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Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Early 20th Century Spanish Three Tier Dessert Stand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Three tier metal dessert plate from France. Made by unknown manufacturer, early 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consisten...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

Ceramic Platter by Nancy Wickham Boyd
Located in Littleton, CO
A spectacular hand-thrown earthenware ceramic platter with spiral motif and incised web overlay by Vermont studio potter Nancy Wickham Boyd. Ear...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Silver Plated Dish Representing a Fish, French Work, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This dish is representing a fish and is made of silver plated. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Danish Teak Tray with Handle by Bonniers
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Are vintage Danish serving tray with a beautifully sculpted form and single handle made from solid teak for Bonniers NYC. Year: 1960s Origin: Denmark Dimensions: 19.5" long ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Teak

19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Metal plate from Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 19th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a be...
Category

19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

Donald Drumm Brutalist Casserole Dish
Located in New York, NY
Both stylish and practical this uncommon 3 quart sand cast aluminum casserole dish by Donald Drumm is sure to make a statement at any event. Signed Drum...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 4 Preisner Pewter Beverage Cups and Tray
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful midcentury set of pewter cups and serving tray, platter. Stamped. Tray measures 10 inches in diameter x .5 deep Cups measure 3.25 inchres in dia...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Pewter

Fiber Glass Platter, with Decor of Hook and Fish, Rond Shape Italy 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
t is a round-shaped tray, made of fiberglass. It was made in Italy in the 1970s. The decorations that compose it are small fishes and hooks.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Fiberglass

Glass Platter, Poland, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Salmon-colored glass platter Made in Poland in the 1960s Very good condition height 8cm, diameter 29cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Glass

Large Filigree Glass Plate by Tarmo Maaronen for Bianco Blu, Fiscars Finnland
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Filigree Glass Plate by Tarmo Maaronen for Bianco Blu, Fiscars Finland Large Filigree Glass Plate designed by Tarmo Maaronen for Bianco Blu Glassworks, Fiscars Finland. Handma...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Art Glass

Italian Designer, Ice Bucket, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A hammered brass ice bucket designed and produced by an Italian designer, Italy, 1940s.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Enamel Lazy Susan by Marrell
Located in Riverdale, NY
California modern handmade Mid-Century Modern Lazy Susan server of wood with enameled copper bowls in vibrant pink and black by Marrell. Bowls sit on a hand made wood base with ball ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Carl Auböck Fondue Forks, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Set of 4 Fondue Forks, Austria 1960s. The measurements given apply to one fork. The box is 25.5 cm wide, 2cm deep and 7.5 cm high.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Decorative Wood Plate with Flowers, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood plate from Italy. Plate is in good vintage condition. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every interior! Very nice as a gift. Only one unique piece.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Giltwood, Wood

Large Majolica Leaf Platter Vallauris circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Leaf Platter Vallauris Circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

G. Jensen Sterling Silver Charger/ Plate in Pyramid Pattern #600y from 1910s/20s
Located in New York, NY
Georg Jensen sterling silver charger / plate in Pyramid pattern number 600Y, designed by Harald Nielsen, with a beautiful geometr...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Bar Tray in Mid-Century Modern Style
Located in New York, NY
Georg Jensen, sterling silver bar tray in Mid-Century Modern style with beautiful geometric design, measuring 11'' by 11'' by 1/3'' in height,...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Carl Auböck Horn Salad Servers, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck salad servers made of Horn, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Horn

Vintage Green Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood green plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in good vintage condition. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every interior! Very nice as a gift. Only on...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

Villeroy & Boch Twist Alea Limone Charger Chop Plates Set of 10
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Set of 10 Villeroy & Bochtwist Alea Limone easy collection round chargers or platter. Measure: 12". In good condition with no nicks, chips, or crazing. Some light non-gray utensil m...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Metal plate from Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 19th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a be...
Category

19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Salad Servers in Horn, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck salad servers, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Horn

'Cesto' Fruit/Bread Bowl by Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Italian for basket, this "Cesto" Sabattini piece is made of a single piece of heavy gage silver plated metal wire. The single piece is coiled in the shape of an oval bowl. Functional...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of Three Inlaid "Owl" Trays by Couroc California
Located in San Diego, CA
A set of three super cool inlaid wood "Owl" trays handcrafted by Couroc California, circa 1970s. The trays is in good vintage condition and measure as follows: #2088 Round bowl: 7...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Resin, Wood

Carl Auböck Salad Servers in Horn, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck salad servers, Austria, 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Horn

Set of Cathrineholm Silver Buffed Stainless and Porcelain Enamel Bowls
By Cathrineholm, Grete and Arne Korsmo
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Beautiful set of three Cathrineholm of Norway silver buffed stainless steel of highest quality and porcelain enamel bowls in white and cobalt blue on a ...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Enamel, Stainless Steel

Longwy Dishe Mid-Modern Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Big dishes by Longwy with Medusa decor. Made in faience craquelée.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Faience

Early 20th Century Indian Traditional Wooden Hand Made Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional hand-made wooden plate. Made by unknown manufacturer in Spain, circa 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Indian Traditional Wooden Hand Made Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional Asian style hand-made wooden plate. Made by unknown manufacturer in India, circa 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, p...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Wood

Carl Auböck Horn Salad Servers, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Salad servers made of Horn, Austria, 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Horn

Large American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Footed Serving Plate
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sterling silver serving plate. Made by International Silver Co. in Meriden, Conn. Round with shallow integral well. Short and spread foot. Stark and functional. Fu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Carl Auböck Cutting Board, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Cutting Board, Austria 1960s
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 Resin Plates with Incrusted Seahorses, Fishes, Algues and Shells
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
These 4 plates are made of lucite with incrusted seahorses, fishes, algues and shells. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Lucite

