A curated list of iconic mid century Office Chairs by the ikkonic design team
What are Mid Century Modern Office Chairs?
Most people are aware of the mid-century modern style. But it helps to have a summary of what makes mid-century modern furniture, in particular the sofa, different from other styles. Not all mid-century sofas are the same, but they share similar characteristics that make them easy to spot.
Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs
1. Minimalistic Lines and Forms: The simplicity of the office chair's construction is one of the defining features of mid-century design. This aesthetic principle is manifested in clean, minimalist lines and forms, replacing ornate details common in preceding eras. The design emphasizes functionality without sacrificing elegance, resulting in pieces that are as practical as they are visually inspiring.
2. Natural Materials: Mid-century designs leaned heavily on the use of natural materials. Often, office chairs from this period were made of fine woods like teak, walnut, or oak. The wood's grain and natural color usually were left visible, contributing to the warmth and organic appeal. Non-wood materials, such as leather and metal, were also used but often played a secondary or accentuating role.
3. Contemporary Fabrics: The use of contemporary fabrics is another key characteristic of mid-century office chairs. Designers from this era often employed new and modern materials, such as vinyl or wool, and occasionally experimented with bold and colorful patterns. However, solid colors were generally preferred to maintain the overall simplicity and sophistication of the design.
4. Open and Airy Feel: Mid-century furnishings, including office chairs, were often visually lightweight. Chairs typically had raised legs to achieve an open and airy feel, a stark departure from bulky, grounded furniture associated with previous design styles. This aesthetic allowed both light and air to flow freely around the room, contributing to a sense of spaciousness even in smaller office spaces.
5. Organic and Geometric Shapes: Mid-century design merged the organic with the geometric. This is frequently reflected in the office chair designs, where organic design elements like curved seat backs were combined with geometric shapes such as rounded rectangles or simple squares. This fusion of different aesthetics created a fluid, harmonious, and interesting visual appeal, a hallmark of mid-century design.