8 Marvelous Midcentury Chairs on eBay

Take a load off in these midcentury armchairs that run the gamut of shapes, styles, sizes, and prices.
Text by

Armchairs are full of personality, and they offer a great way to complete a space and provide additional seating—whether it's a comfy little reading nook or the center of a living room. We've searched high and low for the most iconic chairs—as well as pieces from little-known designers—for our latest eBay roundup. Read on for our favorite finds that embody the midcentury spirit and are sure to brighten up any room!

Nickel Arm Chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll

Knoll produced this iconic design by midcentury architect and designer Warren Platner.

Knoll produced this iconic design by midcentury architect and designer Warren Platner.

Knoll's Platner Collection is known for its decorative, graceful use of curved steel rods that serve as both structure and ornament. The armchairs are still in production today, but we love the authenticity (and price!) of vintage.

Turquoise & Chrome Y-Backed Armchair

The playful transitions from solid to void and the bright turquoise color of this chair make it a great fit for homes that have a lot of neutrals.

The playful transitions from solid to void and the bright turquoise color of this chair make it a great fit for homes that have a lot of neutrals.

This fun, colorful chair would work both indoors and outdoors thanks to its chrome legs and study plastic polymer seat.

Eames DAX Fiberglass Chair by Herman Miller

One of the most noted and exemplary pieces of midcentury design, the DAX chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. 

One of the most noted and exemplary pieces of midcentury design, the DAX chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. 

Charles and Ray Eames designed the original DAX chair prototype in metal in 1948, but they moved to fiberglass in 1950 as postwar technology improved. Its curved shape is designed to follow the body while flaunting the graceful, gravity-defying forms of the era.

Yellow & Green Chrome Armchair by Chromcraft

We love the atomic, almost futuristic design of this bright yellow and green armchair from the 1960s.

We love the atomic, almost futuristic design of this bright yellow and green armchair from the 1960s.

Chromcraft bent a single piece of chrome tubing to form both the arms and the legs of this chair, while secondary elements hold together the seat and backrest, which are clad in contrasting yellow cotton and green vinyl. Chromcraft was originally established in Missouri and then moved to Mississippi in 1955 as chrome became an increasingly popular material and the company outgrew its original factory.

Cane & Leather Wood Arm Chair by Arne Vodder

Scandinavian design became very popular in the United States in the 1960s due to its focus on simple, ergonomic forms made out of quality materials. 

Scandinavian design became very popular in the United States in the 1960s due to its focus on simple, ergonomic forms made out of quality materials. 

Arne Vodder, a Danish furniture designer who originally worked as an architect, is known for his use of natural materials like teak and rosewood, and for the general lack of sharp edges on his pieces. This lovely teak armchair pairs a black leather seat with a curved, caned back, mixing traditional materials with a very modern and light form.

Barrel-Backed Walnut Lounge Chair by Kodawood

This barrel-backed armchair has clean lines and original lime green upholstery.

This barrel-backed armchair has clean lines and original lime green upholstery.

Kodawood of Miami was originally known for producing affordable designs with curved forms and bright fabrics. We love the way this chair's green upholstery pops next to the dark wood, and the contrast between the straight legs and curved back.

Velvet Midcentury Italian Armchairs

These armchairs were made in Italy in the 1950s in the style of Gio Ponti.

These armchairs were made in Italy in the 1950s in the style of Gio Ponti.

Although they've been reupholstered, we can't get enough of the geometric, sculptural form of these Italian armchairs. The contrasting fabric really makes the armrests stand out from the sturdy blue seats and backrests, which appear to rest ever-so-lightly on black metal legs.

Leather & Chrome Armchairs by Milo Baughman

Established in 1953, Thayer Coggin established itself as one of the leading furniture manufacturers of the 1950s and 1960s.

Established in 1953, Thayer Coggin established itself as one of the leading furniture manufacturers of the 1950s and 1960s.

Thayer Coggin achieved fame in the ’50s and ’60s through their association with renowned designer Milo Baughman. These lounge chairs made from chrome and white leather are both minimal and luxurious—classic characteristics of a Milo Baughman design. 

Kate Reggev
॰ Architect & Preservationist ॰ Lover of buildings old, new, & everything in between! Inbox me at kate.reggev@gmail.com

Published

Get the Dwell Newsletter

Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.