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Fabulous Milo Baughman 5 Piece Curved Back Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin 5 piece curved back cube sectional sofa. This sectional
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Mid-Century De Sede Style 5 Piece Tobacco Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
De Sede style 5 piece tobacco leather modular sectional sofa consisting of the following pieces
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Leather
Stunning 3 Piece John Widdicomb Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 3 piece John Widdicomb sectional sofa with 2 rosewood side tables. Wow, this set is beyond
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood
Directional 5 Piece Serpentine Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
Project Piece
Please note that this sectional will need to be reupholstered.
One of the best
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mid Century Modern Flexsteel Thunderbird Sofa
By Flexsteel
Located in Tulsa, OK
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Mid Century Modern Flexsteel Thunderbird Sofa. Above average vintage condition and structurally
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Rattan Orange Sofa
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern two-seat Italian lounge sofa rattan
A beautiful very well made rattan sofa from
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Mohair, Bamboo
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Blue Velvet
Located in Greenwich, CT
This Mid-Century Modern inspired sofa (known as "The Carlton") was hand built at our studio in
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with flared back and arms and loose
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
5 piece sectional sofa by Leolux 1960s Holland
By Leolux
Located in Den Haag, NL
For sale this typical 1960s seating elements , 5 pieces , so flower power
they still have there
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Wool
Mid Century Danish Modern Folke Ohlsson Sofa
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Tulsa, OK
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Mid Century Danish Modern Folke Ohlsson Colorado Sofa. Above average vintage condition and
Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Tito Agnoli Modular '9000' Sofa for Arflex 5 Piece Serpentine Version
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
, this listing is for a 5 piece serpentine version.
The modular seating system '9000' by Tito Agnoli is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
H 25.99 in W 122.84 in D 66.15 in
Mid Century Modern Red Gondola Sofa by Carter Manufacturing
By Carter Furniture 1
Located in Tulsa, OK
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Mid Century Modern Red Gondola Sofa by Carter Manufacturing. Above average vintage condition and
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
5 Piece Sofa Set for Reupholstering, Manufactured by Isa Bergamo in the 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The sofa set was designed and manufactured by ISA Bergamo in the 1950s. The set with gold lacquered
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
H 29.93 in W 81.11 in D 31.5 in
1970s Mario Bellini 5-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
with beige woven wool upholstery in superb condition. A Mid-Century Modern Italian masterpiece by the
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Organic Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Upholstered in Turquoise and Abstract Patterned Velvet
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
This luxurious Mid-century Modern designed Sofa is upholstered in a unique combination of deep
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Maple
H 30 in W 80 in D 36.5 in
Magnificent 10 Piece Milo Baughman style Cube Sectional Sofa Selig Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent 10 piece Milo Baughman style cube sectional sofa by Selig. This is a big one to say
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
H 28.5 in W 130 in D 130 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex circa 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
Triennale Sofa has quickly become is a masterpiece of mid-20th-century furniture design. This iconic piece
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass, Steel
H 29.5 in W 75.5 in D 34 in
1970's Hollywood Regency Marge Carson 5-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa
By Marge Carson, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid century Modern modular couch for sale. It's a five piece sofa with five armless slipper
Category
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Sectional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Curved Two Piece Sofa by Carlo di Carli
Located in San Francisco, CA
A leather two piece sectional sofa by Carlo di Carli. When placed side by side, the pieces create a
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
Vintage Italian Modular Sofa From Airborne, 1960s Italy 5 pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
mid-century modern design. This sofa is characterized by its modular construction, allowing for
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Giancarlo Piretti "Sistema 61" Seven Piece Green Modular Sofa for Castelli, 1970
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and iconic example of Italian modular design, this Sistema 61 sofa was created by Giancarlo
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 27 in W 144.25 in D 36 in
Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Beige Corduroy Togo Sofas, Set of 5
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
design classic.
Timeless comfort and style make this monumental five piece sectional sofa the perfect
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Textile, Foam
Mario Bellini “Le Mura” Modular Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Mura” modular sofa for Cassina, patinated cognac leather, Italy, 1972, set of 5
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
H 24.81 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century De Sede Style 9 Piece Leather Sectional by Laauser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, extra large, 9 piece leather sectional sofa by Laauser. This sectional comes with 4
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Leather
De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi “Carrera” Sofa for BBB Bonacina, 1969, Set of 5
By BBB Bonacchina, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
comfort and style.
