Gorgeous Milo Baughman Signed Armless Sofa Mid-century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous signed Milo Baughman chrome base armless sofa. This piece will need reupholstery but the solid chrome frame is in great shape. The chrome base is shiny and has a mirrored ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Button-Tufted Black Leather Armless 3-Seat Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century (Knoll style) armless black leather 3-seat sofa with chrome steel base and classic button-tufted leather seat & back Light wear, consistent with use.
Steel
Adrian Pearsall Armless Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Napa, CA
Base has been refinished and are in excellent condition. What makes this armless sofa so enchanting is it's minimalistic design, elegant craftmanship, and mid-century modern appeal.
Fabric, Walnut
Hans Wegner Danish Armless Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Pasadena, TX
A Mid-Century Modern Danish sofa designed by Hans Wegner. A streamlined form without arms and tubular chrome legs. Upholstered in it's original lilac fabric.
Chrome
Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nosta...
Wool
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Walnut Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a sculptural walnut base on which the tufted, high-back seat is mounted. Sharp, modern...
Wool, Walnut
1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s iconic armless sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture model 5526. Reupholstered in a green mohair base with neutral diagonal striped wool loose cushions. A ver...
Mohair
$2,495
H 29 in W 56 in D 32 in
MCM to Modern Slipper Style Loveseat or Armless Sofa Off White Textured Stripe
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely vintage MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern slipper style loveseat, bench, or armless sofa with an off-white textured stripe upholstery, loose zippered back & seat poly wra...
Fabric, Foam, Polyester, Wood
Unavailable
H 33 in W 192 in D 130 in
BAKER Mid 20th Century White Armless Three-Piece Sectional Slipper Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Charlotte, NC
Made in North Carolina, USA, in the mid 20th Century. Style #: 910-84 Measures: Please see diagram in photos.
Fabric, Wood
Armless Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Tapered Legs ca. 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
Armless Mid-Century sofa with elegantly tapered metal legs, Italian styling.
Metal
Mid-Century Armless Walnut Base Sofa
Located in Surrey, BC
Very simple clean original waiting area sofa clean lines simple design walnut base with faux leather fabric. Found in a Manhattan apartment. Measures: 46". Solid excellent condit...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Midcentury Armless Sofa
By Knoll
Located in Stockton, NJ
A midcentury armless slipper sofa with slight curved back. Low pile light green velvet upholstery and cushions are in excellent condition. Raised on square tapered feet. From a colle...
Upholstery, Wood
Sophisticated Mid-Century Armless Sofa with Ebonized Legs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sleek armless silouette, vintage sofa with single seat cushion, newly recovered in a "toast" color woven fabric having nailhead trim and ebonized legs. USA, 1960s. Seat depth 18.5.
Mid Century Modern Tufted Armless Sofa Attributed to Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern Tufted Sofa Attributed to Harvey Probber with a walnut base and a finished back. Great look for a mid century modern interior.
PVC, Walnut
Sold
H 26.75 in W 76 in D 32.5 in
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Armless Sofa, Newly Restored
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering an exceptional Mid-Century Modern armless sofa designed by Paul McCobb.
Sold
H 32 in W 78 in D 32 in
Jens Risom Sofa - Mid Century Modern - Model 250 Armless Sofa with Walnut Base
By Florence Knoll, Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage Jens Risom Model 250 armless slipper sofa, circa 1960s. Gorgeous silouhette with the high angled ergonomic back juxtaposed with the organic solid black walnut bracket back ba...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 95 in D 28 in
Striking Mid-Century Modern Long Armless Sofa Original Naugahyde on Aluminum
By Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and in its original condition armless sofa in the style of Knoll, circa 1950s simply elegant and in great condition considering the age great lines and design, with square ...
Aluminum
Patrician Armless Sled Sofa
By Patrician
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A minimal and clean-lined armless sofa by Patrician. The body of this sofa appears to float as a result of the thin chrome sled legs which comprise the base. It is robust by construc...
Midcentury Jens Risom Armless Sofa
By Jens Risom
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this beautiful armless sofa designed by Jens Risom. Featuring a walnut frame on original fabric. We loved the fabric so much that we had the cushioning repl...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb Style Armless Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Paul McCobb style grey button tufted designed back front edge and cushion, five-leg sofa with slight angled back. Dark walnut finish legs.
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Dunbar Armless Sofa - Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar sofa model 5526. Designed by Edward Wormley. Fully restored and reupholstered.
Wood, Velvet
Midcentury Florence Knoll Armless Sofas, a Pair
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
These two sofas were designed by Florence Knoll in the 1950s. They are a three-seater and are armless, providing open space and easy access on three sides. While the base is the orig...
