$7,000
Japanese Bench
By AFM
Located in Highland, IN
This striking bench has a combination of wood slats and woven jute seats. Manufactured by AFM Quality Furniture in Japan it has a hand-hewn quality and the understated design reminds...
Jute, Wood
Afm Japanese Modernist Slat Bench with Woven Seats
By AFM
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful minimalist AFM Quality Furniture Japanese modernist slat bench with a rush seat is made of walnut, circa 1960s, Japan.
Rush, Walnut
3-Seat Afm Japanese Modernist Slat Bench with Woven Seats
By AFM
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful minimalist AFM Quality Furniture Japanese modernist 3-seat slat bench with a rush seat is made of walnut, circa 1960s, Japan.
Rush, Walnut
Mid-Century Bench by AFM Furniture, Japan
By AFM
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mid-Century bench by AFM furniture, Japan.
Cane, Wood
Vintage Japanese Modern Slat Coffee Table, circa 1960s
By AFM
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning Mid-Century Modernist slat coffee table manufactured by AFM circa 1960s, Japan. Clean lines, beautiful patinated oak with double tapered sculpted legs.
Oak
1950s Japanese Modernist Slat Bench with Rope Seats by AFM
By George Nakashima
Located in San Diego, CA
Made by AFM Furniture in Japan. It retains the Made in Japan paper label.
Jute, Walnut
Teak coffee table by AFM Quality Furniture, 1960s Japan
Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District
This Japanese teak coffee table, crafted by AFM Quality Furniture in the 1960s, exemplifies the elegance and simplicity characteristic of midcentury Japanese design.
Teak
Hans Wegner Style Folding Rope Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, AFM
Located in Redding, CT
Hans Wegner style folding rope chair.
Rope, Wood
AFM Japanese Modernist Slat Bench with Rush Seat
By AFM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Modernist bench was manufactured by AFM Quality Furniture in Japan. The slatted seat is covered in three separate panels in woven jute with two visible small sections of the woo...
Rush, Walnut
Vintage Chair by AFM Quality Frinture, Japan
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a vintage chair manufactured in Japan in the 1960s and 70s. "AFM Quality Frinture" is a Japanese furniture maker that mainly produced and sold furniture overseas at that time.
Beech
1950s Japanese Bench with Rope Seats
By George Nakashima
Located in San Diego, CA
1950s wood bench with rope seats. Made in Japan, 1950s. Retains original AFM, Made in Japan label.
Rope, Wood
1960s Organic Bench
Located in New York, NY
1960s organic bench. Solid walnut bench with dovetails. Can also be used as a coffee table.
Walnut
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1940s. In all original condition with lively wear and patina. Overall Dimensions (inches): 18.2"H x 98.625"W x 19.85"D All...
Wood
Vintage bench 1960s
Located in Diest, BE
Vintage bench 1960s A design aesthetic inspired by the timeless work of Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Chapo.
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.7"H x 65.125"W x 23.5"D All items ship from High Point, N...
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1970s. In all original condition, likely previously used outdoors. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.0"H x 55.0"W x 10.8"D All items...
Wood
French bench in pine - 1960s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent bench designed in France in the 1960s. This is a large rectangular pine bench, probably stained a darker color. It is in good vintage condition. It shows signs of wear ...
Wood, Pine
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.75"H x 79.0"W x 13.5"D Seat Height (inches): 17.75" All ...
Wood
Bench by Anonymous, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Architectural and elemental, this bench exemplifies the dialogue between structure and material that characterizes Brazilian modern design. Crafted in jacarandá rosewood with taut le...
Leather, Rosewood
Large bench - Italy 1950
Located in Girona, Girona
Large bench in solid Zebrano and Zebrano veneer. Very nice cabinet work. Italy around 1950.
Zebra Wood
Mid-Century Slatted Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sturdy walnut slatted bench at an ideal height for both seating and table use. Gorgeous mid-century details are great for living room use or entry way seating. Please confirm locati...
Walnut
Sulaco Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Sulaco Bench champions the foundations of the Danish Modern Movement. Rooted in functionality, every curve and feature is meticulously crafted to ensure aesthetics and utility go...
