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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
Giulio Moscatelli Bench in Teak and Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giulio Moscatelli, bench, teak, fabric, Italy, ca. 1950. This bench by Giulio Moscatelli is distinctive in its execution. The legs are beautifully sculpted, showing concave carvings...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Teak

White Oak framed MORESBY Bench with custom upholstered seat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The seventh installment of the MORESBY collection, this bench is sure to be a conversation piece in any space. The MORESBY Bench is constructed of solid wood, with a plush cushion pl...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Mid Century Bentwood Slat Bench
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Love this unique Mid Century bentwood slat bench. The curve of the seat and the rattan X details are everything. A truly unique piece. Can only find one other example, a lounge ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Modern Upholstered Bench, c 1960s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Six wonderfully tapered oak legs on this long bench. At 60 inches a very useful size. This vintage bench has been completely reupholstered in a nubby striped fabric in pink and rose...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Bench in Dedar Dalie Papaveri Tulipani by Vintola Studio, Europe, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Contemporary Bench inspired of 1960s style. The bench consist of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of the 1960s style. Bench was design...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bouclé

Linear Bench in Natural Walnut Series 48 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

Set of 2 black benches by Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Guglielmo Ulrich (1904-1977), architect, designer, interior decorator, and painter, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting figures in the history of modern Italian furniture. Mi...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Textile, Wood

Banc Rouge 3 places de Giancarlo Piretti par Anomina Castelli Italy 1970 vintage
Located in AIX-LES-BAINS, FR
Banc fabriqué par Castelli ,désigné par Giancarlo Piretti 3 places réputé pour sa structure en fonte d'aluminium hyper robuste. Les assises sont recouverte de tissus en coton drill, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

1970s Purple Tweed Tufted Bench Coffee Table Ottoman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning bench you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it bein...
Category

1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Tokyo vintage bench by Yngvar Sandstrom, design 1960's
Located in PARIS, FR
Sandstrom's work is known for its functional, minimalist aesthetic, as well as its use of sustainable, eco-friendly materials. This bench is both a sleek design and a functional piec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Swiss Design Bank Stühle, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl, Set of six, 1960s
Located in Renens, CH
A set of of six “Bank Stühle”, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl (also known for the Loop Chairs for Eternit AG), produced during the 1960s in Switzerland. The name Bench Chair is deriv...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Ash

Mid- Century Chrome and Lucite Slat Bench in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Modernist chrome slat bench in the style of Milo Baughman. Chrome plated metal square slats with unique lucite spacers.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Branco & Preto. Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Imbúia Wood
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Stylish slatted vintage bench from the early 1960's of Brazilian production, specifically Branco & Preto Gallery. In solid imbúia wood, it is a very versa...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of 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 soli...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Blue Bench with Chrome Frame, 1980s
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style chrome and strap bench is circa 1980. The clean, minimalist design features a chrome frame with crossed x-base and a woven heavy strap seat in a striking shade of royal blue. Use as a seat bench or decorative coffee table. A unique piece that pairs well with a wide variety of decor styles from mid century-inspired to contemporary. Additional information: Material: Chrome, Strap Fabric Dimensions: W 50” x D 26” x H 18” Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Please reach out to us with any questions about this item or for further clarification of shipping options by clicking on the “Ask the Seller...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Martin Visser wooden bench for Spectrum 1960
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Designed by Martin Visser in 1961 voor the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Made by 't Spectrum in The Netherlands.
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Swedish Modern "Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting an exquisite piece of Swedish design history – the pine "Visingsö" bench by the renowned Carl Malmsten. This iconic bench, named after the serene Swedish island of Visings...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

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 MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST Elm Bench, PIERRE CHAPO Style, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
An architectural and rigorous bench that can be used as a coffee or side table, Modernist, Constructivist, Brutalist, Popular Art, solid geometric construction of thick strips of sol...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bench
Located in Countryside, IL
West Michigan Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bench This bench measures: 48 wide x 18 deep x 16.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage con...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

