Mid-Century Modern Seating
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- 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 legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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36,442
3,970
690
to
3,918
20,398
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41,102
37,967
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41,102
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4,170
1,540
1,439
1,229
1,100
973
944
809
735
716
640
519
475
361
234
44
76
36,322
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24,377
20,341
13,373
7,955
7,334
25,873
10,584
9,905
8,693
5,757
1,036
745
598
582
499
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970, four elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. A special project made possible this limited edition of "...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Gerd Lange Farmer Series Chairs and Table
By Gerd Lange
Located in Weesp, NL
Farmer series chairs and table designed by Gerd Lange for Bofinger in the 1965.
8 pieces of wood, 4 square rods, 2 fabric panels. All built str...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Woodard Oversized Table with 4 Rocker Spring Chairs
Located in Cumberland, RI
Woodard oversized table with 4 rocker spring chairs
Rare oval table offering 53" of dining space
Perfect Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Dining Set wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Danny Ho Fong stool in metal and wicker, USA - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Danny Ho Fong stool in metal and wicker, USA - 1960s. Original fair condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Locus Solus chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1964
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Locus Solus chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1964.
An early production in good condition, restored bouclé seat.
Chrome metal frame, cotton.
The chair has slight defects, ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Hand Carved Brutalist Stump Chair in Solid Pine, Wabi Sabi, Swedish, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Sculptural rustic stump chair made in solid pine. Hand carved by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1970s. Beautiful wood grains in this vintage piece, a truly authentic brutalist piece. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Pine
French Pastoral Chairs in Stained Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, stained wood, France, late 1940s.
Rustic dining chairs manufactured in France. Simple yet stylish, these chairs feature a modest frame with sleek, elegant elements. ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Beech
Butterfly Stool by Sori Yanagi
By Sori Yanagi
Located in Lille, Hauts-de-France
A butterfly stool, model "S-0521/M", by Sori Yanagi, in wood and patinated brass, manufactured by Tendo Mokko, Japan, with the old editor’s label, model designed in 1954.
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Brass
Frantisek Jirak Lollipop Dining Chair in Veneer for Tatra, circa 1960
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern dining chair produced by Tatra company in Czechoslovakia in 1960s. Designed by Frantisek Jirak, one of the leading designers of the era in the country. The model is also called a Lollipop chair...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Plywood
Pierre Paulin Black Leather Pumpkin Lounge Chairs for Ligne Roset, 2000s
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning, sleek and super comfy pair of "Pumpkin" lounge chairs designed by Pierre Paulin in original, supple black leather. Paulin originally came up with this design for the priv...
Category
Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, Pair of ''Lady'' Armchairs in Blue Cotton Velvet
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An exquisite pair of Lady lounge chairs, originally designed by the renowned Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy in 1951. These remarkable chairs have undergone meticulous reupholstering,...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Vico Magistretti Italian Ash Wood and Rush Barstools - Vintage 1960s Design
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
An Italian trio of barstools, conceived by the esteemed designer Vico Magistretti, radiates a minimalist and unassuming design. The supporting structure, crafted from ash wood, follo...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Straw, Ash
Stunning vintage DS-88 set in original black leather by Team De Sede for De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Wonderful, patinated & modular patchwork DS-88 sofa. Still 100% original and in a perfect black leather.
Designed by Team De Sede for De Sede Swiss.
A timeless masterpiece designed...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of Extraordinary Lounge Chairs in Ash and Off-White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, ash, fabric, Europe, 1970s.
Pair of two unconventional lounge chairs that feature an outstanding design. The seating contains multiple tube-shaped cushions attached ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Italian Mid-Century Design Medea Chair by Vittorio Nobili for Tagliabue Brothers
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Italian iconic mid century design single "Medea" chair. This fantastic chair is made of bent oak wood and black metal legs. Designed by Vittorio Nobili for the Tagliabue Brothers in 1955. First advertised in Domus issue 329 in April 1955, it has become an iconic and highly collectible piece of mid-century design. Perfect Conditions restored. This piece is attributed to the above-mentioned designer...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Knoll Pfister Black Leather Sofa, 1971
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll Pfister black leather sofa, 1971. Original leather.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Rocker Arm Chair
Located in Cumberland, RI
Available now for your enjoyment and ready to ship is a Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Rocker Arm Chair
This lovely Wrought Iron Rocker Cha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Livin Room Set Minimal Industrial Design of 1950 French Perforated Black Metal
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Livin room set Minimal industrial design of 1950 French perforated black metal scratched.
