Mid-Century Modern High-Back Dining Chair
Seating (Dining Chair) · Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s) · In the style of mid-century American or Scandinavian manufacturers such as Broyhill, Bassett, or independent Danish workshops.
Type
Seating (Dining Chair)
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s)
Material
Solid walnut or walnut-veneered hardwood with integrated upholstered shell and pedestal or splayed leg wooden base.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 42 inches, width: 20 inches, depth: 22 inches. Taller than a standard dining chair due to the dramatic high back.
Origin
Likely American or Scandinavian origin, reflecting the post-war international modernist design movement.
Designer/Maker
In the style of mid-century American or Scandinavian manufacturers such as Broyhill, Bassett, or independent Danish workshops.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail market value ranges from $300 to $800 per chair depending on maker attribution, condition, and set completeness.
Description
A striking mid-century modern dining chair featuring a dramatic, soaring high back and a sculpted wooden base. The organic flow from the seat to the tall backrest showcases the innovative ergonomics and sleek profiling characteristic of 1950s and 1960s interior design.
Key Features
Exaggerated high backrest, smooth organic contours, splayed leg wooden base, and seamless integration between wood frame and upholstered shell.
Color & Finish
Rich medium-dark walnut stain with a satin lacquer finish highlighting warm reddish-brown undertones.
Construction Method
Artisan and factory-produced hybrid utilizing steam-bent wood components and integrated upholstery shells typical of post-war modernist manufacturing.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mortise and tenon joinery combined with heavy-duty structural screwing for the angled wooden base.
Wood Grain & Species
American black walnut with a straight to cathedral grain pattern on the exposed wooden base components.
Surface Treatment
Smooth machine-sanded surface finished with a protective satin conversion varnish or lacquer.
Upholstery Details
Fully upholstered seat and backrest in a textured fabric, featuring a smooth, unbroken profile wrapping the dramatic high back.
Hardware & Fittings
Internal structural steel brackets and concealed fasteners typical of mid-century swivel or sturdy wooden base construction.
Origin & Provenance
Likely American or Scandinavian origin, reflecting the post-war international modernist design movement.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition showing minor age-appropriate wear to the finish and upholstery, with solid structural integrity.
Interesting Facts
High-back dining chairs became popular in the 1950s as dining rooms transitioned from formal enclosed spaces to open-plan focal points, allowing chairs to act as sculptural room dividers.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war obsession with organic forms, space-age silhouettes, and the blending of comfort with avant-garde aesthetic styling.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with dining chairs by Broyhill Sculptra or Adrian Pearsall, distinguished primarily by the exceptionally tall, smooth-backed profile.
Care & Maintenance
Clean wood surfaces with a soft, damp cloth and professional furniture polish. Vacuum upholstery regularly and use professional fabric cleaners as needed.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail market value ranges from $300 to $800 per chair depending on maker attribution, condition, and set completeness.
Sustainability Notes
Built with durable hardwoods designed for longevity, exemplifying the inherent sustainability of vintage and antique furniture through reuse.