Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is 1950s furniture called?

1 Answer
What is 1950s furniture called?
1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
Shop for 1950s Furniture on 1stDibs
Red Stilnovo Pendant, Italy 1950
Located in Culver City, CA
Red Stilnovo Pendant Italy, 1950 Red metal shade with brass stem and canopy. Frosted glass diffuser. 19”dia x 33” ( overall height )
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Stilnovo Globe Chandelier, Italy 1950
Located in Culver City, CA
Stilnovo Globe Chandelier Italy, 1950 Brass stilnovo chandelier with opaque glass globe diffusers. 39.5"w x 13.5"d x 43.5"h
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

“Capri” Chair by Johannes Andersen, Denmark 1958
Located in Culver City, CA
“Capri” Chair by Johannes Andersen Denmark, 1958 Swivel lounge chair on chrome legs, newly upholstered in Rosemary Hallgarten velvet. 36”w x 30”d x 28”h x 17.5”seat
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Velvet

vintage wall cupboard wall unit 1950s Sweden
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage wall cupboard wall unit 1950s Sweden period 1950s design unknown Sweden condition good light signs of use size 116 x 151 x 49 (hxwxd) details wood; article numbe...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Paavo Tynell for Idman ‘5061’ Table Lamp in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Idman, table lamp, model ‘5061’, brass, Finland, circa 1950 A truly magnificent piece that scores highly on every design aspect: execution, use of materials, craft...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce ‘181’ Wall Light
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, wall light, variation on model ‘181’, enameled steel, brass, Italy, 1951  This wall light, a variation on model 181, is designed by the influential designer in the field of lighting design Gino Sarfatti (1912-1985) for Arteluce in 1951. Sarfatti founded Arteluce in 1936, an Italian lighting company that garnered acclaim for its groundbreaking and pioneering designs, defying conventional norms prevalent during that period. Functional principles, such as flexibility and adaptability, guided Sarfatti through the design process. He conceived a modular approach to lighting systems, enabling the user to personalize and adjust the lighting fixtures according to its preferences and needs. A significant part of the released designs incorporated practical elements, such as adjustable arms and rotating mechanisms. This innovative approach had a profound influence on the conceptualization and utilization of lighting within interiors around that time. In addition to their functional attributes, the lamps crafted by the company were predominantly characterized by a pure and minimalist aesthetic. A decoration was subordinate to the constructive element, focusing on the essential composition of geometric forms and usage of materials. Gino Sarfatti considers this type of wall lights as ‘extendible wall sconce...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Shop All