1970s Cal-Style Thin Line Metal Dining or Game Chairs, Set of Four After Milo Baughman

Details

Description

A striking set of four vintage Modernist dining or game chairs by Cal-Style Furniture Mfg. Co. of Compton, California, retaining … Read more A striking set of four vintage Modernist dining or game chairs by Cal-Style Furniture Mfg. Co. of Compton, California, retaining a surviving manufacturer's paper label.

Dating to the 1970s, the chairs feature exceptionally clean architectural frames constructed from slender squared metal stock, creating an open, almost floating appearance beneath generously upholstered seats and backs. The restrained linear construction reflects the sophisticated California modernism of the period and recalls the celebrated “Thin Line” furniture associated with Milo Baughman.

The chairs are upholstered in a bold period geometric textile composed of interlocking angular forms in warm cream, tan, chocolate brown and burnt orange/rust. The graphic pattern gives the otherwise minimal frames a particularly strong 1970s presence and makes the set as compelling from the rear as from the front.

Each chair features an armless silhouette that allows it to tuck easily beneath a dining, breakfast or game table, while the open metal frame keeps the visual profile remarkably light. Upholstered upper and lower back sections provide considerably more comfort than the spare architectural construction might suggest.

Cal-Style Furniture Manufacturing Company was based in Compton, California and produced an extensive range of modern furniture during the latter half of the 20th century. Cal-Style is particularly associated with metal-framed seating that interpreted the sophisticated Modernist vocabulary popularized by designers including Milo Baughman.

The surviving Cal-Style Furniture Mfg. Co. manufacturer's label is an especially desirable detail and provides positive maker identification.

Condition
Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. The period upholstery shows areas of age, wear, and minor distortion appropriate to its vintage. Metal frames retain age-related surface wear and patina. Additional photos can be provided upon request. The chairs are being offered with their vintage character intentionally preserved.

Styling
These chairs would be exceptional around a round smoked-glass, travertine, lacquered or burl dining table. Their warm geometric upholstery also works beautifully against contemporary plaster walls, rich walnut, chocolate lacquer, cream bouclé and sculptural lighting.

Equally suitable for a dining room, breakfast room or card/game table, they would be especially compelling in a collected interior mixing 1970s Modernism with contemporary art and antiques.

The warm rust-and-brown palette makes the set particularly compatible with interiors influenced by California Modernism, Italian Modernism, Hollywood Regency and today's renewed interest in sophisticated 1970s design.

Dimensions:
Seat Height: 17.5" Tall
Back Height: 33.75" Tall
Width: 19"
Depth: 22" See less