Mid-Century Modern Kitchen & Dining Room Chairs

Wood is a popular material for the construction of mid-century modern chairs. Metals, plastics, and wickers are other common materials. Many pieces incorporate more than one material to create a dramatic juxtaposition, such as a rubberwood dining bench with linen upholstery or a bentwood chair with metal legs.

The mid-century modern style can incorporate a wide range of colors. Stark white and black are popular neutrals, though bold shades can provide a bright burst of color. A common color palette may consist of warm earth tones, such as avocado green, pumpkin orange, and dark amber. As an alternative, a color scheme may consist of white and black with pops of turquoise blue or sunflower yellow to bring dimension to the room. A faux-leather tub chair in a stunning shade of teal, complete with tapered, espresso-finished legs, adds the ideal amount of rich color to your space when placed at the head of your dining table.

Mid-century modern homes favor clean lines, smooth surfaces, and dramatic curves, emphasizing an uncluttered look. Many furniture pieces in this genre feature sleek finishes and minimal ornamentation. Chairs with curved seat backs and thin, angled legs are common in mid-century modern dining spaces.

As their name suggests, side chairs sit along the sides of your dining room table. These armless chairs are often constructed of wood, and they may feature an upholstered seat. In some casual dining rooms with matching chair sets, side chairs also grace the head of the table.

An armchair features arms for a more elegant feel. In formal dining rooms, armchairs sit at the ends of the table. These armchairs may match the side chairs or feature a contrasting look for dramatic flair. An armchair may be constructed of wood or plastic with an upholstered seat, though some armchairs are fully upholstered.

Most Parsons chairs are constructed of wood, featuring squared legs and a squared backrest with a slight curve. Parsons chairs are named for Frank Alvah Parsons, the founder of the Parsons School of Design in Paris where the chair was invented. These chairs are often covered with upholstery, which may feature a pattern or tufting detail.

Traditional slat back chairs feature vertical slats along the back of the chair. While these chairs often have a classic feel, they can suit mid-century modern spaces as well. A metal slat back chair with a white powder-coated finish strikes the ideal balance between traditional style and mid-century modern design.

A ladder back chair features horizontal slats that are visually reminiscent of a ladder's rungs. Many ladder back side chairs feature upholstered seats. A wood chair with a curved ladder back, a black faux leather seat, and tapered legs puts a mid-century modern spin on an old classic.

A Windsor chair features a bowed back with thin wooden spindles running vertically along the chair's back. These traditional chairs are common in casual dining rooms or country-style kitchens. Spindle legs are another common feature. A dining chair with a low back and thin wooden spindles extending from a straight upper rail offers a mid-century modern take on the early English-style chair.