Giuseppe Scapinelli, Rare 'Cosmos' Dining Table, Brazil, 1950s, Caviuna Wood
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An elegant and sculptural dining by Italian-Brazilian designer Giuseppe Scapinelli, crafted in richly grained Caviuna wood. The sensuously carved frame curves downward along two side...
Brass
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Set of 10 Dining Chairs, Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare set of ten dining chairs by Giuseppe Scapinelli, crafted in rich caviúna wood and retaining their original maker’s labels. The chairs have been newly upholstered in a deep gre...
Brass
Sofa in Caviúna Wood and Off-White Bouclé by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
Executed in richly figured Brazilian caviúna wood, the frame reveals the warmth and material depth that define Scapinelli’s finest work.
Bouclé, Caviuna
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Vintage Coffee Table, Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Giuseppe Scapinelli Coffee Table Caviuna Wood, Glass Top Brazil, 1950s
Glass, Hardwood
Giuseppe Scapinelli, 'Maracanã' Coffee Table, 1950s, Brazil, Caviuna Wood
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Giuseppe Scapinelli Maracanã Coffee Table Caviuna Wood, Glass Top 1950s, Brazil
Glass, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Lounge Chairs, Caviúna Wood, Wool Upholstery, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of Brazilian Modern lounge chairs crafted in solid caviúna wood, Brazil, 1950s. While the designer remains unidentified, the chairs embody the sculptural clarity and r...
Hardwood, Wool
Round Dining Table in Caviúna Wood by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Tenreiro—widely regarded as the foundational figure of Brazilian modern design—championed clarity of structure, material integrity, and the expressive potential of wood as a defining...
Wood
Carlo Hauner Caviuna Wood & Glass Display Coffee Table, Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
A study in proportion, material intelligence, and quiet architectural clarity, this rare coffee table by Carlo Hauner embodies the disciplined elegance that defined the golden a...
Glass, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Caviuna Wood Credenza by Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional credenza was designed in the 1950s by Giuseppe Scapinelli for a private residence in São Paulo and produced by the esteemed workshop Fábrica de Móveis Finos Zullo So...
Other, Brass
Circular Coffee Table in Caviúna Wood by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in richly grained caviúna wood, the table is organized around a circular frame supported by four dramatically curved legs that converge into a central, interlocking base.
Glass, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Caviúna wood, Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
An early and architecturally disciplined example of Brazilian modernism by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma S.A., executed in solid caviúna with caviúna veneer.
Hardwood
Pair of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Nightstands in Caviúna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Small solid brass drawer pulls provide a discreet point of contrast against the warmth of the caviúna wood, reinforcing the understated elegance of the design.
Brass
Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Caviuna Wood & Fabric, Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
This set of eight dining chairs reflects the disciplined craftsmanship and structural clarity characteristic of Brazilian mid-century modern design. While designer attribution remain...
Fabric, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Caviuna wood & Suede, Angelini, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
The backrests are gently contoured to support the body, while the overall proportions emphasize comfort without excess. The wood has been carefully refinished, revealing a consistent...
Suede, Hardwood
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s - Pair of Armchairs in Caviúna Wood & Mohair
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
The caviúna wood has been carefully restored to highlight the natural richness and depth of the grain.
Mohair, Hardwood
Brazilian Midcentury Design, Caviuna and Cane Dining Chairs, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
This charming Triangular coffee table was designed in the 1950s. The three-leg table is composed of a solid Caviuna structure and has rounded corners. The table's top is made of ...
Wood, Glass, Cane
Carlo Hauner, Coffee Table, Caviúna, Iron, Rattan, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A caviúna wood, black-painted iron, rattan and brass coffee table designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Móveis Artesanal, Brazil, c. 1950s.
Brass, Iron
Caviuna Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Caviúna piece was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and produced in 1968 by one of his companies, located in Rio de Janeiro. Its simple design stands out with the subtle det...
