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Rare Mid Century Modern

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Rare Mid Century Modern German teak Sideboard, 1960s
Rare Mid Century Modern German teak Sideboard, 1960s

Rare Mid Century Modern German teak Sideboard, 1960s

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Rare Mid Century Modern German Teak Sideboard 1960s Design year: 1950s Dimensions: 43 D x 260

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Elephant, 1960s
Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Elephant, 1960s

Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Elephant, 1960s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Elephant, 1960s The proportions are wonderfully genuine, the horse

Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Rare Mid Century Modern Teak Danish sideboard, 1960s
Rare Mid Century Modern Teak Danish sideboard, 1960s

Rare Mid Century Modern Teak Danish sideboard, 1960s

By Vintage Specialties

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Rare Mid Century Modern Danish teak sideboard, 1960s Design year: 1960s Dimensions: 45 D x 205

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

Rare Mid Century Modern Atomic Floor Lamp with Ceramic Flowerpot
Rare Mid Century Modern Atomic Floor Lamp with Ceramic Flowerpot

Rare Mid Century Modern Atomic Floor Lamp with Ceramic Flowerpot

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1950. We offer this Rare Mid Century Modern Atomic Floor Lamp with Ceramic Flowerpot

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Rare Mid-Century Modern Italian Travertine Coffee Table, circa 1970
Rare Mid-Century Modern Italian Travertine Coffee Table, circa 1970

Rare Mid-Century Modern Italian Travertine Coffee Table, circa 1970

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A rare Mid-Century Modern Italian travertine coffee table. The top has turned corners and is

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine

Rare Mid-Century Modern Tambor Door Cabinet by Greta Grossman
Rare Mid-Century Modern Tambor Door Cabinet by Greta Grossman

Rare Mid-Century Modern Tambor Door Cabinet by Greta Grossman

By Greta Magnusson Grossman

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare Mid-Century Modern Tambor door cabinet by Greta Grossman, nice original condition. Features

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Rare Mid Century Modern Danish rosewood Sideboard with drawers, 1950s
Rare Mid Century Modern Danish rosewood Sideboard with drawers, 1950s

Rare Mid Century Modern Danish rosewood Sideboard with drawers, 1950s

By Vintage Specialties

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Rare Mid Century Modern Danish Rosewood /Teak Sideboard 1950s Design year: 1950s Dimensions: 46

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Rosewood

Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp with Five Glass Shades, 1950s Italy
Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp with Five Glass Shades, 1950s Italy

Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp with Five Glass Shades, 1950s Italy

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Very rare Mid-Century Modern floor lamp with five glass shades, 1950s Italy Fully functional

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Extraordinary Rare Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stand in String Helix Design
Extraordinary Rare Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stand in String Helix Design

Extraordinary Rare Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stand in String Helix Design

Located in München, DE

Exceptional rare Mid-Century Modern umbrella stand. Very elegant minimalist string spiral design

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Rare Mid-Century Modern Tulip Base Marble Coffee Table by Honsel, Germany, 1960s
Rare Mid-Century Modern Tulip Base Marble Coffee Table by Honsel, Germany, 1960s

Rare Mid-Century Modern Tulip Base Marble Coffee Table by Honsel, Germany, 1960s

By Honsel

Located in Munich, DE

Amazing, elegant and rare Mid-Century Modern tulip base coffee table or sofa table. Designed and

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

RARE Mid Century Modern Danish Teak CREDENZA / Media Stand, c. 1960's
RARE Mid Century Modern Danish Teak CREDENZA / Media Stand, c. 1960's

RARE Mid Century Modern Danish Teak CREDENZA / Media Stand, c. 1960's

By Beautility

Located in Weehawken, NJ

Rare Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Credenza / Media Stand featuring gorgeous sculptural drawer

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Rare Mid Century Modern Lightolier Fiberglass Desk Lamp Gerald Thurston 1950s
Rare Mid Century Modern Lightolier Fiberglass Desk Lamp Gerald Thurston 1950s

Rare Mid Century Modern Lightolier Fiberglass Desk Lamp Gerald Thurston 1950s

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

Located in Peoria, AZ

RARE & FABULOUS! MID CENTURY MODERN GERALD THURSTON FIBERGLASS SHADE MINIMALIST DESK LAMP

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

A rare mid century modern teak 2 tier bar or serving cart, circa 1960s
A rare mid century modern teak 2 tier bar or serving cart, circa 1960s

