Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Cheval Floor Mirror
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Late 1960's or early 1970’s Danish Teak Cheval Mirror. Adjustable positions, mirror finished on back and equipped with wire hang to wall mount if desired. Nice clean silhouet...
Mirror, Teak
Unghia mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236412
Mirror, Plastic
Gispen Style Tubular Chrome Full-Length Standing Mirror, Netherlands, c. 1950
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Quite ossibly produced by Gispen of the Netherlands circa 1950, this full-length standing mirror features a thick tubular chrome frame with softly rounded corners enclosing the mirro...
Metal, Chrome
70's Chrome Rolling Full Length Two Sided Floor Mirror
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well- crafted rolling chrome framed full length dressing room mirror with large ball wheels and mirrors to both non tilting sides. This straightforward mirror having very clean lin...
Chrome
Gispen Style Rolling Chrome Floor Mirror, Netherlands, circa 1950
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Full-length standing mirror in the Gispen style, produced in the Netherlands circa 1950. The thick tubular chrome frame wraps the mirror with rounded corners and connects directly to...
Metal, Chrome
Gio Ponti Large Shield-Shaped Solid Brass Mirror, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large shield-shaped mirror with a solid brass frame. This refined and distinctive piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s and is attributed to the mastery of Gio Ponti...
Metal, Brass
Stunning Brass and Onyx Standing Floor Mirror, 1950s, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Brass and Onyx Standing Floor Mirror, 1950s, Italy.
Onyx, Brass
Unghia mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 25111310 *All images are ...
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1950s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The large mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition with the exc...
Brass
$2,971Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Psyche Mirror
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice swinging psyche mirror is made of brass. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Brass
Gio Ponti Large Italian Neoclassical Shield Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique Mid-Century wall mirror in solid brass with an elegant shield-shaped silhouette. This refined mirror was produced in Italy during the 1950s, and its design is at...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Large Italian Oval Mirror in Curved Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, 1960s
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent French Riviera style large oval mirror, entirely crafted from curved bamboo, rattan, and woven wicker. This wonderful and unique piece was fully handmade with perfect pro...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Unghia mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beige/grey 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 25111307
Mirror, Plastic
Verner Panton 'System 1-2-3' Long Oval Mirror in Chrome for Verpan
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton 'System 1-2-3' long oval mirror in chrome for Verpan. Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers. His innovative experim...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Large Jacques Adnet 'Rectangulaire' Wall Mirror in Tan Leather for GUBI
By Gubi, Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Jacques Adnet 'Rectangulaire' Wall Mirror in Tan Leather for GUBI. Originally designed by Jacques Adnet in the 1950s, this incredibly refined mirror is executed in high quality black aniline leather and studded with burnished brass rivets on the edges, a characteristic detailing of the famed French designer's work. Price is per item. Available in unlimited quantities in two sizes and three leather options. Note that Cream leather is only available in the larger size. This listing is for the 'Rectangulaire' wall mirror in tan leather. In-stock lead-time 1-2 weeks. Quick ships from Chicago...
Brass
Vilhelm Lauritzen VLA62 'Radio House' Oak Wood Mirror for Carl Hansen & Son
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen VLA62 'Radio House' Oak Wood Mirror for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment...
Mirror, Wood, Oak
Large Sunburst Giltwood Oval Mirror by Francisco Hurtado, Spain 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Full Length Carved Giltwood Scalloped Wall Mirror / Sunburst Mirror Outstanding Hollywood Regency style scalloped giltwood mirror finely carved and gold leaf gilded. Manufactured by Francisco Hurtado,Spain, 1950s. One of a kind finely carved oval large mirror with an exquisite hand carved scalloped motif frame. This mirror was handcrafted at the Mid-Century Modern period in the Hollywood Regency style. The oval frame is comprised by an scalloped parting starting at the top and decreasing in Size to the bottom.It has been carefully restored to preserve its original patina in gold leaf finishing. This wall mirror will be a gorgeous addition to any bedroom, dressing room, powder room or entry hall. It will add a Hollywood Regency glamourous taste wherever you place it. Overall measures: 132 cm H x 56 cm W x 5 cm D Glass measures: 112 cm H x 44 cm W Oval Carved Tall Mirror // Giltwood Carved Oval Mirror // Giltwood Wall Mirror // Giltwood Full Length Mirror // Francisco Hurtado Mirror...
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Kent Coffey Perspecta Walnut & Rosewood Mirror
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your bedroom or dressing area with this iconic Mid-Century Modern Kent Coffey Perspecta mirror, expertly crafted in rich walnut with striking rosewood accents. Celebrated for...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' Mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp,...