Wood
Carlo Hauner. Desk (commissioned piece), Caviuna wood. c. 1950
By Carlo Hauner
Located in PARIS, FR
The front, top, and sides are finished in caviuna veneer, while the conical legs—distinctive of the shapes Hauner developed in the early 1950s—are made of solid caviuna wood.
Hardwood
3 in 1 Extendable Dining Table in Caviuna Wood by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in solid caviuna hardwood, the table relies almost entirely on traditional wood joinery, with minimal use of screws or nails—an approach that reflects both artisanal mastery ...
Hardwood
Armchair by José Zanine Caldas for Móveis Artísticos Z
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in San Francisco, CA
Armchair chair by José Zanine Caldas for Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, c. 1950s. Constructed in solid caviúna wood, the frame has been fully refinished to highlight the natural tone a...
Wood
Sold
H 18.12 in W 45.28 in D 22.45 in
Brazilian 1950's Midcentury Coffee Table in Caviúna Wood by Peter Kraft
By Peter Kraft
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian midcentury coffee table in caviúna wood by Peter Kraft, 1950s. Peter Kraft opened his own store in Sao Paulo in the 1950s.
Wood
Martin Eisler Coffee Table in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Utrecht, NL
Martin Eisler coffee table in Caviuna wood and glass, Brazil 1950s This small coffee table is designed by Martin Eisler and Susi Aczel for Forma.
Glass, Wood
Giuseppe Scapinelli Caviúna Wood Coffee Table, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Sleek and elegant coffee table designed by Italian Brazilian Giuseppe Scapinelli. Beautiful Caviúna wood and floating glass top.
Sold
H 32.68 in W 78.75 in D 18.9 in
Giuseppe Scapinelli Credenza/Sideboard in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Soho, London, GB
Giuseppe Scapinelli sideboard in caviuna wood, 1950s.
Sold
H 30.3 in W 34.3 in D 20 in
Brazilian Modern Chest of Drawers in Caviúna Wood, Unknown, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian modern chest of drawers, crafted in richly grained caviúna wood in the 1950s, reflects a moment when Brazilian design shifted toward disciplined modernism tempered by ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 36.62 in W 100.4 in D 20.48 in
Brazilian Modern Credenza in Caviuna Wood & Brass by Zilberberg, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this one-of-a-kind Mid-Century Modern Credenza in Caviuna Hardwood designed by Ando in the fifties is the FIND of the year and is nothing less than spectacular. T...
Brass
Sold
H 12 in W 51 in D 12 in
Coffee Table in Caviuna wood & Glass, Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s - Lot 655
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
This coffee table has a frame made with Caviuna hardwood and features a glass top with four legs. The table is in the shape of an oval and the wood has a beautiful pattern to it. The...
Glass, Hardwood
Sold
H 14.18 in W 45.67 in D 19.3 in
Caviuna Wood and Glass Coffee Table by Pierre Weckx, 1950s Modern
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Weckx, this striking coffee table exemplifies the refined modernism that defined Brazilian interiors in the mid-20th century. Weckx, a Belgian-born architect and d...
Glass, Hardwood
Sold
H 6.3 in W 87 in D 12 in
Giuseppe Scapinelli Floating Console in Caviúna Wood with Brass Handles, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from richly veined Caviúna wood, the piece emphasizes horizontality and visual continuity, allowing the natural movement of the grain to animate the surface.
Brass
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Lounge Chairs, Caviúna, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of Caviúna wood and green velvet lounge chairs designed and produced by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs in Caviúna Wood Brazil 1950s Designer Giuseppe Scapinelli
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Curitiba, PR
The structures made in Caviúna wood and the curved lines showcase the best characteristics and craftsmanship of the designer.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Corner Table in Caviuna Hardwood, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this mid-century modern corner table designed in the fifties is gorgeous! This table is made entirely with caviuna hardwood and features one drawer, one shelf, and t...
Hardwood, Wood
Sold
H 36.23 in W 16.54 in D 18.51 in
1950s Six Seats Dining Set in Caviúna Wood, by Giuseppe Scapinelli
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Amazing dining set produced in Caviuna wood, by Italian designer Giuseppe Scapinelli. Round table expands to six seats when open. Chairs are super light and super comfortable, even f...
