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Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

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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2,887
127
32
to
357
2,045
960
3,046
2,958
2,993
2,046
1,426
1,204
872
815
797
791
460
454
431
337
296
283
153
139
137
90
4
8
2,875
159
35
2,192
447
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8
11
79
525
545
324
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902
489
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59
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Pair of Willy Guhl Loop Chairs, Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic pair of cement chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Brand new. Hand made in Switzerland. Newly produced. Priced as a pair. One of the most iconic chairs ever de...
Category

2010s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

1970s Sculptural Hand Crafted Green Iron Steel Table and Chairs, set of 5
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, outdoor dining set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is statement ...
Category

1970s Asian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Iron

Carl Aubock Jardiniere, Plants Table or Bench, Flower Trough, Iron & Wicker
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular mid-century flower bench / plant table from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalist piece was designed and handcrafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienn...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal

Rattan logs holder. French work. Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This logs holder is made of rattan. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rattan

Planter in silver-plater and gold brass
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Surprising planter in gold and silver brass, with 4 aluminum 'cache-pots', 3 outside and 1 inside 1950s design Height 140cm diameter 60cm
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Rattan Club Chairs
Located in Nashua, NH
This is a lovely pair of club chairs in natural as found condition. They are a very simple mid century design, American, very sturdy and the finish is in good condition. This is part of a three piece suite with additional matching sofa available. This set has just been purchased from a Newport Rhode Island estate just recently and is being offered in as found good condition allowing you to add you own decorative touch. The seats springs have been replaced many years ago with plywood seat support which was a very common practice on antique porch...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wicker, Reed, Wood

Woodard Chantilly Rose Sectional Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Set
Located in Hamburg, PA
A fabulous six-piece sectional Chantilly Rose wrought iron patio set. This wonderful set of patio furniture is in original painted finish and has some scuffs and chips to the paint. ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid Century Glass and Welded Bent Wrought Iron Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful bent and welded metal modern industrial design coffee table in a green powder coat, with a clear glass top . Circa 1950s. Some call it a butterfly table, comparing to the i...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Six Piece Surfline Outdoor Patio Furniture Set
Located in Highland, IN
These handsome green set by Surfline are not just stylish, they are also very comfortable. With lightweight tubluar frames and nylon strung seats, they are easy to move and enhance a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Beige "Peacock" Cafe Set for Four, 1950s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Russell Woodard Tan toned Geometric Spun Fiberglass Cafe Set of 4. Featuring sturdy, balanced, woven Light Khaki Spun Fiberglass frameworks, hourglass bases, ergonomic arched fan b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fiberglass, Glass

Set of 2 large planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG, 1960s Switzerland.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Set of 2 planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG, 1960s Switzerland. Very large cone shaped planters made from fiber cement which was lighter than stone and very durable. The planters ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement, Metal

Finnish Design Door Handles, 1920s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Two very distinct and elegant Finnish early 20th century door handles in brass and oak wood. Very practical yet stand out pieces with guaranteed quality, craftsmanship, and design. ...
Category

1920s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

4 Pc. Faux Bamboo Garden Patio Poolside Chairs by Hauser Made in USA Ca. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of vintage poolside, patio, garden, armchairs by noted American maker of leisure furniture, Hauser, after Brown Jordan. The chairs have tubul...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Cast Aluminum Faux Bamboo 4 Arm Chairs 60" 3/4" Glass Top Dining Table Set MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Cast Aluminum Faux Bamboo 4 Dining Arm Chairs 60" 3/4" Glass Top Dining Table Set MINT! Chair Dimensions: 21in x 23in x 31in seat: 12in Table Dimensions: 60in x 60in x 27in glass ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Allan Gould Style X Chairs with Ottomans, ca. 1970
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage Allan Gould Style X Chairs with Ottomans, ca. 1970. Original iron frames in a playful and fun salmon pink color with original nylon strapping. Very comfortable, the strappi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Pair Of Vintage Brown Jordan Outdoor Chaises
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great outdoor/pool side vintage chaises. Heavy aluminium construction, three position seat adjustments. Also note flat, welded gliders on the bottom for better support. Black/gray ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

John Follis for Architectural Pottery Tire Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stoneware planter by John Follis for Architectural Pottery. This example has a drum shape with a rounded lip that curves in at the top of the piece. Planter stamped "USA.” Dimension...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Cast Stone Poodle Garden Statue
Located in Winter Park, FL
A vintage cast stone poodle garden statue. Aged condition with mossy patina and remnants of white and black paint. Circa 1950s. Dimensions: 24"H ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

Floral Mid Century Original Painted Blue Garden Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Floral Mid Century Original Painted Blue Garden Bench.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Russell Woodard “Sculptura” Loveseat/Settee
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic iconic Mid Century Modern loveseat or settee designed by Russell Woodard is part of the coveted Sculptura Collection . Made of wrought iron and mesh steel . Winged armrest...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

Life-Size Bronze Wolf Statue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bronze statue of a wolf walking four legs. Beautiful piece that would be an excellent addition to your garden decor. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Garden Fountain with Dolphins
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful garden fountain with multi-directional spigot and dolphin figurines. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Floral Aluminum Mid Century Style Original Painted Garden Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2  Mid Century Style Aluminium Garden Chairs in Original finish.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Bronze Statue Of Children Playing Leapfrog
Located in Brooklyn, NY
arge bronze statue of two children playing leapfrog. This piece would make a wonderful addition to any landscape. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

