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.
Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage George Nelson Model 2202 sunburst clock for Howard Miller is an iconic example of mid-century modern design, combining playful geometry with timeless radial symmetry. Cr...
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Mid-Century Modern Hawkeye Measured Time Clock & Timer, circa 1932
Located in Studio City, CA
A fabulous Midcentury original Hawkeye Measured Time clock/timer created by famed Japanese American designer Isamu Noguchi. This clock was the first Noguchi's designs to go into mas...
Metal
Vintage Round Brass “Floating” Desk Clock by Seiko
By Seiko
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined example of late 20th-century modern design, this elegant desk clock by Seiko features a sculptural round form in warm polished brass that appears to “float” above its curve...
Quartz, Brass
Cartier Alarm Clock, Lapis Lazuli & Gold, Mid-Century Modern, Swiss
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's lapis lazuli and golden metal with manual winding. Clock case numbered 7503 07516. With original case, lined with r...
Lapis Lazuli
Vintage Travel Alarm Clock Seiko, 1970s, Brass with Faux Leather Cover
By Seiko
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage Seiko Travel Alarm Clock, Japan, 1970s A compact marvel of mid-century Japanese design, this 1970s Seiko travel alarm clock combines precision engineering with sculptural ele...
Metal
Cartier Alarm Clock Pendulette, Lapis Lazuli & Gold, Swiss, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's lapis lazuli and golden metal with manual winding. Clock case numbered 7507 10267. With original case, lined with r...
Lapis Lazuli
Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s
By Italora
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Art Deco–style table clock by Italora, crafted in a refined combination of clear lucite and brass. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original ...
Brass
$1,984Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Pendulette Alarm Clock, Gold-Plated Frame
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock pendulette with white dial in perfect condition, steel hands, roman hour markers on gold-plated frame. Made in France. Quartz movement. Clock case...
Gold Plate
Cartier Romane Alarm Clock Pendulette, Gold Plated, Swiss, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Cartier Romane alarm clock pendulette. Made in Swiss. It's in gold plated 18K. White enamel dial. Clock case numbered 66021 . With case, ...
Gold Plate
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Excellent original condition Brass with a brown faux leather cover Still working On the face of the it states that it has two jewels. Measures: Open: Height 8cm x wide 8cm x deep 8 c...
Metal, Brass
German 1960s Junghans Pendulum + Weights + Gong Wall Clock
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wall clock Design & produced by Junghans in 1960s. Brass metal and Teak wood. Mechanical movement and gong is in good working condition. Very nice gong but if you don't like it is po...
Brass
Travel alarm clock "Europa", 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Excellent original condition Brass with a brown faux leather cover Still working On the face of the it states that it has two jewels. Measures: Open: Height 8cm x wide 8cm x deep 8 c...
Brass
Hawkeye Measured Time clock by Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
The Hawkeye “Measured Time” clock by Isamu Noguchi is a rare and highly collectible early work, notable as Noguchi’s first industrial design. Produced by Stevenson Mfg. Co. in La Por...
Metal
Travel alarm clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swiss, 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
2-day travel alarm clock by famous Swiss watch factory Jaeger-LeCoultre made in Swiss in the 1950s. Swiss manual winding movement. The lid folds down, allowing the alarm clock to be...
Metal
Large battery-operated brass world clock Heinrich Möller for Kienzle from 1978
Located in München, DE
Rare large heavy brass world time clock by Kienzle Chronoquartz. Designed by Heinrich Johannes Möller. Made in Germany. Kienzle is the oldest clock company in Germany. It was founded...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Longcase Clock in Oak with Brass Accents
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, longcase clock, oak, brass, steel, France, 1960s. Wonderful and large clock designed by Guillerme and Chambron. The piece shows a natural and...
Brass, Steel
United Brass Spindles Sunburst Atomic Clock, 1960s
By United Clock Corp
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The vintage starburst wall clock features radii of brass rods, radiating outwards from the round central face and ending with alternating walnut tips and brass rings. It's equipped ...
