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.
Arthur English, Hand Colored Photograph, Signed, South Africa, circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, ON
Arthur English - Mid Century original hand colored landscape photograph - dry mounted to paper board - unframed - signed lower/right by the photographer/artist - South Africa - circa...
Paint, Paper
Framed Vintage Life-Size Marilyn Monroe Pin-Up Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
A super fun vintage framed life-size pin-up poster of a young Marilyn Monroe in a red and white striped bikini and showing her Classic shining smile.
Paper
$16,441Sale Price / set|20% Off
Marilyn Monroe The Last Sitting Photoshoot Limited Edition Print By Bert Stern
By Bert Stern
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Marilyn Monroe The Last Sitting Photoshoot Limited Edition Print By Bert Stern On reverse of print "Seal of Excellence" label & "Copyright 2000, Bert Stern produced by SASR Ent...
Paper
Murray Garrett Signed Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood Silver Gelatin Photograph 1953
By Murray Garrett
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and quite stunning black and white silver gelatin fibre photographic print by renowned American photographer Murray Garrett who was known for his candid portraitures/shot...
Wood, Paper
VILLA DELLA REGINA II Torino, 2017 by Carlo Carossio
Located in Rome, IT
Carlo Carossio VILLA DELLA REGINA II , Torino, 2017 from series "Grande Bellezza" for Compendio Gallery, Roma full ultra HD edition of 10 +2 ap Measure: 120 x 180 cm signed and numb...
Paper
Bernard Buffet Coffee Table Art Collector Book, 1966
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Bernard Buffet. Images Luc Fournol. Legendes Annabel Buffet Jean Widmer. Buffet, Bernard - Druon, Maurice. Bernard Buffet (French: 10 July 1928 – 4 October 1999) was a French painter...
Paper
$3,762Sale Price|44% Off
Jill Freedman Kissing FDNY 1976, Black & White Photo on Kodak Endura, Signed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jill Freedman Kissing FDNY 1976, black & white photo on Kodak Endura, Signed. Image also known as ‘Brotherly Love.” This is a black and white photogr...
Paper
Ruth Bernhard Signed Gelatin Silver Photograph Print Perspective II, 1967
By Ruth Bernhard 1
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and timeless image/photographic print by famed German-American photographer/artist Ruth Bernhard (1905-2006). This classic feminine nude study is titled "Perspective II". The gelatin silver photographic print is hand pencil signed by Bernhard in the lower right margin and hand pencil signed, titled, and dated (the original image was created in 1967. This is likely a later printing) with her photographer's stamp on the verso. Provenance: Peter Fetterman Gallery, Los Angeles (please see image of the original gallery purchase receipt). Ruth Bernard...
Paper
Vogue Magazine September 1970 Framed Lauren Hutton Cover
By Irving Penn
Located in Stamford, CT
September 1970 Vogue framed cover. Lauren Hutton photographed by Irving Penn. As found framed condition in gold wooden frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
$1,950Sale Price|22% Off
Julius Schulman Signed Black & White Photograph, Von Sternberg House
Located in San Diego, CA
Julius Shulman signed black and white gelatin photo of the Von Sternberg house in Northridge, CA, circa 1947. #1675 The overall piece measures 16" x 20" and the actual image is 12...
Paper
Scholl Wall Chart, Rome
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This poster with a photo of the city Rome (Italy) was produced by Europa et Schola Edition and used in schools for cultural education. Foto: Servizio delle Informationi , Roma...
Paper
$1,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
1960s Vogue Magazine Framed Covers, Set of 3
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of three framed 1960s Vogue Magazine covers. Left to right: September 1964 cover features model Wilhelmina photographed by David Bailey. N...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christo and Jeanne-Claude Ultrachrome Print
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Christo (1935, USA) and Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009, USA), Documenta de Kassel, 1968, Ultra-chrome print, 60 x 50 cm, N°4/12, signed by Christo, Jeanne-Claude and the photographer Wolfang Volz. On the occasion of the Documenta IV in 1968, in Kassel, Germany, Christo and Jeanne...