Steel
Plush Armless Grey Velvet and Chrome Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Houston, TX
Great restored chrome base armless sofa with plush grey velvet fabric. Cushions have buttons on both sides. In the style of Florence Knoll.
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Armless Upholstered Divan
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting low armless sofa with red corduroy upholstery, removable bolsters, and a sleek teak wood frame. Three cushions at the back. Can comfortably seat three or four people.
Teak
Edward Wormley Armless Sofa for Dunbar, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley armless sofa for Dunbar, circa 1955. This piece has been expertly restored in alpaca bouclé. Original patina to the solid brass legs.
Brass
Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three Seat Armless Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Florence Knoll armless sofa with button tufted seat and back.
Chrome, Steel
Armless Black Parallel Bar Sofa Attributed to Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Redding, CT
Armless black parallel bar sofa attributed to Knoll. It is made of solid steel case construction and is very heavy. This Barcelona style sofa would complement any home or office with...
Steel
Armless 'Sled' Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1934
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless sofa or bench or banquet on laminated mahogany "sled" feet.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Florence Knoll Chrome and Cream Wool Upholstered Armless Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
This armless sofa by the seminal furniture designer Florence Knoll retains its original wool upholstery and has chromed tubular steel supports.
Chrome
Early Florence Knoll Armless Sofa and Chair Set
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sets one and only home was a Richard Nuetra estate in the Hollywood Hills. Price is for both items All items are viewable at our Los Angeles Arts District showroom and warehou...
Stainless Steel
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Astoria, NY
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Armless Sofa in Light Gray, chromed metal structure.
Chrome
Low Profile Tufted Armless Sofa Attributed to Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
This sofa is stunning, deep seat low profile, perfect tufting and great inset walnut legs. Newly upholstered in a thick woven fabric that almost has the feel of an old worn velvet.
Fabric, Walnut
Ib Kofod-Larsen Armless Love Seat Sofa for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant modern love seat designed by Danish architect and furniture designer Ib-Kofod Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. This beautiful and compact sofa features a solid sculp...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Astoria, NY
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Armless Sofa in Gray, chromed metal structure.
Upholstery
Osvaldo Borsani White D70 Armless Sofa for Tecno, Italy 1950's
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
The iconic D70 sofa was restored as it appears on a period photo with the designer—white on white. Borsani allegedly created this sofa to solve a design issue for a house where the o...
Faux Leather
Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three-Seat Armless Sofa Red Wool Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Florence knoll three-seat parallel bar sofa without arms. Newer, striking red wool fabric. Very good condition.
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 30 in W 84 in L 30 in
Pair of Florence Knoll Armless Sofas, Walnut Frames and Original Green Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early set of 2 Florence Knoll armless sofas. These are in original condition and usable as is. No stains or tears to the fabric, however, we have priced these lower keeping in mind t...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 84 in D 29 in
Florence Knoll Armless Three-Seat Sofa with Walnut Frame and New Gray Upholstery
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s Florence Knoll armless sofa with blind tufted cushions and a solid walnut frame that features mortise and pegged tenon construction to the rear legs. Beautiful, angular form, f...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 18.5 in W 76.5 in D 27.5 in
Rare Hans Wegner Armless Three-Seat Sofa with Steel Legs in Light Grey Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Houston, TX
Rare and gorgeous Hans Wegner armless three-seat sofa with tubular steel legs and upholstered in a gorgeous light grey woven Crypton fabric. Very unique.
Steel
Sold
H 30 in W 163 in D 42 in
Two-Piece Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley, Armless, Brass Legs, Models 4756 & 4828
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two piece, armless, sectional sofa designed by Edward Wormley, made by Dunbar. A combination of models 4756 and 4828 in the Dunbar Catalog. The backless end on the angled piece (4756...
Brass
Midcentury Kidney Shaped Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
Sleek midcentury armless kidney shaped sofa. Similar to the styles of Adrian Pearsall and Vladimir Kagan. Ready for reupholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Jack Lenor Larson style armless loveseat with 2 ottomans
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Charleston, SC
It will look fabulous in your Industrial loft or Mid-Century Modern home. You just need to make it yours.
Upholstery
A Vintage Knoll Sofa by Jens Risom:
Located in Ferndale, MI
Mid-20th century armless sofa designed by Jens Risom for Knoll.
Mid-Century Modern Long Armless Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1960s long armless modern sofa, in vintage velvet upholstery with solid walnut legs. It needs new upholstery.
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-Century Danish Armless Daybed Sofa in Boucle Fabric
Located in Asheville, NC
Mid-century sofa daybed featuring a wooden frame and white boucle upholstery. In very good vintage condition. Clean example of Mid-Century Modern design that is simple and neat in ap...
Bouclé, Oak
Armless Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A striking and uncommon armless sofa having a beautifully-shaped seat in a rich cream upholstery floating atop three continuous laminated walnut 'sled' legs.
