Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
Horn Sailing Boat Figurine
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Set sail into a sea of style with this extraordinary mid-century style horn ship or sailboat accessory, a piece that promises to captivate and intrigue. This unique item is an artful...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Rope Lamp Lantern Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Midcentury rope lamp lantern by Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Height / 8.8 inches, diameter / 5.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Plastic
Mid-Century Rope Barometer Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope barometer in a flower shape Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Rope Umbrella Stand Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Rope Umbrella Stand Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Pair of Mid-Century Rope Coat Rack Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare pair of French rope hook coat Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
3 hooks.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Pair Davy Jones Pirate Treasure Chest Bookends With Skull And Cross Bones Hats
Located in South Burlington, VT
Antique pair hand cast pirate treasure chest sculptural book ends, circa 1930
Skull and crossbones hats.
Designer: Hubley
Dark original patin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Rope Hook Coat Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
French rope hook coat Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Height / 10 inches ,W / 7.8 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Oval Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century rope oval mirror Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet.
Measures: 16 inches by 10 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Mid-Century Rope Chandelier Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope lantern chandelier Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Nautical style.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Pendant Chandelier Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope sphere pendant or chandelier Audoux Minet, circa 1960 with white opaline glass.
Height / 13" the lamp ,total 25.5" with the rope, diameter / 12 inches.
Nautical style.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Glass
Celestial Globe Circa 1960
Located in Crespières, FR
1960’s Celestial Globe
A stunning mid-century celestial globe. This rare, decorative and educational globe depicts the night sky and alignment of the major constellations visible f...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Wood & Rope Oval Gueridon Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Oval Mid-Century wood & rope gueridon Audoux Minet, Circa 1960.
Height / 19 inches.
Diameter / 23 inches by 15.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Rope Hand Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Rope Hand Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Mid-Century Pair of Rope & Wood Stool Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Audoux Minet rope stool with wood base.
Height / 10.2inches.
Diameter / 11 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Fabric, Rope, Wood
Mid-Century Rattan & Ceramic Tiles Coffee Table Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Mid-Century Rattan & Ceramic Tiles Coffee Table Audoux Minet, Circa 1960.
Painting of wild flowers signed.
Height / 19 inches.
Size / 37 inches by 20.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Rattan
Mid-Century Rope Bottle Carrier Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope bottle carrier for two bottles Audoux Minet, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Hook Coat Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
French rope hook coat Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Measures: Height 8 inches , length 8 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Spanish Souvenir Model of a late 18 Century Frigate
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This souvenir model of a late 18 Century Sailing Frigate was crafted in Spain, circa 1950 and sits on an integral wooden base decorated with a small plaque which reads “Fragata Espanola...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Round nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Size: 15 inches diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop the Endeavour II
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop
This half block miniature boat model is dedicated to Joe and has quiet the provenanc...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Cherry, Maple
Mid-Century Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Round nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Size: 13 inches diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Mid-Century Small Rope Barometer Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Small rope shaped Wheel shape Barometer Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Small Rope Barometer Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Small rope shaped pocket watch Barometer Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Round nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Size: 13 inches diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Early XIX Harpoon Metal Part
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique fishing metal harpoon metal pioint.
Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1800.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique Sailor Fabric Hat, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Fabric traditional sailor fabric hat.
Made by unknown manufacturer, circa 1950.
In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful p...
Category
1950s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rattan
Italian Murano Aquarium Paper Weight with Fish and Ocean Plants Bubbles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very unique and rare shape Murano Paper Weight depicting a ocean scene or an aquarium - with fish, ocean plants and bubbles in all the right places...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Rectangular Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rectangular nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Measure: height / 26.5 inches on 10.8 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Antique Vintage Binoculars on a Leather Case, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique nautical binoculars in a leather strapped case.
Made by unknown manufacturer, circa 1950.
In original condition, with some visible si...
