1950s Style Armchairs
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Ash, Rope
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood
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1950s Style Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are 1950s Style Armchairs?
Finding the Right Armchairs for You
Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between, and everyone has an antique or vintage armchair that they love.
Long before industrial mass production democratized seating, armchairs conveyed status and power.
In ancient Egypt, the commoners took stools, while in early Greece, ceremonial chairs of carved marble were designated for nobility. But the high-backed early thrones of yore, elevated and ornate, were merely grandiose iterations of today’s armchairs.
Modern-day armchairs, built with functionality and comfort in mind, are now central to tasks throughout your home. Formal dining armchairs support your guests at a table for a cheery feast, a good drafting chair with a deep seat is parked in front of an easel where you create art and, elsewhere, an ergonomic wonder of sorts positions you at the desk for your 9 to 5.
When placed under just the right lamp where you can lounge comfortably, both elbows resting on the padded supports on each side of you, an upholstered armchair — or a rattan armchair for your light-suffused sunroom — can be the sanctuary where you’ll read for hours.
If you’re in the mood for company, your velvet chesterfield armchair is a place to relax and be part of the conversation that swirls around you. Maybe the dialogue is about the beloved Papa Bear chair, a mid-century modern masterpiece from Danish carpenter and furniture maker Hans Wegner, and the wingback’s strong association with the concept of cozying up by the fireplace, which we can trace back to its origins in 1600s-era England, when the seat’s distinctive arm protrusions protected the sitter from the heat of the period’s large fireplaces.
If the fireside armchair chat involves spirited comparisons, your companions will likely probe the merits of antique and vintage armchairs such as Queen Anne armchairs, Victorian armchairs or even Louis XVI armchairs, as well as the pros and cons of restoration versus conservation.
Everyone seems to have a favorite armchair and most people will be all too willing to talk about their beloved design. Whether that’s the unique Favela chair by Brazilian sibling furniture designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, who repurposed everyday objects to provocative effect; or Marcel Breuer’s futuristic tubular metal Wassily lounge chair; the functionality-first LC series from Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret; or the Eames lounge chair of the mid-1950s created by Charles and Ray Eames, there is an iconic armchair for everyone and every purpose. Find yours on 1stDibs right now.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is 1950s furniture called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 20241950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024The clothing style in the 1920s that most people think of first is the flapper style. Women who dressed in this style sported loose-fitting, short dresses, often outfitted with drop waists and fringe. Small cloche hats and headbands were signature accessories of the flapper look. During the decade, pleated tennis skirts and cardigan sweater sets left the courts and became staples of some women's everyday styles. For men, soft collars replaced stiff, starched ones, and simple single and double-button suit jackets worn without waistcoats became trendy. Trousers also took on a new shape with wider-cut legs, and Oxford bags gained popularity. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of 1920s apparel and accessories.
- What is a 1940s style dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 20211950s-style dresses are often called poodle skirt dresses. The dress is generally a fit-and-flare shape with a wide swing skirt. Another popular type of dress is the form-fitting sheath, also known as a pencil dress.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What the ’80s design style is called varies, as multiple styles are associated with the decade. Some people refer to the designs of the period using the generic term postmodern. Pieces featuring bright colors, geometric shapes, strong patterns and abstract designs may be classified as Memphis style. Synthwave style drew inspiration from the new wave and punk music scenes, including technology-inspired motifs, such as grid lines and vibrant neon colors. Another 1980s design style is commonly referred to as ’80s Cute. Pioneered by designer Lisa Frank, it typically features whimsical imagery, such as rainbows, hearts and fast food. Find a large collection of 1980s furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Generally, 1960s-style furniture is called mid-century modern. 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. Some of the most notable furniture designers of the time include Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Hans J. Wegner. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024What the dress style was called in the 1960s varied, as there were several types of dresses that were fashionable during the decade. At the start of the 1960s, many women wore swing dresses featuring fitted bodices and full skirts. Collared, button-up belted dresses called shirtwaist dresses were also popular, as were loose-fitting, flowy shift dresses. By the late 1960s, new styles emerged, such as flared, flowing tent dresses, sleeveless jumpers usually styled over sweaters and blouses and drop-waist dresses, which had their waist seams at the hips rather than the natural waist. Find a variety of 1960s dresses and other vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Which clothing style was most popular in the discos in the 1970s is open to debate. Some of the trends of the discotheque scene included sleeveless, sequined tops paired with bell bottoms and knee-length halter dresses topped off with tall go-go boots. For men, jumpsuits and leisure suits were the favorite looks. Both men and women often wore shoes with chunky heels and thick platforms. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of 1970s vintage clothing and accessories.
- Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.
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