A rare mid century modern teak 2 tier bar or serving cart, circa 1960s

Located in Houston, TX

A rare mid century modern 2 tier bar or serving cart, influenced by the clean, functional lines of

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Teak

Rare Mid Century Modern Blue Jewel Pendant by Barovier and Toso, Italy 1950s
Rare Mid Century Modern Blue Jewel Pendant by Barovier and Toso, Italy 1950s

Rare Mid Century Modern Blue Jewel Pendant by Barovier and Toso, Italy 1950s

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a very rare Mid Century Modern Blue Jewel glass pendant by Barovier

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Rare! Mid Century Modern Lightolier Twin Articulating Lamp Gerald Thurston 1955
Rare! Mid Century Modern Lightolier Twin Articulating Lamp Gerald Thurston 1955

Rare! Mid Century Modern Lightolier Twin Articulating Lamp Gerald Thurston 1955

By Gerald Thurston

Located in Peoria, AZ

RARE & FABULOUS! MID CENTURY MODERN GERALD THURSTON TWIN FIBERGLASS SHADE ARTICULATING DESK LAMP

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Rare Mid Century Modern Pedestal Planstand in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones
Rare Mid Century Modern Pedestal Planstand in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones

Rare Mid Century Modern Pedestal Planstand in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This rare Mid Century Modern pedestal stand exudes the glamorous clarity and sculptural presence

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Lucite

Beautiful, rare mid-century modern fiberglass ceiling lamp
Beautiful, rare mid-century modern fiberglass ceiling lamp

Beautiful, rare mid-century modern fiberglass ceiling lamp

Located in München, DE

Beautiful large mid-century modern ceiling lamp made of fiberglass. Very elegant, high-quality

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Stunning Rare Mid-Century Modern Brass Umbrella Stand
Stunning Rare Mid-Century Modern Brass Umbrella Stand

Stunning Rare Mid-Century Modern Brass Umbrella Stand

Located in München, DE

Very elegant extraordinary Mid-Century Modern umbrella stand made of brass and with a cast iron

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands

Materials

Brass, Iron

Rare Mid-Century Modern Alabaster Pendant Light with Brass Detail, Italy, 1970s
Rare Mid-Century Modern Alabaster Pendant Light with Brass Detail, Italy, 1970s

Rare Mid-Century Modern Alabaster Pendant Light with Brass Detail, Italy, 1970s

Located in Lisse, NL

Unique alabaster flush mount / pendant light, Art Deco style. An exquisite and rare Mid-Century

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Alabaster, Wire, Brass

Rare Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s
Rare Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s

Rare Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a rare, fully refurbished Mid-Century Modern Armchair done in

Category

Vintage 1950s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Fabric

Rare - Mid-Century Modern Berlin, German Dining Table - Extending
Rare - Mid-Century Modern Berlin, German Dining Table - Extending

Rare - Mid-Century Modern Berlin, German Dining Table - Extending

By Niels Otto Møller

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous Extending Dining Table. Stamped Made in Germany. We have seen tables in this style but rarely with this wood. Not sure the species, but has a bright Cherry or Maple look ...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Cherry, Teak, Maple

Two beautiful rare Mid Century Modern brass table lamps
Two beautiful rare Mid Century Modern brass table lamps

Two beautiful rare Mid Century Modern brass table lamps

Located in München, DE

Two beautiful, rare mid-century brass table lamps. A very beautiful 1950s design in good vintage

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Brass

Rare Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Table Lamp, 1960s
Rare Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Table Lamp, 1960s

Rare Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Table Lamp, 1960s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Elegant, solid brass table lamp from the 1960s. Beautiful patina and lighter traces of use. Formed from one piece. The total height is 77cm, the lamp foot measures 48cm. The to...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1970s Rare Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Italian Jug by Bertoncello
1970s Rare Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Italian Jug by Bertoncello

1970s Rare Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Italian Jug by Bertoncello

By Bertoncello

Located in Aci Castello, IT

artistic approach to ceramics during the mid-20th century. Bertoncello's ceramics were known for their

