Set of 6 Mid-Century Tuxedo Dining Chairs, Ebonized Wood, Brass Nailheads

Striking set of six American Mid-Century Modern “Tuxedo” dining chairs, circa 1960s, distinguished by their dramatic sculptural backs, tailored proportions and sophisticated two-tone upholstery treatment.

Each chair features a broad, gently curved back framed by two pronounced upholstered wings that flare outward toward the top, creating a strong architectural silhouette. The fronts are presently upholstered in a cream muslin fabric, while the exterior backs are finished in a contrasting chocolate-brown fabric. A continuous border of antiqued brass-tone nailhead trim emphasizes the sweeping profile of the backs and continues around the seat rails.

The chairs are raised on four slender wood legs with a dark walnut-toned finish. The subtly splayed rear legs complement the curvature of the back while giving the chairs an elegant, poised stance.

The sculptural, high-fashion profile is characteristic of sophisticated American dining furniture of the 1950s and 1960s and recalls the glamorous seating designs associated with Edward Wormley, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber and Tommi Parzinger. These references are stylistic only; the chairs are unmarked and are not being attributed to any particular designer or manufacturer.

Particularly appealing for an interior designer or decorator, the set presents an excellent opportunity for customization. Reupholstered in a bouclé, mohair, velvet, textured linen or patterned designer textile, the exaggerated winged backs would make a particularly strong statement around a contemporary, Mid-Century Modern or transitional dining table.

The chairs retain older upholstery and construction details, including the use of traditional upholstery tacks/nails on the underside. Based on their construction, materials and overall design, we date the set to approximately the 1960s or possibly earlier.

Condition:
Vintage condition. The existing upholstery shows considerable wear, staining, discoloration, marks and areas of deterioration and should be considered in need of complete reupholstery. The dark-finished wood legs show age-appropriate nicks, scratches, finish losses and general wear. Brass-tone nailheads display oxidation and patina. Please refer closely to the photographs for condition. No manufacturer's labels or identifying marks are present.

Measurements — each chair:
35 in. H × 20 in. W × 25 in. D
Top of the backrest is 27 inches wide.
Seat height: 19 in.

Sold as a set of six.