Some women love handbags and others love shoes. I have an unabashed love for chairs – Yes, chairs, especially when they are artistically beautiful, comfortable and they make a statement of their own. Some of the most unique chairs created in the 20th century are from the Mid Century Modern era.
Mid Century Modern design was more of a movement than a period. The war was over and the world was ready to usher in a new modern style that departed dramatically from the past. It began after WWII and the design period continued to include the late 1960s and early-to-mid- 1970s. It is considered to be a significant period of creativity in residential architecture, product and graphic design and furniture design. Some of the most prolific chair designers were European and American.
What I admire most about these chair designs were the inventiveness in organic shapes, and the surprising material combinations. So many of the chairs we love today were actually designed from the Mid Century Modern era.
Here are some of my favorite iconic styles created during the Mid Century Modern era.
Lounge chair and ottman by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Italy has a laced back and curved wood slats.
The Iconic Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen
Vernon Panton Elegant Chair in tufted leather
Mid Century Modern inspired chair designed by Kate Hume interior designer reproduction
Lounge Chair in curved wood designed by Carl Axel Acking, Sweden. 1950’s
Arne Jacobsen Oxford Chair in curved wood with steel base. A beautiful compliment to any office.
Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair – American furniture designer and architect
The Chieftain Chair designed by Danish designer, Finn Juhl in 1949
Eames styled molded plastic chairs are still popular today
Mid Century Modern furniture in a modern living room of today demonstrating the timelessness of this style.
Mid Century modern home furnishings are in high demand and still coveted today – the originals and reproductions.
The Designers and their chairs: George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom from Playboy Magazine article 1951