Skip to main content

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.

12
1,391
281
58
to
156
1,226
457
1,730
1,505
1,614
1,541
270
186
148
132
109
108
105
94
86
68
66
54
41
36
36
36
6
5
1,380
339
9
938
294
2
3
20
32
262
322
189
47
14
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1,474
497
246
251
217
235
215
232
214
230
213
229
1,114
687
591
257
230
724
715
675
260
178
59
45
31
27
25
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Civil Bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Civil bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. Available in teak, oak or black stained oak. Prices vary dependent on the material. Assembly, consists of...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak, Rattan, Wood, Oak

George Bench by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The George bench is part of the collaborative collection with interior designer Brian Paquette. The low profile silhouette sits above a sculpted solid wood base. This piece is availa...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Slat Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern slat coffee table or bench. Beautiful craftsmanship. Marked "Yugoslavia." Very nice vintage condition.
Category

1960s Serbian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Bench by Gijs Bakker and Wim Wilson
Located in PARIS, FR
Very decorative this wenge bench by Dutch designers Gijs Bakker and Wim Wilson created in 1967. It resembles the better known one created by Martin Visser but differs in particular i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wenge

A Vintage Pair of English 1950s G-Plan Ebonized Stools
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with leather saddle seat seeming to float above an ebonized wooden base with turned legs fitted with brass caps and feet; new tan leather upholstery; good vintage condition with...
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian 'Krobo' Bench in Rosewood by Torbjørn Afdal for Mellemstrands
Located in Karlstad, SE
"Krobo" bench by Torbjørn Afdal for Mellemstrands Trevareindustri, Norway. The bench is made of solid wood with thick rosewood vaneer. It can be used in many ways, for example as a...
Category

20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Marquesa Beench by Oscar Niemeyer, Mid-Century Modern-Vintage 1978
Located in Houston, TX
Currently available for acquisition, this exquisitely crafted Mid-Century Modern masterpiece, known as the "Marquesa," represents an embodiment of the remarkable design acumen of Osc...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Hardwood, Lacquer

George Nelson Modular Seating System Bench in Alexander Girard Checker Fabric
Located in Seattle, WA
Nelson’s studio “George Nelson & Associates” produced countless designs that were ahead of their time, including the Nelson Modular Seating System from which we have this three piece sectional set. The system was gorgeous line of products that Herman Miller produced between 1956-1978. The wide array of Nelson’s Modular System can be found in all shapes and sizes to this day. Sofas, loveseats, chairs, armless seating, end tables and more; it was meant to fulfill the needs of any space large or small. This rare bench has been completely restored and re-upholstered with the iconic Alexander Girard...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Milo Baughman Styled Upholstered Bench
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A nice slimer sized bench upholstered in a dark cream nubby contract fabric with covered legs in the style of Milo Baughman . The piece would work perfectly in a tight entrance way b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Italian Bench, 1950s
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden bench made by an Italian craftsman in the 1950s. Wear due to time and age of the bench.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Beautiful Mid-Century Walnut Slatted Bench Chrome Frame Style of George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slatted bench chrome frame style of George Nelson . Very clean 1960s bench. Made by Mueller Furniture Company USA. Very High Quality construction walnut and chrome plated steel are in great vintage condition. Has adjustable feet very heavy bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Mid Century Modern U Shape Gilt Wrought Iron Window Bench NEW Upholstery MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Hollywood regency style newly upholstered window bench MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Aluminum Bench and Side Tables Style of Paul Evans Set of three Raised diamond pattern. Unmarked. Similar to Paul Evans Argente cube side ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Beech Bentwood Standing Planter, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bentwood, Beech

Solid Oak Vintage Benches, Circa 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refinished solid oak benches, circa 1970's. Found with a Lou Hodges dining table. Very versatile pieces that can be used a seating, entryway, or as display/shelving. We have two...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Augusto Romano Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Augusto Romano, bench, beech, braided straw, Italy, circa 1948 A rare side bench designed by Italian designer Augusto Romano around 1948. A well-execut...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Straw, Beech

Angelo Mangiarotti 'Eros' series bench for Skipper in gray marble
Located in Milano, IT
Bench with seat supported by two legs from the 'Eros' series in Mondragone gray marble. 1970s Skipper production, design Angelo Mangiarotti.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

