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Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm Office Chair Model FK84, 1962
By Kill International, Jørgen Kastholm, Preben Fabricius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful office chair Model FK84 by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Kill International, 1962, early production with cantilevering back rest, in black leather on a three star ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1990 Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Executive Desk Chairs in Black Leather
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Vitra in 1979. These examples date to the year 1990. The chairs feature an aluminum base with a seat that...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
1980s Nicos Zographos Alpha Desk Chairs in Black Leather and Dark Bronze
By Nicos Zographos, Zographos Designs Ltd.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are CH6 Alpha Bucket Swivel Chairs, initially designed by Nicos Zographos in 1964. These examples date to the 1980s. Their design includes a dark bronze 4-star swivel base on c...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Industrial "Sit Wel" Office Desk Task Chair By Remington Rand
By Remington Rand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage industrial office task chair was manufactured as a stenographer's chair by the office supply and typewriter company Remington Rand. The chair model is called the "Sit We...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Soft Pad Desk Chair by Charles
Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in bruxelles, BE
Leather chair with aluminum base and wheels. Stamped Herman Miller under the seat. The chair turns on itself and reclines. Seat height: 52 cm. Wear due to time and age.
For shipping...
Category
Vintage 1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk...
Materials
Aluminum
Pr. Mid Century High Back Lounge Office Armchairs by Dellwood Furniture c 1970s
By George Nelson, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish Mid Century high back office, or lounge ,chairs - made in the USA by the Dellwood Furniture United Chair Division, circa 1970's. The chairs feature squared bright...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
"P128" Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1970 Italian Design Black Leather Office Chair
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Brescia, IT
"P128" Osvalo Borsani desk swivel chair
Tecno, 1970
Black leather and cast aluminum
Excellent condition.
Leather and Upholstery in excellent condiction.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
George Smith Buttoned Side Occasional Office Desk Chair Brown Leather
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning RRP £4,170 George Smith buttoned Gainsborough side chair in brown leather with mahogany frame
This is a very well made...
Category
20th Century English Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Black Kilta Chair by Olli Mannermaa
By Martela Oy, Olli Mannermaa
Located in Dronten, NL
This elegant Kilta chair was designed by Finland designer Olli Mannermaa for Martela.
The Kilta chair is a Finnish design Classic. Kilta’s timeless design and very comfortable seati...
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
1 Herman Miller Time Life Office Executive Leather Chair 4-Star Base
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller Time Life Executive Chair
Originally designed in 1960 for the lobby of the Time-Life building in New York.
Anodized aluminium 4- star base and frame
Original taupe l...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Charles
Ray Eames office chair mod. EA117 ICF production, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Parma, IT
Charles & Ray Eames office chair model EA101 produced by ICF in the 1970s. Die-cast aluminum frame, 5-star base with wheels, padded fabric seat, and lever for height adjustment.
Wit...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Charles
Ray Eames office chair mod. EA101 ICF production, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Parma, IT
Charles & Ray Eames office chair model EA101 produced by ICF in the 1970s. Die-cast aluminum frame, 5-star base with wheels, padded fabric seat, and lever for height adjustment.
Wit...
Category
Vintage 1970s Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Eames Herman Miller EA108 swivel desk chairs, USA 1970s. Two available
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hastings, GB
Eames Herman Miller EA108 swivel desk chairs, USA 1970s. Two available. Polished aluminium frames, original hopsack upholstery (which is a little tatty but totally useable). Fully st...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Eames Time Life Lobby Lounge Chair in Black Leather for Herman Miller, 1980s USA
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Eames Time Life Lobby Chair in black leather for Herman Miller. Black leather is in good condition with wear as shown. Extremely comfortable and worn in. Chair swivels. Heigh...
Category
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk C...
Materials
Aluminum
9 Black plastic
Aluminum 1970s MODUS stackable chairs by Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 9 Black Nylon/plastic and aluminum 1970s Stackable chairs by Tecno. This chair model was produced in different versions and colors.
