Dutch Postmodern Armchairs with Upholstered Cushions, The Netherlands 1970s (sold)


































Dutch Postmodern Armchairs with Upholstered Cushions, The Netherlands 1970s (sold)
It is easy to dismiss the 1970s as "the decade that taste forgot" yet to overlook its contributions in architecture, furniture design and interior decorating is also a shortcoming. It was the period of transition from Mid-century Modern into Post-modernism, a bridge that this pair visually exemplifies.
The decade saw two coexisting strands in design, one was ‘Anti-design’, the other ‘High-tech’. These armchairs belong to the latter, showcasing a homecoming to the severe, rational principles of early Modernism. Designers also claimed that their pursuit of timeless, durable designs would counter the culture of disposability that was destroying the earth. The 'High-Tech' style of the 1970s had nothing to do with computers and more to do with construction and engineering. This can be observed in these Dutch chairs’ structure composed of black painted metal, exotic wood, and a gorgeous fabric used for the upholstered seat and back cushions. The frames have geometric order with cleanly pronounced, straight lines made of metal. The black colour highlights the angles, while also providing great contrast for the exotic wood seats, slatted backs, and accent armrests. In this armchair model, even the functional elements serve aesthetic purposes, such as the brass hinges allowing the backs to be folded, and the fabric bands woven across the seats to support the cushions. The stylish, bicoloured bouclé fabric of the upholstery provides the chairs with additional visual interest, tying together the colours.
This pair of armchairs is a rare representation of Dutch Post-Modernist design, an interesting phase of cultural, social impacts with designers trying to figure out their way towards making their marks.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches; a deep scratch on the metal frame on one of the chairs. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
24.01 in W x 22.83 in D x 28.74 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 20.47 in
61 cm W x 58 cm D x 73 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 52 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The 1950s and 1960s saw brilliant Italian designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. These designers experimented with new materials and construction methods but, crucially, they kept the elegance inherent in Italian design. This pair of sculptural lounge chairs show how successful these experiments were.
The idea of freedom expressed so flamboyantly in America was one of the most influential factors on Italians and therefore on design as well. This influence encouraged a more consumer focused and leisurely attitude towards life. The newly available production techniques and materials like plastic and metal introduced vibrant, colourful effects instead of the traditional wood and fabrics combination used before. These armchairs were crafted in the manner of Luigi “Gigi” Radice, an impactful designer who made his mark in the Italian mid-century modern style alongside other renowned creators such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Mollino. These chairs with the fully upholstered bodies show the general mid-century modern characteristics with an ergonomic and functional design. The seats are slightly raised, and the backs tilted, creating an angle that supports the sitter and the lounging experience. The chairs are supported by tapered legs with brass capped feet that are splayed for perfect stability. The legs help achieve an interesting, yet harmonious contrast with the bodies: the strong curves and proportions of the chairs are perfectly balanced by the thin, sleek look. From all angles, these armchairs offer beautiful textures and eye-catching forms.
Though mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian and American counterparts in the mass market, they were evidently integral in developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. This is evidence by this timelessly stylish pair, sure to command the space it is placed in.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass feet have a beautiful patina. Due to the nature and age of the brass, additional marks, scratches, and discolouration may be present. The chairs have recently been reconditioned and reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.92 in W x 31.49 in D x 36.41 in H; Seat height 19.48 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 25 in
76 cm W x 80 cm D x 92.5 cm H; Seat height 49.5 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 63.5 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The mid 1950s in Italy were marked by a new softness in modern furniture. Designers began shifting away from the strict rationalism of the postwar years and toward interiors shaped through comfort and tactility. Lenzi worked inside that transition. Their production merged clarity of proportion with upholstered volume. The result was a kind of modernism that felt warm, human, and atmospheric rather than merely functional.
This pair of armchairs features curved backs, low arms, and deep seats all flowing into one continuous shape, to create a soft envelope around the sitter. Upholstered in a muted olive green textile with a subtle pile, the chairs gain depth through texture rather than pattern. The fabric reads almost like moss, perfectly natural and comforting. The seat is anchored by four slender brass legs that angle outward with quiet poise. Their gleam has just enough presence to complement the body above without drawing excess attention to themselves. The upper part of the chairs feels steady and welcoming, while the slender metal below introduces air and lightness. Every contour and proportion has been judged toward an overall calm. This pair is the perfect example of great attention to detail mixed with skilled cabinetmaking.
These pieces speak to a moment when Italian modernism was not purely decorative, nor austere, but refined in its ability to create atmosphere. They remain compelling examples of Lenzi's charming yet timeless design approach.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks and scratches on the brass due to the nature and age of the material. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.92 in W x 26.77 in D x 24.40 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 23.62 in; Arm height 21.26 in
76 cm W x 68 cm D x 62 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 60 cm; Arm height 54 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The 20th century manufacturer Erton encapsulated what was the post-war transition into mid-century modernism through the creation of hundreds of beautiful models, such as this pair of lounge chairs. Established in France, Erton opened locations across the country’s hotspots for creative innovation, such as Paris, Lyon and Lille - the centres of industrial activity throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Known for their pursuit of functionality, comfort and elegance, Erton’s mid-century designs combine form and function to create a pleasant interior atmosphere. Through minimal ornamentation, their work brought the French company to the forefront of seating specialists, while turning their pieces into timeless icons of the era’s design.