Category
1950s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Majolica Crab Tureen Caugant, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Vintage French Majolica crab tureen signed Caugant, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Ceramic
French Majolica Shell & Crab Teapot Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica shell & crab teapot circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Round nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Size: 18.3 inches diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Rare Mid-Century Rope Key Rack Holder Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rare mid-century rope key rack holder in a key shape Audoux Minet & Frida Minet.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet Nautical French Three-Light Rope Chandelier, 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet 3-light French rope chandelier.
Nautical design made in the 1960s.
Takes 3-light bulbs with m...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Plaster Planter in the Style of Serge Roche
By Serge Roche
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant portrait of a Conch Shell as a planter rendered in plaster. A likeness to the style of Serge Roche and his shell forms. In excellent vintage condition with minimal...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Plaster
Mid-Century Rope Lamp by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-century rope lamp by Adrien by Audoux & Frida Minet.
French Riviera circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-century rope lamp Audoux Minet.
Measure: Height / 11.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Audoux Minet 2-Light Handwoven French Rope Chandelier Nautical Anchor Design
Located in Miami, FL
Audoux Minet 2-light French Rope chandelier in a classic Nautical Anchor Design.
Original wiring and takes 2 Torpedo E 14 Light Bulbs with max. 60 watts.
Comes with the white Clip on Shades...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Pair of Rope Frames Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Mid Century Pair of Rope squares Frames Audoux Minet.
7 by 7 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Pair of Rope Ship Wheel Sconce Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Original pair of rope ship wheel sconces Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Nautical.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Set of 4 Majolica Shells Cups & Saucers Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 4 Majolica Shell cups & saucers Circa 1950.
All different colors inside.
Saucers / 5.2 by 4.2 inches
Cups / 4.5 by 3 inches.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Mid-Century Unusual Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Unusual French round rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Measures: width / 11.5 inches.
height / 21 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Mid-Century Cork & Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Cork & Rope Mirror Audoux Minet circa 1950.
Measure: Total height with the rope / 20.5 inches.
Diameter of the mirror / 10 inches.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Cork, Rope, Mirror
Organic Bend Bamboo Sconce Woven Bamboo Cased Fiber Shades France 1950, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of original handmade French Folk Art wall lights, sconces in bend Bamboo and cased natural fiber shades.
takes 1 light bulb with max 60 watts.
In working condition.
Projecti...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Natural Fiber
Mid-Century Rope & Wood Stool Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Audoux Minet rope stool with a painted wood base, the top is upholstered.
Measures: Height / 13 inches.
Diameter / 11 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Fabric, Rope, Wood
Mid-Century French Rope Corkscrew Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French rope corkscrew Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Small Rope Barometer Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Small rope shaped pocket watch barometer Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Small Rope Barometer Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Small rope shaped pocket watch Barometer Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Rope Sconce Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Unusual rope sconce Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Unusual Rope Sconce Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Unusual rope sconce Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
With white opaline.
Measures: Height / 17.8 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Opaline Glass
Mid-Century Rope Desk Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope table or desk lamp by Audoux Minet, circa 1960. European socket.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Midcentury rope lamp by Audoux Minet with a green glass float, circa 1960.
Measures: Height / 14.5".
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Glass
Mid-Century Round Rope Mirror Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Round nautical rope mirror Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Rare dark brown color.
Size: 15 inches diameter.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Mirror
Mid-Century French Rope Magazine Rack Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
French rope magazine rack Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Measures: Height 15.3 inches, length 14.7" on 12.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Lamp Lantern Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Midcentury rope lamp lantern by Audoux Minet, circa 1960.
Measures: Height / 8.8 inches, diameter / 5.5 inches.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Plastic
Mid-Century Mermaid Rope Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Midcentury mermaid rope lamp by Audoux Minet
Measures: Height / 13.5".
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Large Rope Sconce Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Large rope sconce Audoux Minetc circa 1960.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-Century Rope Desk Lamp Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Rope table or desk lamp byAudoux Minet, circa 1960. European socket.
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope
Mid-century Modern nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage nautical objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, lighting, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with natural fiber, rope and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern nautical objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original nautical objects, popular names associated with this style include Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Michel Caugant, ROBJ, and Vintage Murano Gallery. 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 nautical objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $165 and tops out at $6,800 while the average work can sell for $1,400.
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