Mid Century Modern Chairs

Mid-century modern chairs are chairs designed during the mid-century modern style period, which runs from the 1940s through the mid-1960s. Of course, mid-century modern chairs are popular among vintage collectors.

However, homeowners looking for distinct furniture pieces often also opt for this style chair for the living or dining room.

The following guide will help you learn more about mid-century modern chairs along with some essential tips for purchasing them.

What are Mid-Century Modern Chairs?

Mid-century modern chairs are chairs created during the mid-century modern style period, and contemporary chairs created in a vintage-inspired mid-century modern style. In other words, MCM chairs can be old or new.

Mid-century modern chairs come in a variety of different types, including dining room chairs, barstools, lounge chairs and everything in between. Mid-century modern chairs can be made from a variety of materials; wood chairs are more common during the earliest part of this style period, whereas vinyl and plastics became more common during the 1960s.

Common Mid-century Modern Chair Styles

There are many different mid-century modern chair styles. The most distinctive feature of mid-century modern chairs is presence of function over form.

Regardless of the specific chair style or intended function, mid-century modern chairs typically share these common features:

Sleek lines
Lack of excessive ornamentation
Geometric designs
A Focus on Ergonomic Comfort

Of course Mid Century Chairs tend to work well in ranch style homes, as well as grand modernist interiors. Indeed, the sleekness and simplicity of MCM chairs fits in a lot of different aesthetics as well.

In fact, many designers have explored placing accent Mid Century Chairs in more traditional interiors. You may find that the masculine nature of MCM chairs works well in Victorian style homes or other European style rooms.

Most mid-century modern chairs have low backs, although some have mid-sized backs; it is more common for high dining room chairs in the mid-century modern style to have a mid-sized back when compared to lounge chairs or chairs intended for other rooms in the home.

Mid-century modern chair styles come in a variety of different materials and colors. Plastic, wood and vinyl are the most common materials; solid colors, including a variety of shades and black/white, are more common than patterns.

Tips for Purchasing Mid Century Modern Chairs

If you are interested in adding mid-century modern chairs to your collection, you should consider the following essential tips.

Tip: Opt for chairs with labels whenever possible

Mid-century chairs are commonly reproduced, so if you are looking for authentic vintage chairs, it’s best to opt for chairs with labels to ensure that they are not reproductions.

The best Mid Market Mid Century Modern Chairs to seek out come from the following Vintage Furniture brands:

American of Martinsville: American of Martinsville MCM chairs typically are made of walnut and have a great weight and feel. We have sold several dining room sets by this company and can attest to their craftsmanship.
Lane Furniture: Lane has been around for a while, and this Virginia company made some great MCM style chairs during the period. But, you can also opt for some really great reproductions made by Lane Furniture Company, today.
Drexel Furniture: Drexel Heritage made some really outstanding quality chairs during the 1950s and 1960s. You can also find some really great vintage dining chairs made by Drexel in the hip MCM style.

These three makers may set you back a couple hundred dollars (rather than a couple thousand), and most of your friends won’t be able to tell the difference!

If it’s not possible to find a particular brand or model with a label, you should consider other telltale signs of reproductions (modern materials, modern construction, etc) to weed out non-authentic pieces.

Tip: Mix and match different styles for an eclectic look

Although mid-century modern chairs were often sold in sets, you can choose to mix and match different styles for an eclectic and interesting interior style. Opt to mix and match chairs created in different colors, heights, and even materials to create a textured interior style.

Tip: Look online for excellent deals

Although you can opt for shop for mid-century modern chairs through traditional methods such as antique shops and secondhand stores, you can also look online for a variety of options and deals. Online sellers may offer better prices than antique shops and secondhand stores; just make sure to ask for multiple photos and inquire about possible damage or other issues with the furniture.

Tip: Remember to keep the above guide in mind when purchasing mid-century modern chairs.