School Wall Chart, Valletta, Fortress and Harbour
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This poster with a photo of the city Valletta (Malta) was produced by Europa et Schola Edition and used in schools for cultural education. Foto: Government Tourist Board, Malta; H...
Paper
$175Sale Price|50% Off
1967 Vogue Magazine Irving Penn Framed Fashion Print
Located in Stamford, CT
Vogue Magazine 1967 fashion editorial framed page. Marisa Berenson photographed by Irving Penn. As found framed condition in pink wooden frame with...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Vogue Magazine September 1963 Framed Cover
By David Bailey
Located in Stamford, CT
Vogue September 1963 framed original cover. Model Brigitte Bauer photographed by David Bailey. As found framed condition in gold wood frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
School Wall Chart, Monaco
Located in Wolfurt, AT
MONACO(D) MONACO(DK) MONACO(E) MONACO(F) MONACO(GB) MONACO(I) MOMACO(NL) Foto: H. Hariz, Hamburg - Druck: Herder Druck Freiburg im Breisga Europa ET Schola Editio. Alphen aan...
Paper
1940s Silver Gelatin Photo of the Diego Rivera Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940. We offer this Silver Gelatin Photo of the Diego Rivera Studio. In 1931, commissioned by Diego Rivera, Juan O'Gorman designed one of the first functionalist architectural ...
Paper
Pair of Vintage 90s Male Physique Orig Photos of Masculine Model/Actor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have collected vintage Male Physique original photographs since the 80s. Many great photographers worked in the 80s and 90s and we loved colle...
Paper
Black and White Photograph in New York City in 1942 - Artist Unknown
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Black and White Photograph New York City / 1942 Artist and Date of Print Unknown image: 10" x 10" - some "dents" on the image - see images matte: 16" x 20" - matte needs to be repl...
Paper
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Early Bruce of Los Angeles Male Model Physique Orig B&W Photograph
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
It is becoming very rare to find a desirable original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photograph. Especially with the iconic black and white checkerboard ...
Paper
Vintage Roman Chef Photograph
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Roman chef photograph. Midcentury black and white photo of an Italian chef smiling from a Roman palazzo balcony in period black and gold frame. Italy, 1960's Approximate dim...
Giltwood, Paper, Wood
School Wall Chart, Parlament and Big Ben London
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Parlament and Big Ben London(D) Londres(F) Londra(I) London(GB) Londres(E) Londen (NL) London( DK) Photo: Lozi, Stuttgart - Druck: Herder Druck Freiburg im Breisgau Europa Et ...
Paper
1970's Color Photo: Portrait in the style of Thomas Ruff - Artist Unknown
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1970's Color Photograph Female Portrait Artist, Subject and Exact Date are Unknown (Fred Newman list on back) in the style of artist Thomas Ruff image 8" x 10" - mounted to matte...
Paper
Original Photo of car FIAT - 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1951 - Museum of decorative Arts in Czech republic, marked - photographed by Illek and Paul - suitable for framing jr.
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver print Photographer's ...
Paper
Hollywood Then and Now by Rosemary Lord - Mid-Century Modern Hardcover
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hollywood then and now Lord, Rosemary. The film industry came to Hollywood in the early 1900s and Hollywood became a glamour factory, a city of fantasy. It was the home of the stars and the famous Hollywood sign beckoned through the smog, drawing in hopeful wannabes. Hollywood Then and Now teams photos...
Paper
$5,323Sale Price|20% Off
'Marilyn on the Stairs' 1956 yellow plate photograph by Milton H. Greene
By Milton H. Greene
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Atypical photo of Marilyn Monroe on dusty stairs in a shabby porch. Devoid of any form of glamor the natural beauty of the moviestar remains proudly intact. Dressed in a black lace t...
Other
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn and William Holden on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage gelatin silver prin...
Other
Audrey Hepburn, Original Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell Vintage g...