The sofa's mix of technical precision and artistic design makes it a standout piece
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Foam
H 25.6 in W 161.42 in D 39.38 in
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in Blue Leather, France, Set of 5
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Benalmadena, ES
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The versatility of the Togo allows it to integrate perfectly into Mid-Century Modern, Postmodern, and
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
H 27.56 in W 68.51 in D 40.16 in
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Sofa for Cassina, 1971, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
this piece. The sofa/chairs/set looks warm and comfortable thanks to the combination of the materials
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967, Brasil
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
seeing in the pictures.
This set would look wonderful in any Mid-Century Modern, modern or
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
H 29.9 in W 84.6 in D 33.5 in
Mid-Century Cloud Sectional Sofa in Dark Brown Striped Fabric Upholstery, Steel
Located in Zagreb, HR
Amazing and comfortable Italian Mid-century five-piece sectional corner sofa consisting of a large
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 31.5 in W 71.66 in D 44.1 in
Modular Nuvolone Sofa in Pink Upholstery by Rino Maturi, 1970s, 5 modules
By Mimo Padova
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
shape and plush comfort. The sofa consists of 5 seating units that can be arranged in various ways to
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
H 27.56 in W 34.26 in D 35.44 in
Restored Paul Frankl Inspired 5-Strand Square Pretzel4-Seat Sectional Rattn Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan 5-Strand square pretzel 4-Seat Sofa offers spacious seating with a
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Rattan
H 31 in W 99 in D 36 in
2, 5-Seat Sofa by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1962, with New De Ploeg Fabric
By Kho Liang Ie, Artifort
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This rare and very stunning 2,5-seat sofa was designed by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort in 1962. This
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 29.93 in W 74.41 in D 32.29 in
7-Piece John Wisner for Ficks Reed Far Horizons Rattan Modular Sofa Group
By Ficks Reed, John Wisner, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A tasteful fusion of modern, Eastern and boho-chic style. Luxurious bamboo living room set by John
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Laminate
H 32.75 in W 25 in D 32.25 in
Modern Tight Seat Curved Sofa with Neutral Boucle and Contrast Welting
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Mid-century modern curved sofa with tight seat and tight back. Upholstered in a light grey / tonal
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Mid-Century Six-Piece Seating Set and Coffee Table in Tufted Beige Corduroy, 70s
Located in Zagreb, HR
. Recognizable 1970s Mid-century Italian design. The table features a glass top.
Reminiscnent of the ’Nuvolone
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
H 27.56 in W 29.14 in D 35.44 in
Large Mid-Century Modern Sectional with Chaise and Walnut Frame
By The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
About This Piece
This customizable sectional sofa features a modern solid walnut frame with two
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Foam, Walnut, Down
Florence Knoll for Knoll Sofa, Model 67a, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Littleton, CO
.
To connoisseurs of Modernism, the mid-20th century designs of Florence Knoll, were — and still are
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Sofa Bo64 Designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, Denmark, 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
furniture design and the Danish modern movement.
H: 80 cm / 2' 7 1/2''
W: 170 cm / 5' 7''
D: 80 cm / 2
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Wood
COR Trio Sectional Sofa in Chocolate Brown Velvet 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By Team Form AG, COR
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet.
The velvet can be brushed to give it a
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Velvet
H 24.81 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Chocolate Brown COR Trio Sectional Sofa Germany Switzerland 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet.
The velvet can be brushed to give it a
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Velvet
H 24.81 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Large COR Trio Sectional Sofa, Germany / Switzerland 1972 NEW VELVET UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet.
The velvet can easily be brushed to give
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Velvet
H 24.81 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Fabric 'Croissant' Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI with Oak Legs
By Gubi, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Glendale, CA
Fabric 'Croissant' Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI with Oak Legs
Playful, voluptuous and expertly
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Fabric 'Croissant' Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI with Walnut Legs
By Gubi, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Glendale, CA
Fabric 'Croissant' sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI with Walnut Legs.