Measures: Width cm.69,
depth cm.53.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Iron
Eames Aluminium Group Chairs for Herman Miller 3 Available
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration are up to 5 Aluminium Group Management chairs in black mesh designed by Eames for Herman Miller. These are the most comfortable of all Eames aluminum Group cha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern High Back Rattan Chairs and Table, Italy 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern high back rattan chairs and table, Italy 1960s.
This lovely set of two original Italian mid-century high back rattan ch...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Rattan
Kurt Olsen Leather Chair
Located in London, GB
Classic Scandinavian mid-century elbow/desk or occasional chair by Kurt Olsen. Designed by Olsen for for Slagelse Møbelfabrik, Denmark. Smooth sculptural wooden frame that has its or...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Walnut
“Capella” sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, design 1960's
Located in PARIS, FR
The “Capella” sofa designed by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø is distinguished by its solid rosewood structure, high quality manufacturing and assembly, by its perfect proportions an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Palisander
Melchiorre Bega Italian Pair of Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Pair of armchairs design by Melchiorre Bega, Italy, 1950s. The chairs have a compact curved form and feature the original red upholstery fabric. The armchairs are freshly cleaned and...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Textile, Wood
Pierre Guariche Vintage SK660 Armchairs Chairs
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Pierre Guariche was born in 1926, son of a family of Parisian goldsmiths. He studied at the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs, where he was taught by René Gabriel. He graduated in the Spring of 1949. He became a member of the Union des artistes modernes (UAM). He joined the studio of another of his teachers, Marcel Gascoin. He began to exhibit his own work in the Salon des Arts Ménagers and the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs.[1] In the period after World War II (1939–1945) there was increased interest in using new methods and materials for mass production of furniture. Manufacturers of materials such as formica, plywood, aluminum, and steel sponsored the salons of the Société des artistes décorateurs. Designers who exhibited their experimental work at the salons in this period included Guariche, René-Jean Caillette, Joseph-André Motte, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Antoine Philippon and Jacqueline Lecoq
Beautiful pair of SK660...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair of Midcentury David Print White Armchairs, by Kedziorek, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The GFM armchair is an icon of the Polish design of the PRL period.
The famous armchair was designed in 1962 by the Polish interior designer and furniture designer Edmund Homa. Pr...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Textile, Beech
Pair of Giulia Veronesi Perla Armchairs in Green Loro Piana Velvet, Italy, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of 'Perla' armchairs was designed by Giulia Veronesi and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy in the early 1950s. Its sensual curves and the elegantly tapered legs give the chair a sculptural and modern feel. These striking armchairs have been fully reconditioned and newly upholstered in a sumptuous clover green Loro Piana velvet. The Perla model is one of the iconic chair designs of the Italian Modern era.
Literature reference:
Domus No. 274, October 1952, page 4.
Additional note: The designer of the Perla model has been credited as G. Veronesi in the ISA advertisement in Domus. Previously, Guglielmo Veronesi was assumed to be the full name. However recent research has indicated it was in fact Giulia Veronesi who designed the Perla chair...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech, Fabric, Upholstery
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 Seating
Materials
Metal
MCM 3 Walnut Cube Stools Black Upholstered Tops Jack Cartwright for Founders
Located in Topeka, KS
Amazing Mid-Century Modern trio of square walnut cube stools number 42102-01 with black faux leather upholstered tops by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture’s Patterns 7 line. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. One seat cushion has a repair to its underside, one stool has a scratch to one side, and another stool has a repair to one corner. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century.
Propriotor’s note: Although these stools are not marked with a maker’s name, they are stamped inside with the number 42102-01. My 30-year experience in the vintage furniture business lead me to believe they were Founder’s Furniture and with the help of a great FB Group I was able to find this number, without the -01, in one of their catalogs for Patterns 7 designed by Jack Cartwright. It is the number for a fabulous Founder’s Furniture cube side table which looks exactly like these stools apart from the padded removable seats and the measurements are the same. My feeling, as well as some of the experts, that these were a factory special order or undocumented offering using the existing side table as the base and adding the cushion. However, I cannot document that thought. They could have been something someone did themselves, but I do not think that as they are too factory-made in my opinion.