Other
Larry Clark Signed Gallery Exhibition Offset Lithograph Posters
By Larry Clark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Larry Clark Gallery exhibition offset lithograph posters, American, circa 1996. The poster on the left is signed by the artist. They are from the famed photographer, filmmaker, and a...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Industrial Steel Mill Black and White Photograph
Located in San Francisco, CA
One of a kind, never published, black and white photograph of an Industrial steel mill scene, unsigned. Professionally matted and framed, American, early to...
Paper
Henry Rox Art Critic in a Moment of Insight Before Post-War Abstraction c. 1948
By Henry Rox
Located in Camden, ME
Henry Rox Art Critic in a Moment of Insight Before Post-War Abstraction c.1948 from Photo-Sculpture: Reflections on Modern Art c. 1946–1950 Vintage silver gelatin print 8 x 10 inch...
Paper
French Vintage Photography "The Painter and his Model" in Montmartre 1960s
By Robert Doisneau
Located in Salzburg, AT
French Vintage Photography "The Painter and his Model" in Montmartre 1960s This large black-and-white original photograph from the 1960s depicts “The Painter and His Model” in Montma...
Glass, Paper
1970 Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Stairs of the sands Port - Barcares, circa 1970. 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Color: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
$319Sale Price|30% Off
Taken from Life by J. D. Beresford & E. O. Hoppe 1922 1st Edition
Located in Barcelona, ES
Book Published by W. COLLINS SONS & CO. LTD., London, Glasgow, Melbourne, Auckland 1922. E. O. (Emil Otto) Hoppé’s photographs bring English writer J. D. (John Davys) Beresford’s ...
Paper
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Early B & W Original Bruce of LA Male Nude Photograph Rare Studio Stamp
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare early B & W orig photograph from Bruce Bellas. This tasteful nude is a horizontal image of a handsome blond male model. The verso has the early stamp with PO Box in Los Angele...
Paper
1960, Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Staircase of the futuristic Royan Cathedral, circa 1960 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Colour: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
$660Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Photograph, Rural Indonesia, Oriental, Monochrome, Java, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage monochrome photograph of rural Indonesia. An Oriental, framed large format black & white print, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Charming look at rural ...
Glass, Paper
Lucio Fontana, Big Photography, Italy, circa 1962
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Big Photography for the Project of the Resistance Monument in Cuneo, in collaboration with Francesco Somaini and Ico Parisi, Italy, circa 1962. Biogra...
Paper
$2,195Sale Price|21% Off
Rolling Stones "Their Satanic Majesties Request" Album Cover Photograph, 1967
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Original Michael Cooper photograph, 1967, taken for the Rolling Stones' album cover 'Their Satanic Majesties Request". Signed and numbered 11/25 in black ink by Adam Cooper, a...
Metal
1970 Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Façade of the "honeycomb" building in Chamonix, circa 1970. 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Color: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
1970 Photography Jean Ribière
By Jean Ribière
Located in Perpignan, FR
Bubbles of the metro architect André Wogenscky Paris, circa 1970. 100 x 100 cm / limited and numbered edition n°1/12 Digigraphy print on textured cotton fineart paper 320 gr. Certification: Signed and numbered by hand. Frame: Black wood Color: Black and white Jean Ribière...
Paper
$736Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Loom Weaver Photograph, Balinese Woman, Monochrome Portrait, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage monochrome photograph of a loom weaver. An Oriental, framed large format black & white portrait, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Fascinating portrait o...
Glass, Paper
Original Vintage Photograph of an Aviator Pilot. C.1940
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful image of an airplane pilot. Silver gelatin print. On card Photogapher and sitter both unknown Unframed Free shipping.
Paper
Fallingwater A Frank Lloyd Wright Country House by Edgar Kaufmann Book, 1986
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Fallingwater, A Frank lloyd Wright Country House, Edgar K. Kaufmann, 1986 " Fallingwater - a Frank Lloyd Wright Country House " Vintage 1986 1st Edition Modernism Architecture Large...
