ultra rare augusto bozzi kosmos sofa set
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Munich, DE
unique opportunity to own a complete and matching augusto bozzi kosmos sofa set. each part is rare for itself, but a matching set is impossible to find. the chairs are very rare, th...
Brass, Iron
Augusto Bozzi Pair of Kosmos Lounge Chairs for Saporiti, Italy, 1956
By Augusto Bozzi
Located in São Paulo, BR
Pair of Kosmos lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi in 1956 and produced by Saporiti in Italy, with an upholstered shell seat on a black painted metal frame with brass feet.
Metal, Brass
Kosmos Lounge Chairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, 1950
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, Italy, 1954. The chairs have a black lacquered metal base with solid brass feet with original upholstery. Ma...
Metal, Brass
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Lounge Chair in Ivory Chenille, Saporiti, Italy, 1950s
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare Kosmos lounge chair was designed by Augusto Bozzi and manufactured by Saporiti, Italy in the mid 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Lounge Chair in Teal Pierre Frey Bouclé, Saporiti, 1950s
By Augusto Bozzi, La Maison Pierre Frey, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare Kosmos lounge chair was designed by Augusto Bozzi and manufactured by Saporiti, Italy in the mid 1950s.
Metal, Brass
H 33.47 in W 32.29 in D 30.32 in
50s Augusto Bozzi ‘Kosmos’ Lounge Fauteuil for Saporiti
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
This ‘armless’ Kosmos armchair was designed in the 50s by Augusto Bozzi.
Metal
H 32.68 in W 34.65 in D 30.71 in
“Kosmos” Chair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy 1950
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wilnis, UT
An impressive easy chair by Augusto Bozzi, manufactured by Saporiti in Italy in 1954.
Metal
H 34.65 in W 33.08 in D 27.56 in
“Kosmos” Lounge Chair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy 1950
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wilnis, UT
A stunning easy chair by Augusto Bozzi, manufactured by Saporiti in Italy in 1954.
Metal
H 30.32 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
Pair of "Kosmos" Lounge Chairs by Augusto Bozzi
By Saporiti, Augusto Bozzi
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
A pair of lounge chairs : black laquered metal structure and brass feet. Designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, 1954 (labelled). Italy.
Brass, Metal
H 33.47 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Kosmos Lounge Chairs, Designed by Augusto Bozzi
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Pair of Kosmos lounge chairs, metal base, brass details and textile.
Metal, Brass
H 30.32 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
A pair of "Kosmos" lounge chairs by Augusto Bozzi
By Saporiti, Augusto Bozzi
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
A pair of lounge chairs : black lacquered metal structure and brass feet Designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italy, 1954
Brass, Metal
H 34.26 in W 33.47 in D 25.6 in
Black "Kosmos" Chair, Design by Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti, Italy, 1950s
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
"Kosmos" chair - Design by Augusto Bozzi, manufactured by Saporiti, Italy, 1954.
Metal
H 34.26 in W 33.86 in D 31.5 in
Augusto Bozzi "Kosmos" Chair for Saporiti in Blue Velvet, Italy 1954
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Utrecht, NL
It was designed by Augusto Bozzi for the Italian manufacturer Saporiti Italy in 1954.
Metal
H 33.47 in W 34.26 in L 33.47 in
Pair of Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Lounge Chairs for Saporiti, Italy, 1956
By Augusto Bozzi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of Kosmos lounge chairs was designed by Augusto Bozzi and manufactured by Saporiti, Italy in 1956.
Steel, Metal
H 33.47 in W 32.68 in D 31.5 in
Italian Midcentury Armchairs KOSMOS by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, 1954
By Saporiti, Augusto Bozzi
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Magnificent pair of original armchairs or lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi in 1954 and produced from Saporiti Italia, Northern Italy during the 1950s. With original label fro...
Metal
H 33.47 in W 32.68 in D 31.5 in
Italian Midcentury Kosmos Armchairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, 1954
By Saporiti, Augusto Bozzi
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Magnificent pair of original armchairs or lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi in 1954 and produced from Saporiti Italia, Northern Italy during the 1950s. With original label fro...
Metal
H 33.47 in W 32.68 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Augusto Bozzi Chairs Manufactured by Saporiti in Italy in 1950s
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
his rare pair of armchairs model "Kosmos" was designed by Augusto Bozzi and manufactured by Saporiti, Italy in 1954.
