10 Types of Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs

Whether it’s a place where you relax after a long day’s work, a decor accent piece merging with your living space’s aesthetic, the place where you rock your newborn to fall asleep or the place where you enjoy a dinner with your family. Regardless of use, a chair isn't simply a chair. Its function, its shape. It’s a home furniture piece deserving attention. Today’ we’ll be focusing on dining chairs, mid century modern dining chairs specifically.

People wouldn’t write books about them, they wouldn’t win a wide array of design awards or they wouldn't be showcased in renowned museums worldwide, if mid century dining chairs wouldn't provide more than simply a place to sit.

Plus, with endless possibilities out there to select from, it’s imperative to be educated prior to cashing out on your latest mid century dining chair. And, having a gauge of your own personal preference and shopping with intention are key for approaching your dining chair search in a clever manner. Keep reading for the ten chair styles we believe are worth learning about...

1. Windsor Style Chair

Windsor Chair takes its name from Windsor, a renowned English town, where it originated back in 1710. Amazing! Mid century modern dining chairs of this style are expertly crafted of solid Elm wood with a durable finish. The sides and back consist of multiple thin spindles perfectly attached to a sculpted, solid seat,its legs are splayed outward. These are some of its defining characteristics. This multi-spindled beauty has inspired many modern replicas like our captivating Amble Chairs.

2. Tulip Style Chair

Finnish born modernist Eero Saarinen designed the sculptural Tulip Chair, first one legged chair ever, in 1955.This design icon is defined by its futuristic Space Age look and its pedestal base, offering a clutter less, sleek appeal. Great for any interior style, this piece adds a pop of color and contemporary style with its sleek shape.

Not only did Saarinen receive two first prizes in the furniture design competition of the MOMA in Manhattan, furniture pieces like this organic beauty are now exhibited there.

3. Ladder Back Style Chair

This classic wooden dining chair, the Ladder Back Chair, dates back to the middle ages where they could be found in homes all over Europe, and this type of mid century modern dining chair was among the most common styles in England by the 17th century.When furniture designers began crafting it out of Walnut, it became a luxury furniture piece. Also known as a slat back chair, this statement piece showcases horizontal spindles reminiscent of a ladder.

4. Ghost Style Chair

Made poly carbonate, the Ghost Chair, a.k.a. Casper Chair is loved worldwide for its unique transparency, which takes up minimal visual space,while providing a strikingly ethereal appeal. The design of this masterpiece was originated by Philippe Starck, an innovative French designer in 2002, drawing inspo from the French decor style of the reign of Louis XVI.

This French furniture icon is seen in the collections of museums worldwide, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the MOMA in Manhattan.

5. Tolix Style Chair

A French bistro icon and symbol of industrial design, the Tolix Chair was mastered by French innovator Xavier Pauchard in 1934 in galvanized steel and can be used both indoor and outdoor. The surprising nature of these metal beauties with an industrial vibe made them also become rapidly popular worldwide for use in homes of MCM design avid fanatics, in bistros, coffee shops, pubs, wine bars and upscale restaurants.

Our successful version of the Tolix Chairs, the electrical plated Elio Chairs, are made of steel with a striking gunmetal finish. These French icons have been featured in the museum collections of the MOMA in Manhattan, the Design Museum of Amsterdam and the Pompidou Centre in Paris.

6. Director's Style Chair

The Director's Chair was inspired by the folding chairs used on movie sets. It has quickly morphed into a clean lined, modern dining chair. Originally made of canvas, these mid century modern dining chairs are now available in a range of materials, including fine leather.

Designed by the Gold Medal furniture company, this iconic furnishing made its debut at the Chicago World's Fair back in 1893. The design was an instant hit! And, it won a coveted excellence awarded the World's Fair.

7. Wishbone Style Chair

Marked by its comfortably curved backrest constructed of solid wood and its hand woven hemp seat, this Wishbone Chair, also known as Woodstring Chair, was designed by Hans Wegner in 1949. This icon boasting an incredibly delicate design with a curvy, yet comfy back, was inspired by Ming Dynasty Chairs.

And, it was specifically designed to offer support and comfort by cradling the body. Its sleek shape beautifully merges modern forms with traditional design!Plus, this Danish design icon is present in the MOMA in Manhattan and the Die Neue Sammlung in Munich. WOW! Wegner won a myriad of honorary prizes.

8. No. 14 Style Chair

Our coveted Eon Chair is specifically based on Michael Thonet’s famous No. 14 side chair designed back in 1859, a design icon. This top quality polyurethane finish, solid Elm wood replica makes for a long lasting and lovely addition to any dining setting. They're great conversation starters for design fans! 

Believe it or not, German-Austrian cabinet maker Michael Thonet popularized bentwood manufacturing techniques in Europe. Constructed using an innovative bending technique, this revolutionary piece yielded a gold medal at the 1867 Paris World's Fair. It’s no wonder it’s deemed the "chair of chairs!"

9. Cross Back Bistro Style Armchair

Thanks to their universally classic appeal, the cross back Bistro Style Armchairs, also known as Gear Armchairs, are timeless.Made of a bentwood frame with a cross back brace and a rattan seat, this piece is a cousin of the aforementioned No. 14 bentwood chair.

This dining chair is also highly associated with French bistros and cafes, as they were originally used in 20th century French bistros. They would perfectly complement any design style, from rustic to modern to traditional to vintage.

10. S Shape Style Chair

A sculpture in its own right, the S Shape Chair designed by Verner Panton, Denmark's most influential 20th-century furniture designer, back in 1967. Being the first molded plastic chair made of a single piece ever, this masterpiece was included in the 2006 Danish Culture Canon, a compilation of cultural excellence works.

This truly iconic furniture piece is perfect for MCM design lovers all over the world who want out of the ordinary pieces. Having an exotic appeal, this curvaceous beauty has been featured in popular publications like the British fashion magazine Nova in 1970, and on the cover of Vogue magazine in 1995. Brilliant!

We hope this information inspires you. Which of these mid century modern dining chairs is your favorite? We’d love to know your feedback. Tell us in the comment section below! Don't forget to visit Manhattan Home Design for an extensive selection of mid century modern furnishings.