Hardwood
Sold
H 30 in W 29 in D 27 in
Pair of Brazilian Caviuna Two-Tone Blue and Beige Velvet Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1950s Brazilian armchairs with caviuna wood arms and upholstered with blue and beige velvet on a chrome frame.
Chrome
Sold
H 17.72 in W 23.23 in D 11.81 in
Pair of Midcentury Bi-Colored Triangular Side Tables in Caviuna Wood
Located in Astoria, NY
A pair of vintage triangular side tables, produced circa 1950s, in caviuna wood, one with formica top inset against painted black frame, for dualistic effect, on tapered legs with br...
Formica, Wood
Sold
H 14.18 in Dm 26.78 in
1950s Side or Coffee Table in Caviúna Wood, in the Manner of Scapinelli, Brazil
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Beautiful wood, Caviúna, is the hardwood selected to create this sculpted and extremely light coffee table. The Italian influence of Giuseppe Scapinelli is quite clear.
Hardwood
Sold
H 15 in W 47 in D 22 in
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table in Caviuna & Glass, Giuseppe Scapinelli, c. 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern Coffee Table designed by Giuseppe Scapinelli in in Brazil in the 1950s is a showstopper! This coffee table features a stunning frame crafted f...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 25.6 in D 18.71 in
1950s Bar Cart with Three Trays in Caviúna Wood by Carlo Hauner, Brazil Modern
By Carlo Hauner
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Being an Italian and having arrived in Brazil in the late 1940s, it would be impossible that Hauner wasn't influenced by his motherland's design output. This cart is clearly Italian ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 28.75 in L 30.71 in
"Costela" Chair by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
One of the most iconic Brazilian Mid-century modern chairs designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma in 1950s. Curved caviuna wood and iron structure. Very good condition.
Steel
Sold
H 14.6 in W 47 in D 20.5 in
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Glass, Giuseppe Scapinelli 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
Available in NYC with free domestic shipping included, this Brazilian Modern coffee table in Caviuna Wood and glass by Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s is nothing less than spectacular.
Glass, Hardwood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs in Artificial Suede
Located in Astoria, NY
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern armchairs dating from the 1950s in caviuna wood. Each has been recently reupholstered in beige artificial suede.
Wood
Sold
H 12.6 in Dm 34.26 in
Round Coffee Table by Giuseppe Scapinelli in Caviuna and Marble, Brazil, 1950's
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Made from caviuna wood, the table features a softly curved, bowl-like top supported by four elegantly shaped legs.
Marble
Giuseppe Scapinelli Console in Caviuna Wood
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Astoria, NY
Giuseppe Scapinelli expandable console. Produced during the 1950s in Brazil in Caviuna wood. The table top unfolds to form a dining table.
Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 25.99 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Giuseppe Scapinelli High Back Chairs in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Utrecht, NL
Pair of Giuseppe Scapinelli high back chairs in Caviuna wood, Brazil, 1950s This pair of two high back armchairs has the typical Scapinelli style with its curvy lines and soft sen...
Fabric, Wood
Giuseppe Scapinelli Sideboard in Caviuna, Brazil 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Hellouw, NL
An extraordinary sideboard from the hand of the Italian designer Giuseppe Scapinelli. We can rightly call him a jack-of-all-trades since he not only designed but was also a gifted an...
Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 28.35 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Caviúna Tea-Cart by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Structured in solid Caviúna wood, this piece features two removable Formica trays and metal castors.
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 43 in D 22 in
Brazilian Modern Caviúna Coffee Table with Glass Top, Att. to Giuseppe Scapinell
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
An elegant expression of Brazilian modernism, this coffee table—attributed to Giuseppe Scapinelli—embodies the organic sculptural language that defined Brazilian design in the 1950s....
