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.
Argentine Designer, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Argentina, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and bentwood sofa designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches and a...
Wood, Velvet
French Designer, Side Table, Metal, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and tubular metal side table likely designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Calvin / Directional Burl Walnut Parsons Style Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century modern Calvin Furniture for Directional burl walnut veneer Parsons style coffee table. It is marked and in very good condition. These clean lined coffee tables ...
Walnut, Burl
Monumental Sculptural Polished Stainless Steel Cantilever Coffee Table, USA
By Maria Pergay
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Sculptural Polished Stainless Steel Cantilever Coffee Table, about 3/8 thick stainless. Top is polished, lower section with satin brushed finished. Very heavy, most likely...
Stainless Steel
Sarah Ellison Muse Modular Sofa in Cognac Velvet, Mid-Century Modern
Located in San Carlos, CA
A four-piece modular sofa from Sarah Ellison's celebrated "Muse" collection for Ellison Studios, upholstered in a warm cognac velvet. The set comprises two armless seat modules and t...
Velvet, Hardwood
Danish Mid-Century Wall Mounted Teak Console or Entryway Table, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small wall unit for your entrance way area or beneath a mirror as a practical shelf with small two drawers and one center compartment. It is made from Teak, featuring two dove-tail d...
Teak
Veles Slip Covered Sofa by Bloom Home, Terracotta Belgian Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Veles Slip Covered Sofa in 100% Pure Thick Belgian Linen 84″ L x 33″ D x 34″H (frame height 27″) Arm Height 27″ Seat Height 17″ / Seat Depth 22″ with cushion / Seat Depth 34″ withou...
Linen
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Bouclé Lounge Chairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An original and bold 1970s-style design, highly seductive. These armchairs captivate the beholder and welcome those who sit in them with comfort. The armchairs feature a unique wood...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, combining brass, black lacquered metal and white opaline glass in a refined mid-century composition. Each fixture features a large...
Brass
Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova 'Torbecchia' Sideboard in Walnut
By Poltronova, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 'Torbecchia' sideboard, walnut, Italy, 1964 This exquisite Torbecchia sideboard, created by the artist Giovanni Michelucci (1891-1990), is a true...
Walnut
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce Chandelier in Hammered Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce, chandelier, model 12369, brass, Italy, circa 1951 Angelo Lelii, the creative mind behind Arredoluce, crafted this chandelier with an organic, flowing sh...
Brass
1950s Italian Geometric Brass and Opaline Globe Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a distinctive geometric mid-century modern design. Each lamp features a round brass wall plate supporting an angu...
Brass
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Red Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Artimeta (Holland), circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal, seem to be repainted many years ago. In good original c...
Metal
Large Curved Shape Banana Sofa in Original in Original Fabric Denmark 1940's
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large banana shaped or curved sofa made in Denmark, circa 1940's. This sofa will make strong statement in any room. Beautiful round voluptuous lines providing for an elegant and impr...
Wool, Beech
California Modern Two-Tone Black Lacquered Dresser by Stanley Young
By Stanley Young, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Lacquered Wood, Walnut Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we tak...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
1950s Lounge Chair with Wing-Shaped Ears and Curved Armrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, oak, fabric, brass, Europe, 1950s Charming 1950s lounge chair defined by its sweeping curves and embracing silhouette. The back rises gracefully before folding forwar...
Brass
French Art Glass Vase by La Rochère in Mauve, Grey and Light Green, Late 20th C.
By La Rochere
Located in Valencia, VC
1980s La Rochère French Art Glass Vase in Mauve, Grey and Light Green Sculptural French art glass vase by La Rochère, dating to the 1980s. The vase features a rounded, organic silho...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Vintage Iconic Large upholstered Lounge / Easy Chair From Denmark 1930’s
By Fritz Hansen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
We present this iconic rare armchair, crafted in Denmark circa 1930s, likely by Fritz Hansen, evoking the spirit of Flemming Lassen’s "Tired Man Chair"; its enveloping form and broad...
Fabric, Beech
Early 1950s Pair of Lee Rosen for Design Technics Plaid Pottery / Ceramic Lamps
Located in Southampton, NJ
A unique and rare pair of c1950 plaid, pottery lamps by Lee Rosen for DESIGN-TECHNICS. These lamps appear in period DESIGN-TECHNICS catalogs as Style CL 337 (4337). with Technic: Sof...