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Mid century modern Danish ceramic floor lamp, 1960's
Rare Mid century modern Danish ceramic floor lamp, 1960's

Rare Mid century modern Danish ceramic floor lamp, 1960's

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Rare Danish mid century Floor lamp. Have tried investigating possible designers, but havent been

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Mid Century Modern Freestanding Clock By Prim, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Rare Mid Century Modern Freestanding Clock By Prim, Czechoslovakia, 1960s

Rare Mid Century Modern Freestanding Clock By Prim, Czechoslovakia, 1960s

By PRIM Clocks

Located in Zohor, SK

company during the 1960s. This exceptional example of Mid-Century Modern design features a sculptural

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Aluminum

Rare Mid-Century Modern Copacabana Chair by Mathieu Matégot, 1954
Rare Mid-Century Modern Copacabana Chair by Mathieu Matégot, 1954

Rare Mid-Century Modern Copacabana Chair by Mathieu Matégot, 1954

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in Paris, FR

bespoke contemporary lighting. With a strong focus on Italian mid-century designs, his success strives

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Charlotte Perriand High Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern
Charlotte Perriand High Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern

Charlotte Perriand High Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Zürich, CH

French mid-century modern design artefacts by Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Prouvé, Le Corbusier, and Charlotte

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Elm

Charlotte Perriand Low Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern
Charlotte Perriand Low Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern

Charlotte Perriand Low Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Zürich, CH

selection is mainly focused on rare French mid-century modern design artefacts by Pierre Jeanneret, Jean

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Elm

Charlotte Perriand Three-Legged Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern
Charlotte Perriand Three-Legged Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern

Charlotte Perriand Three-Legged Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Zürich, CH

selection is mainly focused on rare French mid-century modern design artefacts by Pierre Jeanneret, Jean

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Pine

Rare Mid Century Modern Czech Kubism Lounge Elm Easy Chairs
Rare Mid Century Modern Czech Kubism Lounge Elm Easy Chairs

Rare Mid Century Modern Czech Kubism Lounge Elm Easy Chairs

By Miroslav Navratil

Located in Munich, Bavaria

These rare and stunning Mid century Modern Easy chairs comes from Czech /Prague. The designer and

Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Rare Mid-Century Modern sputnik chandelier by Stilnovo. Italy 1950s
Rare Mid-Century Modern sputnik chandelier by Stilnovo. Italy 1950s

Rare Mid-Century Modern sputnik chandelier by Stilnovo. Italy 1950s

By Stilnovo

Located in Catania, CT

Fair original vintage condition with trace of age and use for this rare Stilnovo chandelier

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Quad Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Rare Midcentury Modern Set Collectors Speakers
Quad Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Rare Midcentury Modern Set Collectors Speakers

Quad Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Rare Midcentury Modern Set Collectors Speakers

By Design Acoustics, Quad Manufacturing 1

Located in Antwerp, BE

century. It was succeeded in 1981 by the ESL-63, which remained in production until 1999. The Quad

Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Metal

RARE! Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Cobra Lamp Greta Grossman Prototype 1950s
RARE! Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Cobra Lamp Greta Grossman Prototype 1950s

RARE! Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Cobra Lamp Greta Grossman Prototype 1950s

By Greta Magnusson Grossman

Located in Peoria, AZ

way, it is a marvelous lamp that really looks SPECTACULAR! And what a fantastic bit of mid-century

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studioline Rare Mid-Century Modern French Sculpture
Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studioline Rare Mid-Century Modern French Sculpture

Raymond Peynet for Rosenthal Studioline Rare Mid-Century Modern French Sculpture

By Rosenthal, Raymond Peynet

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Beautiful Mid-Century porcelain sculpture designed by French artist / cartoonist Raymond Peynet

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Pottery

Rare Mid-Century Modern Planter Designed by Carlo Cocco for Eternit
Rare Mid-Century Modern Planter Designed by Carlo Cocco for Eternit

Rare Mid-Century Modern Planter Designed by Carlo Cocco for Eternit

By Eternit

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Very rare flower pot with four points designed by Carlo Cocco in 1959, during the competition for

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Rare Mid Century Modern Crowfoot Floor Lamp by Vereinigte Werkstätten 1950s
Rare Mid Century Modern Crowfoot Floor Lamp by Vereinigte Werkstätten 1950s

