Mid Century Modern Office Chairs
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4 Chair, Italian, 1950
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Century to the mid-20th Century.
In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique
Category
Vintage 1920s Italian Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
$4,000 / item
Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll Polished Bronze Brno Flat Bar 255 Desk Chair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in North Miami, FL
The Flat Bar Brno chair model 255 is a remarkable example of modern design by the renowned
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Matching Set of Eight Tecno Modus Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Chanel
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Dronten, NL
Set of 8 swiveling, height adjustable Modus chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Milan
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Hans Wegner Cow Horn Chair, model JH 505, Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1950s-1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Hans Wegner cow horn (Kohornstol) chairs model JH 505, made by Johannes Hansen, Denmark. Teak and
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Teak, Cane
Vladimir Kagan Leather Ribbed Style Upholstery Heavy Stainless Base Desk Chair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rare Vladimir Kagan Leather Ribbed Style Upholstery Heavy Stainless Base Desk Chair MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Stainless Steel
Rare Early Charles and Ray Eames PACC Desk Chair for Herman Miller, USA, 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
Rare early PACC (Pivoting Arm Chair on Cast base with Castors), rendered in a molded one piece
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
$1,616 Sale Price
56% Off
Baker Far East Collection Vintage Chair Ebonized Wood in Style of Michael Taylor
By Baker Far East Collection
Located in Lomita, CA
. The chair was designed as part of a two-piece set with a desk. It has all of the graceful design style
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
$779 Sale Price
40% Off
Desk Chair by Gideon Kramer for Seattle Space Tower, US, 1962
By Gideon Kramer
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare desk chair by Gideon Kramer created 1962 for the worlds fair in Seattle.
Height is adjustable.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Rare Early 1960s Eames Chair No.680 1st Generation Herman Miller Hille EA101 MCM
By Hille, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in London, GB
collaboration with Herman Miller in the late 1950s/early 1960s, which will add a genuine Mid Century Modernist
Category
Vintage 1950s British 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
. Fantastic patina to metal and leather. The perfect vintage office chair. Offered with or without chrome ball
Category
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk C...
Materials
Aluminum
Rare Swivel Desk Chair Model 3217 by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 60s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare swivel desk chair model 3217 with Armrest designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Richard Sapper for Knoll Desk Task Executive or Conference Chair - Brown Leather
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer Richard Sapper for Knoll the desk chairs in rich dark brown Spinneybeck leather, fully
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Design Icon: Eames ES105 Lobby Chairs - Herman Miller for Vitra, set of 2
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Renens, CH
The Time Life Lobby or Executive Chairs were originally designed by the Eames couple for the Time
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Brown EA217 Softpad Desk Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1980s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Chairs, Model EA217, originally designed by
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Black Leather Soft Pad Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Icf, 1970s
By ICF Milano 1, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black leather armchair with aluminum base and wheels. Stamped ICF. It turns on itself. Seat height 51 cm. Wear due to time and age of the armchair.
For shipping, request us for rece...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set Of 4 Pierre Jeanneret ‘Committee’ Chairs, model No. PJ-SI-30-A
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
Set of 4 Pierre Jeanneret “office Chair” or “Committee Chair”, circa 1959-1960. Teak and faux
Category
Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Desk Chairs Model Vipera Designed by Luca Leonori for Pallucco, Italy 80s, Pair
By Pallucco
Located in Lucija, SI
Nice pair of desk chairs designed by Luca Leonori for Pallucco in the 80s
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen An Original 1970
s Cream Leather "Oxford" Chair
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
is a flexible yet comfortable task chair
it works as well in a home office or dining room as it
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
$4,397 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Set of 10 Chairs 60° in Leather, Bronze and Wood, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century.
In 1970, the brand
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Tall Executive Chair in Medium Blue
By Herman Miller
Located in Wilton, CT
Authentic Herman Miller Eames Tall Executive Aluminum Group Soft Pad Medium Blue Leather Chair
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Eames Management Chairs in Grey Fabric Upholstery c. 1980 - 1990s 4 Available
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Sharp set of 4 Eames aluminum group management chairs in gray fabric, with cast aluminum frames
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Marked Stella Oak Swivel
Height Adjustable Desk Chair Eames Era France 1950
By Stella
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Stella Oak Swivel & Height Adjustable Desk Chair Eames Era France 1950
Seat Height: 19.75
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Bert England for Stow Davis Swivel Desk Chairs c 1970
s pair available
By Bert England, Stow Davis
Located in New York, NY
High end swivel desk chairs designed by Bert England for Stow Davis, circa 1970's. The chairs
Category
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Charles
Ray Eames EA208 Dining or Conference Chair in Black leather, Vitra
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful dining or conference chair EA208 belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Rare Set of 24 Ward Bennett for Brickel Custom Executive Leather
Brass Chairs
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by American design legend Ward Bennett, these chairs were produced in the mid 1980s by
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Dark Blue High Back Bird Desk Chairs (5) by Fabricius and Kastholm FK 6725, 1964
By Jørgen Kastholm
Preben Fabricius
Located in Vienna, AT
Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm for Kill International, mid century. We have different versions of this chair in
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
9 Swivel Tilt Desk Dining Swivel Tilt Chairs by Ward Bennet for Brickel
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in New York, NY
Incredible desk, office, or even dining chairs, designed by Ward Bennett, for Brickel Associates
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Black Leather Soft Pad Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black leather armchair with aluminum base and wheels. Stamped Herman Miller. It turns on itself. Seat height 53 cm. Wear due to time and age of the armchair.
FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST U...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Fabricius and Kastholm White High Back Desk Chairs (2) Swivel Base FK 6725, 1964
By Jørgen Kastholm
Preben Fabricius, Kill International
Located in Vienna, AT
Fabricius and Kastholm 2x White High Back Bird Desk Chair Swivel Base FK 6725, 1964 (seat height 19
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Ray
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Full Option Rare Green Desk Chair, 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Amsterdam, Haarlem and IJmuiden for lamps, chairs, small items as tables and office desks, small not too
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
International would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
$4,995 Sale Price / item
23% Off
Fabricius and Kastholm Tarmac High Back Desk Chair Swivel Base FK 6725, 1964
By Jørgen Kastholm
Preben Fabricius, Kill International
Located in Vienna, AT
Fabricius and Kastholm tarmac High Back Bird Desk Chair Swivel Base FK 6725, 1964- Original
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Cityscape Leather Desk Chair with Castors by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful cityscape chair in chrome and brass patchwork made by Paul Evans studio for Directional
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass, Chrome
$4,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted Cantilevered Desk Chair in Spinneybeck Saddle L
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar tufted cantilevered desk chair in spinneybeck saddle leather
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Emerald Green
Big
by Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini, Pace Collection
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, or executive office. Perfect fit for Mid-Century Modern homes
Category
2010s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Chrome
$6,650 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Philippe Starck for Kartell Clear Lucite Eros Swivel Italian Chairs, Set of 3
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 transparent Lucite Eros swivel chairs designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell and made in
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Conference Chairs in Steel and Red Wool by Chrome Craft
By Chrome Craft
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super cool and equally comfortable pair of conference or desk chairs from Chrome Craft probably
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Scott Wilson for Coalesse SW_1 Swivel Conference Chairs, Set of 4
By Coalesse
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Modern beauty and elegant design of the SW_1 Conference swivel chair fits seamlessly into any
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
1950s Egon Eiermann Organic Industrial Bent Plywood Desk Chair SE40 Wilde+Spieth
By Egon Eiermann
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This chair has a rich patina to all surfaces. The worn chrome-plating on the base has revealed a
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Six Curved Beech Desk Chairs by Pagholz Flötotto with Armrests, Germany
By Pagholz Flötotto
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Germany by Pagholz Flötotto, 1960s.
They feature a chrome-plated metal frame and a curved multi-layered beech seating and backrest.
They might show slight traces of use sinc...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Fabricius and Kastholm Black High Back Bird Desk Chair Swivel Base FK 6725, 1964
By Jørgen Kastholm
Preben Fabricius, Kill International
Located in Vienna, AT
Fabricius and Kastholm Black High Back Bird Desk Chair Swivel Base FK 6725, 1964- Original
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
20th Century Vintage Gray Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1960s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage Blue Mini Swivel Armchair, 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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Sarr, Mid-Century Modern Style Wooden Chair, Dining Chair, Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
this chair provides maximum comfort.
Dining chair, office chair. Comfortable dining chair
Category
Early 2000s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Oak, Walnut
20th Century Vintage Light Gray Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel 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 sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage Grey Swivel Armchair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel 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 sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage Orange Ochra Velvet Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
moment they are unique. Very comfortable, perfect as a desk chair. Due to their dimensions, they
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Sarr, Mid-Century Modern Style Wooden Chair, Dining Chair, Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
this chair provides maximum comfort.
Dining chair, office chair. Comfortable dining chair
Category
Early 2000s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Oak, Walnut
20th Century Vintage Light Green Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel 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 sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage Grey Velvet Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel 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 sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
20th Century Vintage Black Leather Swivel Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel armchair from the 1960s, produced in the Silesian furniture factory in Swiebodzin - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Desk Chair Style: Art Deco, France, 1930
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Century to the mid-20th Century.
In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Desk Chair Style: Art Deco, France, 1920
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century.
In 1970, the brand
Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
20th Century Vintage Beige Green Swivel Armchair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Swivel 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 sma...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Solid Lucite Vanity Chair, 1940s
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century.
In 1970, the brand
Category
Vintage 1940s American Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Lucite
$12,000 / set
Transitional Andrew Gower for Jasper Group Portrait Management Swivel Desk Chair
By Jasper Seating Co., Andrew Gower
Located in Secaucus, NJ
modern,
Will bring a sense of history and elegance to any interior at home or office.
Please note I
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Regency Office Chairs and Desk Ch...
Materials
Steel
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Mid Century Modern Office Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of mid century modern office chairs available for sale. Frequently made of wood, metal and fabric, all mid century modern office chairs available were constructed with great care. Find 4760 antique and vintage mid century modern office chairs at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 41 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of mid century modern office chairs available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century modern office chairs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made mid century modern office chairs over the years, but those made by Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames and Knoll are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Mid Century Modern Office Chairs?
Prices for mid century modern office chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, mid century modern office chairs begin at $1 and can go as high as $147,176, while the average can fetch as much as $2,089.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
Questions About Mid Century Modern Office Chairs
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
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Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
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.
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