"Sculptura" Patio Armchair by Russell Woodard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armchair by Russell Woodard for Woodard Furniture, c.1950s. The armchair is from Russell Woodard’s “Sculptura” line designed in 1956. The chair has a molded mesh frame that sits atop...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Russell Woodard Sculptura Patio Set
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic iconic white Mid Century Modern outdoor dining set designed by Russell Woodard and part of the coveted “Sculptura” Col...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Steel

Mid Century Modern Aluminum Yard Birds
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a really cool set of 3 Crane Birds. there made out of Aluminum with concrete bases in there Original finish. #1 is 34 high 22 wide 8 deep #2 is 27 hi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete, Aluminum

Salterini Rare Early Five Piece Garden/Dining Set by Mario Papperzini
Located in Water Mill, NY
Five Piece Rare Early Salterini Garden/Dining Set by Mario Papperzini..Four Arm Chairs with Matching Original Dining Table 54” Glass Top…Custom Made Fabric Cushions Height of Chair ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Elegant Cast Iron Chiminea
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This quaint cast iron chiminea features a wonderful old fashioned design, complete with grates, ring handles, faux cracking, and top lid. This piece would make a perfect center piece...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Modernist Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of modernist andirons is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of Hand Made Early 20th Century French Garden Fountains
Located in Hastings, GB
Great pair of composite garden fountains, French and hand made in the early 20th century. Original white paint to the exterior, each fountain is in two parts comprising the base and ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Composition

Bronze Garden Fountain of Dolphins
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Garden fountain featuring a pair of dolphins with spigots on their beaks. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NY)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Enormous 100cm diameter Willy Guhl sculptural planter, Switzerland 50's concrete
Located in Forest, BE
This is a planter like a sculpture! made out of fiber concrete in the 1950's in Switzerland. It is the biggest and strongest from that series. We have two of that model and measureme...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Sea Turtle Standing Wall Fountain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large bronze fountain with a bale of turtles. Sure to be an impressive centerpiece to any outdoor or garden area. Confirm location with seller (...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Handkerchief Concrete Planters, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit sculptural large handkerchief concrete planters or jardinières, Switzerland, 1960s. These exquisite planters are made from weather-resistant fiber ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Zaalberg attributed XL Glazed Bronze Ceramic Floor Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extra large bronze glazed ceramic floor planter attributed to Zaalberg. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Beautiful Figurative Marble Fountain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful marble fountain or birdbath of a cloaked figure pouring water. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Pair of Cast Iron Lion Statues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Cast Iron Lions with Shield. Beautiful formed sculptures. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Watering Can, Vienna, around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Watering can, Vienna, around 1960s Copper and brass Polished and stove enamelled.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper

Bronze Statue of Children on Swing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful bronze garden statue of boy and girl on tree swing. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Bronze Statue of Fox
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bronze Statue of Fox. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Sun and Moon Ceramic Vase
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the whimsy of this two-side ceramic vase, featuring the sun and moon motifs. Enjoy two looks in one with its playful design, reminiscent of stan bitters' iconic style. This ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Bath Door ‘Les Arcs 1600’ by Charlotte Perriand - entrance door
Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP
Charlotte Perriand oversaw the design team at Les Arcs beginning in the late 1960s and with the progressive group, designed and built Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 at the resort. T...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Bronze Horse Statues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous pair of bronze horse statues. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Set of Wrought Iron Fireplace Tools with Wood Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three piece set of fireplace tools with stand. The set features three tools, a shovel, broom and poker, with wood handles all on a tripod wrought iron stand. All elements are made of...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Cauldron Shaped Marmite Planter
Located in Birmingham, AL
A Mid-Century Modern "Marmite" planter designed by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. This iconic piece of industrial design from the 1960s was produced for Eternit AG in Switzerland and sh...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Pair of Cast of Iron Architectural Roses on Square Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming set of vintage ornaments in cast iron with great patina. These would look fantastic on a coffee, console or side table as well as a bookshelf.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Sculpted Cast Iron Horse Statue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Sculpted Cast Iron Horse Statue. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Life-Size Bronze Panther Statue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive figurative bronze statue depicting a panther with life-like scale and details. Quality bronze construction ensures this piece will continue to impress for years to come. A...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Modernist Cast Iron, Brass and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant pair of modernist andirons is made of steel, brass and wrought iron. This is a French work in the style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Standing Bronze Horse Fountain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bronze wall horse fountain. Beautiful piece perfect to create ambiance in any outdoor garden setting. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Set of Brass Handle Wrought Iron Fireplace Tools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three piece set of fireplace tools with stand. The set features three tools with brass handles and stand with half circle mount. All elements are made of blackened iron. This moderni...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Brass

Majestic Bronze Horse Statue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Massive Bronze Horse Statue measuring 9 feet tall. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Round Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A patio dining table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The round frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A patio dining table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The round frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Large and Whimsical Cast Stone Windmill Garden Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A vintage cast stone windmill garden sculpture with window, doorway and faux patches of worn casing revealing the brick superstructure below. The conical roo...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone, Copper

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Cafe Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A patio dining table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The round frame is has concentric bronze with radial supports and a circular bronze bas...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Richard Schultz High Top Dining Table & 4 Chairs
Located in west palm beach, FL
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with the Vintage Boho Richard Schultz High Top Dining Set. Crafted with American craftsmanship, this set combines bohemian flair with Richard S...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-century Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Willy Guhl, Russell Woodard, Eternit, and Woodard Furniture Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $55 and tops out at $1,078,195 while the average work can sell for $1,887.

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