Vintage and Used Office Chairs: Classics from Eames to Jacobsen

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An office chair carries you through every working day, so it pays to choose a model that was designed for exactly that. At 2nd home you will find vintage and used office chairs, swivel chairs and conference chairs by manufacturers such as Vitra, Herman Miller, Fritz Hansen, Wilkhahn and Alias. Many of these classics are still in production, and a second hand office chair adds the patina of its years.

The Aluminum Group by Charles and Ray Eames was created for the house of industrialist J. Irwin Miller in Columbus, Indiana, designed by Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard; it was first intended for outdoor use. Instead of a seat shell, the Eameses stretched the cover between two side frames of die cast aluminium. Herman Miller has made the chairs since 1958, and Vitra produces them as well today. The family includes the swivel chairs EA 117 with a medium back and EA 119 with a high back. In 1969 the Soft Pad Group followed with sewn on cushions, among them the office chairs EA 217 and EA 219. Further designs by the couple are collected under Charles and Ray Eames.

Arne Jacobsen designed the Oxford in 1965 for the professors of St Catherine's College in Oxford, whose buildings he also planned; Fritz Hansen still makes it. See more of his work under Arne Jacobsen. Maarten Van Severen designed the .03 chair for Vitra in 1998: its polyurethane foam shell gives way as you lean back, supported by leaf springs in the backrest. The .04 is his office chair with a five star base and castors. Jean Prouvé drew the Fauteuil Direction Pivotant in 1951, a swivel armchair with wooden armrests that Vitra builds today. Add to that pieces such as the Kevi by Jørgen Rasmussen, the Meetingframe by Alberto Meda for Alias and the O-Line by Herbert and Jutta Ohl for Wilkhahn.

What to check on a used office chair: the gas lift should hold the set height and not slowly sink. The tilt mechanism should move without creaking and lock in place. Check the base for cracks and the castors for wear; on parquet and tiles you need soft castors, on carpet hard ones. Leather shows wear first at the seat edge and the armrests. Dimensions, material and condition are stated with every piece.

Find a matching desk under vintage desks and everything for your workspace at home under second hand home office furniture.

Buying a vintage office chair: mechanism, upholstery, seat height

  • With a vintage office chair, mechanism, upholstery and seat height decide. Every chair is described with condition, dimensions and photos, and you can ask about gas lift and castors in advance. Classics such as the Aluminium Group are at Vitra Eames, the matching table among the desks and everything for working at home in home office. Shipping is insured.

  • All information about shipping and collection can be found in ourShipping information: shipping method and delivery time are listed on the product page.

    Questions about your order or care? Our service is available via chat, contact form, callback, or WhatsApp – you can find all the details atHelp & Contact.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

What ergonomic features characterize vintage office chairs?

Many models offer an ergonomic seat shape that relieves pressure on the back and ensures comfort even during longer periods of use.

Which design icons can be found in the office chair collection?

Our selection includes iconic models from Vitra, known for innovative office chairs, as well as modular concepts by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, which offer flexible seating solutions.

How do I integrate a vintage office chair into modern workspaces?

Combine it with contemporary desks and modern technology. The blend of classic and modern elements creates a harmonious and inspiring work environment.

What materials are the vintage office chairs made of?

Typical materials include solid wood, metal, and upholstered seats made of leather or fabric – they ensure robustness and a characteristic retro look.

How do I care for my vintage office chair?

Clean wooden and metal parts regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Upholstery should be vacuumed gently and treated with special care products if necessary.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage Office Chairs .

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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