Ezio Longhi Mid-Century Modern Teak Bench for Elam, Italy, 1950s
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant mid-century modern teak bench designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, Italy, circa 1950s–60s. This refined piece exemplifies the clean lines and sophisticated proportions of Itali...
Teak
Midcentury Lella Chairs, Design by Ezio Longhi for Elam Milano, Italy 50s
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Lucija, SI
Rare "Lella" chairs produced in the 1950s by Elam of Milan designed Ezio Longhi. Side structures in wood joined by a metal structure painted in black.
Leather, Teak
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Armchairs ‘Mitzi’ by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Buccinasco, MI
An elegant pair of Mitzi armchairs designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in the 1950s, exemplifying the refined aesthetic of post-war Italian design.
Velvet, Wood
$1,369Sale Price|20% Off
Ezio Longhi Mitzi Armchair in Black Wood and Red Velvet for Elam Italy 1950s
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Designed by the Italian designer Ezio Longhi for Elam 1950s Literature: The Furniture Magazine, n.41, September 1958.
Velvet, Wood
$7,418
Armchair Ezio Longhi
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant armchair, with its fluid lines, was designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam. The frame is made of walnut and finished in a cream-colored lacquer.
Wool, Walnut
$10,957Sale Price / set|26% Off
Sofa and two armchairs by Ezio Longhi for Elam
By Gavina, Cassina, Ezio Longhi, Saporiti, Elam
Located in Lugo, IT
Divano e due poltrone di Ezio Longhi per Elam. Restauro completo. E stato utilizzato un tessuto da teatro, difficile da lavorare ma bello da vedere.
Fabric, Wood
1960s Ezio Longhi "Mitzi" Pair of Armchairs for Elam
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of "Mitzi" Italian armchairs designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, circa 1960. The gently curved lacquered wood frame supports a horizontally channeled cushion newly reupholstered i...
Fabric, Wood
Mitzi armchair by Ezio Longhi for Elam 1958 -Top Design-
Located in Foggia, FG
Poltrona Mitzi by Ezio Longhi per Elam 1958 -Top Design- Anno: 1958 circa Elam Materiali: Noce e Tessuto Verde Originale Condizioni: Molto Buone Misure: 63 x 83 x 83 cm H sed...
Walnut
Wood Bench by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful wooden bench designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in 1950. The bench has six solid walnut wood slats.
Wood
Ezio Longhi Ribbed-Back Lounge Chair for ELAM, Italy 1960s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Utrecht, NL
This lounge chair embodies the classical elegance of Italian mid-century furniture, and the artistry and craftsmanship of Ezio Longhi, who was the founder of the Elam (acronym for Ez...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 24.41 in D 29.53 in
Ezio Longhi Mid-Century Modern Italian Mitzi Armchair for Elam, 1950s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Designed by Italian designer Ezio Longhi for Elam in the 1950s. Bibliography: The Furniture Magazine, No. 41, September 1958.
Velvet, Beech
Ezio Longhi Pair of 'Mitzi' Walnut Lounge Chairs for Elam, circa 1958
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in New York, NY
By Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1958 Size: 32" back height x 15" seat height x 24 1/2" wide x 34" deep
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 33.47 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Italian Midcentury Velvet Armchairs by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stylish pair of Italian lounge chairs model ’MITZI’, well designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in the 1950s. The structures are in lacquered ebonized wood and the condition of the perio...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 32.29 in
Ezio Longhi Pair of Ribbed-Back Lounge Chairs for ELAM, Italy, 1960s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Utrecht, NL
This pair embodies the classical elegance of Italian mid-century furniture, and the artistry and craftsmanship of Ezio Longhi, who was the founder of the Elam (acronym for Ezio Longh...
Fabric, Wood
Mitzi Lounge Chairs by Ezio Longhi for Elam
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Munich, DE
Original fabric. Foam and belts professional redone.
Italian Lounge Chairs in Velvet by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950s, Set of 2
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stylish pair of bentwood armchairs ’Mitzi’, well designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in the 1950s. Their seats are upholstered in velvet ice grey color, in very good conditions of the ...
Velvet, Wood
Very Rare Mitzi Sofa by Ezio Longhi for Elam
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Munich, DE
original fabric. Foam and belts professional redone.
Wood
Ezio Longhi Bentwood Armchairs, circa 1960
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Culver City, CA
Ezio Longhi bentwood armchairs, circa 1960. Bentwood armchairs with original velvet upholstery, designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam.