Brass
Pier Luigi Colli Mid-Century Modern Italian Mirror with Console for Cristal Art
By Cristal Arte, Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Italian midcentury engraved mirror with gilt metal and glass. This fantastic item was designed by Pier Luigi Colli and made in Turin, Italy, during the 1950s for Cristal Ar...
Brass, Iron
Gio Ponti Large Tapered Rectangular Solid Brass Mirror, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and very rare large tapered rectangular mirror in solid brass. This refined piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s and its design is attributed to the mastery of Gio Po...
Metal, Brass
Large Mid-Century Italian Arched Brass Mirror, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful large arch-shaped mirror in solid brass. This elegant and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in amazing condition, the mirror features...
Metal, Brass
$1,371Sale Price|20% Off
Cristal Art Italiana rosé gold 1959 mirror.
Located in Palermo, IT
The Fontana Arte mirror is a work of art that captures the essence of Italian elegance and design. Composed of three overlapping mirrors, it creates an interplay of depth and reflect...
Glass, Mirror, Stained Glass, Wood
Gio Ponti Style Modernist Dressing Mirror, Italy, 1950's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nice simple design
Brass
Roger Lecal French Mid-Century Modern Resin Floor Mirror for Chabrieres & Co.
By Roger Lecal
Located in Miami, FL
French Mid-Century Modern stand lipstick mirror in cream finished resin core with inset elliptical mirrored glass designed by Roger Lecal for Chabrieres & Co. 1970. Marked at the ba...
Mirror, Resin
Mirror, Triptych, Mirror Screen, 1973, by Saint-Gobain.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mirror, triptych, mirror screen from 1973, decorated with a mirrored cloud, by Saint-Gobain. Large mirrored folding screen, decorated with a mirrored cloud, triptych from 1973, anti...
Brass
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Unique and Rare 1950s Italian Design Clothes Shop Mirror
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Unique and rare 1950s Italian Design clothes shop mirror. Measure: Open width cm.118.
Metal
Italian mid century modern floor-standing mirror with wooden frame, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid century modern floor-standing mirror with wooden frame, 1960s Full-length floor-standing mirror with a trapezoidal structure and a thin wooden frame. The mirrored surface...
Mirror, Wood
Midcentury Style Mirror Irregular Shape & Embossed Brass Frame Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
“Swing” 2. Full body mirror framed with embossed brass plate and brass screws. A contemporary piece of home decor that embodies what demanding collec...
Brass
Tilting and Adjustable Mirror in Brushed Brass Italy 1960/70 Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare in its kind. Tiltable and adjustable floor mirror. Functionality at its best. Another special feature is the double glass mirror, white on one side and caramel on the other. Str...
Aluminum, Brass
1970s, Mirror Lipstick Design by R. Lecal for Chabrieres & Co, France
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of plastic and mirror. - Cosmic age style. - Very good original condition. - Designed by Roger Lecal.
Mirror, Plastic
$857 / item
Vintage unghia mirror, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236416
Plastic
Mid Century Modern Vintage Rectangular Brass Full Length Mirror Floor Mirror
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage floor mirror full length mirror in rectangular shape with brass frame, 1950s Italy. An amazing vintage full length mirror or floor mirror with brass detail...
Brass
Unghia Mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Dark blue 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - France Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56".
Mirror, Plastic
Mid-century Fontana Arte mirror for Veca with green frame stamp 1960s
By VECA, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
This vintage wall mirror, a masterpiece of Italian Mid-Century Modern design, is the result of the prestigious collaboration between Fontana Arte and Veca, dating back to the 1960s. ...
Metal
A set of 4 1970s "Gronda" coat hanger mirrors by Luciano Bertoncini for Elco
Located in London, GB
A set of four 1970s "Gronda" coat hanger mirrors designed by Luciano Bertoncini for Elco. There are four mirrors available and price is for a pair. Each mirror is smoked green with a...
Mirror, Acrylic
Large luminous rattan double Coconut Tree / Palm Tree Mirror
Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR
Rare large rattan coconut tree / palm tree full-length mirror with 4 lights in the coconuts. Typical of the seventies and inspired by the work of Maison Jansen. High quality work, en...
Rattan
Mid-Century Italian Round Mirror in Bronzed Brass, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century round mirror made in solid brass with a gorgeous bronzed even patina. This mirror was designed in Italy during the 1950s. This mirror has a round frame in soli...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame 'circa 1950s' - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The large mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. A beautiful aged patina will appear on the brass frame although this one has been recently polished. It is in very good overall condition. We currently have this mirror's identical twin...
