Mid-Century Modern Dining Chair, also known as High-Back Upholstered Swivel Chair or Pedestal Dining Chair
Seating (Dining Chair / Swivel Chair) · Mid-Century Modern (Late 1960s to 1970s) · Unmarked mass manufacturer of the period, reminiscent of designs by Chromcraft, Broyhill, or Bassett from the late 1960s and 1970s.
Type
Seating (Dining Chair / Swivel Chair)
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1960s to 1970s)
Material
Hardwood frame elements, high-density foam padding, textured woven fabric upholstery, and exposed wooden legs with potential concealed swivel mechanism components.
Age Estimate
Circa 1968-1975 based on the high backrest, flared wooden legs, and the prevalence of bold monochromatic textured fabrics.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 38 to 42 inches, width of 22 to 24 inches, and depth of 22 to 24 inches, featuring an exaggerated high-back profile characteristic of late mid-century dining sets.
Origin
American manufacture, typical of suburban dining room furniture produced during the height of the mid-century swivel-chair craze.
Designer/Maker
Unmarked mass manufacturer of the period, reminiscent of designs by Chromcraft, Broyhill, or Bassett from the late 1960s and 1970s.
Value Estimate
Retail market value ranging from 150 to 350 dollars per chair depending on local demand for retro decor and the specific condition of the upholstery.
Description
A quintessential late Mid-Century dining chair featuring a dramatic, soaring high back and a practical swivel base. The piece balances bold geometric presence with ergonomic comfort, wrapped in a rich textured fabric and supported by splayed wooden legs that anchor the design firmly in the retro aesthetic of the era.
Key Features
Exaggerated high backrest, integrated pedestal swivel base with outward-splayed wooden legs, and uninterrupted monochromatic fabric coverage.
Color & Finish
Monochromatic reddish-purple or magenta upholstery tone paired with matching or dark-stained wooden tapered legs, exhibiting typical period coloration trends.
Construction Method
Factory-produced utilizing molded components and sturdy joinery designed to support an integrated swivel mechanism, combining commercial manufacturing standards with residential comfort.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Factory assembly utilizing heavy-duty dowels, corner blocks, and mechanical fasteners to withstand the torque and stress of a swivel base.
Wood Grain & Species
Smooth-finished visible hardwood legs, likely beech, birch, or maple finished with a uniform opaque or semi-transparent tone rather than prominent natural grain patterns.
Surface Treatment
Satin polyurethane or lacquer finish on the wooden components paired with commercial-grade textile treatments on the upholstery.
Upholstery Details
Fully upholstered high back and seat in a heavy textured woven fabric, featuring clean lines, tailored edges, and a firm cushion profile built for dining or game table use.
Hardware & Fittings
Internal heavy-duty swivel plate and ball-bearing mechanisms allowing 360-degree rotation, concealed beneath the seat platform.
Origin & Provenance
American manufacture, typical of suburban dining room furniture produced during the height of the mid-century swivel-chair craze.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition overall; the frame remains structurally sound with smooth swivel operation, though minor fabric wear and standard surface scuffs on the wooden legs are consistent with age.
Interesting Facts
Swivel dining chairs became immensely popular in American households during the late 1960s and 1970s, heavily associated with eat-in kitchens, ranch homes, and suburban dining spaces designed for casual entertaining.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward casual, multi-functional dining spaces in residential architecture during the post-war suburban boom, moving away from formal, stiff dining arrangements.
Similar Pieces
Chromcraft pedestal dining chairs and Burke shell chairs, distinguished by the present piece's fully upholstered wooden-legged profile rather than a metal tulip base.
Care & Maintenance
Vacuum upholstery regularly with a soft brush attachment, spot clean fabric with mild water-based detergent, and dust wooden legs with a soft cloth while avoiding harsh chemical solvents.
Value Estimate
Retail market value ranging from 150 to 350 dollars per chair depending on local demand for retro decor and the specific condition of the upholstery.
Sustainability Notes
Represents vintage reuse and durability; keeping and maintaining mid-century furniture prevents waste and extends the lifecycle of solid-frame manufacturing.