A perfectly proportioned swivel armchair in the style of Milo Baughman. USA, circa 1970. Unsigned. Offered in COM (Clients Own Material); reupholstery labor cost included in price;...
Metal
Nicos Zographos Mid Century Desk Chair
By Nicos Zographos
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Nicos Zographos Mid Century Desk Chair This chair measures: 26.75 wide x 28 deep x 32.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 25.75 inches Good...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Swivel Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swivel chair. This shapely midcentury swivel chair has been recently upholstered in a beautiful steel blue mohair fabric. Comfortable and stunn...
Chrome
$4,800
H 38 in W 35.5 in D 32 in
Rare Danish Easy Lounge Chair in Mahogany Attributed to Otto Færge, 1940's
By Otto Færge 1
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Incredibly comfortable, exuberantly designed large lounge chair. The style is very much that of Otto Færge and true to his style and design proportions that perfectly captures the es...
Beech, Wool
Milo Baughman High Back Chair with Ottoman
By Milo Baughman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic high back lounge chair with matching ottoman. Designed by Milo Baughman for James Inc, High Point, NC. This chair is very comfortable and stylish at the same time. Beautifu...
Upholstery, Walnut
$14,463 / set
H 33.08 in W 33.86 in D 36.23 in
Lounge Chair Osvaldo Borsani, Armchair and Ottoman Canada Tecno
Located in PARIS, FR
Osvaldo Borsani, co-founder of Tecno and a defining figure of postwar Italian design, developed the Canada armchair and ottoman in 1965 as a mature counterpoint to his celebrated P40...
Leather, Wood
$3,593 / set
H 38.59 in W 29.14 in D 33.27 in
Siesta Lounge Chair attributed to Ingmar Relling for Westnofa with Ottoman
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Rødekro, DK
Designed by Norwegian designer Ingmar Relling in 1965 for Westnofa, the iconic Siesta lounge chair is a celebrated example of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design. Combining an ele...
Leather, Bentwood, Plywood
$4,995 / set
H 37.5 in W 32.5 in D 28 in
Mid 20th MCM Mr. Chair Lounge Chair & Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid Century Modern “The Mr. Chair” lounge chair & ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft comprised of walnut bentwood frames or shells, tan vinyl or faux leather, black pa...
Metal
Midcentury Swivel Lounge Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s Modern lounge chair with ottoman in bright green vinyl fabric. Swivel action with curved modern lines. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Fabric
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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.