Brass, Enamel
Mid-Century Swiss Gilt Brass & Lapis Lazuli Swiza 8 Day Alarm Clock, 1960s
By Swiza
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous Mid-Century Swiza with 8-day movement and original 1960s alarm clock in a stunning combination of gilt brass and real lapis lazuli. This amazing piece was designed in Switze...
Lapis Lazuli, Metal, Gold Plate
Howard Miller Iconic Clock by George Nelson
Located in Riverdale, NY
Iconic and classic Howard Miller ball clock from the 1950's by George Nelson. Wonderful Atomic style with a central clock motif with 50's styl...
Metal
Travel Alarm Clock from "Deluxe", Germany, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Travel alarm clock from "Deluxe", Germany, circa 1960s Excellent original condition Brass and painted hart cover Still working It is marked Germany on the front of the clock. Tw...
Brass
Travel Alarm Clock from "Emes", Germany, circa 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Travel alarm clock from "Emes", Germany, circa 1960s Original condition.
Metal, Brass
Howard Miller George Nelson Grandfather Clock Model 677
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A newer sophisticated take on the grandfather clock with the case in smoked Lucite defining the outline of the clock. The face has a brushed aluminum face with mod hands in red and w...
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Nathan George Horwitt Brass Museum Clock for Howard Miller
By Nathan Horwitt, Howard Miller
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Howard Miller museum clock originally designed by Nathan George Horwitt. This piece has a brass finish with a glass faceplate. Opera...
Brass
Austrian Wooden Round Art Deco Wall Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Wooden walnut round clock face and brass clock hands. Fitted with a battery movement. Made in Austria in the 1930s. Fully restored with glossy finish.
Brass
Kienzle GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Midcentury, Germany, 1960s
By Kienzle Clocks, Wilhelm Kienzle
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative Mid-Century Modernist solid brass Kienzle desk or table clock with a world map clocks face and world time zones. Executed in the 1960s by Kienzle in Wester...
Brass
Midcentury Wall Clock in the Form of a Wristwatch in Leather and Brass, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Midcentury wall clock in the form of a wristwatch in leather and brass, Germany Made in Germany by Meister Anker. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal, Brass
Kienzle GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Midcentury, Germany, 1960s
By Wilhelm Kienzle, Kienzle Clocks
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative Mid-Century Modernist solid brass Kienzle Chronoquartz desk or table clock with a domed glass and a 7“ diameter world map clocks face and world time zones....
Brass
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos "Embassy", Swiss Vintage Clock, manufactured 1969
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos VII "Embassy" Switzerland Gold-plated and lacquered brass Year of manufacture 1969 Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 17 x 11 cm Description: Rare Atmos VII "Emb...
Brass
Cartier Desk Alarm Clock, Lapis Lazuli & Gold-Plated, Swiss, 1964
By Cartier
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous Cartier alarm clock from the 1960s (1964). Made in Switzerland. It is made of lapis lazuli and gold-plated metal, and is manually wound. It features the original walnut case...
Lapis Lazuli
$1,521Sale Price|32% Off
Iconic Wall Clock Junghans Uhren, Hard to Find Marmolada Design Max Bill
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Bochum, NRW
Important modernist glazed ceramic kitchen clock designed by Max Bill for Junghans, Germany 1956, featuring a 60-minute timer, a mechanical 8-day movement, a yellow-and-white ceramic...
Brass
Brutalist Wall / Table Clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Italy, 60
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Enamelled brutalist copper clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Laurana Rame D'Arte in Pesaro, Italy 1960s. Handcrafted on a copper base, enameled on fire with striking colors. The clock is working and in very good vintage condition. The back has a double hook to hang it on the wall or become a table clock...
