7 Cozy And Charismatic Mid-Century Modern Chairs

It is a true testament to the genius of design greats like Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, Hans J. Wegner and George Nelson that Mid-Century modern style still manages to steal the show, even decades after it first saw daylight! While fashion and interior design seem to evolve in cyclical manner, many of these stylish creations have managed to stay relevant as the years have passed. Nothing captures the spirit of this Mid-Century modern flair like the iconic chairs of the period that managed to redefine homes and alter common perceptions of bold design.

Gorgeous living room with Swan chairs in vivacious red

by Anthony Lindsey Photography

Take one look at today’s featured collection of chairs, and the first thought that comes to mind is that many of these designs were ages ahead of their time. Influenced by the school of Scandinavian minimalism and Nordic simplicity, these classic chairs seem right at home in a sleek and contemporary setting. Combining form with function, these sensational seven promise comfort that oozes class!

Papa Bear Chairs by Wegner look great even when placed in modern spaces — Papa Bear Chairs by Wegner look great even when placed in modern homes

by Bruce Palmer Interior Design

Room decorated with mid-century modern decor icons

by Intexure Architects

Saarinen Tulip table and the executive armchairs add glamor to the modern dining room

by FAB Architecture

Sleek form of the Series 7 chairs makes them ideal for the modern home — Sleek form of the Series 7 chairs makes them an ideal choice for the modern home

by The Graces – ReMax Hallmark Realty

Contemporary kitchen with ample seating space

by PIQUE

Butterfly chairs blend in with the cabin-styled interior seamlessly

by Wolfe Rizor Interiors

Chic dining space with organic textures — Beautiful dining room with organic textures and Wishbone chairs

by Imke Laux

by BXH Arquitectura

Elegant Saarinen Executive Armchair

Not only is this chair the crown jewel of the Saarinen Executive Collection that was released in 1957 by Knoll, it also has bagged several top honors over the past few decades, including the Museum of Modern Art Award. It’s not hard to see why, as the Executive Armchair combines aesthetics and ergonomics to perfection. The cozy look of the chair coupled with trademark Mid-Century modern style makes it an ideal fit for contemporary spaces. Available also as a side chair and with a swivel base, it blends in with pretty much any style and theme.

Executive armchairs paired with the sleek tulip table

Regal purple Saarinen Executive chair in the bedroom — Regal purple Executive Armchair in the bedroom

Saarinen Executive Armchair in the dining room — Saarinen Executive Armchairs in the dining room

by Morlen Sinoway Atelier

Tasteful dining room with a rustic cabin-styled look

by Canyon Construction

The Executive Armchair anchors the room beautifully

by Seattle Home Enhancement

Curvy and Cozy Swan Chair

Designed for the lounge, lobby and suites in the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Swan Chair was crafted by Arne Jacobson in 1958. The idea behind the chair was to design a furnishing that complemented the equally appealing and incredibly popular Egg Chair. There are plenty of people who combine one with the other, and understandably so. Both the Swan and the Egg Chairs share an enveloping design that tempts you to simply tuck in and enjoy a beautiful winter morning next to the fireplace!

by David Coleman Architecture

Cool orange accents spread across the living room

by FORMA Design

Bright yellow Swan chair enlivens the space

by Dennis Mayer

Iconic Swan chair adds a bit of class to the room

by ZeroEnergy Design

Comfy Swan chairs next to the sleek fireplace

by KUBE architecture

Pink Swan chair brings color to the contemporary living room

by Sellars Lathrop Architects

LC2 Petit Modele Armchair

The LC2 Petit Modele Armchair is probably the least curvy of all the fabulous chairs that we have on display here. Designed by the trio of Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret all the way back in 1928, it’s hard to believe that this is still one of the most popular chairs in living rooms and offices across the globe. Made of thick cushions that are held in place by a steel framework, the chair exudes comfort, even as its streamlined look allows it to be placed in more formal office settings. Those looking to double up on comfort and seating space can bring opt for the LC3; the larger version of the LC2.