Glass, Hardwood
Caviuna Wood Occasional Table of Unusual Form 1950s Brasilia, Brazil
Located in London, London
Caviuna wood occasional table, Brasilia, Brazil, 1950s
Glass, Wood
1950s Caviúna wood chair
Located in London, GB
Original Brazilian mid-century modern design, caviúna wood occasional chair re-upholstered with synthetic leather.
“Timeless classics, whose formal language has a touc...
1950's Bar in Caviúna Wood
Located in New York, NY
Bar cart in caviúna wood, glass and chrome steel wheels.
Chrome, Steel
Sold
H 20.48 in W 47.25 in L 20.48 in
Giuseppe Scapinelli Midcentury Brazilian Center Table in Caviúna Wood, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Giuseppe Scapinelli midcentury Brazilian center table in caviúna wood, 1950s Giuseppe Scapinelli's personal preference for his designs, the Caviúna Brazilian wood was widely used ...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 68.51 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Brazilian Buffet with Caviúna Wood and Parchment Paper, 1950s
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Midcentury Brazilian buffet with caviúna wood and parchment paper, 1950s Beautiful buffet built in caviúna with 4 compartments for storage.
Wood, Parchment Paper
Sold
H 34.26 in W 86.62 in D 16.93 in
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Caviuna and Cane Sideboard, Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Dubai, AE
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Caviuna and Cane Sideboard with metal details Manufactured by Forma Brazil, 1950s.
Brass
Vintage Aranha Coffee Table by Giuseppe Scapinelli
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
Rare Aranha coffee table designed by Giuseppe Scapinelli in the 1950s. The table has a caviuna wood structure and glass top.
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
$7,950 / set
H 30.32 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame
By Jindřich Halabala, Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Czech design by Kozelka & Kropacek, reupholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin with warm brown patinated bentwood frames. Comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style. De...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood
$2,860 / item
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft
By Neca Abrantes
Located in Jardim America, SP
This rotating armchair by Neca Abrantes is a striking fusion of contemporary Brazilian design and indigenous handcrafted traditions. Known for her deep passion for native craftsmansh...
Straw
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$7,200 / item
H 14 in Dm 36 in
Grand Mid-Century Flush Mount Uplight Ceiling Lamp from Filmcasino Vienna, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
We are delighted to present this stunning bowl-shaped pendant light / uplight plafoniere / flush mount light fixture dating back to the 1950s. (Actually there were three pieces avail...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
LU Louis SM Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The handsome LU Louis SM Sconce is a smaller version of our LU Louis Sconce, an all brass wall sconce in lightly patinated brass with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. M...
Brass
Roger Capron, Coffee Table, Wood, Ceramic, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige ceramic tile coffee table designed and produced by Roger Capron, France, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10.75"H x 51.625"W x 24.5"D All items ship from Hig...
Ceramic, Wood
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak wall mirror likely designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.1"H x 10.1"W x 0.7"D Does not include mounting hardware. All items ship from H...
Wood, Oak
$3,495 / item
H 16.93 in W 46.46 in D 14.18 in
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Mohair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Velvet, Oak
$7,538 / item
H 39.38 in W 9.85 in D 31.5 in
Parchment, Brass and Glass Table Lamp by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Ventola table lamp by the artist Diego Mardegan exclusively for Glustin Luminaires. Beautiful two ways shade made of a brass structure, parchemin paper and waxed fabric hold by an...
Brass
$1,703 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 43.31 in
Contemporary Art Deco Mint green and Red powder coated Carousel 5 arms pendant
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Carousel suspension lamp has a delicate balance of form and function that produces a quiet, modern light ambiance for all to savour, with its Contemporary Art Deco lines. The struct...
Metal
$8,475 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Burl, Poplar
$1,158
H 29.14 in W 77.56 in D 31.11 in
Mid-Century Afromosia Teak Drop-Leaf Dining Table, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Mid-Century Afromosia Teak Drop-Leaf Dining Table, Denmark, 1960s The mid-century afromosia teak drop-leaf dining table from Denmark in the 1960s is a striking representation of the...
Teak
$16,571 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
1960s Palisander Tiles Coffee Table, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Palisander
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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.
Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.