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Fratelli Toso Ribbons

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Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Ribbons Italian Art Glass Decorative Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The piece has a green, white and orange color
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Ribbon, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink Blue White Ribbon Vintage Italian Art Glass Decanter
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The sky blue and light pink ribbons have a twist design, and the
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Ribbon

Fratelli Toso Murano Colorful Millefiori Ribbon Italian Art Glass Paperweights
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
paperweights. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. Each has their own unique design. The first one is a
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flowers Ribbons Italian Art Glass Paperweights
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Italian art glass paperweights. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The first is a scramble
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass, Murrine

Fratelli Toso Murano Yellow Blue a Canne Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bottle Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ flower vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with tall neck and bulbous bottom shape. The piece
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Ribbon, Blown Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Centerpiece Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
centerpiece bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The bowl is made with twisting pink and copper
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Sommerso, Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Opalescent Pink Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
footed bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, circa 1956. The bowl has a scalloped flared out rim
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Opaline Glass, Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Rainbow Filigrana Ribbons Italian Art Glass Swan Figurine
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
swan bird figurine. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with silver and blue shield
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Red and White Ribbons Large Art Glass Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
. Attributed to Fratelli Toso. Made with the caneworking glassblowing technique in ruby red and white glass
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Vases

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Rainbow Stripes Ribbon Glass Vase with Gold Flecks
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Fratelli Toso, Italy, 1950s. This stunning large tied rope sack bag shaped art glass vase is made of multi
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ fazzoletto vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The piece has an original "Murano Glass - Made In
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Purple White Ribbons Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
decorative bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The bowl has a scalloped rim, with 2 decorative
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fratelli Toso Murano Yellow White Ribbons Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The bowl has a scalloped rim, with 2 decorative folds
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Copper Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Italian art glass decorative bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. Has a ruffled and folded in
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Copper Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Italian art glass decorative centerpiece bowl. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. Has a ruffled and
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
handkerchief / fazzoletto vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. Made with pink "A canne" pieces and
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass

Murano Fratelli Toso Rainbow Ribbons Italian Art Glass Vanity Casket Jewelry Box
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
jewelry box. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. There are pink, yellow, teal green, blue and white
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Metal

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ fazzoletto vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. Made with twisting latticing pieces and formed into
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Glass Lilac Swirl Ribbons & Gold Dust Large Bowl / Ashtray
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
. Attributed to Fratelli Toso, Italy, 1950s. This decorative art glass bowl has a cane working twisting
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Ribbon Gold Leaf Italian Art Glass Pitcher Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with original "Murano Glass - Made In Italy" label
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fratelli Toso Murano Ribbons Italian Art Glass Sculptural Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
art glass sculptural handkerchief / fazzoletto vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, and in
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Ribbons Italian Art Glass Sculptural Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
art glass sculptural handkerchief / fazzoletto vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, and in
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Purple White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
ribbons Italian art glass sculptural handkerchief / fazzoletto flower vase. Documented to the Fratelli
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Zanfirico White Black Ribbons Italian Art Glass Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ fazzoletto flower vase. Attributed to the Fratelli Toso Company, with matte outside finish to the black
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink Green Ribbons Large Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
sculptural handkerchief / fazzoletto flower vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The vase has an
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Decorative Dish Bowl
By Salviati, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
scalloped rim bowl / vide-poche. Attributed to the Fratelli Toso company. Created with pink "A canne" pieces
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Green White Italian Art Glass Crown Paperweight
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
paperweight. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. This paperweights are often referred to as "crown
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Large Hand Blown Amber Glass Chandelier Attributed to Fratelli Toso
By Fratelli Toso
Located in New York, NY
The amber Murano glass chandelier, having two tiers of scrolling glass ribbons above a bottom tier
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Murano Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Blue Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ fazzoletto vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with partial original blue and silver label still
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Italian Murano Pink Blue White & Gold Art Glass Bowl or Ashtray Fratelli Toso
By Fratelli Toso
Located in New York, NY
-20th century, Italy, attributed to Fratelli Toso. Great as a standalone bowl or use as a catchall for
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Blue Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
handkerchief / fazzoletto vase centerpiece. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with similars published in
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Toso Murano Green Orange Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
glass paperweights. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company. Top is called a "Crown" paperweight, with
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine, Glass

Toso Murano 1976 Blue Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Basket Paperweight
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
murrines Italian art glass paperweight. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The piece also has a 1976
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

Murano Yellow White Aventurine Ribbon Italian Art Glass Mid-Century Flower Vase
By Salviati, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown yellow and white ribbons Italian art glass flower vase. Created
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass, Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Ribbon

Murano Blue Ribbons Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Powder Box Perfume Vanity Set
By Fratelli Toso, Aureliano Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
. Created in an earlier Venetian style, and in the manner of the Fratelli Toso and Aureliano Toso workshops
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Aqua Stripe Ribbons Italian Art Glass Decanter
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Fratelli Toso Murano blue and aqua stripe ribbons decanters. Each vase measures 16.75
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Glass

Murano Amethyst Purple White Zanfirico Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
handkerchief / fazzoletto vase. Created in the manner of the Venini and Fratelli Toso companies. The vase has
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Murano Pink White Aventurine Flecks Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The piece is made with twisting pink and copper
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Murano Pink Green Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Mid-Century Flower Vase
By Dino Martens, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
flower vase. Created in the manner of Fratelli Toso company, and designer Dino Martens. The vase has an
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass, Ribbon, Murano Glass, Art Glass

