Skip to main content

Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

1911-1986

Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.

Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.

During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.

Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.

Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

7
to
1
7
7
7
7
3
3
7
6
3
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
5
6
6
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
82
254
228
207
199
Creator: Edmond J. Spence
Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Maple and Cane Dining Chairs, Newly Reupholstered
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six mid-century Scandinavian Modern dining chairs. By Edmond J. Spence Sweden, 1950s Solid sculpted maple frames, with caned seat backs and upholstered...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Maple

Vintage MCM Keller Furniture Oak Valkerie ii Dining Chairs by Edmond J Spence
By Keller, Edmond J. Spence
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern Keller furniture Valkerie II Line dining or side chairs by Edmond J. Spence, a pair. Comprised of oak frames, blue fabric upholstered seats, and chrome sabots on the front feet. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The seats have been newly upholstered in a plain blue/black duck fabric. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, mid-20th century. What a TERRIFIC TWOSOME!!! This is a gorgeous pair of vintage Valkerie II Line dining or side chairs designed by Edmond J. Spence for Keller Furniture. They are comprised of lovely oak frames with slightly angled backs featuring sculpted “boomerang” shaped backs with spindles, straight round tapered front legs with stretchers and chrome sabots on the feet. Their seats have been freshly upholstered in a plain blue/black duck fabric. (We are calling it blue / black as some see it as black and some see it as a deep navy blue.) Did you notice that the handsome chair back and flared back legs are all one piece? Just an awesome design… and super comfortable!! They are mid-century modern with a Danish or Scandinavian modern flair, and they are going to be magnificent seating in your dining or kitchen area, side chairs in your bedroom, or extra seating in your family room. Sometimes you just need a simple little pair of chairs. You know? Just good looking, sturdy, and serviceable chairs. This is just that pair! Edmond J. Spence was an American designer who made a name for himself interpreting Danish Modernism in his own way and blending it with the atomic and organic influences of the mid to late 1950's. Mr. Spence grew up in a family business that manufactured high quality traditional furniture, including ornate, custom carved pieces. He was trained as a designer, and created industrial products, household items including clocks and radios. He began to focus on furniture, and he sensed the trend toward modern design. During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection tagged “Ageless Furniture-Edmond J. Spence Design.” Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera. His work has been described as “a little bit Deco, a little tiki, with a heavy atomic & Danish influence.” He won awards and in the early 50’s his work was displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York. And a fun fact, his furniture was used on the set of the “I Love Lucy” show for many years. -Mid 2 Mod. Mr. Spence passed away in 1986. Keller Manufacturing Company was founded in 1885 but Keller Furniture history dates back to 1866 when the “Keller Store” in Corydon Indiana was established. From that time, the operation entered into various businesses, including wagon productions from 1901-1912, running an electrical light plant, manufacturing spokes for farm wagons...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Maple and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four mid-century Scandinavian Modern dining chairs By Edmond J. Spence Sweden, 1950s Solid sculpted maple frames, with caned seat backs and upholstered sea...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Wonderful Set 6 Edmond J. Spence Walnut Dining Chairs Swedish Modern
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid century Swedish modern set of six walnut dining room chairs by Edmund Spence. We love the stylish cross backs along with the faceted legs and arms. The armchairs measure 39.5"t x...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

'Yucatan' Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence for Industria Mueblera, 1960s Signed
By Industria Mueblera Mexico, Edmond J. Spence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six classic mid-century modern Mahogany and cane 'Yucatan' dining chairs was designed by Swedish designer Edmond J. Spence in the 1950s and produced by Industria Mueblera...
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Mahogany

Set Six Edmond Spence Swedish Dining Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of six birch dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence, made in Sweden for Walpole Furniture. Rare set of two armchairs and four side chairs. Seats covered in neutral taupe cross hatch w...
Category

1950s Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch, Cane, Wool, Upholstery

