Mid-century George Mulhauser MR Chair

The George Mulhauser MR Chair captures everything people love about American Mid-Century design. It feels relaxed, sculptural, and effortlessly cool. Designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the early 1960s, this chair blends comfort with strong architectural lines. Even today, more than sixty years later, it still looks modern in almost any interior.

This example features a beautifully restored walnut frame paired with its original black vinyl upholstery. The walnut grain adds warmth and depth, while the black vinyl gives the chair a clean and confident look. Together, the materials create the kind of quiet luxury that defined the best American furniture of the period.

Built For Comfort

The MR Chair was designed for long evenings spent reading, listening to music, or simply relaxing. The generous proportions make this the larger “Mr.” version of the design. During the early 1960s, many furniture makers created separate lounge chairs for men and women. The men’s version usually offered a taller back and a wider seat. As a result, this chair feels wonderfully spacious and supportive.

Importantly, our chair has been professionally refurbished. The frame has been fully repolished and restored, while the internal spring has also been replaced. Consequently, the chair feels comfortable and supportive while still retaining its original character.

The original black vinyl upholstery remains in place and presents beautifully. It also suits the shape of the chair perfectly. Unlike many modern materials, vintage vinyl develops a softness over time that makes these chairs feel inviting and easy to live with.

A Chair That Still Feels Modern

One of the best things about the George Mulhauser MR Chair is its versatility. It works equally well in a sitting room, reading corner, office, or bedroom. Furthermore, the sculptural walnut shell gives the chair a strong visual presence without overwhelming a space.

This particular example is the second iteration of the design and features the metal base. The clean lines and low profile still feel contemporary today. In fact, many people mistake these chairs for modern Italian or Scandinavian designs because the form feels so timeless.

Although this chair does not currently include a matching footstool, we can source one if required.

Condition

The chair is in very good restored vintage condition.

• Walnut frame fully restored and polished
• New internal spring fitted
• Original black vinyl upholstery retained
• Metal base in very good condition
• Structurally solid and comfortable

Dimensions

• Width: 91.5 cm.
  Depth: 82 cm.
  Height: 93 cm.
• Seat Height: 32 cm.

Why This Chair Stands Out

Many lounge chairs look attractive but fail when it comes to comfort. However, the George Mulhauser MR Chair succeeds because it balances both. The wide seat, angled back, and sculptural walnut shell create a chair that people genuinely enjoy using every day. It reclines gently and swivels perfectly so all in all a great chair to relax in.

It also carries the relaxed confidence of 1960s American design. You can easily picture it beside a record player, a low coffee table, or a wall of books. Even better, it still feels fresh and relevant today.

About George Mulhauser & Plycraft

George Mulhauser introduced the MR Chair at the International Home Furnishings Market in Chicago in January 1960. His designs became known for combining comfort with sleek modern forms. Today, collectors continue to seek out his lounge chairs because they capture the optimistic spirit of post-war American design so perfectly.

The chair was produced by Plycraft, an American company that originally manufactured boats during the 1950s. In fact, the company name came from its plywood boat construction. Later, Plycraft became famous for producing high-quality modern furniture with moulded walnut shells and luxurious lounge seating. Their work now enjoys a strong resurgence as collectors rediscover the warmth and craftsmanship of American Mid-Century furniture.