Ash, Oak, Walnut
French Mid Century Bench
Located in palm beach, FL
Wooden bench hand made in France in the 1950s, a minimalist line gives a powerful character to this functional decorative element.
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing one original wedge piece. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.75"H x 79.0"W x 13.5"D ...
Wood
Mid-Century Wooden Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mid-century style wooden slat bench. The piece features removable seats and a beautiful dark stained appearance. If you have a small space in need of seating this would be pe...
Wood
Small Mid-Century Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Terrific little vintage slat bench. A broad slat top and tapered legs come together for a wonderfully versatile piece. Use it as a bench, ottoman, stool, or table. Perfect for the ho...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Witco Style Bench and Table
By Witco
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This amazing vintage modern piece combines seating and a table all in one. A one of a kind two-tone Witco style piece that is made with carved wood. A thick cushion rests on a sturdy...
Upholstery, Oak
$13,600 / set
H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in L 30.71 in
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1962, Set of 2
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962, set of two. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" armchairs, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commit...
Velvet
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex in fabric. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in cont...
Fabric
Large 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imaginatio...
Metal, Iron
$2,500 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass High Coffee Table in Petrol by Yiannis Ghikas
By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
Elegant Japanese Edo Period Rack
Located in New York, NY
This refined object dates to the first half of the 19th century, and was probably used for obi, kimono sashes, which were hung over it. The gold decorations on the black-lacquered g...
Lacquer
Fine Vintage Campaign Style Metamorphic Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk with a light brown leather writing surface and slotte...
Leather, Wood
$2,600
H 18.12 in Dm 14.97 in
Danish Modern, Model "T3" Table Lamp by Niels Rasmussen Thykier, Made in 1930s
By Niels Rasmussen Thykier
Located in Odense, DK
Rare table lamp by Niels Rasmusen Thykier, model ''T3” Major. Frame and top of brass, fabric in oil-impregnated red/orange paper screen. A first edition lamp from early production (1...
Brass
Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1950s
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa or settee attributed to Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland, c. 1950s. For reference study model "Mikki" for Puunveisto Oy - Träsnideri Ab, Finland. We...
Fabric, Wood
$15,000
H 37 in W 90 in D 30 in
Black Walnut Live Edge Bench, G7 Summit ‘Bench in the Woods’ - In Stock
By Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
A contemporary spin on an iconic bench - handcrafted in rich American black walnut this spindle-backed bench with exaggerated hand-turned legs makes a perfect entry bench. Joinery is...
Wood, Walnut
$15,995 / set
H 32.75 in W 35 in D 41 in
Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Gillon, Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Anchored in the bold horizons of 1960s Brazilian modernism, the Jangada lounge chair and ottoman by Jean Gillon stands as a testament to artful craftsmanship, organic structure, and ...
Leather, Rosewood
French Art Deco Console
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Classic French Art Deco wooden carved console in green patina. Polygonal top shape in predominately geometric motifs with fine carving details. The console features a beautiful mat...
Wood
Woven Rush-Backed Dining Armchair by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2018, the woven rush-backed dining armchair is classically midcentury. This colle...
Rush, Walnut
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 15 in W 31.25 in D 14.5 in
Rare Liberty & Co. Circa 1900s Long-Form Thebes Stool.
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Extremely rare long form Thebes bench marketed by Liberty and Company, England Circa 1910. Constructed of beech wood and finely woven cane. There are many of these “types” of benches...
Cane, Beech
Table Lamp model 'Bali'
By Bruno Munari
Located in Barcelona, ES
Table Lamp model "Bali" Manufactured by Danese Milano Italy, 1964 Lacquered metal frame, Rice paper lampshade, Wood Measurements 40 cm diameter x 50h cm 15,8 in diameter x 19,7h in ...
Metal
Floating Platform Bed in Walnut by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
The Floating Platform Bed is a mid-century masterpiece. When Mel designed the platform bed, he focused on the Japanese term Shibui, he understood it to mean magnificent simplicity, e...
Walnut
$10,743
H 41.74 in W 33.86 in D 37.41 in
Otto Schulz Armchair in White Sheepskin and Beech, Boet, Sweden, 1940s
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Boet in Goteborg, Sweden in the 1940s. The elegant organic lines of the design create a striking silhouette. Its ...
Leather, Sheepskin, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.
Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.