Brass
Early Vico Magistretti for Mario Luigi Comi Set of Eight Carimate Dining Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Fratelli Mario e Luigi Comi, First Edition set of eight 'Carimate' dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, design 1959 This first-edition set of dining chairs belon...
Straw, Beech
Rare set of 12 original lithographs by Danish pinup artist Christel Schwark
Located in Søborg, DK
12 Original 1940s Lithographs by Christel Schwarck - Danish Pin-Up Collection Rare complete set of 12 original vintage lithographic prints by Denmark...
Paper
Pair of 1950s Italian Opaline Glass and Brass Bedside Table Lamps
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian table lamps from the 1950s, featuring solid brass bases and tall rectangular shades in white opaline glass. The softly rounded corners of the glass contrast with the ...
Opaline Glass, Wood
Pair of 1950s Italian Sculptural Wall Lights in Brass, Green and Opaline Glass
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a sculptural mid-century composition and a distinctive combination of brass, green lacquer and opaline glass. Ea...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Gerald Thurston Sculpted Tripod Brass & Walnut Table Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Brass Accents & Hardware, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 26in H x 13in W x 13in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17in W ________________________________________ Transf...
Brass
Hermès Cleopatra Eye Magnifier Silver Plated Vintage Desk Accessory, 1960
By Hermès, Jean Cocteau
Located in Vienna, AT
Hermès Cleopatra Eye Magnifier Silver Plated Vintage Desk Accessory This vintage Hermès "Eye of Cleopatra" (Œil de Cléopâtre) magnifying glass is an e...
Silver Plate, Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Dining Table Circa 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Peabody, MA
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5965 mahogany dining table, ca. 1950s. It features a bowed top and blade-form tapered legs with subtle brass cleats. Measures 83.75” long, plus thr...
Brass
Set of 6 Iconic Razorblade Tall Version Dining Chairs in Carved Oak 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Set of 6 Iconic tall version Razorblade oak dining chairs by Henning ("Henry") Kjærnulf made in Denmark the 1960's as by EG Kvalitetsmobel (chairs are labeled underneath). These are ...
Wool, Oak
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century espresso brown leather pleated 3 seat sofa model DS 86 De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century brown leather pleated 3 seat sofa model DS 86 De Sede. Well Worn Buffalo Leather dark espresso brown stitched pleated long low sofa. Very High end sofa handmade in Switze...
Leather, Wood
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Paul McCobb Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Maple
Set of 8 Henning Kjærnulf “Razorblade” Dining Chairs in Oak & Mohair, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional set of 8 dining chairs designed by Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, in the 1960s. Known as the celebrated “Razorblade” model, these chairs are distingu...
Wool, Mohair, Oak
1970s Orange and Gray Marbled Glass Rondelle Ceiling Light
By Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wide, shallow bowl-form ceiling flush mount in marbled glass with a striking two-tone pattern that moves from warm amber-orange on one side to cool gray on the other. The glass surfa...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Muted Moss Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, wood, Europe, 1950s This mid-century modern sofa has a quiet confidence to it. Its form is simple, but not severe: the broad backrest, gently angled arms and long, uni...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Modern Walnut Bench Setteee With Caning
Located in Toronto, ON
Lovely midcentury modern bench/settee. The frame is walnut featuring caning in the back and side panels. It has light yellow tufted fabric upholstery with two bolster pillows. In ove...
Other
Vladimir Kagan 11.5 Ft Iconic Serpentine Sofa Manufactured by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary 11½-foot Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional, representing one of the most iconic and recognizable designs in American Mid-Cen...
Fabric, Lucite, Wood
Small French 1950's Guéridon in the Manner of Charles Dudouyt
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A wonderfully sculptural French side table in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, featuring a circular top raised on a finely turned central column and distinctive tripod base terminating...
Wood
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Mid-Century Modern Night Stands Bed Side Tables
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables in beautiful wooden structure with greatly carved decorated side legs and feet with thr...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs in Muted Golden Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, velvet, Europe, 1950s These elegant armchairs show a sturdy yet graceful framework that highlights their mid-century character. Their gently curved backs and ...
Velvet, Beech
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by Coleman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Walnut
Cees Braakman Rosewood Executive Desk for Pastoe, 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braakman's executive desk for Pastoe features a floating rosewood-veneered top with a black-stained accent beneath, creating a pronounced shadow gap that lifts the surface visually f...