Playful, voluptuous and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Sofa ‘Royal’ Designed by Werner West for Oy Stockmann AB, Finland, 1950s
By Werner West
Located in Stockholm, SE
piece its modern aesthetic, while the tall back legs offer strong support by kicking out for extra
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
H 31.11 in W 61.03 in D 23.63 in
S12 Model 3 Seat Sofa by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium, 1958
By Alfred Hendrickx
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Design model S12 3 seat Sofa by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Swedish Grace Sofa Designed by Carl Malmsten, Mahogany Frame, Sweden, 1929
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
and a flowing shape characterise this Swedish Grace sofa from 1929. Carl Malmsten designed the piece
Category
Vintage 1920s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
H 33.86 in W 69.3 in D 29.14 in
Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini, Italy 70s, White Bouclé Reupholstered
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935) for C&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 4
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
1960s Yellow "Throw-Away" Sofa, Willie Landels for Zanotta, Reupholstered, 1968
By Zanotta, Willie Landels
Located in Zagreb, HR
1968 Space age "Throw-Away" sofa, designed by Willie Landels for Zanotta, Italy.
Reupholstered in
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Faux Leather
H 24.02 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in
Lime Green Bench Cushion Sofa with Maze Pattern Cushions and Sunflower Feet
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
. We accept your fabric for a COM fee of 5% of the cost of the piece. Welting, piping, tape or trim can
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Ficks Reed Restored Rattan Livingroom Set - Corner Sofa, Coffee & Side Table
By Ficks Reed
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century restored rattan living room set featuring a 3-piece sectional sofa with square pretzel
Category
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Materials
Rattan
H 28 in W 127 in D 43 in
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 31.5 in W 157.49 in D 59.06 in
Three-Seater Sofa in Dark Brown Leather by Axel Di Pietrobon, 1970s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning and rare three-seater lounge sofa by Axel di Pietrobon, 1970s Italy.
Dark brown leather
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 27.56 in W 101.19 in D 42.13 in
Sectional Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin for L'Atelier
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in San Francisco, CA
Amazing nine-piece sectional sofa by Jorge Zalszupin for L'Atelier. Seven of the pieces are similar
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Modular Sectional Sofa & End Table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Frame Only
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Topeka, KS
an absolutely MAGNIFICENT Less is More II Collection modular 5 piece sectional sofa by famed designer
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Laminate, Wood
H 28.5 in W 129 in D 80 in
Vintage leather Durlet Model 'Jeep' Modular sofa set, 1970s
By Durlet
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
loveseat, adapting effortlessly to your living space needs. This 5-piece sofa comes with an free extra
Category
Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" modular sofa for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of five
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Metal
1970s Milo Baughman Modular Sectional, Set of 5
By Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
piece a delightful mid century design, assuring a striking proportioned profile view from all angles
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Iconic ‘Camaleonda’ Seating Set by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic six-piece seating set designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia (B&B Italia
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 37.41 in
7-Seat 5-Piece Togo Sofa Set in Black Leather by Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France
By Mario Bellini, Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Mid-Century Modern and Organic Modern design. Extremely lightweight, it is designed to be shifted
Category
Mid-20th Century French Organic Modern Living Room Sets
Materials
Velvet, Foam
H 28 in W 52 in D 40 in
Vintage Beverly Hills Rattan Bamboo Pretzel Sunroom Living Room Sofa Set - 5 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cushions, original label. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Sofa: 28.5" H x 73.5" W x 33.5" D. Lounge
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 28.5 in W 73.5 in D 33.5 in
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5 Piece Midcentury Modern Couch For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the 5 piece midcentury modern couch you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A 5 piece midcentury modern couch — often made from fabric, upholstery and wood — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the 5 piece midcentury modern couch you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A 5 piece midcentury modern couch is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made 5 piece midcentury modern couch has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin and Baker Furniture Company are consistently popular.
How Much is a 5 Piece Midcentury Modern Couch?
A 5 piece midcentury modern couch can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $6,223, while the lowest priced sells for $1,200 and the highest can go for as much as $13,500.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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