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Mid-Century Modern Benches

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
Cansado Low Bench by Charlotte Perriand for Steph Simon, France, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Charlotte Perriand slatted bench and coffee Table, model Cansado, crafted in collaboration with Steph Simon in 1954. Constructed from ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Vladimir Kagan Bench, from Kagan's Park Avenue Apartment
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Bench, from Kagan's Park Avenue Apartment, Tufted burnt orange suede with an acrylic plinth base. By Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. 1...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Suede, Acrylic

1940's Mid Century Modern Long Spindle Back Bench in Solid Stained Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic solid bench from a Philadelphia Police station circa 1940's. It features solid dark stained oak construction. Very good ready to use condition.
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

George Nakashima Inspired Natural Edge Walnut Bench Coffee Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Organic walnut bench coffee table inspired by George Nakashima constructed from two thick slabs of walnut. Featuring a natural edge and supported by a trestle style base with an expo...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Chrome Steel Flat Bar Milo Baughman Style Bench by Tulip Inc
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Chrome Steel Flat Bar Milo Baughman Style Bench by Tulip Inc. Item features a steel metal chrome plated frame, original upholstery and tag, clean Modernist...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Axel Einar Hjorth "Utö" Bench, Sweden ca 1935
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Utö” bench is from the Swedish designer, Axel Einar Hjorth’s Sportstugemöble furniture line. This bench has a rather simple, yet well-thought out design. The frame is made of pine, mixing the aesthetics of rural, traditional handcraft with international modernism. Produced by AB Nordiska Kompaniet, this bench belongs to Hjorth's line of modernistic cabin furniture from the 1930's. The seat of the bench is thick and robust, with an oval shaped pine board, assuring sturdiness and stability. The symmetrically carved back with a gap in the middle offers comfort and functionality. The four tapered legs of the bench follow the shape of the backrests on both sides, accentuating the geometrical aspect, and highlighting the symmetry of this piece. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions: 54.92 in W x 18.7 in D x 31.3 in H ; Seat height 15.55 in 139.5 cm W x 47.5 cm D x 79.5 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm Literature: Christian Björk, Thomas Ekström...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-century modern chrome bench. Nice architectural bench of chrome-plated steel. Minor surface scratches. 2 available. 46 1/2" long x 15" deep x 17" high.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Jordi Vilanova bench, circa 1960, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Mid-Century bench made with beech by Jordi Vilanova. It's a very decorative piece. CONDITION: Very good vintage condition. DIMENSIONS: Height: 80cm (31.50in) Width: 1...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Leather upholstered campaign style bench by Cumberland
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Crossed steel, campaign style bench with leather upholstered cushion by Cumberland Furniture Co. Signed.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern French Oak Plank Bench
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mid-Century Modern French Oak Plank Bench with Dark, Natural Patina. Dimensions: 74.5"L x 19.5"H x 19.25"W Period: 1950 Condition: Good condition. Wear consistent with age Material...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Large Woven Leather and Steel Bench by Erwine & Estelle Laverne
Located in San Diego, CA
At 91.5" long, this large-scale woven leather strapped bench by Erwine & Estelle Laverne is all Mid-Century Modern drama. It has original leather straps with a polished chrome steel ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Kolmiojalka Bench by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for Puunveisto Oy, Finland 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
At the Tenth Milan Triennial in 1954, Finland received the largest relative proportion of available prizes. The amount was even more than those eight prizes the country collected at ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Japanese Bench
By AFM
Located in Highland, IN
This striking bench has a combination of wood slats and woven jute seats. Manufactured by AFM Quality Furniture in Japan it has a hand-hewn quality and the understated design reminds...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Jute, Wood

Vintage Tiger Hand Painted Carved Motif Wood Bench 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
If you are thinking about purchasing this great piece, feel free to ask for an additional video to be absolutely sure of your choice.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Ate van Apeldoorn Inspired Pine Bench with Green Cushions & Hand Carved Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ate van Apeldoorn style three seat pine bench with green skai seat and newly upholstered green fabric back cushion. An attractive piece with rounded edges and organic hand-carved det...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather, Pine

