Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs: The Complete Buyer's Guide
The definitive guide to mid-century dining chairs — Wegner, Møller, Eames, Kofod-Larsen — with what to pay per chair and where to find matching sets in the US.
Posted on:
Apr 15, 2026
8 min read
Mid-century modern dining chairs are the trickiest category in MCM buying. You usually need four to eight matching chairs, original restored condition, and a design that'll pair with your dining table. Singles are easy; matched sets are the hunt. Here's the guide.
The Danish dining chairs to know
Niels Otto Møller Model 77 and Model 78. Teak or rosewood frame, leather, aniline, or paper cord seats. The most-reproduced Danish dining chair, and for good reason — the proportions are perfect. $450–$900 per chair in good condition.
Hans Wegner CH33, CH30, GE525. Wegner did a dozen dining chair designs. The CH33 (solid oak or teak, leather seat) is the most common; CH30 and JH525 are rarer. $600–$1,800 each.
Arne Jacobsen Series 7 (3107, 1955). Molded plywood shell on chrome legs. Still in production from Fritz Hansen. Vintage: $200–$600 each. New: $700–$1,200 each.
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix (4130). Three- or four-legged molded plywood. Rarer than the Series 7 and more collectible. $400–$1,200 each.
Ib Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth and Penguin Chairs. Teak frames with upholstered backs. Originally a lounge-and-dining crossover. $500–$1,400 each.
Johannes Andersen dining chairs for Uldum Møbelfabrik. Teak with woven cord or leather seats. $400–$900 each.
Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Z Chair. Sculpted teak back, leather seat. $500–$1,200 each.
The American dining chairs
Eames DSW, DSR, DSX (Molded plastic, 1950). Herman Miller and Modernica authentic. Vintage shells $150–$400 each; new Herman Miller $500–$800 each.
Eames DCM (Molded plywood). Rarer dining variant of the LCW. $400–$900 each.
Paul McCobb Planner Group. Birch frames, H-stretcher base. Sets of four or six trade at $1,200–$2,800 total.
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Chrome and upholstery. $300–$700 each.
Knoll Saarinen Tulip Chairs. Match the Tulip table. Fiberglass shells on aluminum pedestal. New from Knoll: $1,200–$2,200 each; vintage: $500–$1,400.
How many chairs do you need?
Four-seat dining table → four chairs (obvious).
Six-seat table → six chairs, or four side chairs + two captains/arm chairs at the heads.
Eight-seat → this is where the hunt gets hard. A matching set of eight vintage Danish chairs in a specific model can cost more than the table.
Matching-set strategy
Option 1: Buy a full set from one dealer. Most reliable, but you'll pay a premium for the convenience.
Option 2: Buy a core four, add matching singles over time. Works best with common designs (Møller 77, Eames DSW, Series 7) where singles appear regularly.
Option 3: Buy a mismatched set in the same design language. Two arm chairs + four side chairs in Danish teak — if the proportions and finish agree, the mismatch reads intentional, not accidental.
What to check per chair
Frame integrity. Sit on it hard. Creaks = loose joints. Wobble = a repair budget.
Seat. Paper cord seats need re-weaving every 30–50 years ($200–$400 per chair). Leather seats from the 1960s are often tired and can be replaced.
Finish. Original oil is ideal. Refinished chairs should be noted and discounted.
Maker's mark. Usually stamped or branded on the underside of the seat.
Set consistency. Hold two chairs side by side. Finish color, wood grain, and seat height should all agree.
Pricing at a glance (2026)
Chair | Per-chair Range |
|---|---|
Møller Model 77 | $450–$900 |
Hans Wegner CH33 | $600–$1,200 |
Eames DSW (vintage) | $150–$400 |
Series 7 (vintage) | $200–$600 |
Series 7 (new, Fritz Hansen) | $700–$1,200 |
Paul McCobb (set of 4–6) | $1,200–$2,800 |
Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth | $500–$1,400 |
Where to buy matching sets in the US
Mid Century Mobler — San Francisco, deep Danish inventory, often full sets
Danish Concepts International — San Francisco
Humboldt House — Chicago, mixed
Teak New York — Brooklyn
Fuchs Furniture — Boston, Danish
DWR Fulton Market — Chicago, Knoll and Herman Miller
Amsterdam Modern — Los Angeles
Modern Hill Furniture Warehouse — Chicago
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