These proposals for sale have the 4 legs t...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno "Modus" Office Chair, Italy 1970s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Naples, IT
Rare yellow Modus office chair with armrests and adjustable height, designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced for Tecno 1970.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Pair of Palladium Soft Pad Leather Executive Office Desk Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive pair of soft pad leather executive office chairs or desk chairs manufactured by Barrait Corp. Known as Palladium chairs they feature a thick rectangular back and rounded ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
1 of 9 Vintage
Modus
Office Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1970s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic example of Italian modernism in the office world, these Modus chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani come with a modular, detachable desk and armrest. In green plastic with black ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
10 Black plastic
Aluminum 1970s MODUS stackable chairs with desk by Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 10 Black Nylon/plastic and aluminum 1970s Stackable chairs by Tecno. This chair model was produced in different versions and colors.
These proposals for sale have the 4 legs ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair Eames Herman Miller Time Life Black Leather Office Chairs 1980s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
These vintage mid century modern black Model 3475 Eames Time Life Lobby Chairs designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller were produced in 1981. This classic office chair feat...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
1970s Steelcase Armchair refinished in Green Bay Packers colors
By Steelcase
Located in Alhambra, CA
1970s Steelcase Armchair. Refinished with retro green vinyl and powder coat yellow frame. Built to last! Perfect for all you Packers fans!
23” w x 28” d x 31” h
Seat height 20”
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
$637 Sale Price
25% Off
Post Modern Knoll Swivel Desk, Office, Chairs 11 Available
By Knoll, Don Chadwick
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Knoll swivel desk chair(s) from the 1970's, in rich brown formed foam upholstery, on five star base. The chair swivels a full 360, and the base is on double wheel coaster...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Olli Mannermaa Kilta Chairs Elephant Hide Grey Scandinavian Mid Century Modern
By Olli Mannermaa, Martela Oy
Located in Dronten, NL
This elegant Kilta chair was designed by Finland designer Olli Mannermaa for Martela.
The Kilta chair is a Finnish design Classic. Kilta’s timeless design and very comfortable seati...
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen Teak JH502 Swivel Chair in Black Leather
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model JH502 Swivel Office Chair, designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen. Sculptural teak back and arms feature fantastic wood grain and the designer's iconic finger joints. The ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Eero Saarinen Knoll Mid Century Modern Secretarial Desk Chair Eames
Fabric 50s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern vintage Eero Saarinen Secretarial Swivel Desk Chair, model 76 S produced by Knoll from 1953-1968. The minimalist office desk chair was designed in the 50s and popu...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Office Chair in Metal and Black Leather 1930s Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
This is a rare office chair featuring a metal frame and a seat and back upholstered in black leather, it was designed for the offices of the Palazzo Montecatini in Milan.
The design...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Milo Baughman Architectural Desk Chair in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Desk chair with sculptural polished chrome frame upholstered in black leather by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, American 1970's. This chair is beautifully crafted and very comforta...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
1958 Ray and Charles Eames, Fabric, Adjust, Tilt, Office Chair 4 Wheels No Arms
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
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
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC)
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC) in a scarce Purple Fabric
Upholstery is not tight against seat anymore. Loose in some areas. Some fading as shown. Fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
19th century black stained oak liner Ship
s Swivel Chair
Located in Linkebeek, BE
19th century black stained oak liner chairs
Nautical decoration - paquebot - Antique
Measures : 54cmx47cm H86cm HS:44cm
Materials : Wood - Leather - Cast iron
Wear consistent with a...
Category
Antique 19th Century Edwardian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Iron
Postmodern Black Leather Soft Pad Chair Charles
Ray Eames for ICF
By ICF Group
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy in the 70s and designed by Charles & Ray Eames for ICF.
This office chair features a metal frame and its original high-quality leather upholstery.
Its padding is origin...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
A Pair of Fine French Art Deco Walnut Armchairs by Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of fine French Art Deco upholstered walnut visitor / lounge armchairs by Leleu.