Copper, Enamel
Swiza 8 Day Rare Gilt Sphere Clock with Smoked Lucite Base, Box and Guarantee
By Swiza
Located in Roma, IT
In 1975, the prestigious Swiss watch company Swiza chose this watch as the solitary protagonist of its magazine advertising campaign. You can see why. Modern and very unique, it features a nicely weighty gilt ball clock, an 8 day power with an alarm, that sits cradled on a very modern lucite base. The clock can stand without the lucite base, although you probably won't want to separate this duo. The sphere clock...
Metal, Gold Plate
Early 20th Century Luxor Swiss Bronze Desk / Table Clock with 8-Day Movement
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional early 20th century gilt-bronze desk or table clock by Luxor of Switzerland, showcasing both horological precision and decorative artistry. The rectangular case is fine...
Metal, Bronze, Copper
Junghans Ato-Mat Wall Clock with Timer, 1960s, Design Max Bill
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Turku, Finland
Elegant Junghans Ato-Mat wall clock with integrated timer, produced in Switzerland / Germany, circa 1960s. A classic mid-century modern design associated with the Bauhaus-influenced ...
Metal
Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style
By Cenedese, Venini, Barovier&Toso, Seguso
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An optical blown art glass hourglass with a ribbed surface by unknown artist.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Iron and Copper Wall Clock by Mauthe Electric, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of Iron & copper. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. We have tested it and it works. Electric, battery operated clock.
Metal, Brass
Vintage Stationmaster 611 Oak Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly designed mid-century modern wall clock by Arthur Umanoff for powerhouse clock maker Howard Miller. The model 611 Stationmaster has a round solid oak case, white face wit...
Metal
Junghans Large Pink Max Bill Style Midcentury Wall Clock, Germany, 1950s
By Max Bill, Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely round mid-century wall clock, crafted by Junghans in Germany during the 1950s. Designed in the characteristic style of the era, it features elegant brass hands, a brass fram...
Brass
Beautiful large original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, large, original 1960s brass sunburst wall clock by Junghans ATO-MAT. Very beautiful, elaborate mid-century design. Battery-operated with a new clock mechanism. Dial with R...
Brass
rare 1961 ultra tropical 5512 rolex submariner
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
eye catching and rare rolex 5512 . purchased at christie´s nyc a few years ago and now searching for a new owner. will be shipped by ups capital pro,worldwi...
Stainless Steel
Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller Wall Clock in Brass & Lucite, Keininger
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before George Nelson was known for CSS or Basic Series, he was on the design team at Howard Miller, cutting his teeth on the clocks they produced. Calling back to the space-age desig...
Brass, Steel
French Handstitched Brown Leather Clock, Jacques Adnet Attributed, 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
French handstitched brown leather clock, Jacques Adnet attributed, 1950s.
Brass
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Ceramic Wall Clock from Junghans, 1970s
Metal
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
Mid Century Modern Spartus Atomic Wall Clock! Hyper-Rare NOS Unused & Mint!
By Spartus Clocks
Located in Peoria, AZ
Time Warp! 1959 Sputnik Styled Spartus Wall Clock New Old Stock! Mint Vintage Condition! This is a spectacular find! An unused Sputnik style mid century modern Spartus wall clo...
Metal
Vintage Empire Art Products Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Wall Clock Set - 3 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Empire Art Products (USA, 1963) Atomic Era Mid Century Modern Wall Clock Set with Blue Accents - 3 Pc Set. Circa Mid 20th Century...
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Ship's Clock By Schatz
By Schatz
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century ship's clock by Schatz, Germany. handsome brass, mahogany & ebony in the form of a ship's wheel. Bevelled glass set in locking bezel. Double bell strike. Runs 8 days...
Brass
Beautiful elegant heavy Mid Century Kienzle wall clock made of bronze and brass
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, very elegant and heavy 1960s Kienzle wall clock made of bronze and brass. Made in Germany. Very nice, typically minimalist Mid Century Kienzle design. With battery-opera...