Carl Auböck Cutting Board, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Cutting Board, Austria 1960s
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Leather, Wood

Inlaid Wood "Teddy Bear" Tray by Couroc California
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool inlaid wood "Teddy Bear" tray handcrafted by Couroc California, circa 1970s. The tray is in good vintage condition and measures 9.5" D x 12.5" W x.5"H #2210.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Resin, Wood

Large Green Majolica Platter with Leaves Saint Clement, Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Large green majolica platter or bowl with leaves signed B-Letalle Saint Clement Circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

1980 Rattan, Cane & Bamboo Salza Dip & Tortilla Chips Serving Basket, Dish, Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern rattan and bamboo hand woven serving basket, dish or bowl for dip & tortilla chips snacks. Practical as a centerpiece on a boho chic party setting. Inside diamet...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Bamboo, Cane, Rattan

Carl Auböck Cutting Board, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Cutting Board, Austria 1960s
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Leather, Wood

Large French Majolica Fish Platter Vallauris, Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica fish Platter signed Vallauris, Circa 1950. Measures: 18 inches by 10.5 inches.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Glass Platter, Poland, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Clear platter for sweets or fruits. Made of glass. Produced in Poland in 1960s. Excellent condition. Measures: Height : 21 cm Diameter : 22 cm.
Category

1960s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Glass

Italian Designer, Ice Bucket, Copper, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A copper ice bucket produced in Italy, 1930s-1940s.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Copper

Vintage Deep Red Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks in the frame. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every inter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Giltwood

Lucite and Glass Equestrian Barware Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Round Dorothy Draper style Lucite and Equestrian Etched glass top barware and serving tray with two handles.  
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

French Vintage Decorative Platter by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
Located in London, GB
Mid-century platter (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A milky-white glaze graces the outer portion of the decorative surface. The inner decor is abstract, incised with a dark chocolate ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Midcentury Laminate and Brass Italian Trays Serving Pieces, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing pair of midcentury trays in plastic laminate with solid brass handles. These fantastic pieces were designed in Italy during the 1970s. This set is wonderful as the plastic...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Brass

Vintage Circular Studio Pottery Tray with Purple Wheat
Located in Vallejo, CA
A vintage circular studio pottery tray. Nice large size, perfect for using as a serving dish or centerpiece. Features an offset handpainted wheat design i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Pottery

Metal Tray by Mathieu Matégot
Located in Berlin, DE
Tray by Mathieu Matégot in perforated metal sheet.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

1960s Modernist Design Elegant Wood Nut Bowl + Nutcracker USA Patent
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Nut Bowl 1960s Modernist Designed Elegant Cherry Wood Nut Bowl with built in nutcracker Fabulous modern purposeful midcentury design. Inscription read...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Beige Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks in the frame. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every inter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Giltwood

Cartier Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Footed Plate
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sterling silver footed plate. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Round and gently curved with short and flared foot. Fully marked includ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modernist Glass Plate by Higgins
Located in New York, NY
Large glass plate, or charger, by recognized midcentury master Higgins (Michael and Francis). Nice clean signed example, free of damage or condition ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Art Glass

Silver "Baja" Centerpiece Bowl by Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This oblong silver plated centerpiece bowl is known as the "Baja" by Lino Sabattini. It is stamped "SABATTINNI" on the edge of the bowl and signed "LINO SABATTINO" with "BAJA B/239 C...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Silver Plate

Green Majolica Ceramic Serving Tureen Set California Pottery, Mid 20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A polychrome verdigris green and blue majolica California Pottery Serving Tureen with lid and underplate. This set will be great for serving soups, casseroles, or a variety of other ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Paint

Mid-Century Decorative Platter by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative platter (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A milky-white glaze graces both the exterior and the hollow centre. The interior has small tracts of green and earthy cl...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Large Murano Aventurina Flecked Biomorphic Glass Centerpiece
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful hand blown Murano glass biomorphic centerpiece/platter, decorated with iridescent Avventurina copper flecked edges around a transparent orange halo with milky white center....
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Vintage Red Decorative Wood Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative wood red plate from Italy. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in good vintage condition. Original wood. Beautiful piece for every interior! Very nice as a gift. Only one ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Metal

Decorative Ceramic Tray by Charles René Neveux for Cerenne Workshop, c. 1950s
By Charles René Neveux
Located in London, GB
Mid-century ceramic hors d'oeuvres tray by Charles René Neveux for Cerenne Workshop (circa 1950s). This rare ceramic with abstract motif is signed by Neveux himself. A tomato-red base is complemented by a yellow repeating pattern at the edges and a dash of turquoise from the abstract in the recess of the tray. An eye-catching piece from the South of France. When it was created, the 1955 film, Et Dieu Créa la Femme...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Stevan Dohanos FBI Agent Collage Decorative Tray Bar Tray Serving Tray
Located in East Hampton, NY
This tray, an FBI Agent collage by Dohanos was purchased on Long Island, NY, from a Dohanos relative who claims this was the artist's own piece. Stevan Dohanos, American artist, 1907...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Plastic

Mid-century Modern platters and serveware for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern platters and serveware for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage platters and serveware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern platters and serveware made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original platters and serveware, popular names associated with this style include Jens Quistgaard, Dansk Designs, Robert Picault, and Tiffany & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for platters and serveware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $33 and tops out at $48,500 while the average work can sell for $578.

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