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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
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Trunk or Side Bench in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, trunk / side bench / side table, walnut, Italy, 1980s Giuseppe Rivadossi once again proves his great eye for materialization and technica...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Patinated 19th Century Bench in Solid Wood and Leather, Brazilian Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The bench showcased here is a splendid example of Brazilian vernacular design from the 19th century. It is a testament to the timeless beauty of simple, functional design that transc...
Category

19th Century Brazilian Antique Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pair of Midcentury Style Hairpin Benches Quick Ship
Located in New York, NY
Circa 21st century pair of Mid-Century Modern style newly made upholstered benches with satin black hairpin shaped legs and new upholstered seats with buttons and welting. Price is for the pair. Made in the United States. Good overall condition. Ready today, Quick ship.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Solid Rosewood Small Compact Mid Century Modern Slat Bench Black Metal Base MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Rosewood Small Compact Mid Century Modern Slat Bench Black Metal Base MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Bench, Cantilever, Mid Century, Walnut, Danish Cord, Weave, Hardwood, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Mid-century inspired, hardwood and woven Danish cord bench. This listing is for a 41.125" long Rian Cantilever Bench in Walnut with Kraft Danish Cord....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cord, Hardwood

Fine Long Bench By The Charles Stewart Co.
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and stylish Bench from Charles Stewart. A long designer bench in a dark stained wood frame with square tapering splayed legs. Upholst...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Linear Bench in White Oak and Bronze Series 72
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

Bronze

Andrianna Shamaris Hand Carved Teak Wood Bench or Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
Solid reclaimed teak log style bench or a pedestal at 13” x 11″ x 28.5” high. Repurposed from a solid teak lesung which is used for grinding rice, hence the hole which we have left i...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

A leather covered mahogany bench with alligator design, manner of Andre Arbus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A leather covered mahogany bench with alligator design in the manner of Andre Arbus circa 1960.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1970s Mid Century Brass Bench or Stool
Located in Miami, FL
A 1970s modern brass bench or stool with upholstered seat cushion in the style of designer Paul Evans, circa 1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Linear Bench in Dark Walnut and Brass 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 Modern Legend, Edward Wormley ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Bench model 5272 designed by Börge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bench model 5272 designed by Börge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1950s Stamped.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Oak

Gerrit Rietveld and J. Tricht Long Sofa
By Gerrit Rietveld, J. Tricht
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gerrit Rietveld and interior designer J. Tricht, bench, faux-leather, metal, The Netherlands, 1965. This bench was originally designed as a 'hall bench' for a local bank in Dedemsva...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Wabi Sabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
A single thick antique panel with lovely character within the wood. We added smooth teak minimalist legs to produce this beautiful bench and finished with a secret ingredient, reveal...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Teak Wood Long Bench
Located in New York, NY
We added smooth teak minimalist legs to this impressive ancient single wood panel. Butterflies were inlaid into the wood. It’s all in the details. Circa 1930. This bench was handma...
Category

1930s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Vintage Cherrywood "Cow Horn" Bench by Kipp Stewart and Stewart McDougall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Solid cherrywood bench designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart McDougall for Winchedon (ca. 1950s, USA). Composed of a deeply carved, cow horn-form backrest and minimal rectangular plat...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cherry

Bench with Seats by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
This extraordinary bench with seats, born from the creativity of Osvaldo Borsani for the acclaimed Tecno company of the 1980s, represents a true symbol of Italian excellence in the field of design. Osvaldo Borsani, a renowned Italian designer, brought this iconic bench to life in collaboration with Tecno, one of the leading companies in the high-quality furniture and furnishing sector. This synergy of talent and craftsmanship gave rise to a timeless design piece. The bench boasts a sturdy black powder-coated iron structure that elegantly supports a series of welcoming seats. Two wooden slabs serve as the base for this creation, contributing to the entire design's aura of elegance and style, suitable for any environment. The seats and backrest of the bench have been skillfully padded and covered with period-appropriate fabric, a precious dark blue cotton that adds a touch of class and sophistication. This fabric, although showing signs of wear and the passage of time due to its history, can be replaced upon request, ensuring an impeccable appearance. This Osvaldo Borsani bench...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Custom Settee
Located in Denton, TX
This assemblage of three chairs into a settee with bentwood arms was custom ordered by Stephens Financial for their office in Michigan. New upholstery may be desired.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Ash, Rosewood