Brass, Bronze
1985 Pink Bobblehead Flamingo & Palm Tree Model 996 Clock by Sarsaparilla Japan
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This vintage Sarsaparilla clock features a delightful pink flamingo surrounded by palm trees, transporting you to a tropical paradise. The clock runs on quartz battery power and has ...
Brass
1960's Vintage Mid Century Modern Lucite Grandfather Clock
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning 1960's Opulent Lucite mid Century Modern Grandfather Clock. Designer Showpiece! Chimes beautifully and is ready to place in the round if desired.
Lucite
Mid-Century Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Measured Time Clock and Timer
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Noguchi's first mass-produced design, completed circa 1932, predating his design for the "Radio Nurse" baby monitor by about five years. Produced...
Metal
Brutalist clock by Art3, brass and aluminum, Spain, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful brutalist clock designed and manufactured by the art3 brand in Spain in the 1980s. Remarkable work of brass and aluminum. More than a clock, this object is a sculpture in i...
Aluminum, Brass
A Very Large Retro Chic French Bistro Wall Clock This is a Large piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Very Large Retro Chic French Bistro Wall Clock This is a Large piece, the clock has an Oval Frame with White Face ands Black Hands, it is has a rather age weathered condition with...
Metal
Large Kundo GMT World Time Zone Brass Table Clock, Kieninger & Obergfell, 1960s
By Kieninger & Obergfell, Kundo
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and large Mid-Century Modernist brass desk or table clock with a 9“ diameter world map clocks face and world time zones. Executed in the 1960s by Kieninger & Obergfell ...
Brass
Original 1950s Sunburst wall clock by Atlanta made of brass and battery operated
Located in München, DE
Wonderful original 1950s Sunburst brass wall clock by Atlanta. Made in Germany. Very nice elaborate Mid Century design. Battery operated with Junghans clockwork mechanism. Dial witho...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Rosewood Square Desk Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Troy, MI
Arthur Umanoff model 645 alarm clock for Howard Miller circa late 1960s Rosewood case with aluminum dial on a black background Plug in electric movement with black hour and minute ha...
Aluminum
c.1960s Guillerme et Chambron Longcase Clock With Glazed Ceramic Face
Located in London, GB
This Longcase Clock by Guillerme et Chambron dates from the 1960s and is part of the Edition Votre Maison series. The clock features a sturdy oak case and a unique hand-glazed cerami...
Ceramic, Oak
Art Deco Table Clock Jaeger LeCoultre
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Deco Table Clock Jaeger LeCoultre Origin: Switzerland Materials: Gilt bronze and acrylic 8-day winding (mechanism) Excellent condition – Working Mid-Century Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 18 cm Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most prestigious and renowned Swiss watch manufacturers in the world, founded in 1833 in Le Sentier, Switzerland. Renowned for its technical innovation and craftsmanship, the brand has developed more than 1,200 calibers and boasts inventions such as the atmospheric clock and the famous Reverso model. Jaeger-LeCoultre Art Deco...
Bronze
Vintage Solid Walnut and Oak Studio Craft Table Clock
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern studio craft clock made of solid walnut and oak circa 1960's. This piece displays unique craftsmanship and keeps time with one AA battery. The perfect accessory to...
Oak, Walnut
Jaeger-LeCoultre Mid Century Brass and Lucite Inline Skeleton Clock No. 420
Located in London, GB
A stunning lucite and brass Jaeger LeCoultre Inline Skeleton Clock, with a clean minimalistic design which would look stylish in any setting. The beauty of these skeleton clocks is that you can see the 16 jewel Swiss movement working and watch the balance staff turn. This delightful Mid Century...
Brass
Arthur Umanoff Wall Clock Model 557, Walnut & Aluminum, 1970s
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A sculptural marvel from the Meridian line, this Howard Miller Model 557 wall clock was designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1970s. Its form—coffin-shaped and hand-crafted in warm walnu...
Walnut