Upholstered Bench with Spider Legs in the Style of Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Small Bench or Stool in the Style of Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered and Base refinished.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of small benches - Spain 1960
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of small benches in solid beech with gilded shellac finish. Upholstered with ivory curly fabric (comfort foam refurbished). Manufacturer’s label “Jelm S.L” in Olot – Spain. Spa...
Category

1860s Spanish Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Walnut and Black Leather Ojai Bench by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai bench features a solid white oak or solid walnut base and a tufted leather cushion with leather straps. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angel...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Linear Bench in Dark Wanut Series 60 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Russell Woodard Sculptura Outdoor Mesh Iron Bench
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Russell woodard sculptura outdoor wrought iron bench Offered is a vintage outdoor bench by Russell Woodard 'Sculptura'. It ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Grande panca anni '60
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Grande panca anni '60 con struttura in ferro e piedini in ottone. Il rivestimento è nuovo così come l'imbottitura. Il tessuto del rivestimento è antimacchia e riprende il mood di qu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Iron

Sunday Bench Oak and Boucle
Located in Plymouth, GB
Part of the Sunday collection exclusive to Alexander & Ellis, and designed by Founder Oliver A-J, the Sunday Chair was designed and handcrafted in house with the finest Oak and Bouclé upholstery. Available in other wood species’ and fabrics, the Sunday Bench...
Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

The Forma Bench in Natural Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Forma Bench by Stamford Modern—an embodiment of Mid-Century Modern elegance, seamlessly blending visionary designs by Adrian Pearsall and Vladimir Kagan. With a sculp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Midcentury Live Edge Coffee Table
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A fabulous are rare piece from the 50s Made in Honolulu, Hawaii at Harry’s Cabinet and Curio Shop. The shop was well known for making furniture and gift items with Monkey Pod wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Modernist Concrete Bench, Belgium circa 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage modernist concrete bench from Belgium, circa 1940s. Reminiscent of Le Corbusier’s ‘Borne Béton Grande’ outdoor floor lamp for Chandigarh. Minimalis...
Category

1940s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Bench metal, brass and bouclette fabric
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bench or bed end, metal, brass and bouclette fabric
Category

Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Florence Knoll Leather Bench, Knoll Associates Inc.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Florence Knoll bench with early label Knoll Associates, Inc. Madison Ave, NY. We had the bench redone in brown leather. Bench measures 80" wide, 20" deep and 17.5" high. The bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

George Nakashima, American Black Walnut & Hickory Spindle Bench, 1972
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nakashima bench, created 1972, carved from a single slab of American black walnut with freeform front edge, and with turned hickory spin...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hickory, Walnut

Mid Century Italian Cherry Wood Bench , Ico Parisi Style 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid Century Italian Cherry Wood Bench, reminiscent of the iconic style of Ico Parisi, epitomizes the elegance and sophistication of mid-century design. Crafted during the 1960s,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cherry

Mid Century Kipp Stewart Drexel Coffee Table Bench
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful, mid-century, modern, retro, 1960’s, Danish style, coffee table/ bench, by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, from the Declaration series. The perfect length...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Upholstered Window Bench
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered window bench with angled sides and curvy front. In clean striped upholstery. Measures: 48" across front and 36.5" across back of bench.
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Early Pierre Chapo 'S38A’ Benches in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, benches model 'S38A', elm, France, 1960s. This set of benches are early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and a commitment...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Bench
Located in Highland, IN
This nicely scaled upholstered bench was part of the Eli Lilly corporate collection. Likely used in a reception area, it’s perfect to now serve in an entrywa...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Børge Mogensen Style Pine Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Børge Mogensen style trestle base pine benches with wide decorative legs. Each bench is in original condition with similar visible wear consistent with their age and use....
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde / Black
Located in Buffalo, NY
Beautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Birch

Convex Bench Series 72 in Natural Walnut
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Convex Bench by Carlos Solano for Stamford Modern—a blend of timeless craftsmanship and lightweight design. Crafted from solid oak or walnut, it exudes sophistication, complementing any interior. The upholstered cushion offers a cozy seating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

