Office Chair

Vintage office chairs from the 1950s through 1980s – when office seating was built to last a career rather than a few years. We source mid-century office chairs from British and European manufacturers who understood that people spending eight hours a day in a chair needed proper construction, not just fashionable design.

Each chair here has been professionally restored in our Devon workshop. Wooden frames are hand sanded and finished with Danish oil. Metal frames and bases are cleaned, checked for stability, and powder coated if the original finish is beyond saving. Swivel mechanisms are serviced – these need to turn smoothly after decades of use. Upholstery gets assessed individually; original leather or fabric stays if it’s sound, replacements are used only when necessary.

What we look for:

Solid construction that can take daily use. Proper joinery in wooden frames, substantial steel in metal bases, quality castors that actually roll. Ergonomics that make sense – adjustable heights, back support that works, seat depths that suit normal human proportions. These weren’t Herman Miller Aerons, but good manufacturers understood comfort matters when you’re sitting all day.

You’ll find different types here depending on what offices needed back then. Executive desk chairs in leather with wooden arms – status symbols as much as seating. Typist chairs with adjustable heights and back support – designed for women working at typewriters all day (hence typically smaller proportions). Draughtsmen’s chairs with footrests and higher seat positions. Simple office chairs with metal frames and vinyl upholstery – functional rather than fancy.

Materials and construction:

Wooden frames typically in beech, oak, or teak depending on maker and price point. Metal bases in chrome-plated or painted steel – chrome shows its age with pitting, painted steel can rust if not properly maintained. Upholstery ranges from quality leather (executive chairs) to vinyl (practical and easy to clean) to wool or tweed fabrics (1950s-60s office standard).

Better chairs used proper spring mechanisms in seats rather than just foam. Five-star bases for stability (though four-star was common in earlier chairs). Metal seat pans with webbing or springs supporting upholstery. Proper ball-bearing swivel mechanisms rather than cheap plastic cups.

Makers and styles:

British manufacturers like Hille, Tan-Sad, and various workshop producers. Danish and European makers bringing cleaner mid-century lines to office furniture. Industrial manufacturers making sturdy typist chairs for government offices and typing pools. Some chairs retain maker’s stamps or labels; many don’t after decades of office use.

Styles vary from formal executive chairs with high backs and arms to minimal typist chairs designed to tuck under desks. Some with adjustable heights via screw mechanisms or gas lifts (later examples). Others at fixed heights. Swivel bases are common but not universal – some simpler chairs had fixed bases or just wooden legs.

Restoration approach:

We service rather than over-restore. Swivel mechanisms get cleaned and lubricated. Castors are replaced if the originals are seized (vintage castors often don’t work on modern carpets anyway). Upholstery decisions depend on condition – original leather with patina beats new vinyl trying to look old. Wooden arms and frames keep their character unless damage requires repair.

When we reupholster, we try to match the original style and materials. A 1960s typist chair in vinyl stays in vinyl; a leather executive chair gets leather. Period-appropriate colours and textures matter – we’re not putting modern mesh fabrics on mid-century frames.

Condition transparency:

Office chairs have had hard lives – decades of daily use leaves marks. Worn upholstery, scratches on wooden arms, chrome pitting, mechanisms that need servicing. We’re honest about what’s original, what’s been replaced, what shows age. Some chairs are remarkably clean (perhaps from offices that closed rather than homes); others show every year of use.

Modern use:

Vintage office chairs work perfectly well for home offices, desks, and study spaces. They’re more comfortable than you’d expect – people sat in these all day, every day. Seat heights suit standard desk heights. Most swivel and roll (with new castors if needed). They’re just better made than most modern office chairs at similar prices.

These come from office clearances, house sales, and auctions across Southwest England. They’ve supported decades of work – typing, drawing, desk work of all kinds. Properly restored, there’s no reason they won’t continue for decades more.