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Executive Desk Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fully upholstered and adjustable high back swiveling and rolling desk chair with a four point cast steel base.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Classic Modernist Rolling Desk Chair Wood Arms by Arthur Umanoff /Madison #263
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen vintage Mid-Century Modern Space Age black naugahyde desk armchair no. 2635 with wood arms and a five-prong cast aluminum base with casters by Arthur Umanoff for Madison...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Modern Arthur Elrod Adjustable Desk Chair in Black White Italian Fabric
By Arthur Elrod
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have been holding onto this chair purchased from its original Palm Springs estate designed by the late interior design legend Arthur Elrod. It was a custom made/design chair. We w...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
ICf Italian Post Modern Chairs Set of 8
By ICF Milano 1, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
ICF armless and swivel with return (spring back to front). Shiny chromed aluminum in wonderful shape with very comfortable mesh upholstery that is durable and easy to clean.
Mesh i...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
$999 / item
Pair of Antique Quality Leather and Mahogany Desk Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique quality leather and mahogany desk chairs having quality green leather backs and seats, mahogany and leather shaped open arms standing on square reeded legs to the fro...
Category
Early 20th Century English Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Other
Charles
Ray Eames EA117 Office Chair in Black Leather and Chrome, Vitra
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic office chair EA117 belonging to the famous Aluminum Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Exceptional comfort is guaranteed with the heig...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Armchair by Charles
Ray Eames for Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid steel bar frame and molded plastic arm chair with a removable fabric cover in a tan & black checkered Alexander Girard fabric.
Category
20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
High-Stance Office Chair in Chrome and Vinyl After Charles Pollock, USA, 1960
s
By Charles Pollock
Located in Deland, FL
Constructed of steel with chrome plating this HEAVY duty office chair is perfect for almost any workspace and any design pallet from Mid-Century Modern to Industrial and everything i...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Series Seven Office Chair Model 3117 In Black Leather By Arne Jacobsen From 1990
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The Series 7™ 3117 swivel chair is manufactured by the world-famous Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen. The chair is made of black leather and has an elegant design with legs in c...
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of Six CAB 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Black Leather, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A set of six Italian design icons in black saddle leather.
When first produced in 1977, the CAB was the first chair to feature a free-standing leather structure, inspired by how hum...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Iron
Danis modern black rubber and metal swivel office chairs by Fritz Hansen, 1980s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in MIlano, IT
Danis modern black rubber and metal swivel office chairs by Fritz Hansen, 1980s
Office chair with armrests and metal structure. The rounded seat and backrest are in black rubber with...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Desk Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swiveling and tilting generously proportioned desk chair with fitted black leather upholstery and a four-pronged brushed steel base on chrome-hooded casters.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Humpback Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant humpback arm chair with black leather upholstery and welting on an exposed rosewood frame.?
Category
20th Century Danish Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Italian Pair of Office - Dining Room Chairs
By Matteo Grassi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The chairs have chrome tubular steel frames with sturdy black leather seating attributed to Matteo Grassi .
Continental shipping in home delivery 15-30 days $300
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
$1,650 / set
1990s Bill Stumpf for Herman Miller Equa Office / Desk Chair in Leather
By Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Equa Desk Chair, originally designed by Bill Stumpf for Herman Miller. These particular examples date to the 1990s. The chairs have a full dark brown leather upholstered s...
Category
1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1950s Arne Hovmand-Olsen Solid Wood Armchair, Original Black Leather Upholstery
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in London, GB
1950s Arne Hovmand-Olsen variant of armchair model 408 with solid frame, seat, upholstered with original black leather, appears heavily patinated. Designed around 1956 and manufactur...
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
$10,939 Sale Price
50% Off
Eames EA108 Swivel Task Chair Licensed
Manufactured Made By ICF De Padova
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Charles and Ray Eames EA108 Hopsack Swivel Task Chair from The Aluminium Group
Manufactured Under License By ICF De Padova of Italy
Each chair has an attribution label, on the u...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Carved Mahogany Desk Chair
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Victorian carved mahogany desk chair having an outstanding quality carved mahogany back with carved acanthus leaves, bows and ribbons, shaped carved mahog...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Other
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair
By Emeco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair. Details: Adjustable height, sculpted aluminum base, black vinyl upholstery, rolling casters, original lab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
SET OF 4 JØRGEN KASTHOLM FOR KUSCH
Co. „8400“ OFFICE ARMCHAIRS LEATHER 1970s
By Jørgen Kastholm, Kusch+Co
Located in Reutlingen, DE
Set of 4 very massive and high quality „8400“ office chairs in black leather soft pad seat cushions and chromed tubular steel frame designed from Dutch designer Jørgen Kastholm for K...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Kevi office chair by Jorgen Rasmussen, 1960s
By Jørgen Rasmussen
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
KEVI office chair by Jorgen Rasmussen, 1960s.
