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Mid Century Side Board Sliding Doors

Teak Mid-Century Sliding Door Sideboard Credenza Hutch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkable, teak, stunning sliding glass doors, two-piece hutch credenza made in Denmark. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Erik Buch Danish Rosewood Dry Bar
By Erik Buch
Located in Monrovia, CA
Leather Like Bar Top, Glass Sliding Doors, Side Cutting Board, Two Slide Out Garnish Drawers, Ample
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Minimalistic Italian Sideboard by Dal Vera
By Dal Vera
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Side board with 3 sliding doors and 2 drawers on adjustable black lacquered metal and copper foot
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal

Arne Vodder Credenza Reversible Door Sideboard Hutch For Sibast Mobler
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Baltimore, MD
Exceptional Mid Century teak two-piece, rare, floating hutch, reversible sliding door, credenza
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Teak, Lacquer

Chippendale Metamorphic Chest with Pull Out Writing Desk, 18th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Century. The Georgian Chest has an unusual Faux Pair of Cabinet Doors on the back, so that the Metamorphic
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Guillerme & Chambron Buffet in Oak with Ceramic Details
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
left side that provides excellent storage facilities. The sliding doors are finished with geometric
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Oak, Ceramic

Guillerme et Chambron, Sideboard, Oak and Ceramic Tiles, Edition Votre Maison
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
door on the left side and four drawers that provide excellent storage facilities. The sliding doors are
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Oak

Japanese Serie Wall Cabinet with Desk by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Delft, NL
compartments exist from few drawers on top 1 compartment in the middle has 2 slide doors and a desk compartment
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Axel Christensen Odder Vintage Danish Teak Highboard by ACO Mobler Denmark 1960s
By Axel Christiansen Odder, Aco Møbler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
proportioned sideboard with four sliding doors and four lower outside drawers. Loads of storage space with easy
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Sideboard by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, Circa 1942
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
European Modern design and the Art Deco period, the side board is made with luxurious materials as black
Category

Vintage 1940s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Iconic Jiroutek Sideboard Type U 460 In Oak, Interier Praha 1960s
By Interiér Praha, Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Zohor, SK
drawers, plastic inside, oak wood fronts. The left side of the sideboard is in plain oak wood doors with
Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Glass, Oak

Rare Harold M. Schwartz for Romweber Burled Sideboard with Floating Cabinet
By Romweber Furniture Co., Harold Schwartz
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Harold M. Schwartz for Romweber. Burled walnut side board with fiddle back highlights
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard with Lamp
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
by French designer due Guillerme & Chambron. This sideboard is equipped with two sliding-doors. The
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard with Lamp
Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard with Lamp
H 86.23 in W 55.12 in D 33.47 in

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Wonderful Brutalist Mid Century Tobago Dry Bar / Cabinet, Server
By Paul Evans, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful Brutalist Mid Century Tobago dry bar / cabinet, server..Amazing design,, Nice size, proportion,, Fit seamlessly into any modern. contemporary environment. Hand delivery ava...
Category

Vintage 1970s Canadian Brutalist Dry Bars

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Gunni Omann 94 inch Credenza with 4 Drawers
By Gunni Omann, Arne Vodder
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century Danish modern Teak gunni omann long credenza. Has 4 drawers with felt inside and 3 sliding doors. Plenty of storage room inside this 94" long Credenza. Has pin holes for ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Vintage Italian Dry Bar, circa 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Italian dry bar is an item of original design furniture realized in the 1950s by Italian Manufacture. The item is composed of a bar counter, wall unit, and two stools. Waln...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Dry Bars

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Vintage Italian Dry Bar, circa 1950s
Vintage Italian Dry Bar, circa 1950s
H 88.19 in W 47.25 in D 16.54 in
1960's Danish Teak Drinks Cabinet / Bar by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very practical vintage Danish drinks cabinet / dry bar. This was made by Dyrlund, it dates from the 1960’s. It has a very clever design, when closed it appears as a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Formica, Teak