Pair of Gilt Iron Benches in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of recently made iron benches with gracefully curved legs and central stretchers that feature a decorative central loop detail and spheres at the ends. Handcrafted by...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Petite Stool
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Petite Stool, made in natural woven and iron structure, the eyes are made in precious stone.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Gilt Iron Bench in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant recently made iron bench with gracefully curved legs and a central stretcher that features a decorative central loop and spheres at the ends. Handcrafted by expert Europea...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

18th Century English Barley Twist Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
English Mid Century Modern wooden bench from the 18th century with barley twist base and white boucle upholstery. This classy, barley twist wooden bench oozes timeless elegance. This...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Stool
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Antique Mario Lopez Torres Jaguar Stool, made in natural woven and iron structure, the eyes are made in precious stone.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Mid century folding bench, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Very interesting mid century upholstered sofa/bench, made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s. Material: beech wood, fabric. The sofa is in very good Vintage condition. Heigh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

Mid-Century bench in wood, iron and brass, Poggi Style. Italy
Located in Argelato, BO
Mid-Century bench in wood, iron and brass. Italy 1950s
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ico Parisi Italian Midcentury Bench from the Fifties
Located in bari, IT
1950s wooden frame bench with velvet seat of the period in the style of Ico Parisi. Ico Parisi was born in Palermo in 1916. He gained a diploma in construction and served his appren...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Mid Century American Modern Wood, Black Naugahyde & Cane Bench or Chaise Lounge
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A clean simple design bench from the 1960's. It features solid wood framing, caning and black naugahyde seating. Clean ready to use condition.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Naugahyde, Cane, Wood

Sculptural Bench, Walnut and Boucle
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural bench, solid Walnut legs and new Boucle fabric. Two benches available. Ready for a new home. Made in the USA.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Vintage Regency Carved Georgian Bench
Located in west palm beach, FL
Indulge in the opulence of yesteryears with the Vintage Regency Carved Georgian Bench, a testament to timeless American elegance. Meticulously crafted with intricate carvings and sum...
Category

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

John Behringer 3-Seat Bench in Bouclé Mid Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
John Behringer 3-Seat Bench for J.G. Furniture Co. The sculptural frame is polished aluminum and upholstered in Bouclé.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Modernist Chrome Bench with Leather Seat Cushion, Italy, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
An Italian modernist cylindrical shaped chrome bench with a leather covered seat cushion. A wonderful contrast of complimentary materials, with the shine and gloss of the metal and ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Tri-Mark Designs Bench, Chrome, Cream Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
Tri-Mark Bench, Chrome, Upholstery. Tri-Mark Designs of Pennsylvania manufactured this bench in two sizes - this is the smaller 3 foot version with an appealing proportion and very c...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Tyrolean Stained Pine Hall Bench
Located in Long Island City, NY
Tyrolean Stained Pine Hall Bench with Circular-sculpted detail on the backrest.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

French mid-century benches in oak, fully restored from the 50's
Located in LYON, FR
Dating from the 1950s, the work on these two solid oak farm benches is very careful. The restoration carried out by us enhances the veining and patina of the oak wood. Note that one ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Tommi Parzinger Elegant Upholstered Bench with Tapering Legs 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Rare elegant upholstered bench, model number 313, with base in mahogany and upholstered seat with signature elements that wrap around frame by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Milo Baughman Dowel Bench for Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A multifunctional piece designed in the 1950s by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California. Most commonly seen as a bench, the piece has a walnut frame that tapers towards each end with ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Two-seater Djinn Sofa by Oliver Mourgue 1960
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Two-seater Djinn Sofa by Oliver Mourgue 1960 Discover the timeless beauty of the Vintage Two-Seater "Djinn" Sofa, designed by Oliver Mourgue for Airborne in 1965. This sofa is not ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

Gilt Iron Bench in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant recently made iron bench with gracefully curved legs and a central stretcher that features a decorative central loop and spheres at the ends. Handcrafted by expert Europea...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Convex Bench Series 72 in Matte Natural Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—an exquisite blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Meticulously crafted from solid oak or walnut, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern / Futurist Benches Attr. to Gigi Radice
Located in New York, NY
Rare Pair of Italian Futurist Stools / Ottomans or Benches Attributed to Gigi Radice. These original Mid-Century Modern pieces are very special in embracing the Futurist aesthetic of...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