1970s Beech and Umakart Bench, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Geraldo de Barros Bench
Located in Washington, DC
Long bench designed by Geraldo De Barros, considered one of the most important artists and designers In Brazilian Modernism.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Bench
Located in Hammarö, SE
Pine bench, model "M 103", cabinetmaker Bertil Johansson, AB Ellyset, Markaryd
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Pair of Roped Iron Benches Side Tables with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rope Benches Side Tables Stools with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric, A Pair Design and purpose best describe this one-of-a-kind custom set. This pair features authentic classic Monogram Louis Vuitton...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Minimal Solid Oak wood Contemporary SACHI Bench with bolster and brass detail
Located in Hyderabad, TG
The Sachi Bench is a versatile piece of furniture that is perfect for adding a touch of tranquility to your home. It is made in solid American oak with fine upholstery and elegant br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Set of Two ( 2 ) Modular Benches Kissing Benches in Rosewood Laminate, c. 1950's
Located in Deland, FL
Introduce a piece of mid-century modern history into your home with this set of two early modular benches. Made in the 1950s by American Furniture, also known as American of Martinsv...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Curved Benches in Black Upholstery and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Curved benches, metal, faux leather, Europe, 1970s. This set of three faux leather benches with metal frame together form a type of wave. The construction is geometric, solid and st...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Midcentury wicker daybed attributed to Viggo Boesen, Denmark 1960s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury wicker daybed attributed to Viggo Boesen, Stunning wicker daybed or bench in perfect vintage condition. Original floral fabric mattress. Denmark 1950s
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Midcentury “Krobo” Table / Bench by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Scandinavian modern low coffee table / bench designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway. This piece displays rich wood grains and sculpted edges. The perfect fit for ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Waterfall Bench by Steve Chase
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage waterfall bench designed by Steve Chase in the United States, circa 1980s. This beautiful bench features an elegant curve side...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

The Artisanal Bench in Dark Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Artisanal Bench by Stamford Modern, a captivating sculptural masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and functionality. Handcra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid century style leather bench with a top grain brown boxed and tufted leather cushion seat on a simple stainless steel four-leg base. Dimensions: 64" W x 20" D x 18" H Color ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Linear Bench in Natural Wanut Series 72 by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Linear Bench" – Where Clean Lines and Modern Design Converge! Draw clean lines with contemporary furniture inspired by the Mid-Century M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Gerald McCabe Shedua Trestle Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shedua wood bench from American designer Gerald McCabe for Eon Furniture, c.1970s. The solid wood bench has a long seat with seat back perfect for a dining table or entry way. Two av...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Theater Wooden Bench, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by unknown designer, manufactured in France, circa 1920. Wood. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a nice patina. The...
Category

1920s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mobichalet Brutalist Bench in Oak and Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mobichalet, bench, oak, pine, Belgium, 1950s This rustic bench will come forward nicely in a relaxing atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space. The brutalist appearance is express...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Pine

Pair of Mid-Century 1950s Black Wire Frame Stools in New Off White & Gray Fabric
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1950s wire framed stools, newly upholstered in off white and grey fabric. Frames in original condition, with visible wear, consistent with age...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wire

1950s Harvey Probber Brass Floating Bench
Located in New York, NY
1950s Harvey Probber tufted bench. The bench has floating brass stretchers, mahogany legs and the original fabric. As a reference, the bench is p...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Restored Mid-Century Slatted Wood Bench with Green Vinyl Cushion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Mid-Century Slatted Bench, a perfect fusion of vintage charm and modern restoration. This bench has been meticulously crafted from robust wood and revitalized by our skilled craftsmen, ensuring both durability and style. The bench boasts a fresh walnut stain, adding warmth and depth to its appearance, and is sealed with a high-quality lacquer for a lasting finish. These restorative touches not only enhance the wood's natural beauty but also ensure the bench's longevity. A standout feature of this piece is the newly added 2.5-inch thick tufted cushion, which provides a welcoming and comfortable seating area. This cushion is freshly upholstered in a striking green vinyl fabric, adding a vibrant and contemporary touch to the bench's classic design. Resting on sturdy tapered legs, this vintage modern bench...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Foam, Lacquer, Upholstery, Walnut, Wood

Yacht Platform Converted Bench for Interior or Exterior Use
Located in South Charleston, WV
95.5" wide, 18.5" deep and 16.75" tall. A genuine vintage boat Transom / swimming platform. It was turned into a bench by the owner of a company years ago. It is still however fully ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

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.

Recently Viewed

View All