Mid Century Walnut Live Edge Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid Century live edge bench or coffee table is crafted of a solid walnut slab raised tapered wood legs.Can be used as a bench or a coffee table. Restored in a natural oil finish. Exc...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

The Perfect Little Bench
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A stunning bench featuring a woven bamboo seat and a custom finish, exemplifying the perfect blend of artistry and functionality. The curved shape and silhouette of this bench add an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Teak Wood Wabi Bench
Located in New York, NY
Antique bench hand made from a single panel of teak wood with lovely patina. Circa 1950. This bench was hand made in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that beauty can b...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rare teak wood, taken from my finest collection, was meticulously hand carved by our master carver to produce this impressive bench for our Mid-Century Couture Collection. ...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Live Edge Solid Slab Coffee Table or Bench in the Style of George Nakashima
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible midcentury live edge or free edge solid slab coffee table or bench in the style of George Nakashima. It is in wonderful vintage condition with normal wear, circa 1950s-198...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Italian, Ezio Longhi Teak Mid-Century Slat Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mid-Century Italian slat bench made from dark stained, solid teak. Designed by Ezio Longhi for Elam, 1950's. This piece has been lightly r...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Modern walnut sculpted and brass sabot benches or settees inspired by Gio Ponti the famous Italian Mid - Century designer . Floating cushion newly upholstered on top of solid brass ...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pierre Jeanneret 057 Civil Bench, Wood and Woven Viennese Cane
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench designed by Pierre Jeanneret circa 1955, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Cassina continues its study of the furniture of the city of Chandigarh and adds ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Mid Century Couture Teak Wood Bench or Stool
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique single teak panel from my finest collection, is expertly shaped into this beautiful bench or stool. Part of the Mid Century Couture Collection. Furniture construc...
Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Willy Guhl Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Malibu, US
Stunning floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1960. Made of reinforced fiberglass and steel tubular frame. Incredible patina to both ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Padded Shoe Fitting Store Bench with Mirrors by Metal Specialties Mfg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Padded Shoe Fitting Store Bench with Mirrors by Metal Specialties Mfg. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 24" W x 14" D x 19" Seat he...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Oscar Niemeyer - MARQUESA Bench
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
The Marquesa bench by Oscar Niemeyer and his daughter Ana Maria Niemeyer was originally designed in 1974. This iconic design embodies Niemeyer's exquisite curves and sweeping forms t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Modern Hall Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a beige antiqued leather stitched cushion on an antiqued brass-finished iron cube form base. Dimensions: 48" W x 24" D x 18" H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

1950s Vintage Brass & Velvet Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage brass & velvet bench designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1950s. This stunning bench features a red velvet upholstery that sits on...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench/Table
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Floating Top Walnut Bench Table This is a bench(we have two matching stools that accomodates this bench being sold seperately). The bench is quite uni...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

STRUCTUR - Salvaged industrial beam top with solid steel hand hammered legs
Located in Bethany, CT
"Structur" features a substantial belt-worn structural timber from one of the many gutted 19th century factory buildings turned contemporary apartment complexes of downtown New Haven...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Classic Modernist Slat Bench / Cocktail Table After George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Slat Bench / Cocktail Table after George Nelson,, Nice original condition ,,patina.. Classic modernist design.. Hand delivery avail to New York City or anywhere en ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Natural Finish Maple Bench, Coffee Table, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Planner Group Maple 1546 Bench, Coffee Table. Featuring a five foot rectangular form in natural solid staved Maple with reinforced and splayed s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Low Mahogany & Cane Bench, Coffee Table, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Low Slung Cane, bleached Mahogany Bench -Cocktail Table. Featuring a sturdy rectangular solid bleached Mahogany frame, stretchers to each end, inset w...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany, Cane