Chic LC2 in white accentuated beautifully by turquoise throw pillows

by Colin Cadle Photography

Modern living room loaded with LC2 Armchairs

by Squeo Architecture

Twin LC2 Petit Modele Armchairs for the home office

by R Brant Design

Coastal themed living room with generous ocean views

Stylish family room brings together the LC2 and the Wassily Chairs

by Portal Design

Plush and Snug Papa Bear Chair

You may not have heard the name before, but most of us have seen a Papa Bear Chair at some point in our lives. If you’ve spent winter holidays in a cabin in the woods, you’ve likely noticed quite a few chairs inspired by this Hans J. Wegner’s classic. Wegner was proficient at designing some of the most remarkable chairs during the height of the Mid-Century modern wave, and the Papa Bear Chair is definitely the coziest of them all! An upholstered look and inviting arms make it impossible to walk away from this gorgeous chair without giving it a try.

Beautiful living room with the Papa Bear Chair in trendy apple green shade

by Amy Lau Design

Create a cozy reading nook using the ultra-comfy chair

Eclectic living room with vintage Papa Bear Chair designed by Hans J. Wegner

Plush chair looks both stylish and modern

by David Howell Design

Modernica Papa Bear Chair in the bedroom

by Stephens Design Group

Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen

It might not sport the upholstered coziness of the Egg chair or the Swan chair, but this Arne Jacobsen creation brings home ergonomic seating with its sensuous curves. Most interior design aficionados are pretty familiar with the sight of a Series 7 chair in a modern dining room or in the contemporary kitchen as a bar stool. Popular with designers and homeowners alike, it is arguably the most widely used kitchen chair in modern homes. Sleek, stylish and even minimalist, the piece conveniently blends in with any interior design style. Since the chair comes in many different colors, you can use it to add some color to a room clad only in neutral tones.

Elegant Series 7 is an incredibly popular dining chair

by Architectural Photographer

Series 7 chairs are available in a multitude of hues

by Hanrahan Meyers Architects

Mid-century modern chairs in a contemporary dining space

by Min Day Architects

Series 7 Chairs in trendy green at the dining table

by Fine Focus Photography

Classic Series 7 Chairs with a modern finish

by i3 design group

Bright and Bold Butterfly Chair

Modern design is all about clean, well-defined lines coupled with sleek polished surfaces. The playful and vivid Butterfly Chair is all about adding color to modern spaces with panache! Designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy in 1938, the chair exudes a laid back look. Maybe that’s precisely the reason we find so many of these resting on refreshing pool decks and lovely porches. Clad in colorful leather and sporting enameled steel legs, the Butterfly Chair provides both visual and textural contrast.

Black leather Butterfly chair sits elegantly in the corner

by American Coastal Properties

Plush sheepskin rug coupled with the stylish Butterfly chair in leather

by Hannotte Interiors

The BKF Chair in neutral tones works well with contemporary interiors

by FORMA Design

Whimsical Wishbone Chair

Exquisite, minimal and easy on the eyes, the Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner is much more than a mere furnishing. It’s a sculptural masterpiece that shows the architect’s mastery over wood. So demanding and intricate is the design of the chair that even today, the seat is hand woven from paper cord to achieve the perfect look. A versatile design allows the Wishbone Chair to easily integrate into a wide range of interiors ranging from the classic to the contemporary, as well as styles that vary from the Scandinavian to the Asian!

A combination of colorful Wishbone chairs

by Furman + Keil Architects

Beautiful chairs work well with organic themes

by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Exquisite Wishbone chair is a mid-century modern Danish classic

by hoo Interior Design & Styling

Ergonomic design of the Wishbone chair makes it a timeless classic — Ergonomic design of the Wishbone chair makes it a perpetual favorite among designers

by Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects

Even as we ponder who among the current generation of architects and designers will lead the next revolution in interior design, we can’t help but marvel at today’s featured creations. Not only do these Mid-Century modern chairs seamlessly blend comfort and creativity, they stand as enduring symbols of cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurial brilliance.