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Mid-Century Modern Paintings

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
Oil Painting by Arne Heuser, 1966
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Oil Painting by Arne Heuser, 1966 Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Dimensions (W x H): 98 x 148 cm Condition: Good vintage condition, with signs of usage
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

“Nr 6” Oil Painting by Harry Booström, 1955
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
“Nr 6” Oil Painting by Harry Booström, 1955 Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Dimensions (W x H): 60.5 x 60 cm Condition: Good v...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on canvas by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on canvas by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley ..Well executed,, great use of color, texture . Katherine was known for her abstract and her religious artwor...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Still Life Oil Painting on Board - Signed & Dated - Canada - Circa 1975
Located in Chatham, ON
OSKAR - Vintage floral still life oil painting on artist's canvas board - signed and dated - unframed - Canada - circa 1975. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no r...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Original Coca-Cola Pop Art Canvas Still Life
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Give your wall some tasty decor with this delicious vintage painting on canvas. Proudly featuring a quartet of iconic glass soda-pop bottles...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

American Folk Art Five Flying Ducks Signed E.H. Hart
Located in South Burlington, VT
American folk art Pyrography pair Flying Ducks. This is an original and beautifully detailed hand incised work of art on wood panel of five (5) flying ducks. This unique work of art is hand incised using pyrographic techniques. It is signed lower left E. H. Hart. Dimensions: 9.75 iniches wide and 12 inches high. Provenance: Old New England collection. History of the Pyrography: py·rog·ra·phy is the art or technique of decorating wood or leather by burning a design on the surface with a heated metallic point. Pyrography was particular popular during the last quarter of the 19th century and first quarter of the 20th century About E.H. Hart Hart, Ernest Huntley 'Ernest H. Hart' (New York City, 1910 - Florida, 1985). An American painter, printmaker, illustrator, and author, Ernest Huntley Hart...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Vintage Painting on Canvas of a Lion by Blanko Paradis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting mid century acrylic painting on canvas of an aging lion in repose with flowers and trees, executed in a charming naive style. Signed Paradis 81 and presented in a wood frame.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Vintage Branko Paradis Painting on Canvas of a Leopard in a Tree
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming mid century acrylic painting on canvas of a leopard with fauna and flora, executed in an enchanting naive style. Signed Paradis 82 and presented in a wood frame.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

“Show Me Red Again!” by Rhett Lynch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W48 H38.5 Acrylic on canvas. Signed by artist
Category

Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

“Fulana De Tal” (So And So) 2008 Acrylic On Canvas By Puerto Rican Artist Quetz
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very sensual, striking and dream-like painting by celebrated Puerto Rican Artist Quetzalcoatl (b. 1971). An otherworldly Woman’s face in Green peers out with a searching gaze wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Mid 20th Century Vintage Mid-Century Modern Signed Original Oil Portrait of Man
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage signed original oil portrait. A period composition of a man with his arms crossed. Signed by the artist. Acquired from a New Jersey estate.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Impasto Figurative Art Painting
Located in Pasadena, CA
Impasto Figurative Art Painting of man and his child in a bonding moment. Measures approx - 31 x 39
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Modernist Oil Painting on Canvas by Alice (Alicia) Makara .1925-2007 WNY Artist
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Oil Painting on Canvas by Alice (Alicia) Makara .1925-2007 WNY Artist..
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage MCM Sci-Fi Signed Original Ink Sketch of Man’s Face
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage original ink sketch on paper. A cool sci-fi drawing of a man’s face. Little story line vignettes around the man’s head. Almost like movie stills. Signed by the ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Mid 20th Century Vintage Signed Original Oil Figural Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage MCM original oil painting on canvas. A chic Figural composition of a man at rest. Signed by the artist. Acquired from a NY estate
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Mid 20th Century Vintage Bruce of La Framed Photograph of Man With Pole Vaulting
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous MCM Vintage Framed Photograph of Man With Pole Vaulting Pole. Shot by thr infamous Bruce of LA. Purchased from thr estate auction o...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on canvas by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on canvas by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley titled "SEEBREEZ " ..Well executed,, great use of color, texture . Katherine wa...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Mid 20th Century Vintage Signed Original Oil Portrait on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage original oil painting on canvas. A chic MCM portrait of a dashing man in glasses.signed by the artist. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Bruce of La Photograph of Man With Fencing Sword
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage MCM photograph of a Man posing with a Fencing Sword. Shot by the infamous Bruce of LA. Lurched from the auction of his personal estate.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

