Your Comprehensive Mid-Century Modern Office Chair Buying Guide

Mid-century modern office chairs are the perfect way to add a touch of style and elegance to any space. They range from modern adaptations to iconic mid-century designs created by industry titans such as Temme, Eames, Cooper, and more.

From luxurious velvet chairs that could compliment a dressing table and desk to masculine leather chairs, the options are endless. With all these stunning options, how do you choose the perfect mid-century modern office chair for you? Not to worry; we’re here to help you through the process so that you end up with the perfect chair for you! Want to know more? Keep reading!

The Popularity of Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs

The widespread appeal of mid-century modern furniture today can be attributed to a number of factors. This furniture style is characterized by its clean lines, which are similar to those of mid-century modern graphic design and architecture. It also has minimal accessories and a limited color palette of black, white, and neutral shades.

Moreover, some of the elements that contribute to the ongoing popularity of mid-century modern office chairs and furniture include:

• It’s timeless appeal.
• All furniture pieces are well-designed.
• Collectors are always looking for mid-century pieces.
• It suits contemporary décor and homes.
• The design fits in well with modern living styles, patterns, and quality.

Mid-century modern furniture has shown to hold its worth over time and is still an affordable alternative for homes and businesses, even with its everlasting popularity.

Key Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Design

The mid-century modern design can't be missed. It has an unmatched aesthetic appeal characterized by sharp angles and clean lines. You'll feel like you're being transported back to the 50s and 60s but with a bright and modern flair. Some of the key characteristics of the mid-century modern design include: 

• Organic elements
• Simple and clean lines
• Bold colors and patterns
• Industrial influences

Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs Buying Guide

Before diving into our top options, it’s essential to know what factors to keep an eye out for when shopping for a mid-century modern office desk chair. The following buying guide will touch on all the essential considerations so that you won’t have any problems when it comes to choosing your chair. Thus, make sure to take note of each of the following factors before making your final decision: 

1. Lumbar Support

When purchasing an office chair, the first and most important thing to consider is finding one that provides superior lumbar support. This is crucial because lower back pain is one of the most common things experienced by people who spend multiple hours a day sitting in chairs.  

Ideally, you want to find a chair with a flexible lumbar bolster, as this enables you to adjust the seat according to your lower back. If you want to avoid long-term health issues, finding a chair with lumbar support is vital. 

2. Adjustability

Mid-century modern office chairs are easily adjustable in terms of armrests and height. However, you'll find other models that offer further adjustability features that make the chair even more comfortable.

Non-negotiable adjustable features include height adjustment, lumbar support, tension control, and arm width and height. Certain adjustments can be operated using a handheld pump, while others can be adjusted with the chair's dial or lever.

To reduce the strain placed on your body, the height should be easily adjustable so that your thighs are level or slightly lower than your hips. For more advanced adjustability, check out the 4D armrest office chair.

3. Tilt Control

In addition to lumbar support, your office chair's back angle is another significant factor. It can be very beneficial to purchase an office chair with back adjustment capabilities. 

To ensure that the back of your mid-century office chair is at an ideal angle for your body, look for one with tilt control. Always assess the executive chair's tilt control options before making a purchase. 

4. Materials and Padding

Office chair construction and upholstery vary greatly between manufacturers, providing a wide range of options. There are several benefits associated with different construction materials. A chair with a mesh back, for example, is very breathable and offers ventilation, while a mid-century modern leather office chair would give your space a luxurious look and feel. If you opt for a leather office chair, make sure to consider the factors linked here. If you opt for a leather office chair, make sure to consider the best genuine leather office chair.

Don’t forget to consider the materials of the armrests as well. Padded armrests are sure to give you optimal comfort levels for extended periods of time. Finding a chair with a cushion seat is also a must. For an even more unique look, consider a fuzzy desk chair. Lastly, you always want to keep long-term comfort and durability in mind. By only considering the aesthetics of a chair, you could end up with an uncomfortable product that cannot withstand the test of time.

5. Dimensions

If you don’t invest in a chair that accommodates your body properly, you’ll end up being very uncomfortable. You need to ensure that the base and back of your chair give you sufficient room so that you don’t feel confined. However, it’s also vital not to choose a mid-century office desk chair that’s too wide because this will make it challenging to use the armrests.

6. Armrests

An ideal mid-century modern office desk chair has movable armrests to reduce strain. Ergonomic armrests alleviate pressure on the shoulders and neck while providing forearm support. Non-adjustable armrests can be set too high, which would strain the muscles in the shoulders, or too low, which would strain the wrists and forearms. 

Thus, for this reason, choosing an office chair with movable armrests can be extremely beneficial. Look for chair armrests that are easily adjustable so that your wrists can be level with your keyboard.

7. Swivel Base

To facilitate effortless access to various work areas, high-quality office chairs ought to be able to swivel with ease. When chairs are difficult to turn, you may experience arm fatigue regularly. If you're looking for added stability, some swivel chairs have the ability to lock the seat in position. 

8. Wheelbase

A wheelbase is a feature that almost all office chairs have. This makes it easy to move around your desk and get to different parts of the office. Make sure to choose a chair with wheels appropriate for carpeted areas if your office is carpeted. 

While you might not realize it now, having a rolling wheelbase can make many tasks around the office much easier.  Double-check that the chair's moving components are strong enough for frequent use. In addition to being frustrating, easily broken wheels or casters may result in accidents and injuries. For more options, consider the benefits of a transforming office chair.