What a terriffic trio!!!! Triple your pleasure with this outstanding trio of square walnut cube stools designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Patterns 7 line!! They are FABUOLUS!! The tops are comprised of black faux leather and the back of the tops have silver snaps that snap on and off of the top of the cube, it’s nice for cleaning purposes. Also, you can see in the photos that the underneath of the tops is a bit different… one has full faux leather upholstery, and a small repair has been made. The other two have fabric backs. It’s the way we obtained them, and you can’t see that when the tops are snapped on. They are hollow in the center and would obviously make handy foot stools however, we are more inclined to see them used as extra seating. You could use all 3 together as a bench or fireside stools...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut
Early Pierre Chapo Pair of 'S45' Dining Chairs in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, pair of 'S45' or 'Chlacc' dining chairs, solid elm, France, 1979
These S45 chairs, also known as Chlacc, are one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Iconic Margherita Rattan Armchairs by Franco Albini for Bonacina
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Beautiful couple of Iconic Franco Albini armchairs model "Margherita" 1951, manufactured by Bonacina.
Margherita is considered the first "legless" armchair of Italian design. The p...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Rattan
Pair of Midcentury Leopard Velvet Vintage Stools, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful leopard high-quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. We can prepare this stools also in another option of fabric and wood. Please check the last pictures with color samples.
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
"Bastiano" Lounge Chair by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Bastiano" Lounge Chair by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina. Original Leather in Oxblood Brown.
Italy; c1960s
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Italian Pair of Dining Chairs in Stained Wood & Beige Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of dining chairs, beech, fabric, Italy, 1960s
Everything about this pair of chairs is elegantly round. The back-/armrest echoes the base in the same semicircular, open form. Th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Black Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Matteo Grassi black leather bar stools. Italy. c.1980s.
Very cool design features a patinated black saddle leather wrapped atop a steel frame with stitched detailing. A black enameled square metal support bar connects all four legs and can be used as a footrest. Great Italian bar stools.
Dimensions: 15.25" width x 15.25" depth x 37.5" high
Seat height: 28”
Price is for set of 4 bar stools.
Very good vintage condition with minor scuffs as expected.
We currently have these Matteo Grassi bar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Rare Midcentury Balance Variable Knee Chair, Peter Opsvik, Norway, 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type
Category
1980s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Giancarlo Piretti Alky Lounge Chair in White Bouclé Fabric for Anonima Castelli
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic Alky lounge chair designed by Giancarlo Piretti in the sixties for Anonima Castelli, Italy. The shape of the chair is construct with foam printed direct on a metal frame with ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Italian 1960s Chrome and Lucite Plia Folding Chair by G. Piretti for Castelli
Located in Vienna, AT
iconic Italian Mid-Century Modern folding chair in Lucite and chrome, designed by Giancarlo Piretti 1967 for Anonima Castelli, Italy. The Plia folding chair is a real design Classic ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Alvar Aalto, a Pair of Lounge Chairs, Model 'RB 511' for Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
A refined pair of lounge chairs, legs made in solid birch and fabric upholstered in a turquoise alcantara. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in Finland. Model "RB 511". This rare col...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Birch
Pair of 1940's Style Classic Club or Lounge Chairs in Grey Shearling
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful exuberant pair of new Danish modern lounge chairs of our own design. The design is inspired by the classic designs from the 1940s but with our own design variations and up-...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
Mid Century Style Triangle Stool in Nouvelles Vagues, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools inspired by 60s style. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. They are absolutely unique. We can prepare them also in another wood and boucle color. Designed in 2022 in Poland.
About the fabric:
The warp and weft of an idea
A velvet jacquard that pays a visual and tactile homage to the tiger’s coat...
Category
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Wood, Velvet
Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Seating Set of 6
Located in Cumberland, RI
Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Seating A Set of 6 Chairs
Perfect for any dining space to accommodate six people. Pairs excellent with the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Heart Chair in Nouvelles Vagues Green Velvet, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing Zebra fabric. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurmanowicz. They were produced in Radomsko Woodworking Factory and we thoroughly renovated them. The construction is made of beech wood dyed with water stain brown. The chairs are protected with acrylic varnish with a satin glow.
About the fabric:
The warp and weft of an idea
A velvet jacquard that pays a visual and tactile homage to the tiger’s coat...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Modern Iron and Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern iron and leather bench with a hammered iron modern tapered frame and box leather upholstered seat cushion.
Dimensions 30" W x 14" D x ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & White Leather Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this beautiful pair of Brazilian Modern armchairs are made of ebonized Pau Marfim hardwood & white leather in buttone style.
The structure is composed of curved arms & feet, and were designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1940’s. The wood joints are composed of delicate wood pins in Pau Marfim also, which were typically used by the artist at the time. Sold as set of two.