Set of Six Swedish Dining Chairs New Upholstery
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New upholstery Mid Century Swedish modern set of six dining room chairs by Edmund Spence.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Related Items
Set of Six Dining Chairs, Anonymous
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of six dining chairs, Anonymous Sweden, 1990's Lacquered beech and black gallon leather. Measurements: H: 83 cm / 32 ¾’’ SH: 49 cm / 18 ¾’’ W: 40 cm / 15 ¾’’ D: 53 cm / 20 ½’’
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Set of Six Dining Chairs, Anonymous
Set of Six Dining Chairs, Anonymous
H 32.68 in W 15.75 in D 20.87 in
1 Vintage Walnut Johnson Furniture Dining Chair
By Johnson Chair Company
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage dining chairs by Johnson Chair Co Chicago reminiscent of Jens Risom design with solid walnut wood frame construction. Johnson Chair Co is the...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

PVC, Walnut

Louis XVI Medallion Cane Back Dining Chairs, Reupholstered - Set of 6
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Dimensions: H 38,2" / W 19,3" / D 20,8" Height from floor to seat: 17,7" A beautiful set of 6 renewed French Louis XVI style oval/medallion cane back dining room chairs...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wicker, Wood

Vintage Danish High-Back Teak Dining Chairs by Korup Stolefabrik 1960s, Set of 4
By Korup Stolefabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak dining chairs by Korup Stolefabrik 1960s, Set of 4. Set of Danish Mid-Century Modern ladder back dining chairs in solid teak with new upholstery in black faux le...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen Set of Four Dining Chairs in Teak for K.S. Mobler Denmark, 1960s
By Niels Otto Møller, K.S. Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic set of four dining chairs in teak with wool seats designed in the 1960s by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Mobler of Denmark. The style of these Kai Kristiansen chairs is often mi...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Teak

4 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Mr10 Dining Chairs 1960s Knoll International
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in London, GB
Complete set of four chrome cantilever MR10 chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, in brown leather. This set of chairs is an early 1960s example of his famous design produced by Knoll International. The MR10 chair was first designed in the 1920s, and this set of four features the chrome springs on the backs and seats. Later the design was improved, with a shortening of the springs and a reversion to an elastic corset cord. The chairs still bear the oval sticker marks on the back of the bottom of the seats. MR10 chairs are really comfortable, and are a real design Classic, as seen in many films and other media. Our MR10 chairs recently have been used to decorate the interior of a restaurant in London, which was featured in Architectural Digest, Dezeen, Elle Decoration, and many other publications (as shown in the images, which are property of Child Studio...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking set of six 18th century Gustavian dining chairs with original paint and silk fabric seat cushions.
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Oak and Cane Weave Dining Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Swedish Modern, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hägersten, SE
Dining chairs model "Jöns" designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced in Sweden by O. H. Sjögren during the 1950s. Very light but sturdy frame of solid oak with woven cane seats. The seats have been repaired and the new cane strands have been colored to blend in with the original weave. Very good vintage condition with light age related patina. Carl Malmsten, an iconic figure in the realm of Swedish furniture design, has left an indelible mark on the world of interior aesthetics. Renowned for his exquisite creations, Malmsten's legacy continues to resonate as his designs have become cherished modern classics. Among his notable works are the famed cane chair "Lilla Åland...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Dining Room Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Dining Room Chairs - Set of 6. Listing includes (2) Arm chairs, (4) side chairs, beautiful wood grai...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1991 Set of 6 Linen Dining Chairs by DIRECTIONAL Furniture Co Se...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Linen

Mid Century Modern Swedish Modern Set of 6 Bentwood Dining Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Thonet
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Modern set of 6 bentwood Dining chairs. Great minimalist design. Legs bolt on underneath with bentwood legs ...
Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