King Arthur Mural (16' x 6') by Peter Ostuni for Savoy-Plaza Hotel 1951
By Peter Ostuni
Located in Hanover, MA
Astonishingly beautiful and monumental mural spanning eleven individual panels which when assembled are 16 feet long by 6 feet high. The panels are reverse paint and applique on she...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Plexiglass

Midcentury Abstract Figurative Signed Carleyne Carpenter
Located in west palm beach, FL
Beautiful vintage abstract figurative oil painting. Signed Charlene Carpenter. Brilliant colors of blue and green. Acquired from a Miami es...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Mid-Century Mixed Metal Abstract Assemblage
Located in west palm beach, FL
Mid-Century Mixed Metal Abstract Assemblage on wood frame. Beautiful hand placed detail using pieces of copper on wood. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Mid 20th Century Vintage Bruce of La Vintage Framed Photograph on Man with Hoop
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous Vintage MCM Framed Photograph of Athletic Man With Hoop. Shot by thr infamour a Bruce of LA. Purchased from the estate auction of thr artist.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage MCM Signed Original Oil Portrait of Lady
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage MCM original oil painting on canvas. A chic portrait of a beautiful young lady. Signed by the artist. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Abalone, Canvas, Paint

Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on canvas by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on canvas by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley titled "Sisters" ..Well executed,, great use of color, texture . Katherine was ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Midcentury Abstract Original Oil Painting Signed May Heiloms
Located in west palm beach, FL
Gorgeous Midcentury original oil painting. Signed by the artist May Heiloms. Gorgeous abstract of a city skyline in deep reds and maroons. Signed in the bottom right. Acquired from a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Watercolor of a Cartoon Dog
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a sense of fun and a pop of color to any room with this wonderful vintage watercolor of a cartoon dog. This pup features a wonderful expression that is sure to be a conversation ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Landscape painting with gold leaf frame painted by Ole Ring (b.1902-d.1972)
Located in Lejre, DK
Landscape painting with gold leaf frame painted by the artist Ole Ring (b.1902-d.1972), who lived in the Roskilde, Denmark area. The picture presumably illustrates the landscape arou...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Mid-Century Painting Signed J Beravas
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century oil painting on canvas over wood frame signed J Beravas.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on Board by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on Board by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley titled "Ancient Tomb" Albright Knox Art Gallery award winning painting.. Well ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Modernist Abstract oil painting on canvas by WNY Artist Polly King
By King
Located in Buffalo, NY
Polly King (1901-1993) American Born: U.S. Polly King was a painter and sketcher with a special love of travel and water. Born in West Virginia, King mo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Mid Century 60s Signed Hand Painted Oil On board
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century 60s Signed Hand Painted Oil On board Framed, Signed marvel '63 22.5 x 18.25 ; image 17.5 x 13.5
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

A Surreal Dream oil painting by Noel Dumolard
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
This captivating artwork, titled "Surreal Dream," is an exquisite oil painting on canvas created by the French artist Noel Dumolard. It portrays a dreamlike scene, born from the arti...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mixed Media Work by Scott Kerr
Located in Dallas, TX
Scott Kerr is a self-taught Contemporary Abstract Artist. As a young boy, he was exposed to the art world by his father through the works of a local Texas artist, David Brownlow. Ama...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Caricature Portrait, watercolor on paper, Italy, 1983
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
A caricature portrait of an unknown man, created in Trieste (Italy) in 1983 using black watercolor. Since the author is unknown, it adds an air of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Large Oil on Canvas Painting, Unknown Artist, 1956, Danish Midcentury
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting an enigmatic oil on canvas painting created by an unknown Danish artist made in 1956. This captivating artwork showcases a woman bathing her feet in a bathroom, and it is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

1950s French impressionist Painting
Located in DARLINGTON, WA
1950s signed french impressionist painting with thick textured brushstrokes. measures 38cm x 30cm
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Large Modernist Abstract Oil On Canvas Painting by Robert Jones, WNY ARTIST
By Robert Jones (Artist)
Located in Buffalo, NY
Robert M. Jones (b. 1935) Robert Jones is an artist-designer. He received his Master of Science in Education from SUNY Buffalo State College in 1972. During his graduate studies, J...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Midcentury Original Art Work Don Quixote by Arrigo Ghedini
By Tanguy, Salvador Dalí­
Located in San Diego, CA
Arrigo Ghedini (1905-1997) was born to a wealthy northern Italian family and initially trained in economics, though soon turned to painting and stage design. He married a fellow arti...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandeliers for L. Poulsen of Dk with Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with abstract art work by G61. Titled “Cherry Blossom” The art work is acrylic paint w...
Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Oil Painting
Located in Austin, TX
Oil painting, signed and featuring a downtown cityscape. This piece is multi media on canvas with a gold frame.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