Velvet, Bentwood
Pair of Ezio Longhi Bentwood Armchairs, Italy, circa 1960
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam. Newly upholstered in Maharam Alpaca velvet.
Alpaca, Bentwood
Ezio Longhi Pair of Espresso Stained Wood Frame Armchairs
By Ezio Longhi
Located in North Miami, FL
Bentwood armchairs with new upholstery, designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, feature antiqued solid brass bolts and buttons to sides.
Velvet, Walnut
1950s Italian "Mitzi" Two Seater Loveseat Sofa By Ezio Longhi
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An original 1950s "Mitzi" loveseat sofa by Italian designer Ezio Longhi for Elam. It features elegantly contoured arms and high, scrolling back.
Beech
Pair of Ezio Longhi Italian Lounge Chairs, 1955 by Elam
Located in Milano, IT
Exclusive pair of Ezio Longhi Italian lounge chairs, 1955 by Elam.
Ezio Longhi Armchairs
Located in Culver City, CA
Bentwood amchairs with original velvet upholstery, designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam.
Bentwood, Velvet
Sold
H 27.96 in W 72.84 in D 27.56 in
Piero Ranzani Ezio Longhi Elam Eros Daybed/Sofa Fabric Rosewood, Italy, 1957
By Piero Ranzani, Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Catania, IT
"Eros" sofa designed by Piero Ranzani and Ezio Longhi for Elam in Italy, 1957. This is a rare Daybed/Sofa, fully disassembled with a characteristic rosewood structure that supports...
Fabric, Rosewood
Vintage Mitzi Armchair by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1960s
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Roma, IT
Mitzi armchair is an original design work realized in the 1960s by the Italian Designer Ezio Longhi. Original wood and upholstered fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 25.2 in D 39.38 in
Ezio Longhi Mid-Century Modern Italian Rocking Chair for Elam, 1950s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare and original rocking chair mod. Mitzi design by Ezio Longhi for Elam from the 1950s. We have only restored the wooden part, it needs a new upholstery.
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 33.47 in W 32.68 in D 24.41 in
Ezio Longhi for Elam Armchair in Wood and Green Fabric, Italy, 1950
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Naples, IT
Italian armchair designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in the 1950s. Structure in ebonized curved wood and seat with green fabric upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Ezio Longhi Ribbed-Back Lounge Chairs for ELAM, Italy 1960s
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Utrecht, NL
This pair embodies the classical elegance of Italian mid-century furniture, and the artistry and craftsmanship of Ezio Longhi, who was the founder of the Elam (acronym for Ezio Longh...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Italian Teak Slat Bench Designed by Ezio Longhi
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mid-Century Italian slat bench made from dark stained, solid teak. Designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950's. This piece has been lightly refinished with some remaining wear...
Teak
Set of 'Mitzi' Arm Chairs by Ezio Longhi, Italy 1950s
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Hellouw, NL
These chairs, attributed to Ezio Longhi and likely produced by Elam, encapsulate the designer’s interest in fluidity and movement.
Fabric, Walnut
Ezio Longhi Bentwood Armchairs, circa 1960
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Culver City, CA
Bentwood armchairs, newly upholstered with Maharam fabric. Designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam.
Wool, Bentwood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 49.61 in D 33.47 in
Mid-Century Mod. "Mitzi" by E. Longhi for Elam Two Armchairs and Sofa 1958 Italy
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Palermo, IT
Very stylish set with two-seater sofa and pair of armchairs, with elegant curved wooden profiles and quilted padding in bands, upholstered in fabric with a light brown geometric patt...
Wood, Fabric
Sold
H 33.47 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in
Armchairs Midcentury by Ezio Loghi for Elam, Velvet and Wood, Italy
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful and rare set of vintage Italian armchairs designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam with an organic and elegant design, with wooden structure, still original cognac-colored velvet s...
Brass
Sold
H 33.86 in W 24.81 in D 34.65 in
Pair of Armchairs Ezio Longhi Velvet Stained Wood, Italy, 1950s-1960s
By Elam
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of armchairs, foam padding with velvet upholstery, ebony stained wood.
Velvet, Ebony
Mitzi Sofa by Ezio Longhi for Elam
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Savona, IT
Mitzi model sofa designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in 1958. Black varnished wood structure, padded seat and lined with original fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Mitzi Armchair by Ezio Longhi for Elam
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Savona, IT
Longhi for Elam in 1958. Black varnished wood structure, seat, padded and lined with original fabric. Literature: Rivista dell'arredamento 45 (September 1958), p. 41 Dimensions: W...