Waterfall Bench in Boucle, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Waterfall Bench in Camel Color Boucle, 1970. Bench has been newly upholstered in a camel color boucle. Measures 60" long, 18.5"...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé

Florence Knoll Bench
Located in Miami, FL
Very long Florence Knoll bench designed for Knoll, brown upholstery and chrome base, 8 legs, unusual size.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl / John Stuart Storage Ottoman, Footstool Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John Stuart. Branded Johnson Furniture Co. and lab...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Willy Guhl Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Malibu, US
Stunning floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1960. Made of reinforced fiberglass and steel tubular frame. Incredible patina to both ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Celina Decorações, 1960s Slatted bench with wooden structure and Formica legs manufactured by Celina Decorações circa 1960.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Formica, Wood

1950s Vintage Brass Bamboo Style Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage brass bamboo style bench designed and manufactured in the United States in the 1950s.This beautiful bench showcases a unique design with its bamboo-style frame that gives it ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

BM0699 Asserbo Bench with Back in Dark Oil Stained Eucalyptus Wood *Quickship*
Located in Burlington, NJ
A sterling example of people-first design, Børge Mogensen’s Asserbo Bench demonstrates the Danish designer’s approach to function and form. Perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Bench, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green velvet fabric bench designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Seat height 15.5"
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Mid-Century Modern 1960’s Thinline Bench
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century bench manufactured by Thinline, it has no label on it. This bench is in good condition, it has being newly reupholstered and powder coated in ivory. The bench ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Square Ottoman in style of Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury square ottoman with wood base. This ottoman was made in style of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. New upholstery. Two ottomans are available.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mies van der Rohe Style Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Barcelona Bench was designed by German-American architect and designer, Mies van der Rohe, in 1930. This copy is perfect for your home or office, with tufted cushion on a sturdy ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Piano Bench or Vanity Stool
Located in Trenton, NJ
Elevate your home with the exquisite charm of this Mid-Century Modern Vanity Stool, a piece that reverberates with the style and grace of a bygone era. Inspired by the sleek designs ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Carlo Di Carli Bench
Located in Austin, TX
A dynamic bench in the style of Carlo di Carli. It features a black lacquered steel base with gilt brass feet. It has been newly upholstered in a white boucle fabric.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Steel

Beautiful Mid-Century Navy Leather Bench Chrome Frame Style of Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern navy blue leather bench chrome frame style of Florence Knoll. Very clean 1960s bench. Made in USA. Very High Quality co...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Paul Laszlo, Bench, Mahogany, Rattan, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and rattan bench designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s seat height: 13.5”
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

A wooden upholstered bench, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank, contemporary.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wooden upholstered bench, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank, contemporary.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

BM0700 Asserbo Backless Bench in Dark Oil Stained Eucalyptus Wood *Quickship*
Located in Burlington, NJ
A sterling example of people-first design, Børge Mogensen’s Asserbo Bench demonstrates the Danish designer’s approach to function and form. Perfectly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

"Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the epitome of mid-century elegance: the "Long John" Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. Crafted wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Italian Designer, Bench, Beech, Mohair, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beech and red mohair bench designed and produced in Italy, 1940s. Seat height: 16”
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mohair, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Black Vinyl Upholstered Oiled Walnut Bench by Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid-century modern bench by Jens Risom
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Bench Cocktail Table Style of George Nelson Solid Beech 1950s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-century slatted bench, cocktail table from the mid-1950s. Faintly stamped Yugoslavia on the underside - too faint to be photographed. Created out of a hardwood, beech, this piece...
Category

1950s Macedonian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

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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