Blue Lacquered Metal and Vinyl Dining Chair (often associated with Hollywood Regency or Post-Modern styles)
Seating (Dining Chair) · Post-Modern / Hollywood Regency (Circa 1970s-1980s) · Unknown manufacturer, frequently produced by mid-century and late 20th-century makers inspired by designers like Milo Baughman or Pace Collection aesthetics.
Type
Seating (Dining Chair)
Style Period
Post-Modern / Hollywood Regency (Circa 1970s-1980s)
Material
Tubular metal framing finished with high-gloss lacquer, paired with a padded seat upholstered in off-white vinyl or patent leather.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1985, based on the bold primary-adjacent blue lacquer and clean geometric ladder-back silhouette.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 35 inches, Width: 18 inches, Depth: 18 inches. This is standard for a modern dining or side chair, designed to fit comfortably under a standard 30-inch high dining table.
Origin
Likely American or Italian manufacture, common in late 20th-century interior design markets emphasizing bold colors and sleek geometries.
Designer/Maker
Unknown manufacturer, frequently produced by mid-century and late 20th-century makers inspired by designers like Milo Baughman or Pace Collection aesthetics.
Value Estimate
$150 to $300 per chair in current secondary vintage markets, depending heavily on whether they are sold as a matched set.
Description
This striking dining chair features a clean, architectural silhouette defined by a tubular metal frame finished in a vibrant, high-gloss navy blue lacquer. The backrest incorporates a distinctive four-rung ladder design, offering both structural rigidity and minimalist visual appeal. The seat is generously padded and wrapped in a durable, easy-to-clean off-white vinyl, creating a crisp two-tone contrast. Perfect as a statement dining chair or occasional accent piece, it embodies the playful yet sophisticated design ethos of the late 20th century.
Key Features
High-gloss navy blue lacquer finish, four-rung geometric ladder-back design, tubular metal construction, and contrasting cream-colored vinyl upholstery.
Color & Finish
Deep navy or cobalt blue high-gloss lacquer finish on the metal frame, contrasting sharply with a clean off-white or cream upholstered seat.
Construction Method
Welded tubular metal construction with a fixed, upholstered drop-in or webbed seat base, offering a sleek, sturdy frame indicative of mid-to-late 20th-century commercial or residential production.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Welded metal joints polished smooth prior to painting, representing standard mid-to-late 20th-century industrial metal fabrication techniques.
Wood Grain & Species
N/A - The primary frame is constructed of metal rather than wood.
Surface Treatment
High-gloss sprayed enamel or lacquer finish exhibiting minor chipping along high-wear edges, typical of vintage painted metal furniture.
Upholstery Details
Off-white vinyl or faux leather, smooth finish, tightly fitted over a low-profile cushioned core with clean, tailored piping along the lower edge.
Hardware & Fittings
No visible exterior hardware; joints are seamlessly welded, maintaining the clean lines characteristic of the style.
Origin & Provenance
Likely American or Italian manufacture, common in late 20th-century interior design markets emphasizing bold colors and sleek geometries.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The structural integrity is sound with firm joints. There are minor chips and paint losses visible along the top edges and corners of the metal frame, which is typical for vintage lacquered pieces of this age. The vinyl upholstery appears intact without major tears.
Interesting Facts
The use of high-gloss colored lacquer on metal and wood furniture became immensely popular during the Art Deco revival of the 1970s and 1980s, heavily championed by high-end design houses looking to inject bold color and reflectivity into modern interiors.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the shift in late 20th-century interior design toward vibrant colors, sleek surfaces, and durable, easy-to-maintain synthetic materials like vinyl, bridging the gap between functional dining and bold artistic expression.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with mid-century tubular steel chairs by tubular furniture pioneers like Mart Stam or Marcel Breuer, though distinguished here by the decorative ladder-back and vibrant lacquer rather than cantilevered chrome.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe the lacquered metal frame clean with a soft, damp microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners that can dull the high-gloss finish. Clean the vinyl seat with mild soap and water. Keep out of direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent fading of the blue lacquer.
Value Estimate
$150 to $300 per chair in current secondary vintage markets, depending heavily on whether they are sold as a matched set.
Sustainability Notes
Represents sustainable vintage reuse; keeping and maintaining mid-century and retro furniture prevents the consumption of new raw materials and diverts durable goods from landfills.