KEVI office chair with double casters. The KEVI chair is a classic from the early 1960s. It was designed in 1958 by Architect Jorgen Ra...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Art Deco Industrial Swivel Tilt Armless Desk Chair by Harter Corporation 1930/40
By Harter Furniture Company
Located in New York, NY
Classic Industrial Tanker style swivel desk chair by the Harter Corporation, circa 1930 - 1940. The chair features a stylish propellor style base with streamline Art Deco chrome de...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Soft Pad Office Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, US, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Antwerp, BE
Charles and Ray Eames softpad office chair, produced by Herman Miller. This distinguished chair, crafted as the original USA edition for Herman Miller, features a sleek black leather...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Leather Office Chair by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A classic desk chair in black leather by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates with original 5 star chrome base and rolling casters. Measurements taken at the lowest height setting. M...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Knoll Aluminum
Black Leather Life Chair
By Knoll
Located in East Freetown, MA
Knoll Life fully adjustable office chair. Aluminum and black leather chair with casters and Knoll stamp.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
$639 Sale Price
20% Off
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Black Antique and Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of black antique and vintage office chairs and desk chairs available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, animal skin and leather, all black antique and vintage office chairs and desk chairs available were constructed with great care. Black antique and vintage office chairs and desk chairs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Black antique and vintage office chairs and desk chairs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Knoll each produced beautiful black antique and vintage office chairs and desk chairs that are worth considering.
How Much are Black Antique and Vintage Office Chairs and Desk Chairs?
Prices for black antique and vintage office chairs and desk chairs start at $1 and top out at $48,000 with the average selling for $1,991.
Finding the Right Office Chairs And Desk Chairs for You
An essential part of every office or home workstation, office chairs and desk chairs are critically important to your comfort and getting the job done.
Desk chairs have evolved over time. While writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson pined for a wider range of motion and introduced some improvements to his English-style Windsor chair, inventing the swivel chair along the way. So the next time you roll, recline or swivel at your vintage desk, remember: The third president of the United States had a lot to do with that functionality.
Changes in the availability of resources have also led to innovations in desk chair design. After World War II, for example, optimistic American designers made use of wartime materials in their efforts to create practical domestic goods.
Mid-century modernism is the name given to the broad postwar time period that prioritized thoughtful design. Journalist Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” cites “ergonomic wisdom” as part of the reason for the longevity of the era’s furnishings, and when it comes to sitting in a desk chair for hours at a time, what could be more important than ergonomic support?
As mid-century modernism was marked by resourcefulness and boundless creativity — and produced designers who, in most cases, prioritized comfort and support — it follows that all mid-century chairs are not the same. Nowhere is this perhaps more evident than at Herman Miller. The legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer got its start in the office, with design director George Nelson enlisting the likes of Charles and Ray Eames to produce desk chairs and lounge chairs that are still celebrated today. Elsewhere at the time, the numerous pieces Florence Knoll created for Knoll’s office furniture line were envisioned as design solutions for the changing needs of residential and office spaces.
If you’re working remotely and streamlined seating isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid of making a statement with your office chair. Introduce a touch of drama to your video calls by way of 19th-century desk accessories and the alluring forms we typically associate with antique desk chairs designed in the Empire and Regency styles. For a minimalist touch, a spare, utilitarian Industrial-style office chair can work in any space but will fit in particularly well amid the exposed brick and steel architecture that characterizes a loft apartment.
An inspiring home office cleverly mixes materials and styles to create a welcoming place of productivity and comfort, and if you’re gathering with colleagues at your company HQ, an array of wood, leather and metal office chairs can help integrate disparate textures in a conference room or any other collaborative space. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse collection of office and desk chairs today.
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