For the restoration process, both armchairs where dissembled to understand their condition and to restore them following Tenreiro’s technique. This is shown in the last 3 images. The set comes from a private residence in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.
This mid-century modern pair would look incredible in any modern, mid-century modern, boho chic or contemporary environment.
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) was among the leading furniture designers and visual artists in mid-20th century Brazil. Tenreiro was born in Melo, Gouveia Municipality, Portugal into a family of woodworkers and carpenters. In the late 1920s, he emigrated to Rio de Janeiro and began working for the firm of Laubisch & Hirth.
In the early 1940s, Tenreiro was among the first designers in the Brazilian furniture industry to adopt a European modernist vernacular. His initial efforts, including the 1942 "Poltrona Leve," met with considerable success, and in 1943 he established his own firm with factories in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. However, it was not until the 1950s that he began to be recognized as a master furniture designer in Brazil. His design philosophy found a great response with architects who supported modernism.
A forerunner in the use of rediscovered raw materials (like cane and jacaranda -Brazilian Roswood) as well as the creator of a new formal language in 20th-century Brazilian furniture design, he drew on the lessons of past furniture-making as a vital source, not only in the mastery of technical and constructive solutions but also in the aesthetic experience, craftsmanship, and the cultural meaning of his production. As a result, his exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics, firmly bound to the Brazilian cultural milieu.
Literature:
• Arquitetura e Decoracao, no. 12, Jul-Aug 1955
• Tenreiro book...
Category
1940s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage Cesca Mid Century Cantilever Chair, Marcel Breuer B32 Style Chair, Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
A beautiful vintage Marcel Breuer design B32 cantilever chairs.
Italian production of the late 1980s or early 1990s.
Curved frame, stackable with other models with the same frame.
W...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Willy Guhl Loop Chair, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic cement chair by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Brand new. Hand mage in Switzerland. One of the most iconic chairs ever designed. Priced as a single chair.
Category
2010s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Cement
Jens Risom Lounge Chair Model U430
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Jens Risom lounge chair U430 for Risom Inc. Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair designed by Jens Risom produced by Jens Risom Inc. Iconic walnut lounge chair model U430 by Jens Risom. So...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Set of 8 Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wood Shell Dining Chairs by Charles Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of molded plywood dining chairs designed by Charles Eames and produced by Herman Miller. These feature beautifully grained ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Vintage Leather Tulip Bar Stools by Pierre Paulin
Located in London, GB
A magnificent set of four vintage leather tulip bar stools by Pierre Paulin. They were originally designed in 1965, this set were made in the Netherlan...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
1930s Czech Wooden Upholstered Armchair by J. Halabala
Located in High Point, NC
This 1930s Czech armchair, designed by the renowned J. Halabala, is a masterpiece of vintage design that combines functionality with an artful aesthetic. The chair's elegant curves a...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Cassina Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, and Perriand LC2 Club Chair
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Originally designed to be exhibited in 1929 at the Salon d’Automne in Paris, the three-piece design collaboration relied mostly on Charlotte Perriand's genius. Dubbed a "basket of cushions," the LC2 club chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of Eight Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Peony Cotton, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with medium light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful Ian Mankin fabric (70% Cotton, 20% Viscose, 10% Linen).
This...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Beech
Two Seater Sofa 70s Habitat Chrome Velour Wicker
Located in Otley, GB
A fabulous two seater sofa from the 70s manufactured by Habitat. The retro Habitat sofa is a beautiful & interesting design. The frame & legs are curved p...
Category
1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Classic Leather Office Chair, Chateau Blue
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic leather office chair in Chateau blue. This stately chair has a smooth leather interior and exterior and is accented with nailhead trim accents. It rests on a 5 prong base. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Antique French farm bench in solid oak (1950s)
Located in LYON, FR
We offer you this fully restored and varnished farm bench. From the 50s, it has a pretty veining and will fit perfectly into many interior decorations.
Perfectly stable.
Dimensions...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Oak
Italian midcentury set of six chairs production 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Set of six wooden chairs with green leather seat of the period Italian production 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut
Set of Four Mid-Century Pink Cotton-Velvet Heart Chairs, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A set of 4 chairs type A5828. Colloquially called "heart". The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurmanowicz. They were produced in Radomsko Woodworking Factory and we thoro...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, FR
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11
Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest):
L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Materials
Wool, Foam
Mid-century Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Knoll, Herman Miller, and Charles and Ray Eames. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
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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.
May’s Most Popular Interiors on Instagram
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See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
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