Lounge sofa by Dieter Rams for Wolfgang Feierbach Vitsoe RZ62, Germany 1962
By Dieter Rams
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Amazing lounge sofa designed by Dieter Rams upholstered with cowhides. This sofa is in excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Cowhide, Polyester

Italian Modern Wall Unit With Bar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous modular bar unit offers a beautiful mix of rosewood and colored paneling, with unique metal accents, and fantastic overhead lighting. Truly impressive piece makes a won...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Italian Modern Wall Unit With Bar
Italian Modern Wall Unit With Bar
H 88 in W 58.5 in D 43 in
Italian Modern Gio Ponti Style Brass & Ebonized Bar, with Stool, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Culver City, CA
This bar unit is simply stunning-- from every single angle. often attributed to Gio Ponti, this bar features angular brass upright splayed legs, with atomic style ball feet. This bar...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Bernhardt Pedersen Style Danish Teak Tambour Door Credenza and Hutch
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Countryside, IL
Bernhardt Pedersen Style Danish Teak Tambour Door Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures: 72.25 wide x 20 deep x 31.25 inches high The hutch measures: 71 wide x 12.5 deep x 30 inc...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Glass, Teak

Cognac-colored cowhide leather 2.5-seater club sofa
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered is this beautiful and high-quality cognac-colored cowhide leather 2.5-seater club sofa. This well-maintained 2.5-seater cowhide leather club sofa has an incredibly attractive...
Category

Vintage 1980s Sofas

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Cestone Sofa by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, Italy, Showroom Sample
By Flexform, Antonio Citterio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cestone three-seater sofa designed in 2008 by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, an embodiment of authentic Italian craftsmanship. This showroom model, designed to command attention and ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Børge Mogensen for P. Lauritsen & Son Sideboard Cabinets, 1950s Denmark, Signed
By Børge Mogensen, P. Lauritsen & Son 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning well preserved all-original pair of BM-59 sideboard cabinets by Børge Mogensen for P. Lauritsen & Son are in mint condition. Sourced from the original owner, who is ret...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

1960s Danish Wall-Mounted Rosewood Bar Cabinet by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautiful wall-mounted bar in expressive rosewood having a drop-down shelf revealing recessed bottle holders and floating shelves and drawers with flush chromed pulls. This well-en...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Bar Wrought Iron Wood Slat
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage 1950s-60s wood slat, rope and wrought iron bar. Features white laminate top with multiple shelves in the back and side. Vintage condition, slight curvature to the top, shows ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Iron

1960s, Danish Roswood Wall-Mounted Bar / Desk by Erik Buch for Dyrlund
By Erik Buch, Dyrlund, Johannes Andersen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Closed dimensions - height: 55cm, depth: 39cm, width: 127cm Open dimensions - height: 78cm, depth: 70cm, width: 127cm A beautifully figured 1960s Danish rosewood wall-mounted bar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Italian Marble Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage Italian sideboard features a unique floating marble top with a stunning natural wood finish. Six drawers for plenty of storage and organization, while the elega...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Marble

John Stuart Mid-Century Bar Cabinet
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique Mid-Century bar cabinet features an expandable formica top with raised edges, spacious storage shelves, and a wide drawer for organizing glass ware or other items. Unique...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

John Stuart Mid-Century Bar Cabinet
John Stuart Mid-Century Bar Cabinet
H 26 in W 44.5 in D 22 in

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Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Credenza by Rudolf Glatzel for Fristho, 1956
By Rudolf Bernd Glatzel, Fristho
Located in Beek en Donk, NL
Elegant and well made Mid-Century Modern credenza designed by Rudolf Glatzel for Dutch manufacturer
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Vintage Extreme Teak Sideboard, Lowboard, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Enschede, Overijssel
) mid section with 2 engraved glass sliding doors. These doors can be removed as showed in the pictures
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Side-Board Mid-Century Modern Italy Sliding-Doors
By Tecno Design Centre
Located in Lucca, IT
Side-board Mid-Century Modern Italy stile sliding-doors.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Steel