“Musician Series “ Painting by Lorraine Cohn
Located in Seattle, WA
“Musician Series “ Painting by Lorraine Cohn Dimensions. 16 W ; 1 1/2 D ; 11 H.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Oil Painting by Jørgen Sejersen, Danish Midcentury, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting an enchanting oil painting by the Danish artist Jørgen Sejersen, made in between 1960-1980s. This particular artwork captures a peaceful scene, showcasing a young boy im...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Expressive Clown Painting, signed, c. 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Expressive clown painting - signed "Jen" circa 1950 - great frame Frame size = 22.5 x 26.5 Image size = 15.5 x 19.5.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Ink and Watercolor Signed Charles Levier Young Woman in Port
Located in ARGENTEUIL, FR
Ink and watercolor of beautiful dimensions signed Charles LEVIER (1920 - 2003) to frame. On the back, a futuristic pencil sketch. Young woman with bouquet of flowers at the port ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Contemporary American Multimedia Artwork on Rice Paper
Located in New York, NY
This abstract piece is rice paper over mother-of-pearl.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Paper

Tropical Vintage Painting by Patricia and Elizabeth Hubbell 1984 Gold Frame
Located in Seattle, WA
Patricia and Elizabeth Hubbell were a Mother and Daughter Team of Professional Traditional-Style Artists that had a Vintage Mid Century Modern Room Divider Book Shelf Fold Out Bar...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Gold

Texan Artist David Hickman "Blue Sofa", Signed and Numbered Serigraph, No. 39/40
Located in Houston, TX
David Coleman Hickman (Texas/Illinois, 1937-2010), "Blue Sofa", signed and numbered serigraph, no. 39/40 Provenance: Procured by owner, a longtime Fredericksburg, Texas art collector, from Meredith...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Set 3 Silkscreens, from "7 Scurious" Portfolio, Signed Max Bill, Numbered 54/100
Located in New York, NY
Set 3 Silkscreens, from \"7 Scurious\" Portfolio, Signed Max Bill, numbered 54/100.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Framed Robert Natkin Abstract Painting on Canvas in Pastel Tones
Located in New York, NY
American abstract oil painting featuring pastel ombre color washes on textured canvas in a wooden frame. (\"Untitled\" Apollo Series, 1...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Framed Abstract Painting by Albert Patecky, Signed
Located in Seattle, WA
AIbert Patecky was a Portland painter and print maker who created works on both sides of the divide that separated traditional and Modern Artists in the Mid-20th Century Pacific Northwest. He was poineer of totally non representational art...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Painting Oil Naive Three Sloops Spirit of Alfred Wallis Framed Blue White Black
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Three sloops under full sail Oil on cardboard Characterful naive picture in the spirit of Alfred Wallis Board Length 41cm., 16" Height 25cm., 10" In th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

R. Simonetto USA Sailing Ships Painted on Wood, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Certified work inspired by an old print from the 1800s reworked, serigraphically reproduced and decorated by hand. Reproduction on tessellated briar.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with abstract art work by G61. Entitled “Serengeti” The ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Painting Oil Naive Cutter Boat Spirit Alfred Wallis Oil Length 40cm 16"
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Cutter pz17 in full sail past a lighthouse Board length 24cm., 9 1/2", height 21cm., 8 1/4" Floated on a cream mount in a recycled black moulded frame with some losses Length 40cm.,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Iconic Vintage Ph5 Chandelier for Louis Poulsen of Dk with Abstract Art Work
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic Vintage PH5 chandelier by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen of Denmark from the 1990s with abstract art work by G61. Entitled “ Maasai” The art w...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Framed Painting by Hilome Jose in Distinctive Style
Located in Seattle, WA
Framed painting by Hilome Jose in distinctive style. Dimensions. 28 W ; 1 1/2 D ; 24 H.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Jacques Louissant "Figures at Market" Oil on Board
Located in New York, NY
Jacques Louissant (Haitian, b. 1941) oil on board depicting figure at a market, signed lower right. Image: 39" H x 29.5" W; frame: 42.75" H x 33" W. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Mid-century Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern paintings 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 paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, wall decorations, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paint, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Albert Chubac, Poul Henningsen, Troels Marstrand, and Jacob Semiatin. 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 paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $64,764 while the average work can sell for $2,702.

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