Brass, Steel
H 35.04 in W 34.26 in D 29.53 in
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Chairs for Saporiti Italia, 1954
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful and rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, Italy, 1954. The chairs have a black lacquered metal base with solid brass feet and are newl...
Metal, Brass
H 34.26 in W 33.47 in D 25.6 in
Italian Green "Kosmos Chair", Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, 1950s
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
"Kosmos" Chair designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti in Italy, 1954.
Brass, Steel
H 34.26 in W 33.47 in D 25.6 in
Kosmos Lounge Chairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy, 1956
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Wonderful pair of Kosmos lounge chairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy 1956.
Metal
H 34.26 in W 33.47 in D 25.6 in
Kosmos Lounge Chairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy, 1956
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Wonderful pair of Kosmos lounge chairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy 1956.
Metal
H 33.86 in W 32.68 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Kosmos Lounge Chairs by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, 1956
By Saporiti, Augusto Bozzi
Located in The Hague, NL
A pair of Kosmos lounge chairs, designed by Augusto Bozzi and manufactured by Saporiti, Italy in 1956.
Brass, Metal
H 34.26 in W 33.47 in D 25.6 in
Italian Brown Leather Kosmos Chair Design by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, 1954
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
"Kosmos Chair" designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti in Italy, 1954.
Brass, Steel
H 31.7 in W 33.86 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Kosmos Armchairs by Augusto Bozzi
By Augusto Bozzi
Located in Morbio Inferiore, CH
Stunning Kosmos armchairs by Augusto Bozzi for Fratelli Saporiti.
H 33.86 in W 30.32 in D 32.68 in
"Kosmos" Chair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy, 1954
By Augusto Bozzi
Located in Wilnis, UT
A stunning easy chair by Augusto Bozzi, manufactured by Saporiti in Italy in 1954.
Metal
H 32.68 in W 33.08 in D 29.53 in
“Kosmos” Chair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti, Italy 1950
By Augusto Bozzi, Saporiti
Located in Wilnis, UT
An impressive easy chair by Augusto Bozzi, manufactured by Saporiti in Italy in 1954.
Metal
H 32 in W 32 in D 26 in
Augusto Bozzi's Kosmos Chair for Saporiti Italy, 1954
Located in Portland, OR
This Rare Kosmos chair is all original. The frame work and rubber bumpers are in excellent condition. The blue black wool fabric is factory fresh. It is like the chair has been in...
Steel
H 33 in W 69 in D 27 in
Vintage Saporiti Italian Sofa, circa 1960
Located in Houston, TX
This particular vintage Italian sofa resembles a design named "Kosmos" by Augusto Bozzi in 1958. The Saporiti sofa stands upon four metal legs set at a rakish angle and retains the o...
H 31.89 in W 31.89 in D 25.99 in
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Lounge Chair
By Augusto Bozzi
Located in Hem, NL
Wonderful example of Augusto Bozzi Midcentury Italian design. This “Kosmos” chair was conceived in 1954 and produced for Fratelli Saporiti, Italy.
Metal, Brass
H 31.89 in W 33.86 in D 27.56 in
Original Kosmos Armchair by Augusto Bozzi
By Augusto Bozzi
Located in Morbio Inferiore, CH
Stunning Kosmos armchair by Augusto Bozzi for Fratelli Saporiti.
Brass, Metal
H 33.86 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Chairs for Saporiti Italia
By Augusto Bozzi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, Italy, 1954. The chairs have a black lacquered metal base with solid brass feet and are newly upholstered. M...
H 33.86 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Chairs for Saporiti Italia
By Augusto Bozzi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, Italy, 1954. The chairs have a black lacquered metal base with solid brass feet and are newly upholstered. M...
Steel
H 33.86 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Chairs whit Ottoman for Saporiti Italia
By Augusto Bozzi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare pair of lounge chairs whit ottoman designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, Italy, 1954. The chairs have a black lacquered metal base with solid brass feet and are newly u...
H 33.86 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Augusto Bozzi Kosmos Chairs Whit Ottoman for Saporiti Italia
By Augusto Bozzi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare pair of lounge chairs whit ottoman designed by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti Italia, Italy, 1954. The chairs have a black lacquered metal base with solid brass feet and are newly u...
Steel
H 30.32 in W 157.49 in D 38.19 in
Mid-Century Modern Pagru Modular Sofa by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P, Italy, 1960s
By Claudio Vagnoni
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pagru' Modular sofa by Claudio Vagnoni for 1P, Italy, 1960s.