Swedish Teak Credenza by Royal Board
By Royal Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful tall 1950s Swedish teak credenza by Royal Board, Sweden, with three sliding doors
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Swedish Teak Credenza by Royal Board
Swedish Teak Credenza by Royal Board
H 43 in W 67.5 in D 16.5 in
GUIDO FALESCHINI Side Board
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Side board in two part The longest one opens by two doors (lenght of this one is 39" 1/2
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Marble, Metal, Chrome

GUIDO FALESCHINI Side Board
GUIDO FALESCHINI Side Board
H 34 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Modern Two-Tone Three-Drawer Sliding Door Credenza or Sideboard
By Baker Furniture Company, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern two-tone credenza or side board with three drawers and sliding doors. The panel
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Mid-Century George Nelson CSS for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
faced door hinged cabinet One original cork board One sliding door cabinet Three shelves (one shown
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-20th Century Danish Teak Dining Room Suite by Bramin
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
which a bank of drawers for cutlery storage. Flanked either side by sliding doors that each contain 3
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern High Rosewood Sideboard by Mørke Møbler, 1960s
Located in Elshout, NL
transponded on all sliding doors, sides and top. Fairly expressive no nonsense grips and a collection of 6
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Rosewood

Johannes Andersen Model-19 Teak Tambour Door Credenza with Sculpted Pulls
By Uldum Møbelfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
stunning mid-century sideboard is a mix of solid teak and teak veneer over hardwood. Captivating from every
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Narrow Make-Do Pennsylvania Cupboard in Grey Paint, Late 19th Century
Located in York County, PA
TWO UNUSUAL DROP-DOWN DOORS, CA 1890: Unusual country step-back cupboard with plank sides on shallow
Category

20th Century Cupboards

Fully Restored Italian Teak Sideboard with Chest of Drawers, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Mid-Century Modern side board with chest of drawers, Italy, 1950s. An incredible collection
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Guillerme et Chambron, Sideboard, Oak and Ceramic Tiles, Edition Votre Maison
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
door on the left side and four drawers that provide excellent storage facilities. The sliding doors are
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Oak

Paul McCobb Brass, Mahogany and Leather Credenza
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
A side board designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin furniture, circa 1965. Having two sliding leather
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Sideboard by Georges Nelson for Herman Miller 1970s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Lasne, BE
Side board composed of two sliding doors of black color. Foot in metal. No key. Wear due to time
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal

Gunni Omann Highboard in Teak for Omann Jun, Denmark, 1960s
By Gunni Omann, Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Hellouw, NL
, model 15, has three sliding doors, two with a handle and one without. On the right side there are
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Danish Rosewood Midcentury High Sideboard, 1960s
Located in Elshout, NL
to fit in their right space. The center console opens with two sliding doors equiped with brass
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Rosewood Midcentury High Sideboard, 1960s
Danish Rosewood Midcentury High Sideboard, 1960s
H 48.04 in W 74.81 in L 48.04 in
Vintage Danish Model 21 Sideboard from Omann Jun, 1960s
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
rosewood low board with stunning wood grain. Two long sliding doors with square grips in solid rosewood
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Rosewood

Model No. 20 Rosewood Sideboard by Niels O. Moller for J.L Møllers, 1950s
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Elshout, NL
rosewood. The front of the cabinet is in a minimalistic design style, two sliding doors, square flush
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Rosewood

American Federal, Walnut Slant Front Desk
Located in Shippensburg, PA
-hole slots flanking a tombstone-door with channel-molded document drawers on either side of it. The
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Federal Desks

American Federal, Walnut Slant Front Desk
American Federal, Walnut Slant Front Desk
H 44.5 in W 40.63 in D 20.88 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Headboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This headboard features rich walnut wood grain, two center drawers and two sliding door side
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Modernist Cabinet or Armoire in Black by André Sornay, France, Mid-20th Century
By Andre Sornay
Located in London, GB
of the frame and handles of the sliding doors. The armoire is composed of wood and board with solid
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Teak Tambour Door Credenza with Sculpted Recessed Pulls
By Arne Vodder, Nils Jonsson, Johannes Aasbjerg
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This stunning mid-century credenza is a mix of solid teak and teak veneer over hardwood. There's no
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Guillerme and Chambron Buffet in Oak with Ceramic Details
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
left side that provides excellent storage facilities. The sliding doors are finished with geometric
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Oak

