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.
Knightia Fossil Fish From Wyoming - 1970s Mount & Sold by Peter Alan Designs
Located in St. Louis, MO
48 million year old "Knightia" fossil fish from Wyoming. Mounted in the 1970s with chrome channel on top and bottom and sold by Peter Alan Designs Inc, of West Palm Beach Florida. Gi...
Limestone, Chrome
Two Mid Century Italian Sterling Coated Seashells By Federico Buccellati
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty set of two silver coated organic seashells with enhanced sculptural elements. Stamped Federico Buccellati 999. Left: H: 4 W: 8 D: 5.5 $2,700.00 Right: H: 2.5 W: 4.5 D: 3.5 $1...
Silver
Sculpture in Wood Butalist Design, 1950s France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Description: this sculpture was made in the 1950s in France. It consists of a black oak base and an oak ball carved . Very nice work combining organic form and raw material. Conditi...
Oak
Pair of Vintage Geode Quartz Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Admired since ancient times, natural quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design. These vintage 1970s gems are polished and present the beautiful array of tan and brown col...
Stone, Quartz
Vintage G. Ugolini Pietra Dura Flower Art in Gilt Frame, Italy
By G. Ugolini
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A vintage, mid 20th century G. Ugolini Italian Pietra Dura hard stone picturesque flower in a gilt frame. This incredibly beautiful Pietra Dura features a single stemmed rose, framed...
Marble
French Vintage Cactus Sculpture
Located in Austin, TX
Cactus sculpture from France made of plaster. This mid-century piece has lovely detail and a green painted finish. The cactus is in very nice vintage condition with only minor surfac...
Plaster
$3,550 / item
Red Coral Specimen on a Lucite Base
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty organic red coral specimen with its ocean inspired alluring color and dramatic form. One of mother natures most iconic creations. Presented on a lucite base to enhance the scul...
Coral
$220Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Palm Frond / Leaf Sculpture in Teak
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool Mid-Century Modern palm frond / leaf sculpture on base in teak, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 17.5W x 4"D x 3.5"H. A fun piece tha...
Teak
Red Coral Specimen on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty red coral specimen with its distinctive sea inspired form and alluring color, created by mother nature and presented on a lucite base to enhance the sculptural elements.
Organic Material
Large Midcentury Redwood Burl Sphere Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Magnificent and monumental in scale (26" in diameter / 79" circumference) redwood burl sphere. Can be used as a stand-alone impressive sculpture / decorative object or, with slight m...
Burl
Impressive Branch and Table Coral Sculpture on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive branch and cauliflower coral assemblage hand crafted in specimens with mother nature's sea inspired colors and forms. Presented on a lucite base to enhance its sculptural ...
Shell, Organic Material
One Of A Kind Natural Clamshell Mounted on a Natural Coral Base .
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful natural clamshell with cream color patina, professionally clean and mounted on original natural coral base, with some accents of rock Crystal and citrine crystal . Come in ...
Coral, Rock Crystal
Large Syrinx Aranus Shell Specimen
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout large organic syrinx aranus shell specimen with its ocean inspired color, texture and iconic sculptural form.
Organic Material
Pair of Vintage Brown Geode Quartz Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Admired since ancient times, natural geode quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design. These vintage 1970s gems are polished and present the beautiful array of tan and bro...
Stone, Quartz
1950s Rubber Human body for Acupuncture Model China
Located in Den Haag, NL
Authentic 1950s Acupuncture Meridian Model . ''Chinese TXT reads'' Made in the people republic of China Good Health Kangle Brand Company . Very good condition . On a Wooden base ...
Rubber
Vintage G. Ugolini Italian Pietra Dura Miniature Flower Botanical Gilt Frame
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A vintage, mid 20th century Italian pietra dura hard stone picturesque flower in a gilt frame. This incredibly beautiful pietra dura features a single rose. This is one of a collecti...
Marble
Pierre Giradon Seascape in Lucite
Located in New York, NY
This striking sculptural composition by Pierre Girardon exemplifies the mid-20th-century fascination with natural history preserved through modern materials. Executed in clear cast l...
Coral
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Natural Sea Shell Sculpture, North America, 1940
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful Large Natural Highly Decorative Sea Shell. Great for decorating! I purchased a collection of Sea Shells from a antique store in Newport.
Shell
Mid Century Pietra Dura Flower Italy
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful Italian Pietra Dura of a single flower. set in a heavy wood frame. Wonderful neutral colors and design. This is one of 12 pieces I will be listing out of an estate from Mys...
Marble
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous Mid Century Modern Natural Driftwood Mounted Specimen Sculpture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This striking Mid Century Modern natural driftwood sculpture captures the raw beauty of organic form, mounted elegantly on a custom wooden base to highlight its sculptural presence. ...