Fabric
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Pair of lounge chairs designed by Bengt Ruda by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1950
By Bengt Ruda, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Hägersten, SE
Very rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Bengt Ruda. produced by Nordiska Kompaniet during the early 1950s. Dark grey lacquered four pod steel base and organic spring and foam sea...
Cut Steel
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 31.5 in
Vintage Sofa Set by Silvio Cavatorta - Italy 1950s
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Sofa Set realized by Silvio Cavatorta in the Mid-20th century. Top rare an impressive set of a sofa and a pair of armchairs realized in curved plywood veneered in rosewood...
Wood, Fabric, Rosewood
H 26.38 in W 68.9 in D 40.56 in
Mid-Century Soriana Seating Set by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Soriana Seating Set by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Cassina, 1970s
Fabric
H 28.25 in W 35.75 in D 33 in
Wide Vintage Italian Metal and Velvet Lounge Chair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti
By Fratelli Saporiti, Augusto Bozzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sleek Italian lounge chair in chenille velvet and metal by Augusto Bozzi for Fratelli Saporiti (ca. 1950) characterized by its wide, organic-form shell with winged arm rests and aper...
Metal, Brass
H 35.44 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Living Room Complete Set in the "Lady" Style by Marco Zanuso, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in taranto, IT
Original 1960s living room set, comprising a two-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs inspired on the style of "Lady" armchairs inspired by Marco Zanuso. Add a touch of sophisticated...
Fabric, Wood
H 32 in W 52.5 in D 22 in
ISA Bergamo, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Bronze, Camel Mohair, Sofa Set, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Stamford, CT
ISA Bergamo, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Bronze, Camel Mohair, Sofa Set, 1950s Modernist seating arrangement including a sofa and two lounge chairs designed and produced by ISA Berg...
Brass
H 34.65 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Large Lounge Chair in New Teddy Upholstery, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Large Lounge Chair in New Teddy Upholstery, Italy, 1950s A striking example of mid-century Italian design, this generously proportioned lounge chair blends sculpt...
Upholstery, Beech
H 29 in W 26 in D 28 in
'Sphere' Chairs by Boris Tabacoff for Mobilier Modulaire Moderne, France, 1960s
By Boris Tabacoff, Mobilier Modulair Moderne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible condition on this pair of Boris Tabacoff 'Sphere' lucite lounge chairs, France, circa late 1960s. Designed for Mobilier Modulaire Moderne, these sculptural easy chairs rep...
Fabric, Lucite
H 33.5 in W 23 in D 30.5 in
American Modernist Iron Frame Lounge Chair and Ottoman in White Boucle 1950s
By Dan Johnson
Located in Troy, MI
Rare Z frame lounge chair and ottoman in the style of Dan Johnson USA circa 1950s Wrought iron single arm design with an angular profile and sloped seat Matching ottoman in mirrore...
Iron
H 25.99 in W 33.47 in D 35.44 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Armchairs, 1960s – Space Age Style An elegant pair of vintage lounge armchairs dating from the 1960s, distinguished by their rounded shapes...
Metal
H 31.11 in W 27.56 in D 27.17 in
Clara Porset Rare Lounge Chairs, 1950's
By Clara Porset
Located in Uccle, BE
Clara Porset (1895-1981) - Xavier Guerrero (1896-1974) Pair of armchairs Rope and lacquered metal Model created circa 1950 Measures: H: 79 x W 70 x D 69 cm This chair model is part ...
Metal
H 37.41 in W 37.01 in D 35.04 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chair in Off-White Fabric & Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of club chairs, fabric, beech, Italy, 1950s Classic pair of lounge chairs being a wonderful example of Italian design from the 1950s. The chairs are bold and curvy, yet very el...
Fabric, Beech
H 33 in W 28 in D 30 in
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair by Arflex, 1954
By Erberto Carboni, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
The 'Delfino' lounge chair was designed by Erberto Carboni and produced by Arflex in 1954. The distinctive design comprises a structure with two tubular seat and backrest elements c...
Chrome
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Hauner & Eisler, 1950's
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, GB
Elegant and sculptural, this striking pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs is executed in the style of Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. Each chair features a black enameled metal ...
Brass
H 31.5 in W 33.47 in D 61.03 in
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Rattan Lounge Chairs Brazil 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs in rattan by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, made by Forma Móveis in Brazil in 1955. The chairs are in fully original condition and have never been ...