Murano Blue Orange Ribbons Controlled Bubbles Italian Art Glass Egg Paperweight
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
egg shaped paperweight. Created in the manner of the Fratelli Toso company. This paperweight has
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Murano Sky Blue White Zanfirico Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
/ fazzoletto vase. Created in the manner of Venini and the Fratelli Toso companies. The vase is made with
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Murano Glittery Copper Aventurine Red White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl Dish
By Fratelli Toso, Salviati
Located in Kissimmee, FL
light. The bowl also has a clear applied foot. Created in the manner of the Fratelli Toso and Salviati
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Murano Rainbow White Zanfirico Ribbons Italian Art Glass Leaf Shape Ring Dish
By Fratelli Toso, Salviati
Located in Kissimmee, FL
, dish. Attributed to the Fratelli Toso company. Made with intricate twisting Zanfirico ribbon in
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Murano White Gold Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fan Shaped Flower Vase
By Salviati, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
gold leaf. Created in the manner of the Fratelli Toso and Salviati companies. Would make a great
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Gold Leaf

Murano Venetian Antique White Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fan Shaped Flower Vase
By Salviati, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
. The vase is made with layered white net Zanfirico ribbons. Each ribbon has an intricate criss-cross
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Murano Blue White Zanfirico Ribbons Italian Art Glass Decanter Shot Glasses Set
By Salviati, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
piece liquor decanter and shot glasses set. Created in the manner of the Salviati and Fratelli Toso
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Murano Rainbow Aventurine Flecks Swirl Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Dino Martens, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Italian art glass handkerchief / fazzoletto vase. Created in the manner of Venini and the Fratelli Toso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Ribbon, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Fratelli Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in Gardena, CA
Fratelli Toso Italian Murano Art Glass vase Vase with Aventurine glass and a red ribbon design
Category

20th Century Italian Vases

Materials

Murano Glass

Fratelli Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
Fratelli Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
H 11.125 in W 9.125 in D 4.75 in
Murano Pink Yellow Blue White Aventurine Flecks Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Fratelli Toso, Archimede Seguso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Fratelli Toso companies. Made with very thick glass. Would make a great display piece on any desk, vanity
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fratelli Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Aventurine Vase
Located in Gardena, CA
Fratelli Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Aventurine vase Vase with Aventurine glass and a swirled
Category

20th Century Italian Vases

Materials

Glass

Murano Black Copper Gold Leaf Ribbons Italian Art Glass Two Handle Flower Vase
By Dino Martens, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown black and copper aventurine ribbons Italian art glass flower
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass

Murano Green White Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Flared Rim Flower Vase
By Dino Martens, Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Fratelli Toso company. The vase has a very large and unusual flared and ruffled rim, with a triangle / cone
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Italian Murano Art Glass Sphere Paperweight
By Fratelli Toso
Located in New York, NY
maintains original label as shown in last two images. Attributed to design atelier Fratelli Toso. A great
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Murano Blown Glass Decanter Attributed to Vetreria Fratelli Toso Signed
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Murano blown glass decanter attributed to Vetraria Fratelli Toso signed Purple blue striped
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Murano Millefiori Flower Basket Italian Art Glass Paperweight Night Light
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
glass paperweight on lighted base. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. It has dark pink and white
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Murrine, Wood, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Mid Century Murano Candy Dish Collection of Eleven Italian Glass Ashtrays Bowls
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Atlanta, GA
. G.) a rounded corner somewhat square form with three folded over sides with gold flecks and ribbons
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso

Murano Pink Yellow Blue Pastel Colors Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
handkerchief / fazzoletto vase. Created in the manner of Venini and the Fratelli Toso company. The vase is made
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Murano Paperweight Blue Red Ribbons Italian Art Glass Egg Shape Circa 1960s
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Italian art glass egg shaped paperweight. Created in the manner of the Fratelli Toso company. Would make a
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Murano Glass Latticino Ribbon Slippers with Gold Leaf
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Grantham, GB
Set of four murano glass latticino ribbon slippers with gold leaf, attributed to Fratelli Toso
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Nouveau More Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Glass Latticino Ribbon Slippers with Gold Leaf
Murano Glass Latticino Ribbon Slippers with Gold Leaf
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H 2.37 in W 7.09 in D 1.97 in
Murano Zanfirico Bowl with Aventurine
By Archimede Seguso, Fratelli Toso
Located in Princeton, NJ
Fratelli Toso or Archimede Seguso.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Zanfirico Bowl with Aventurine
Murano Zanfirico Bowl with Aventurine
H 1.25 in W 4.75 in D 4.75 in
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Fratelli Toso Ribbons For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of fratelli toso ribbons is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique fratelli toso ribbons was constructed with extraordinary care, often using glass, murano glass and art glass. Fratelli toso ribbons have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Fratelli toso ribbons are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, modern and Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many fratelli toso ribbons are appealing in their simplicity, but Fratelli Toso, Murano and Alfredo Barbini produced popular fratelli toso ribbons that are worth a look.

How Much are Fratelli Toso Ribbons?

Prices for fratelli toso ribbons can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, fratelli toso ribbons begin at $150 and can go as high as $19,500, while the average can fetch as much as $750.

A Close Look at mid-century-modern Furniture

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 legendary 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.

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.

Finding the Right decorative-objects for You

Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style. 

Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.

Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation. Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?

Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”

To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.