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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
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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Modern Iron and Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern iron and leather bench with a hammered iron modern tapered frame and box leather upholstered seat cushion. Dimensions 30" W x 14" D x ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Custom Low Bench in Walnut, 2023
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Bench in Walnut Black walnut, tung oil finish 84" length, 12" height, 12" width Made in Los Angeles, CA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Bamboo" Style Bench by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Bench in "Bamboo" style gilt metal with seating cushion upholstered with a fabric by Nobilis. Creation by Studio Glustin.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bench
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar upholstered (half) and open mahogany (the other half) bench. Brass spacers, original fabric, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Mahogany

Upholstered Bench by Directional
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered bench by Directional. The bench has an off-white upholstery with a loose cushioned seat.
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

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

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

Pine Bench for Les Arcs by Chalrotte Perriand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A 3 seater bench designed under the supervision of Charlotte Perriand for Les Arcs, a French ski resort. The initial model with round dowels for the joints on the seat.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Charlotte Perriand Cansado Bench with a Drawer, circa 1958
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bench with side table and drawer and cushions from Cite Cansado, Mauritania. Designed by Charlotte Perriand in France circa 1958. Mahogany wood...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

Rare Series VI 108 Modular Seating Suite by Jørgen Høj for Niels Vitsøe, c. 1962
Located in Norwalk, CT
A rare and highly sought-after example of early Minimalism, this fabulous seating suite from the VI 108 series was designed by Jørgen Høj and crafted by Niels Vitsøe from flat bars o...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Mid century modern french wood bench
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid Century Modern Rationalist Wood Bench. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Mate...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Bench by Dunbar, Model 5429
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design bench for Dunbar, Model 5429. Classic design by Wormley in brass square frame on capped feet. Newer Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery that presents very well, ready ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Timeless Mid-Century French Wood Bench, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Explore the enduring allure of this mid-century bench, a testament to the Rationalist and minimalist design principles that emerged in the 1960s. Crafted in France by an unknown but ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

Sergio Rodrigues brazilian white and wood 1950 rocking bench.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Sergio Rodrigues brazilian circa 1950 wood and iron rocking bench.
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Nicos Zographos Stainless Steel Bench
Located in San Francisco, CA
Nicos Zographos design stainless steel and leather upholstered bench. Classic modern design lines made with a high quality solid stainless steel frame in very good restored conditio...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gio Bench in Dark Walnut by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Vintage Mid-Century Bauhaus Tan Vinyl and Chrome Settee
Located in Houston, TX
This Mid-Century Modern 2 seater is just as comfortable as it is stylish. The geometric frame is made of chrome plated tubular steel quintessential to ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pine Sofa Bench by David Rosén Model Berga, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1940s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pine sofa Bench by David Rosén Model Berga, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1940s A rare demountable pinewood sofa - bench designed by David Rosén ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Slatted Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sturdy walnut slatted bench at an ideal height for both seating and table use. Gorgeous mid-century details are great for living room use or entry way...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball Two Tier Maple Coffee Table, Circa 1960
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball attributed maple "magazine" coffee table - bench. Featuring an original vintage rectangular solid Maple construction with lap joints, wooden screw dowe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Maple

The Zen Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing "The Zen Bench" by Carlos Solano, an exquisite new addition to the Stamford Modern collection. Inspired by the tranquility of Asian design aesthetics, this bench exudes a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, 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 Bench by Emilio Lancia, Italy, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bench by Emilio Lancia, Italy, 1930s
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool or Bench
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Henredon Faux Alligator Leather Parsons Stool from the Henredon upholstery collection.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Pair of Selig Hexagon Form Ottoman or Pouffe Original Leatherette on Walnut Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the Mid-Century Modern style of Edward Wormley, or so many of the other greats from the 1960s design era, these hexagonal form benches, ottomans, stools, are time capsule gems! Co...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Neoclassical steel brass curule bench by Maison Jansen 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful 1960’s Curule Savonarola bench made of heavy stainless steel metal with brass accents. This timeless bench was created by French interior design firm Maison Jansen in the e...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Fantastic French Caning Daybed or Bench 1950
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Fantastic, original and rare daybed or bench made in France in 1950. Composed of a metal structure cover entirely in cane. 4 metals arms are covered in rattan. Seat have a wave sha...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Vivai del Sud Bamboo Sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vivai Del Sud; Italy; 1970s; Bench; Sofa; Bamboo; Rattan; 2 Seater; Craftsmanship; Vintage Design; Eclectic Interior; Outdoor Furniture; Bohemian; Boho; Mid-Century Modern; Vivai Del Sud bamboo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo

Tri-Mark Designs Bench with Chrome Frame & Ivory Bouclé Upholstery c. 1970s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy sleek chrome bench by Tri-Mark Designs newly reupholstered in soft highly durable ivory bouclé. Ivory bouclé is breathable and keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Strong bookend style chrome legs support a soft and comfortable upholstered seat. Clean lines. High art look. A good choice for a sleek art filled entry or passage way, or in a large walk in closet...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Gio Piano Bench by Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Discover The Gio Bench by Stamford Modern: Inspired by the iconic Gio Ponti, this bench seamlessly marries classic elegance with modern functionality. Its distinctive angled legs, ad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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 powder coated hairpin shaped legs and new upholstered seats with eight buttons each. 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

Mid-Century Emilio Lancia Wooden Bench with Striped Fabric , Italy, 1950s
Located in Palermo, IT
Very rare and stylish bench made of wood, curved on the armrests, with padded seat lined in cream-colored satin with vertical bands, Attributed to Emili...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Fabric

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

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

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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