Top 5 Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs

While we’ve given you all the tips and tricks you need to find the perfect mid-century modern office chair, we understand that you might not have the time to browse through various sites and visit a number of stores. All of the chairs mentioned below were reviewed using the criteria discussed above to ensure you get a well-rounded product that has all the features you’d expect it to. 

Therefore, we're here to make your job easier! We've found five of the best mid-century modern office desk chairs that will tick the boxes and get the job done. Here they are: 

1. Temme Task Chair

This is the ultimate chair that we simply can’t fault. The Temme Task Chair is a height-adjustable product that combines modern-day functionality with mid-century details. There are various advanced and beneficial features, such as a 360-degree swivel, a shiny chrome steel base, and removable double-wheel casters. 

If you’re someone who works eight-hour days, you shouldn’t have any issues with the Temme Task Chair as it has a contoured back and seat, and the solid wood is covered in foam and easy-care faux leather. Lastly, this is also an ergonomic office chair. It really doesn’t get much better than this, does it? 

Features

• 265 lbs. capacity
• Floor to seat height: 18.11” – 22.83”
• Swivel
• Requires assembly

Temme Task Chair

1258 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Adjustable	Requires assembly time
Ergonomic	Limited design options
Easy to clean
Affordable

2. Flara Faux Leather Office Chair with Metal Base

If you're looking for a mid-century modern chair that screams elegance and sophistication, the Flara Faux Leather Office Chair with a metal base is the perfect fit for you. With a bentwood design, stylish walnut veneer, engineered wood back, polyurethane leather upholstery, patterned cushioned seat, and sturdy steel base, this will look magnificent in any space. 

Another major selling point of this option is its ergonomic design. You won’t have any problem working throughout the day when you have the Flara Faux Leather Office Chair to accompany you. Plus, the swivel feature makes it even more convenient to get into your workflow and change direction as and when needed. Therefore, if you need a mid-century modern swivel desk chair, we're confident you can't go wrong with this option. 

Features

• 265 lbs. weight capacity
• Swivel
• Polyurethane leather upholstery
• Requires assembly
• Includes assembly tools
• Floor to seat height: 18.11” – 22.83”

Flara Faux Leather Office Chair with Metal Base

402 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Ergonomic	Limited color options
Affordable	Requires assembly time
Adjustable features

3. Cooper Mid-Century High-Back Leather Swivel Office Chair

Are you specifically looking for a mid-century modern leather office chair? You certainly can’t go wrong with the Cooper Mid-Century High-Back Leather Swivel Office Chair. Apart from the obvious fact that this chair is stunning, it comes equipped with various beneficial features.

While this chair screams vintage, there is a sleek and modern twist at the same time. We can’t quite put our finger on it, but it’s the perfect combination! You also shouldn’t let the looks of this chair fool you. It may be pretty, but it’s functional too. With its high-back support, you can say goodbye to back pain and uncomfortable workdays.

You can also rest easy knowing that the Cooper Mid-Century High-Back Leather Swivel Office Chair will last you for many years to come. The leather it's constructed out of offers unmatched durability, so you won't have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

Features 

• Metal base
• Swivel
• Gas-lift lever mechanism
• Ball casters and five legs
• Choose between animal-friendly vegan leather and top-grain leather

Cooper Mid-Century High-Back Leather Swivel Office Chair

10 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Available in a wide range of colors	Expensive
Durable
Aesthetically pleasing

4. Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair

If you’re willing to dedicate a large budget to your mid-century modern office chair, the Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair should definitely be on your list of products worth considering. The curvilinear lines and low back guarantee that this chair will suit almost any space you put it in.

There is a four-star base, which gives you all the stability you need. There is also versatility in the fact that you can choose whether you want the chair with or without armrests. While we understand that this mid-century office chair with no wheels is pricey, it will certainly give your space an expensive and luxurious look and feel. However, if you want to find a more affordable comfortable desk chair without wheels, consider the options linked here.

Features

• Back design flexes
• Ribbed seat
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• 12-year warranty
• 360-degree swivel

Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair

3 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Durable	Very expensive
Sturdy	Limited color options
Aesthetically pleasing	No armrests

5. Eames Upholstered Molded Plastic Task Armchair

Do you want something fun and unique to add to your office? This high-quality chair will do the trick. The interesting design and fun colors are not to be mistaken for a reduced emphasis on features, functionality, and ergonomics. 

The Eames Upholstered Molded Plastic Task Armchair still comes equipped with a swivel seat and height adjustability. In fact, the waterfall edge and deep seat pocket that give it its interesting appearance are also specifically designed to give you increased comfort. 

Features

• Waterfall seat edge
• Swivel
• Height-adjustable
• Five-star base

Eames Upholstered Molded Plastic Task Armchair

2 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Available in various colors	Expensive
It comes with wheels	No adjustable armrests
Adjustable
Impressive stability

Get Your Perfect Mid-Century Modern Office Chair Today!

Well, now you know everything you need to know when it comes to mid-century modern office chairs. With this comprehensive guide, you shouldn’t have any problems when it comes to finding the perfect fit for you!

Plus, if you don’t have the time to do your own research, you can rest assured that you’d be more than satisfied with one of our trusty options mentioned above. If you’re looking for the best ergonomic chair on the market, you’re likely to find it here. It’s time to elevate your comfort and the aesthetic appeal of your office with a luxurious mid-century modern office desk chair.

For more insights on various office chair options, explore our office chair tier list. If you are setting up a creative workspace, consider the best podcast chairs or a stylish boho office chair.