Chrome
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern Walnut & Brass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Brass
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Fritte Chamotte Ceramic Table Lamp, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Valencia, VC
Rare Mid-Century Modern table lamp from the Fritte series by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, produced in Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy, during the 1960s. The lamp is formed as a compact archi...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Glass
Carlo Jensen Rosewood Credenza w/ Sliding Doors for Hundevad & Co.
By Carlo Jensen, Hundevad & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Brazilian Rosewood, Birch Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we ...
Wood, Birch, Rosewood
French Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric, wood and yellow rubber sofa likely designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. In very good vintage condition, with light wear consistent with age and use. Light surf...
Wood, Fabric
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Floating Night Stands by Weiman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Weiman Furniture Company Manufacturer: Weiman Furniture Company Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Steel Pulls & Hardware ________________________________________ ...
Steel
1940s Italian Hand-Carved Dining Table in Oak with Scalloped Rim
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, Italy, 1940s This 1940s dining table in chestnut reflects the influence of the Paolo Buffa School. Its defining elements are the scalloped rim with cutouts and t...
Oak
Vintage Marble Chess Set, Carved White Marble & Onyx Pieces and Board
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage chess set features hand-carved onyx and white marble chessboard and game pieces. Expressive veining in brown and cream colors on onyx pieces creates unique, organic patterns ...
Onyx, Marble
Italian Mid-Century Set of Six Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Mazzega 1946
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Gorgeous, stunnin and unique Set of Six Italian Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1970s. These fixtures were made during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. Each sconce is equipped with 2 li...
Metal, Brass
Art Deco Murano Glass Pedant Lamp, 1930s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Art Deco Murano glass pendant lamp from Italy, 1930s. The lamp is built as a delicate glass flower, with a soft pink central shade surrounded by clear textured glass leaves and curve...
Brass
French Designer, Coffee Table, Burl, France, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood coffee table designed and produced in France, c. 1980s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to the surface,...
Burl
Vintage 1970s "Area" wall lamp, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wall or ceiling lamp that can also be used as a table lamp, with a white ceramic base and a glass-fiber-reinforced paper shade, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s. 4 lamps...
Ceramic, Paper
Neoclassical Demi-lune Commode Credenza Console in Marquetry Inlay Burl Wood
Located in Carimate, Como
Very important, elegant and refined Italian commode buffet with great demi-lune shape design, attention to details in every part and beautiful inlay marquetry decors with the burl wo...
Brass
Elegant Mid-Century Modern chandelier, 1950s, Style of Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Itsu
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant Paavo Tynell–Style Mid-Century Modern chandelier, likely designed and manufactured by Itsu in Finland during the 1950s. (No manufacturer's markings.) This striking and unusua...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Riviera” Highboy Birch Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Birch
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Beveled Frame Arch Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Mirror ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we ta...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Italian Designer, Pendant Light, Resin, Italy, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A polymer resin over metal pendant light designed and produced in Italy, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Discolouration to shade. Pat...
Resin
Kai Kristiansen MidCentury Scandinavian Dark Wood Shelves System Fm Møbler 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcentury modern design dark wood shelving system designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by FM Møbler; it comprises eight shelves of varying depths and five stora...
Wood
Dom Hans der Laan Bench in Pine and Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dom Hans van der Laan, bench, lacquered pine, copper, the Netherlands, 1975 This bench was conceived in 1975 by Dutch Benedictine monk and architect Dom Hans van der Laan for a priv...
Copper
Handmade Cotton Area Flat Weave Rug, 3x5 Green And Blue Zig Zag Striped Dhurrie
Located in Jaipur, IN
Cotton Vegetable Dyed Reversible Area Rug, Forest Green, Cream And Blue Zig Zag Striped Rug Dhurrie - 3'x5' (90x150cm) These special flat-weave dhurries are hand-woven with 15 ply 1...
Cotton
Seven Mid-Century Novelty Cocktail Napkins with Song Verses, circa 1950
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Set of seven mid-century cocktail napkins, circa 1950, each featuring a different excerpt from drinking songs and toasting verses in English. The inscriptions appear in burgundy-red ...
Textile
Mario Bellini for Cassina Pair of 'Quartet' Lounge Chairs in Beige Suede
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, pair of 'Quartet' lounge chairs, model '932', suede, Italy, 1964 Known as the Quartet, this lounge chair was designed by Mario Bellini as a reinterpretati...
Suede