Rare Mid Century Modern Crowfoot Floor Lamp by Vereinigte Werkstätten 1950s

By Vereinigte Werkstätten München

Located in Munich, DE

Extremely rare & highly decorative Mid-Century Modern crowfoot floor lamp. Manufactured by

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa

Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa

By Paul McCobb

Located in St. Louis, MO

Rare Paul McCobb for Directional sculptural cubist sofa or settee. Legs have been refinished, older

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Rare Mid-Century Modern Multi-Colored Lucite Pendant Lamp Germany 1960s
Rare Mid-Century Modern Multi-Colored Lucite Pendant Lamp Germany 1960s

Rare Mid-Century Modern Multi-Colored Lucite Pendant Lamp Germany 1960s

Located in Munich, DE

Extremely rare and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern multi-colored pendant lamp or hanging light

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Metal

Rare Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Paul Evans "L" Shaped Coffee Table
Rare Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Paul Evans "L" Shaped Coffee Table

Rare Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Paul Evans "L" Shaped Coffee Table

By Paul Evans

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A stunning "L" shaped cityscape design signed by Paul Evans. This elegant vintage modern coffee

Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare Mid Century Modern Stilnovo Desk Lamp Model 8050 Metalarte 1960s
Rare Mid Century Modern Stilnovo Desk Lamp Model 8050 Metalarte 1960s

Rare Mid Century Modern Stilnovo Desk Lamp Model 8050 Metalarte 1960s

By Metalarte, Stilnovo

Located in Munich, DE

Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern desk light or table lamp. Model 8050. Adjustable

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Guglielmo Ulrich Rare Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Bar Cabinet, 1940s
Guglielmo Ulrich Rare Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Bar Cabinet, 1940s

Guglielmo Ulrich Rare Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Bar Cabinet, 1940s

By Guglielmo Ulrich

Located in Puglia, Puglia

between the 1940s and 1950s, a very rare piece. In excellent condition, original Ar.Ca label. In 1930

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Rare Mid Century Modern Chandelier with Opaline Glass Balls, Italy 1960s
Rare Mid Century Modern Chandelier with Opaline Glass Balls, Italy 1960s

Rare Mid Century Modern Chandelier with Opaline Glass Balls, Italy 1960s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a beautiful and elegant Mid Century Modern Chandelier done in white

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Iron

Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass XXL Table Clock, Signed Tabacoff
Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass XXL Table Clock, Signed Tabacoff

Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Plexiglass XXL Table Clock, Signed Tabacoff

By Boris Tabacoff

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Huge clock designed by French designer Boris Tabacoff, who also created the famous Sphère Chair. The clock is made of plexiglass that was cut by laser. It is signed: Tabacoff 1976, J...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Clocks

Materials

Plexiglass

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Corner Bookcase Console 38"
Rare Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Corner Bookcase Console 38"

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Corner Bookcase Console 38"

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture corner bookcase record console. Made of

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Corner Cupboards

Materials

Metal

Rare Mid Century Modern FIBERGLASS REFLECTOR DESK LAMP! BILL LAM STUDIO 1950s
Rare Mid Century Modern FIBERGLASS REFLECTOR DESK LAMP! BILL LAM STUDIO 1950s

Rare Mid Century Modern FIBERGLASS REFLECTOR DESK LAMP! BILL LAM STUDIO 1950s

By Bill Lam

Located in Peoria, AZ

A PURIST'S DREAM. MID CENTURY MODERN MOLDED FIBERGLASS ARTICULATING SHADE REFLECTOR DESK LAMP

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Rare Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1950s
Rare Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1950s

Rare Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Behold an exceptional treasure of design history, a vintage mid-century modern walnut dresser

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Metal

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Rare Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic rare mid century modern available at 1stDibs. A rare mid century modern — often made from metal, wood and brass — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a rare mid century modern, we have 9298 options in-stock, while there are 12 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a rare mid century modern — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A rare mid century modern, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one rare mid century modern that is appealing in its simplicity, but Herman Miller, Edward Wormley and George Nelson produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Rare Mid Century Modern?

The average selling price for a rare mid century modern at 1stDibs is $4,009, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $250,000 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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.

Questions About Rare Mid Century Modern
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    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. 

    Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.