Driftwood
Branch Coral Sculpture on a Lucite Base
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking one of a kind piece of branch coral, presented on a lucite base to enhance the oceanic sculptural elements and texture. Exclusively mounted by F.S. Henemader. Coral cannot ...
Coral
Tall Driftwood Freestanding Sculpture with Metal Leaves and Carved Wood Birds
Located in Miami, FL
A unique and organic sculpture using driftwood intertwined with oxidized metal leaves and cattails. There are two hand carved birds perching on the wood. The sculpture is in wonderfu...
Driftwood
Awesome Huge Mid-Century Modern Olive Mushroom
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Handmade. Incredibly beautiful grain. Very good condition.
Olive
Branch Coral Sculpture on a Lucite Base
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking one of a kind piece of branch coral, presented on a lucite base to enhance the oceanic sculptural elements and texture. Exclusively mounted by F.S. Henemader. Coral cannot ...
Coral
MidCentury Fine Carved Gilded Wooden Bamboo Style Wall Mirror w. Beveled Glass
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking Italian faux bamboo hand carved frame with a thick beveled mirror. Via one of our foreign contacts we recently purchased this practical and handcrafted wall mirror from the...
Metal
Pair of European Midcentury Horns Mounted on Silver and Black Stepped Bases
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of European midcentury horns mounted on stepped bases. Capturing our attention with their great presence, each of this pair of horns is mounted on a stepped base showcasing si...
Metal
Mexican Sermel Papier Mâché Small Mushroom Sculpture
Located in Stamford, CT
Papier mâché small mushroom by Sermel. Hand painted design with overall areas of wear and minimal paint loss. Signed on the underside.
Paper
Artist Roger Capron Ceramic Tile in the Style of a Prehistoric Fossil Fish
By Roger Capron
Located in St. Louis, MO
Roger Capron French (1922–2006) large ceramic tile evocative of a prehistoric fossil fish, executed in intricate, dimensional detail and finished in...
Ceramic
Bonsai Blue 1980, Glass and Ceramic
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. Why are there so many antiques in Argentina? In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place. 1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945 The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done. Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them. In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war. The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street. With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace. It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”. Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies. In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America. During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture. At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site). In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca. The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil. Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair. Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design. The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses. At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family. Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of High Society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle. The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions. In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th Century to the mid-20th Century. In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique. The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country. The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919. Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements. Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns ins Italy. It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest Community of Italians outside...
Art Glass, Ceramic
Modern Rock Crystal Decorations, Amethyst , Polished Nickel pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A special designed and Custom made Rock Crystal and Amethyst table top accessories made for a designer in Los Angeles a while ago .Solid tapered block of Rock Crystal from Brazil and...
Rock Crystal
Vintage Italian Silvered Nautilus Shell By Ruzzetti & Gow
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century Italian nautilus shell enhanced with silver plate overlay and presented on a silvered faux rock base. Signed Ruzzetti & Gow on the bottom.
Silver Plate
Vintage Group of Five Silver Overlay Seashells, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking group of five mid century assorted seashell specimens sculpturally enhanced with a silver overlay. Priced individually. Top Left H: 5 W: 8 D: 5.5 $1,450.00 Top Cente...
Metal
Stylish Midcentury White Metal Bamboo & Flower Design Pendant Light / Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted Italian faux bamboo and flower pendant. If you like to surround yourself with rare and stylish home accessories then this handcrafted pendant from the mid-century era co...
Metal
$1,500 / item
Three Branch Coral Sculptures on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty one of a kind group of sculptures or assemblages handcrafted with organic branch coral in a dramatic ocean inspired composition and presented on lucite bases to enhance the scu...
Coral
Polished Malachite Chrysocolla Organic Free-Form Natural Specimen
Located in Forney, TX
A visually striking authentic Congolese mined polished solid Malachite & Chrysocolla natural specimen (midcentury modern Brutalist decoration, sculpture, or paperweight) The undulating surface of this unique freeform example presents with a layer of bright blue Chrysocolla interrupted by the Malachite's desirable rich deep green shades of banding. This beautiful specimen even shows an intricate botryoidal growth of the Malachite below the Chrysocolla. This is one highly decorative and intriguing offering, perfect for any fossil or geode collector, artifact collection, nature enthusiast, or simply displayed as a stunning objet d'art for anyone looking to elevate their home decor. Easily adding bold vivid color and dramatic variations, unique texture, organic shape and distinctive sculptural form design elements; this fairly large and impressive curiosity is sure to bring a touch of timeless elegant sophistication, rustic warmth, tranquil serenity...
Malachite
Large Decorative Cane Cactus, 1960s
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large decorative cane cactus, 1960s. In very good vintage condition with minimal wear of use.
Cane
Antique under the Water School Specimen
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique under the water school specimen. An antique natural wunderkammer glass display with marine life in the depths of the sea. The specimen is set ...