Paper
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Bruce of LA Set Model Bobby Kennedy Male Orig Vintage Physique Photographs
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
It is very rare to find a desirable iconic two piece set of original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photographs. Especially with the iconic Roman column,...
Paper
$248Sale Price|33% Off
Original B&W Vintage NY Times Press Photo from 1972
Located in Søborg, DK
Original New York Times press photo from 02.29.73. Showing Oxford Street London in 1972. At that time Oxford Street was one of the most dangerous streets in Europe. Mounted in a vi...
Paper
Vintage Black and White Mountain Landscape Photograph – Mounted Fine Art Print.
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage black-and-white photograph captures a dramatic alpine landscape featuring snow-dusted mountain cliffs, waterfalls, and foreground foliage. Mounted on a solid cream-color...
Paper
Lee Reynolds Abstract Nautical Impressionist Painting Lighthouse Harbor
By Lee Reynolds
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Lee Reynolds nautical impressionist painting lighthouse harbor Bold expressive strong brushstrokes Hand signed bottom left-this is an unusual L.Reynolds/Vanguard Studios painting...
Metal
Pair of Vintage 1990s Male Physique B+W Orig Photos of Model / Actor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have collected vintage Male Physique original photographs since the 80s. Many great photographers worked in the 80s and 90s and we loved colle...
Paper
Julius Shulman styled Architectural Photo Set #2 by Joseph W Molitor
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A portfolio of 17 mounted architectural industrial Mid Century photographs by Joseph W. Molitor ( 1935- 1985 ) . Molitor who was a peer of leading 20th Century photographers such as Balthazar Korab , Ezra Stoller , Hedrich Blessing...
Paper
Steve Schapiro Signed Iconic Silver Gelatin Photograph Three Men, New York, 1961
Located in Studio City, CA
A historic and iconic, richly toned, silver gelatin photograph image by prolific and renowned photographer Steve Schapiro. Perhaps his most famous image. Signed, stamped and titled ("Three Men, New York 1961") by the artist on the verso. The photo has been professionally matted and framed with museum glass. Schapiro's photographs have appeared in such international magazines as Life, Look, Time, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, People and Paris Match...
Paper
$450Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Elizabeth Taylor Signed Photograph
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare vintage Elizabeth Taylor signed photograph with Actor Peter Lawford, circa 1952. The photo was taken when Lawford came to visit Taylor on the set of her movie "Ivanhoe" i...
Paper
Joseph Woodson “Pops” Whitesell Silver Gelatin Large Format Photograph Ca. 1930s
Located in Peabody, MA
Silver gelatin large format print by the New Orleans photographer Joseph Woodson “Pops” Whitesell. Entitled “Hoosier Pioneers” it depicts the matriarchs of his Indiana heritage, ca. ...
Paper
Original Photo of Bruno Mathsson Lounge chair / Finland - 1950
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1950 - Museum of decorative Arts in Czech republic - suitable for framing - photographed by Illek and Paul jr
Paper
Vogue Magazine March 1963 Framed Cover
By Irving Penn
Located in Stamford, CT
Vogue March 1963 framed original cover. Featuring cover model Burke Amey and a Cartwheel Hat by Halston by Irving Penn. newly framed in blue glossy wood frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Framed Editioned Marilyn Monroe Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Title: Marilyn as Mao Medium: Gelatin silver prints Date: 1952-1959; editioned and printed in 1981 Edition: 12/250 Size: image 12.5" x 8.75"; wi...
Paper
Original Photos of car FIAT and autobus FIAT Urbano - 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1951 - Museum of decorative Arts in Czech republic, marked - photographed by Illek and Paul - suitable for framing jr.
Paper
1960s Black and White Fiat Seat 600 Car Photographs, Set of Three
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of three black and white photographs with their original frames with 600 Fiat seat cars. Spain, 1960s Overall Measures Dimensions of the photos framed: 25cm W x 19.5cm H 27.5cm ...
Paper