1960s Live Edge Yew Wood Bench Attributed to Reynolds Of Ludlow, English
By L. Reynolds
Located in London, GB
Reminiscent of some of George Nakashima's work this bench is attributed to Reynolds of Ludlow. Crafted with precision and care, the bench boasts a b...
Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Yew

Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

American Designer, Bench, Walnut, Rattan, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and rattan bench designed and produced in the US, 1950s. seat height 14”.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Walnut

Paul McCobb Brass & Cane Bench
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely model 7709 Paul McCobb bench, is light and elegant. The brass bass with its X shaped stretchers supports a walnut and cane top. Comfort can be increased with the addition...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Billy Baldwin Style Midcentury X-Form Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century modern pair of upholstered benches or ottoman stools made in the manner and style of Billy Baldwin. Labeled and made by artisans in California. The benches feature a tuft...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century Modern Adjustable Bench
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: USA Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Walnut, Wool Measurements: 50″ wide x 24″ deep x 14″ tall Condition: Frame in excellent original condition....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Walnut

1950's Scrolled Carved Ebonized Wood Frame Benches/ Ottomans, Pair
Located in East Hampton, NY
In the style of JMF, these benches/ottomans are in great scale and have been ebonized in matte finish. reupholstered in thick weave boucle fabric. The frame boasts simple and elegan...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Single Vintage Carlo Di Carli Bench
Located in Austin, TX
A dynamic bench in the style of Carlo di Carli. This piece features the black lacquered steel base with gilt brass feet so iconic of the designer. It is newly upholstered in a sage g...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Hugh Acton, Bench, Brass, Walnut, USA, 1955
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and brass bench designed by Hugh Acton and produced by Hugh Acton, Inc. Kalamazoo, Michigan, c. 1954.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

1960s Organic Bench
Located in New York, NY
1960s organic bench. Solid walnut bench with dovetails. Can also be used as a coffee table.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Pair of Palm Beach Rattan Bamboo Pagoda Stools Ottomans Benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of vintage rattan bamboo pagoda benches stools ottomans footstools. No damage or defects. Original vintage natural finish. Ready to add your cushion. Dimensions: 14.5 H x...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan

Sculptural ICO Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the ICO Bench, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Named after the celebrated Italian designer Ico Parisi, this bench beautifully sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Italian Designer, Mid-Century Modern, Bench, Sheepskin, Walnut, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern bench, footstool or seat in the manner of Gio Ponti in a new luxurious neutral genuine Italian sheepskin with boomerang walnut leg...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Walnut

Classic Jens Risom Upholstered Bench Six Foot
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic Jens Risom six foot long, upholstered, floating bench. Walnut frame with natural, raw linen/silk upholstery. Note-this is a lighter wood-walnut version.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Brown Mid Century Modern Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
This sleek and modern bench combines luxury with a minimalist design, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any interior space. The bench features a high-quality, deep brown tuft...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ile Navy Blue Upholstered Three Seat Bench Ottoman by Neils Bendsten Italy
Located in West Hartford, CT
The Ile three seater bench is a playful and versatile modern bench for any room in the home. The bench is engineered with layers of foam for optimum comfort.It features a light core...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Wool

Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli bench Pierre Frey fabric 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
This bench, designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, was crafted in Italy and dates back to 1970. The piece features three seats mounted on a metal frame with oak wood fee...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Modern Ebonised with Gilt Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from mahogany with gilt detailing and openwork back settee with an upholstered cushion. Shown in Draper Performance-UP5409 Fabric Dimensions: 50" W x 25" D x 33" H Seat - 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Parsons King Size Bench style of Milo Baughman, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Parsons King Size Bench style of Milo Baughman, 1960. Fits great at the end of your king size bed. Newly reupholstered in mohair multi dimensions, 2 ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mohair

Large Wabi Sabi Style Solid Wood Bench, France 19th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy that can be applied within interior design, and to anyone’s lifestyle as a whole. It is the practice of appreciating and accepting the bea...
Category

19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-century Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Stamford Modern, Carlos Solano-Granda, Lawson-Fenning, and Montage. 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.

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