Glass, Wood
Large Italian 1960s Aragonite Crystal Vide Poche
Located in Milan, IT
Large Italian 1960s Aragonite Crystal Vide Poche
Stone
Italian Mid-Century Monumental Carved Wood Painted Sea Shell
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid 20th century hand carved wood sea shell painted in white with an ocher wash. This impressive piece will make a unique decoration for the Hampton's, Palm Beach, Malibu home or bea...
Wood
Stylized Murano Horse Head Sculpture in Sommerso Glass
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Stylized Murano Horse Head Sculpture in Sommerso Glass A great Murano horse sculpture in clear and grey Sommerso glass. Manufactured circa 1970. possibly...
Art Glass
Leaf Bronze Trays Midcentury, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Two gold colored sand cast trays molded from a natural leaf to use for keys, nick-nacks or as ashtray. Stands on small legs.
Bronze
Antique Fish Taxidermy Glass Showcase with Bream, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large early 20th century taxidermy of a bream. It is mounted in a setting of reeds and grasses in a wooden vitrified case. Made in Germany circa 1900. Measures: Width: 22.24" (56....
Glass, Wood
Free Form Organic Wood Root Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Free Form Wood Root Sculpture 4 h x 10.75 x 5.75 d Original vintage condition Refer to images listed
Wood
Midcentury Anzengruber Ceramic Christmas Tree with Silent Night Playpiece
Located in Vienna, AT
This Amazing and rara Austrian Midcentury Christmas tree was designed by Leopold Anzengruber 1948 and was manufactured by Anzengruber Kerami...
Ceramic
Coral Sculpture on Coquina Stone
By FS Henemader Antiques, Inc.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty one of a kind rugosa coral sculpture or assemblage handcrafted in organic sustainable coral and presented on a coquina stone base. Designed and executed exclusively by F S Henemader Antiques...
Organic Material
Copper and Stone Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty mid century tree sculpture crafted in copper twisted into form and mounted on an organic stone base.
Copper
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Emil Milan Rosewood Brass Table Lighter Sculpture American Studio Craft
By Emil Milan
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare large table lighter by Emil Milan in E.T. rosewood. Lighter is not functioning, will need flint and fuel.
Wood
Showcase with Stone Specimen, Decomposition of Rocks, circa 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Showcase with Stone Specimen - Decomposition of Rocks, ca. 1930 The vintage natural scientific specimen diorama shows the decomposition of rocks behind glass in a wooden case. It wa...
Stone
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Fresh Water Habitat
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Fresh Water Habitat A vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating the fresh water habitat. Used as teaching material in ...
Glass, Wood
1970s Large Sawtooth Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
197s Large sawthooth sculpture monted on brass and chromed steel base.
Brass, Steel
Large Carved purple Amethyst Grape Clusters Sculpture decoration Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
Large Carved purple Amethyst Grape Clusters Sculpture decoration Italy, 1960s A beautifully carved cluster of purple stone grapes from Italy, most likely produced in the 1960s or 19...
Amethyst, Metal
Large Carved green jade Grape Clusters Sculpture decoration Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
Large Carved green jande Grape Clusters Sculpture decoration Italy, 1960s A beautifully carved cluster of green stone grapes from Italy, most likely produced in the 1960s or 1970s. ...
Jade
Large Carved Rose Quartz Grape Clusters Sculpture decoration Italy, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
A beautifully carved cluster of pink stone grapes from Italy, most likely produced in the 1960s or 1970s. The stone has a soft, natural tone with gentle variation, giving the piece l...
Metal
Large Standing 6.5' Tall Abstract Driftwood Sculpture on Wooden Block Base MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Standing 6.5' Tall Abstract Driftwood Sculpture on Wooden Block Base MINT!
Driftwood
Vintage School Teaching Display of Usefull Insects
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A classical vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating usefull insects (insects as producers, insects pollinating flowers, insect sanitary police and insects annihil...
Glass, Wood
Vintage School Teaching Display Wheat Corn and its Products
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage School Teaching Display Wheat Corn and its Products A vintage glass showcase illustrating the wheat corn and products made out of wheat...
Glass, Wood
Large Brown and Colored Stoneware Ceramic Tree Sculpture Claude Gaget
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Claude Gaget Amazing large stoneware tree sculpture by the French artist. Original perfect conditions, signed at the base GAGET Brown and colored firi...
Ceramic
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Forest Edge
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Vintage School Teaching Display of the Insects of the Forest Edge A vintage school teaching showcase with specimen illustrating the insects of the forest edge. Used as teachin...
Glass, Wood
Large Vintage Driftwood Freestanding Floor Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive, statuesque driftwood sculpture mounted to a black painted wooden base (ca. 1970s, USA). Select crevices in the wood have been painted gold, adding a luxurious element to ...
Wood, Driftwood, Paint
$2,550 / set
Pair of Fossil Specimens
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Orthoconic Cephalopods towers or fossilized squid specimens carefully cut from stone and polished to reveal these remarkable organic sculptures.
Rock Crystal