Metal
H 28.7 in Dm 50.4 in
Pierre Chapo 'T21 Sfax' Handcrafted Solid Elm Wood Table for Chapo Création
By Pierre Chapo, Chapo Creation
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Chapo 'T21 Sfax' Handcrafted Solid Elm Wood Table for Chapo Création Originally designed in 1973, the goal for the T 21 Sfax table was to combine the perfect angle of inclina...
Hardwood, Oak
H 26.4 in W 36.2 in D 36.2 in
Mario Bellini Azure Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features six modules with backrest. High quality Italian azure linen velvet upholstery. ...
Linen, Velvet, Foam
H 3.94 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Tronador Square Blue Onyx Box by AIREDELSUR, Hand-Carved Design
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Stone, Onyx
H 31.5 in Dm 27.56 in
Rigadin Chandelier 5 Arms encased Ivory Murano Glass Edgar by Multiforme
By Multiforme
Located in Venezia, Veneto
Edgar chandelier, 5 lights, Ivory encased rigadin Murano glass by Multiforme Edgar Murano glass chandelier is one of those chandeliers in our collections that stands out thanks to it...
Blown Glass
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Charlotte Perriand “LC7” Chairs for Cassina, Brown Leather, 1927, Set of 4
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier “LC7” dining chairs for Cassina, brown leather and metal, Italy, 1927, Set of four An icon with a versatile and functional soul...
Leather
H 17.25 in W 16 in
The Dugout, Post Cover
By Norman Rockwell
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Signed by Artist Lower Left The present work was published on the cover of the September 4th, 1948 edition of The Saturday Evening Post. An accompanying “Keeping Posted” article abo...
Oil, Gouache
H 33.25 in W 21.25 in D 12.25 in
Pair of Brass Table Lamps by Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous rare pair of 1970’s Curtis Jere brass and burlap table lamps with beautiful patinated brass front and rear panels. In great condition with minor wear consistent with age. ...
Brass
H 76 in W 59.5 in D 19 in
Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the sought after Irwin Collection series for Calvin, circa 1950’s. This example features ble...
Brass
H 18.12 in W 14.57 in D 14.97 in
Vintage French Turned Column Side Table, Reminiscent of Charles Dudouyt
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Hitchin, England
A French pedestal table with a turned column screw stem & square top & base, reminiscent of Charles Dudouyt designs. The table form most probably dates from the early 20th C...
Wood
H 31.5 in W 26.78 in D 31.5 in
Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček Re-upholstered Bentwood Armchairs, Czechia 1940
By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Almelo, NL
Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček re-upholstered bentwood Armchairs, Czechia 1940 We offer re-upholstered Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček bentwood armchairs, originally designed in ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
H 15.75 in Dm 43.31 in
Contemporary Art Deco Mint green and Red powder coated Carousel 5 arms pendant
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Carousel suspension lamp has a delicate balance of form and function that produces a quiet, modern light ambiance for all to savour, with its Contemporary Art Deco lines. The struct...
Metal
H 3 in W 19.9 in D 4.1 in
Charlotte Perriand 'Applique Cylindrique Longue' Wall Lamp in Light Blue
By Nemo Lighting 1, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charlotte Perriand 'Applique Cylindrique Longue' wall lamp in light blue. Perriand's iconic 'Applique Cylindrique' features a unique pivoting shade that combines form with function,...
Metal, Aluminum
H 44.5 in W 67 in D 20 in
Restored T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb 12-Drawer Dresser Blue/Mahogany
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Foskett & John Stewart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by American design legend T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, this dresser was made by Widdicomb for distribution by John Stuart Inc. Typical of pieces by these groups, the constructio...
Brass
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Straw and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous original and signed Cane "Plia" folding chairs in Vienna straw wicker and chrome. These iconic Italian chairs were designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in the 1967. T...
Steel, Chrome
H 12 in W 4 in D 17 in
LUsneck Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Inglewood, CA
A classic black and brass gooseneck sconce in aged patina brass and painted aluminium. Inspired by 1950s Italian midcentury design, this sconce is ideal for reading areas or a bedsid...
Aluminum, Brass
H 33.08 in W 28.75 in D 35.44 in
Osvaldo Borsani P40 Lounge Chair for Tecno, Italy 1950s, Reupholstered
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Osvaldo Borsani P40 lounge chair, second edition, produced by Tecno, Milan. Designed in 1954, the P40 is one of the most iconic lounge chairs of the 20th century, adjustable into mul...
Fabric, Upholstery
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.