WALNUT Mid Century Modern CANED Dining CHAIRS, Set of Four
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Set of four Mid Century Modern Walnut Caned Dining Chairs, c. 1960's. Lovely solid frames with incredible wood coloring and caned back rests. Upholstery is a black naugahyde which ea...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
Six Edmond Spence Dining Chairs for Keller. Restored. Walnut with Spindle Back
By Edmond J. Spence, Keller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 6 armless dining side chairs by Edmond / Edmund Spence for Keller. These have been expertly refinished and reupholstered in an off white boucle. Original chrome sabots on th...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 6 Edmond Spence 'Yucatan' Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful set of 6 Mexican modernist 'Yucatan' dining chairs designed by Edmond J. Spence made of mahogany and woven seagrass, Mexico, the 1950s. The seagrass is in great condition and there is some wear on a couple of the chairs located on the front edges of the wood on the seats, but overall in great vintage condition. 24” x 19” x 32” x 17.75 seat height "Edmond J Spence made a career out of translating international modern styles for the U.S. market–he designed a successful blonde wood line made in Sweden and imported by Walpole Furniture of Massachusetts. Spence’s Mexican venture dubbed the “Continental-American Collection,” was launched by Industria Meublera in 1953. A contemporary ad boasts “superb raw materials [and] fine Mexican handcraftsmanship,” and shows an Aztec stone...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Seagrass, Mahogany

1950s Edmond Spence Yucatan Set of Six Mahogany Wood Woven Seagrass Cane Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Edmond J. Spence Exquisite Set of Six Yucatan side chairs in mahogany with woven Seagrass. Mexico 1950s Measures: 33 tall x 25.13 width 18.75 depth seat height 17.5 inches Preowned...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany, Seagrass

Rare Set of 6 Swedish Modern Cane Back Sculptural Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of six birch dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence This lovely original set consists of two armchairs and four side chairs. The chairs are in good original condition as shown. Caning...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wool, Cane, Birch

Set of 8 Edmond J. Spence Dining Chairs Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of 8 very nice condition sleek designed dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence. Striped silk upholstery in very nice original condition. Chair legs are sleek and have an amazing oval ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Silk, Walnut

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Tiger Maple Side Chairs, Pair
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of midcentury Swedish modern side chairs designed by Edmond Spence. The chairs feature sleek Scandinavian design with stunning sculpted solid tiger maple frames. ...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Tiger Maple Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four midcentury Swedish modern dining chairs designed by Edmond Spence. The set includes two captain armchairs and tw...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Tiger Maple Armchairs, Pair
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of midcentury Swedish modern armchairs designed by Edmond Spence. The chairs feature sleek Scandinavian design with stunning sculpted solid tiger maple frames. Up...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Midcentury Swedish Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence, Set of Six
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Miami, FL
Set of six midcentury dining chairs. Wood frames with upholstered seats. The arms and slats on the backs are subtly carved. Side chairs are 32" high, 20" wide and 19" deep.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Edmund J. Spence “Continental-American Collection” Dining Chairs for Industria M
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Edmund J. Spence. Manufacturer: Industria Mueblera. Period/Style: Mexican Modern. Country: Mexico. Date: 1953. Dimensions: 30″ H x 25″ W x 18.5″ D. Seat Height 17.5...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Six Mid-Century Modernist Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
Set of six Mid-Century Modernist dining chairs, two armchairs and four arm less chairs, by Edmond Spence in an ebonized hand-rubbed Baltic birchwood and newly upholstered in smoked p...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Set of Eight Edmund J. Spence Dining Chairs
By Industria Mueblera Mexico, Edmond J. Spence
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Sculptural set of dining chairs by Edmund J. Spence for Industrial Muebleras, circa 1954 for the Continental-American Collection. Mexican Mahogany with palm fiber woven seat and back...
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Rush

Edmond J. Spence dining room chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Edmond J. Spence dining room chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edmond J. Spence dining room chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dining room chairs by Edmond J. Spence were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in sweden during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dining room chairs by Goran Malmvall, Karl Andersson & Söner, and C.M. Madsen. Prices for Edmond J. Spence dining room chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,495 and can go as high as $10,100, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.

Recently Viewed

View All