Instead of the traditional wood and fabric combination that had been typical, this mid-century pair of lounge chairs benefited from the newly-available production techniques and materials which juxtaposes their soft fabric with metal legs. The chairs feature low-profile armrests, contributing to their sleek, streamlined form that prioritises openness. Upholstered in a striking black-and-white bouclé fabric, the chairs offer a visually appealing, rich and interesting texture that enhances their modernist aesthetic. The fabric adds both tactile interest and durability, making them as functional as they are beautiful. The gilded brass legs add an element of luxury, while maintaining the chair’s airy, unobtrusive presence through their thin, splayed shape. The shiny, honey-golden brass stands out against the neutral tone of the lounge chairs’ bodies. This combination of materials and proportions highlights the beauty of simplicity, while the metal detailing introduces a touch of subtle sophistication and refinement.
These chairs serve as an elegant focal point ideal for any contemporary or classic interior, through their versatile neutral tones which allow them to seamlessly complement a wide range of colour schemes and decor styles. From mid-century modern to more eclectic or transitional settings, this pair suits the atmosphere of a room while expressing the timeless nature of French modernism.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.72 in W x 35.43 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Seat depth 20.47 in; Arm height 17.71 in
75.5 cm W x 90 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 52 cm; Arm height 45 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This elegant pair of Art Deco lounge chairs exemplifies the refined design sensibility of Scandinavian craftsmanship from the 1930s and 40s. Featuring clean, geometric lines and a harmonious blend of form and function, these chairs showcase the era’s penchant for luxurious simplicity.
The stylish form of these chairs is characterised by open, inviting lines, and soft, round edges. This design approach emphasised comfort and relaxation, while still maintaining an air of luxury. Upholstered in a rich, yet understated fabric, these chairs exude elegance, combining comfort with an aesthetic that is both bold and refined. The use of brass detailing on the feet not only highlights the emphasis on craftsmanship of the period but also spotlights the materials that were popular during the Art Deco era. Furthermore, the rich, warm wood tones of the overlays on the armrests contrast beautifully with the light fabric, enhancing the balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. As these chairs show, Scandinavian furniture designers’ artistic approach was anchored by characteristic Art Deco refinement expressed through graceful forms and traditional materials.
These chairs preserve the unique essence of a transformative period in the history of furniture design, embodying the minimalist yet luxurious spirit of the Art Deco era.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.70 in W x 29.52 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 25.19 in
78 cm W x 75 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 64 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The period from the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for European furniture makers. This pair of easy chairs were created during this period of creative overflow, with a typically European mid-century modern style.
The chairs’ simple and functional design, starting from the wooden frames’ symmetric lines to the visible joints and screws, is highly representative of the principles of European mid-century design. The frames with box stretchers assure stability and comfort, while offering visual interest as well. The back stretchers are arranged higher than the rest, while the front legs stand further from each other than the back ones. These subtle structural elements engage the eyes and give these easy chairs plenty of personality. The wooden frames appear to be firmly holding the back- and seat rests, which is even more apparent thanks to the soft wool upholstery. The light wool further highlights the round edges of the seat- and back rests, contrasting nicely with the dark stained and straight lines of the frames. These models’ main objective was evidently functionality. However, as it can be expected from a mid-century design pieces, the aesthetic dimension does not fall behind.
The quality of the design is matched by the outstanding workmanship of the manufacturer. The clean and simple design of this pair of easy chairs is complimented by the eye-catching wool upholstery.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks on wood. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium wool. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
23.22 in W x 23.22 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
59 cm W x 59 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Post-war European seating increasingly moved toward lighter and more flexible forms, reflecting a broader modernist interest in practicality of construction. Rather than concealing how a chair was assembled, designers emphasised the frames, experimenting with materials like plywood, die-cast aluminium, and fiberglass. This pair of armchairs reflects the time period through its crossed metal frames and suspended seating, combining utilitarian construction with a distinctly sculptural presence.
The chairs are constructed around slender metal supports that intersect beneath the seat in an X-shaped formation, giving the pieces both stability and a dynamic sense of movement. Rather than relying on heavy upholstery or enclosed forms, the seating is created through black leatherette elements attached to the frame. The backs, armrests and seats feature the original material, a testament to the vintage character of the chairs. The arm straps are suspended within the structure through brass elements connecting them to the backs and legs, allowing for a natural curve that contrasts the rigidity of the industrial materials. The gold brass hardware and finials stand out against the silver frames, adding chromatic variation. On the side, the angled supports and suspended seating create a layered composition of intersecting lines and surfaces that fascinates regardless of the viewpoint.
The balance between practicality, comfort, and sculptural form gives the pair an architectural character. The exposed framework keeps the design visually open and adaptable, while the leather introduces warmth and texture.
Condition:
In used vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have some marks, scratches, dents, and discolouration. The brass details are patinated. The armrests are delicate. The pair come in their original upholstery, we advise reupholstery. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
21.06 in W x 25.19 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat height 20.27 in; Seat depth 18.89 in; Arm height 24.40 in
53.5 cm W x 64 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat height 51.5 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 62 cm