Fabric, Wood
Mitzi Velvet Armchair by Ezio Longhi for Elam
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Savona, IT
Mitzi armchair designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam in 1958. Wooden structure, padded seat and lined in new velvet fabric.
Velvet, Wood
Mitzi Armchairs by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1958, Set of Two
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in Savona, IT
This pair of Mitzi armchairs was designed by Ezio Longhi and was produced by Elam in 1958. They are made from wood with original padding and upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Italian 1950s Mitzi Bentwood Armchair Designed by Ezio Longhi
By Ezio Longhi, Elam
Located in London, GB
Mitzi bentwood armchair with brass detail designed, by Ezio Longhi for Elam. Upholstered in Osborne and Little Croisette Antibes fabric.
Ezio Longhi Italian Lounge Chairs Original Velvet Cover
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This listing is sold as is in its original vintage condition. Ezio Longhi Italian Lounge chairs for Elam, beautiful organic design with curved armrests and original upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 31.5 in
Ezio Longhi Lounge Chair, Italy 1960s, Reupholstered in Rubelli Silk
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Stylish Italian lounge chair designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, entirely restored, ebonized wood, reupholstered with a silk by Rubelli (Wong).
Silk
Pair of Mid-Century Dining Chairs, Italy 50s
Located in Lucija, SI
Pair of Italian dining chairs from the 50s era. In very good condition. The upholstery was recently renewed.
Metal
Mid-Century Bentwood Chairs in the Style of Norman Cherner
By Norman Cherner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of mid century chairs in the style of Norman Cherner feature a bentwood design, original vinyl upholstered seat backs, and black painted tapered legs which offer a modern a...
Bentwood
Pair of Italian Armchairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Munich, DE
velvet and dark wood in beautiful shape. very elegant curved wood.
Wood
Pair of Paolo Buffa Armchairs, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, London
Pair of Paolo Buffa Armchairs, Italy, 1950s A striking pair of 1950s Italian armchairs attributed to Paolo Buffa, showcasing his characteristic blend of architectural clarity and co...
Beech
$6,848 / set
H 39.77 in W 34.26 in D 37.41 in
Pair of armchairs in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A pair of comfortable bergère armchairs in fabric and wood, upholstered in velvet, in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italian manufacture, 1950s. The elegance of the bergère armch...
Fabric, Wood
$6,694 / set
H 32.29 in W 18.9 in D 17.72 in
Italian Midcentury Chairs Attributed to Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roma, IT
A midcentury Dining Chairs Set attributed by several Italian auction houses to Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. These Vintage chairs were made in Italy by "Forma" during the 1960s in...
Wool, Teak
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous ...
Upholstery
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of lounge chairs with elegantly curved armrests and brass sabots. The wooden walnut frames have been meticulously polished, and the seats newly upholstered in a high-quality whi...
Brass
$3,800 / set
H 31 in W 18 in D 16 in
Pr. Midcentury Dining Side Chairs Att. to Ico Parisi, circa 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Chic sophisticated design mid century side chairs, in newly reupholstered ecru leather with sculptural wood frames. Italian made, attributed to Ice Parisi, circa 1940- 1950's. Both c...
Leather, Wood
$1,198Sale Price|62% Off
H 40.16 in W 33.47 in D 35.44 in
Paolo Buffa Mid Century Armchair Red Velvet High Back, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Paolo Buffa mid century armchair red velvet high back 1950s.
Velvet
$6,277 / set
H 34.65 in W 23.63 in D 31.5 in
Pair of MCM Armchairs "Mitzi" by Ezio Longhi, cherry wood and plush, Italy 1960s
By Ezio Longhi
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of extraordinary Mid Century Modern Armchairs designed by Ezio Longhi. This model is called "Mitzi" and it features a unique armrest shape done i...
Fabric, Cherry
$5,478 / set
H 33.08 in W 25.6 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Mid-Century armchairs in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
This magnificent pair of 1950s armchairs embodies the elegance of midcentury Italian design, paying homage to the unmistakable and refined style of Paolo Buffa. The solid frame in fi...
Fabric, Wood
Pair Italian Modern Paolo Buffa Style Armchairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of vintage modern Italian armchairs make an elegant mid-century addition to home or business lounge or salon seating. The sculptural lacquered arms and seat back offer t...
$12,034 / set
H 30.91 in W 35.44 in D 29.93 in
Rare Gio Ponti Attributed Armchairs by Casa e Giardino, Italy, 1940s
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare pair of Gio Ponti attributed armchairs produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, 1940s. Structurally sound but reupholstery required. Priced and sold for the pair as are. For in-...