Teak high sideboard Scandinavian 1960s
By Hans Christiansen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Teak side board .Three sliding doors . to reveal a beathiful interior . On the Right 5
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Teak

Teak high sideboard Scandinavian 1960s
Teak high sideboard Scandinavian 1960s
H 39.38 in W 66.93 in D 13 in
Sideboard /Credenza Bu DUX in Sweden in the 1960s
Located in Seattle, WA
A side board/ Credenza by Dux in Sweden in the 1960s. Finished in honey-coloured teak with birch
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Wood

Oak Hutch by Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent condition. This side board designed by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison has both
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Oak, Ceramic

Oak Hutch by Guillerme et Chambron
Oak Hutch by Guillerme et Chambron
H 37.5 in W 93 in D 18 in
Restored and Original Henry Rosengren Hansen Rosewood Credenza
By Henry Rosengren Hansen, Brande Møbelindustri
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard by Henry Rosengren Hansen for Brande Møbelindustrik, Denmark, 1950. This side board in
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Wood

Guillerme et Chambron Buffet in Oak with Ceramic Tiles
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
sliding front doors, one pullout doors on the left side and four drawers that provide excellent storage
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Guillerme et Chambron Buffet with White Ceramic Tiles
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
(1913-1990). It features two sliding front doors, one pullout door on the left side and four drawers
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Guillerme et Chambron Buffet with Ceramic Tiles
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
sliding front doors, one pullout doors on the left side and four drawers that provide excellent storage
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Beautiful Mid-Century Ceruse Credenza
Located in Miami, FL
Unique Mid Century Credenza, Buffet, Side Board, Sliding cabinet doors.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Credenzas

Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Credenza Highboard Model 13 by Gunni Oman
By Gunni Omann
Located in San Marcos, CA
1960s, features four large sliding doors with sculpted handles revealing large storage areas with
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Jeam Domps Sideboard for Antony University, 1955
By Jean Domps
Located in Paris, FR
) This side board was in a student bedroom structure is in oak, the door is black lacquered.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Jeam Domps Sideboard for Antony University, 1955
Jeam Domps Sideboard for Antony University, 1955
H 34.65 in W 17.33 in D 70.87 in
Nils Johnson Sideboard Tores Bjärnum, 1960s
By Nils Johnsson
Located in Basel, CH
on both sides there are compartments with sliding doors.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Nils Johnson Sideboard Tores Bjärnum, 1960s
Nils Johnson Sideboard Tores Bjärnum, 1960s
H 31.11 in W 86.62 in D 16.74 in
Domi 1 Teak Highboard by Nils Jonsson for Hugo Troeds, 1960
By Nils Jonsson, Hugo Troeds
Located in Savona, IT
1960s in Sweden. The side board consists of a compartment with sliding doors and shelves, and four more
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Sideboard Triennale OS 29 by Arne Vodder Sibast Teak
By Arne Vodder
Located in Berlin, DE
black and teak reversable sliding doors. Inside you will find shelves on either side. One repaired
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Steel

Bar Table in Veneered Wood and Metal, Czechoslovakia circa 1970, František Jirák
By Frantisek Jirak
Located in Zohor, SK
from outside. The other part of the table is hidden under the top board which can be opened and slides
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

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Mid Century Side Board Sliding Doors For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century side board sliding doors available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, hardwood and teak, all mid century side board sliding doors available were constructed with great care. Mid century side board sliding doors have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Mid century side board sliding doors made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made mid century side board sliding doors over the years, but those made by Guillerme et Chambron, Aco Møbler and Axel Christiansen Odder are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Mid Century Side Board Sliding Doors?

Mid century side board sliding doors can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $6,947, while the lowest priced sells for $1,280 and the highest can go for as much as $74,947.

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 storage-case-pieces for You

Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of storage case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.