Industrial designer Nicos Zographos is renowned as a mid-century modern master. His abstract structures and minimalist forms helped elevate 20th-century furniture design.
Born in Athens, Greece, in 1931, Zographos completed his graduate degree at the University of Iowa before joining the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1957.
He worked in SOM’s interior design department, where he enjoyed unlimited creative freedom, resulting in the design of two critically acclaimed pieces. The fluid Ribbon chair, which he created in 1959, is an interpretation of the Barcelona chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The Alpha bucket chair, featuring Zographos’s signature reverse curl, was designed in 1960. Also while at SOM, Zographos developed a suite of TA35 low tables, which have gentle curves and slim stainless steel legs.
Zographos spent five years at SOM before he formed his own company, Zographos Designs Limited, in 1964. The New York-based firm manufactured elegant, polished and streamlined pieces such as lounge chairs, office chairs, side tables, coffee tables and dining room tables. Several of his furnishings have been included in interiors by such revered architects as Gordon Bunshaft and I.M. Pei.
Among Zographos’s most iconic designs are the wood-carved Ireland chair, the wooden Saronis tables and his two tubular-steel cantilevered chairs: the solid CH17 chair and the CH66 chair, which he designed in 1966. It is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Zographos has retired to his native Greece, and Zographos Designs Limited recently closed after 56 years in business. His pieces continue to be highly sought by interior designers and avid vintage furniture collectors.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Nicos Zographos seating and tables.
Bronze and Leather Daybed or Bench by Nicos Zographos
By Nicos Zographos
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bronze and caramel color leather daybed or bench, designed by Nicos Zographos, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the bronze.
Metal, Bronze
Nicos Zographos Daybed, Leather and Steel
By Nicos Zographos
Located in Chicago, IL
Nicos Zographos Monumental Gallery Bench, Leather and Steel. Original black leather rests on polished stainless steel base. Bench is signed on the underside
Stainless Steel
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive 19th century walnut daybed or bench seat made in the grand French Napoleon III period. The walnut frame features large round padd...
Fabric, Walnut
$11,423
H 23.75 in W 21.46 in D 57.37 in
Shagreen Daybed with Bronze-Patina Brass and Fur Upholstery by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
All Black Cowhide Fur Upholstery Custom Daybed Large Bench
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stylish custom made all black cowhide upholstery sofa daybed.
Cowhide
Walnut and Cognac Leather Daybed
Located in Atlanta, GA
Walnut and cognac leather daybed, American, circa 2000s. Beautiful joinery and construction. It was made circa 2008 and has seen very little use.
Leather, Wood, Walnut
$11,423 / item
H 23.75 in W 21.46 in D 57.37 in
Shagreen Daybed with Bronze-Patina Brass and Fur Upholstery by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Inspired by the original Dandy bench...
Brass
$10,800
H 20.28 in W 76.78 in D 29.93 in
Guillerme & Chambron Daybed or Bench with Side Table in Oak and Fabric
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, daybed bench, oak, fabric, France, 1960s. This low bench or daybed shows the admirable, characteristic details of the French designer duo Guillerme and Chambr...
Fabric, Oak
19th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New York, NY
19th century daybed /bench. The daybed has a solid wood frame with stripe fabric.
Fabric, Wood, Fruitwood
$11,423
H 23.75 in W 21.46 in D 57.37 in
Shagreen Daybed with Bronze-Patina Brass and Fur Upholstery by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Inspired by the original Dandy bench...
Brass
Chrome-Plated Stainless Steel "Alpha" Bench by Nicos Zographos
By Nicos Zographos
Located in New York, NY
Originally made in the 1960s, this "Alpha" bench was designed by architect and designer Nicos Zographos. The base, with its splayed pedestal legs, is chrome-plated stainless steel. A...
Stainless Steel
$13,215 / item
H 22 in W 90 in D 32.5 in
Modern Daybed with Black Matte Black Frame and 'Latte' Cotton Velvet Upholstery
By Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by the architecture of Luis Barragán, the Dorcia is a unique piece that focuses on form and function. The bolsters serve as head rests, armrests or low backrests that divide...
Steel
$5,800Sale Price|27% Off
H 14 in W 75 in D 26.5 in
Large-Scale Woven Leather and Chrome Daybed Bench by Erwine & Estelle Laverne
By Erwine & Estelle Laverne
Located in Atlanta, GA
eLarge-scale woven leather and chrome daybed or bench, designed by Erwin and Estelle Laverne, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the leather. It is a versatile si...
Chrome
Nicos Zographos Museum Bench with Bronze Base
By Nicos Zographos
Located in St. Louis, MO
Leather tufted museum bench by Nicos Zographos with bronze base, circa 1965. Leather shows wear but no holes, bronze has patina. Label. Midcentury, Floren...
Bronze