Fabric, Wood
$14,700 / set
H 31 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
'Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century 'Lady' Chairs by Marco Zanuso & Arflex
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century Modern "Lady" Chairs / Lounge Chairs / Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951 with original upholstery. The chairs are s...
Brass, Steel
$6,163 / set
H 32.68 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti Style Chairs, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
This pair of midcentury chairs features the unique design style of Gio Ponti. Two-tone upholstery and curved back and armrests make these a stylish selection for any room.
Plastic, Wood
$9,416 / item
H 16.54 in W 52.37 in D 17.72 in
Civil Bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Berlin, DE
Civil bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Available in teak, oak or black stained oak. Assembly, consists of three consecutive ...
Rattan, Wood, Oak, Teak
$2,838 / item
H 24 in W 24 in D 24 in
Modern Fabric Pendant Light by Studio Mirei, Nebula 60, from Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Nebula collection is drawn out of the interstellar clouds of dust and gas in space - regions where stars begin to form. Made of a woven natural fiber from the banana tree, which ...
Natural Fiber
$2,750 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass High Coffee Table in Amber by Yiannis Ghikas
By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
$3,227Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.45 in W 63.19 in D 27.96 in
GEORGE SMITH CHELSSEA CHESTERFiELD TUFTED BENCH SOFA IN VELOUR UPHOLSTERY
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England George Smith bench sofa with Chesterfield tufting Please note the deliver...
Upholstery
Pedestal Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant light bronze pedestal bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Pedestal bowl in light bronze alloy with chased decoration along the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Mod...
Bronze
LUrman Sconce LALB
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Inglewood, CA
Part of our Lumfardo Luminaires contemporary collection, the LUrman Sconce LALB is an adjustable reading sconce in a lightly aged lacquered brass finish. Single E12 based socket. Max...
Brass
Sold|$1,470
H 16.5 in W 31.25 in D 31.25 in
Mid Century Modern Olive Burl Square Coffee Parsons Table Made in Italy
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern olive burl square coffee table made in Italy. Good vintage condition - has label under table Gimbel Brothers nyc - made in Italy. Table is located in Wil...
Olive, Burl
$3,287Sale Price|33% Off
H 27.96 in W 24.41 in D 34.65 in
H-269 Halabala Armchair By Jindřich Halabala For Up Závody, Czechoslovakia, 1920
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Zohor, SK
Iconic armchair designed by Jindrich Halabala for UP Zavody, Czechoslovakia in 1920s. The chair is H-269 model. This model has a very dynamic and abundant appearance. Beautifully cur...
Velvet, Oak
Pair of Large Italian 1950s Gilt Brass Door Handles
Located in CA, CA
A large pair of Italian 1950s Brass and gilt door handles with futurist horizontal ribbing in the form of modernist wings.
Metal
$519Sale Price|53% Off
H 25.2 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Giltwood Baroque Ornament, Carved, Italy Circa 1650-1750
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful carved giltwood baroque ornament. Italy, 17/18th century. Weathered and small losses. Measurement includes the wooden base.
Wood
$2,716
H 29.53 in W 44.49 in D 19.3 in
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s Bench model Carimate in black lacquered wood with a glossy finish and a straw seat. The armrests and backrest ar...
Straw, Wood
Florence Knoll Walnut & Chrome Oval Dining Conference Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Florence Knoll Walnut & Chrome Oval Dining Conference Table. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Walnut top has been professionally refinished. This item is in ...
Steel
Frank Pollaro Custom Large Square Dining Table
By Pollaro
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Art Deco style custom dining table, hand made by Frank Pollaro, American, circa 2000. This custom dining creation, made of hand rubbed plum pudding mahogany, originally retail...
Mahogany
$2,890 / set
H 61.82 in W 47.25 in D 0.79 in
Pair of Solid Iron Headboard with Metal Fleurs. California King Size
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Solid Iron Headboard with Metal Fleurs. California King Size
Iron
Chaise Lounge by Preview, 1970
By Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Chaise Lounge Chair by Preview, 1970. Channel tufted original upholstery which as shown in pictures has some tears at the seams in the back. Measures 66" long, 31" wide, 27" tall 1...
Upholstery
$2,853
H 6.11 in W 17.72 in D 9.06 in
Model 128 Wall Shelf or Console by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Rar Modell 128 Wall Shelf by Designer and Cabinet Maker Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard in Teak.
Teak
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.