44" Woven Rush Bench in Ash by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956, the Woven Rush Benches have been redesigned by Judy Smilow and officially reintroduced in 2013. This collection’s handwoven seating and han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Ash

60" Woven Leather Bench in Ebonized Ash and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced in 2016, the Woven Leather Collection is classically midcentury. The simplistic beauty, fine craftsmanship, and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

44" Woven Leather Bench in Ebonized Ash and Black Leather by Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced in 2016, the Woven Leather Collection is classically midcentury. The simplistic beauty, fine craftsmanship, and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Ash

Tufted Leather Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Leather Bench or Couch, bought from a Psychiatrist Office in Philadelphia! Dates to the Early 1960's Leather in very nice shape! Aluminum Legs support the box Upholstered Cushion.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Mucki Bench in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
The Mucki bench, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1958 and manufactured by Oca, is a versatile and stunning piece suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Featuring a low rect...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Linear Bench in Espresso Series 36 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

Nickel

Milo Baughman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut bench designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Bench “Cíntia” by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1964
Located in New York, NY
The Cíntia bench was created in 1964 by the renowned Brazilian designer and architect, Sergio Rodrigues. The bench’s beautiful design is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as j...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Linear Bench in Natural 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

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

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 Modern Legend, Edward Wormle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Rare No. 33 Sofa by Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Seldom seen 3-seat version of an iconic design by Florence Knoll.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Tyrolean Style Pine Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Tyrolean style pine benches. Also known as Swiss Mountain Chairs or Folk Chairs, this style was first employed as peasant furniture an...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

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

Milo Baughman, Bench, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut bench designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Ebonized Wood Spindle Back Bench, France 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage French benche constructed with ebonized wood. This elegant bench features a spindle back and upholstered seat in original olive faux leather. It stands on angled legs with ...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Modern Mid Century Exotic Wood Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid Century bench consisting of ten planks of exotic Brazilian hardwoods raised on a solid wood frame and squared legs. Can be used as a bench, coffee table. Fully restored in a exce...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Set of 2 Mid-Century Gilbert Marklund Inspired Lightly Refinished Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two Mid-Century solid oak benches with trestle bases. Lightly refinished, in otherwise original condition with some visible wear consistent with their age and use.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Brazilian Modern Bench in Hardwood, by Carlo Hauner for Forma, Brazil, c. 1950
Located in New York, NY
The bench features two legs, a module for storage and one seat with a reupholstered yellow fabric. The piece is made with Brazilian hardwood and it has a beautiful color and pattern ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Bench by David Smith & Co
Located in Seattle, WA
Dark Toned Petite Rustic Bench. Makers Mark States “Handcrafted From Old World Java .” Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 22 W ; 12 1/2 D ; 18 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Mid-Century Bench in Hardwood, Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960’s
Located in New York, NY
This bench is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and it has a stunning tone with natural wood grain. In addition, the wood has been refinished and is now in excellent condition. The bench can fit 4 people comfortably and features a low seat with four legs. It has a very clean and sleek design to it, which makes it a perfect addition to any kind of home. This piece is very versatile and can be used as a bench but also as a coffee table, which is displayed in our showroom next to Liceu de Artes e Oficios sofa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Gerald McCabe Shedua & Oak Trestle Bench, California, c.1975
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Gerald McCabe Shedua & Oak Trestle Bench for Orange Crate Modern. Santa Monica, California, c.1975 Beautiful wood grain throughout. This piece has been professionally restored.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

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

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

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

Mid-Century Lucite Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long bench with cushioned top on a clear lucite base. Five foot long sitting area with bottom shelf, great for entry way or at the foot of your...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

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

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

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

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

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

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

Custom Florence Knoll Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Florence Knoll Bench USA 2017 leather, steel Measures: 48 W x 19.5 D x 16.75 H inches. Custom sized Florence Knoll bench in a custom flat steel finish with leather upholster...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

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

Vintage Woodard Outdoor Iron Loveseat/Bench
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Woodard Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench Offered is a Vintage Woodard Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench. This bench has been repainted Black. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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

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

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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