Brass
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Italian Brass Wall Mirror in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, IT
This sophisticated wall mirror is a quintessential example of mid-century Italian modernism, dating back to the golden era of Milanese design in the 1950s. Perfectly embodying the re...
Gold, Brass
$3,200Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Console Mirror in Ashwood with Etched Glass, Italy, 1940s
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Beautiful console in ashwood for the entrance with drawers for keys and wallets etc. This piece is produced of a very high quality finesse and behind the mirror glass in the etched f...
Brass
Vintage unghia mirror, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236415
Plastic
Unghia Mirror by Rodolfo Bonetto, Italy 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
White 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56".
Mirror, Plastic
$857 / item
Vintage unghia mirror, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage 'Lipstick' floor mirror designed by Rodolfo Bonetto good condition. Great timeless design 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 164cm/64.56" Ref.: 5236413
Plastic
Large Scale Wall Mirror on Mirror in the Style of Fontana Arte
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Imposing oval mirror framed by a larger wavy mirror. The rear panel has an insert for both vertical and horizontal suspension. Top quality materials and workmanship
Mirror
Venetian Modern Flower Shaped Wall Mirror with Brass Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Venetian style flower wall mirror with gilt metal accents, Spain, 1950s This flower shaped mirror has a triple layered mirror frame. The internal and external layers are made with a ...
Metal, Brass
Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola Neon Mirror, Poltronova, 1970 Design
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Ultrafragola mirror/lamp, with its sinuous profile that suggests long wavy hair, belongs to the Mobili Grigi series of complete bedroom and living room furnishings designed by Ettore...
Mirror, Plastic
Vintage Wooden Entryway Mirror Organizer with Black Glass Tops, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This entryway mirror is made in lacquered walnut and maple. It features two drawers with brass handles and black opaline tops. ...
Brass
Italian Solid Brass Shield-Shaped Mirror, Gio Ponti Style, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning small shield-shaped mirror with a solid brass frame. This incredibly elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s, and its design is attributed to the mastery of Gio...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Sculptural Studio Floor Mirror, c1960s
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Just in, an extraordinary studio made mirror. Sourced from the original owner, this sleek mirror features curvaceous frame that is simple, yet elegant in design. Made out of solid wa...
Walnut
Italian mid-century modern wood freestanding full-length floor mirror, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Freestanding full-length floor mirror in wood, 1960s Freestanding full-length floor mirror with 3 doors. The structure and profiles of the mirrors are made...
Wood
Esvee Atelier Cleopatra Solid American Oak Vanity Dressing Unit with Brass
By Esvee
Located in Hyderabad, TG
Inspired by the structural form and functionality of an artist’s easel, the Cleopatra Vanity Dressing Table translates daily dressing rituals into a design-led experience. Designed b...
Brass
Full Length Rectangular Mirror CONSTANTINE - Gradient Lacquered Wood Burgundy
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Constantin Mirror, Gradient Lacquered Wood, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt The Constantin mirror was built to pursue the beauty of volume and form, inspired by the architect Cons...
Wood, Mirror, Lacquer
Vivai del Sud Large Rectangular Mirror in Bamboo and Woven Rattan, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large rectangular mirror in bamboo and hand-woven wicker. This stylish French Riviera style mirror was hand-made by Vivai del Sud in Italy during the 1960s. In fabulous ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Large Mirror Console Pink Glass and Brass by Cristal Art Italy, 1960s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern Extra large floor or full-length mirror with console in pink copper mirror glass with gilt brass frame by the italian manufacture Cristal Art. Famous manufacture l...
Brass
Oak Mirror by AB Glas & Tra Hovmantorp 1962 Marked
Located in Paris, IDF
Oak Mirror by AB Glas & Tra Hovmantorp 1962 Marked. Marked by the company tag. Good condition.
Mirror, Oak
Mid-century Modern Brass and Wood Floor Mirror, Italy, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Floor mirror from the 70s, in oak and brass, breadstick work on the base, the mirror has been restored and the brass polished. Small stains on the brass, as shown in the photo.
Brass
"Eleganza Riflessa" brass floor mirror, Milan, 1970s
Located in Cantù, IT
Beautifully designed floor mirror made of polished brass with gold finish. The sleek frame and rounded lines give a timeless touch of class, perfect for elegant or modern settings. T...
Brass
Midcentury Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame 'circa 1950s', Large
Located in London, GB
Midcentury Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1950s). The mirror is classically-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in very good overall condition. A beautiful p...
Brass
1940's Guglielmo Ulrich floor mirror with lacquered wood base
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid mirror with lacquered wood base and large oval mirror with glass top. Attr. William Ulrich, 1940 ca.
Mirror