Upholstery, Walnut
Hans Wegner 1949 Armless Sofa Bench Settee Johaness Hansen JH555
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish armless bench designed by Hans Wegner. Model JH555, crafted of a solid teak frame with angled cross stretcher. Newly upholstered in classic Scandinavian striped wool textile b...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Model 23 Armless Sofa in Italian Espresso Velvet
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Stamford, CT
With great reason, the name Jens Risom is synonymous with the Mid-Century Modern design movement, his original body of work is not only still with us today but much of it is still in...
Upholstery, Velvet, Maple
Mid-Century Three-Seat Armless Parallel Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
A Classic Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll armless sofa.
Handsome Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Armless Sofa, Mid-Century Modern
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Florence Knoll parallel bar armless sofa. This piece will need reupholstering but that's what you designers are looking for anyway-right? The solid steel parallel bars loo...
Steel
Florence Knoll Upholstered Three-Seat Armless Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, three-seat, armless sofa by Florence Knoll features a chrome frame with new, box-stitch upholstery in medium gray, cotton linen.
Chrome
Sleek Armless Danish Style Sofa or Daybed
By George Nelson, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning armless sofa in the Danish style or George Nelson. Wood frame in black lacquer. Upholstered in original fabric which could use updating.
1970's Florence Knoll Armless Lounge Settee Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Completely original early 1970's Knoll armless lounge settee. Tufted Knoll upholstered seating on a mirror chromed steel frame. It is in very good vintage condition. Upholstery a...
Steel
Excellent Armless Sofa with Attached Tables by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Kansas City, MO
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates sofa with attached ends tables with drawers. New upholstery. Walnut trim and walnut attached tables. On casters, but those could be removed if so...
Brass
Sold
H 27.5 in W 30 in D 100 in
Expertly Restored Adrian Pearsall Armless Gondola Sofa for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Medina, OH
The epitome of mid-century modern design is the Armless Gondola designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s.
Bouclé, Cotton, Foam, Walnut
Jens Risom Floating Three-Seat Armless Sofa in Walnut and Mohair
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa, Model #U250, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Design in the 1950s. Composed of a sculptural walnut base on which the tufted, high-back seat is mounted. Pink mohair ...
Mohair, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 109 in D 30.5 in
Armless Sofa with Attached Tables by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Kansas City, MO
Nine foot long Adrian Pearsall sofa in charcoal ultra suede with walnut frame and attached end tables with drawers. Overall length is 9'1". Seating length is 76".
Brass
1950s 77" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool
By Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s iconic armless sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture model 5526. Reupholstered in a green mohair base with neutral diagonal striped wool loose cushions. A ver...
Wool, Mohair
Sold
H 27 in W 63.5 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Martin Visser Attributed Streamline Sofa in Red with Black Frame
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armless Mid-Century Martin Visser attributed Streamline Sofa from 't Spectrum newly upholstered in vibrant red.
Metal
Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic early Knoll Associates sofa designed by Jens Risom in the early 1940s. Solid birch base with sleek angled and tapering legs support a comfortable cantilevered seat with origi...
Upholstery, Birch
Early Knoll Tufted Leather Armless Sofa
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern style two-seat leather tufted sofa supported by a tubular chrome frame. Comfortable and stylish design ideal for both home or office environments. Please c...
Leather
Edward Wormley Armless Sofa for Dunbar, circa 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Edward Wormley armless sofa for Dunbar, circa 1955. This piece has been expertly restored in alpaca bouclé. Original patina to the solid brass legs.
Brass
De Sede 8 Section Armless "Non-Stop Sofa", 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
8 section "Non Stop Sofa", model DS600, armless in full grain leather by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s. An iconic tim...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Rare Armless Sofa by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Unusual form with bullnose walnut frame that tapers throughout. Brass legs with pod feet. A gorgeous design from a series that Robsjohn-Gibbings did for Widdicomb in the mid-1950s. M...
Italian Mid-century Armless Sofa
Located in New York, NY
1950's Italian armless sofa with button tufted casion and back-tapered legs with original brass sabots. Newly reupholstered.
Metal
$30,000
H 24.25 in W 78.5 in D 9.25 in
Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
By Clairtone
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
On offer is a rare completely original Clairtone G2 Series Home Stereo System from 1966 featuring two distinct exotic wooden boxes one that houses the tuner and the turntable both pr...
Aluminum
Double Sided Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
This leather sofa is upholstered in our high-grade Newport Toffee leather. With tightly tufted backrests and seat cushions with high-density foam, with natural finish brass nailhead ...
Leather
Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These walnut counter height cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market. These stools ...
Walnut
$434 / item
H 3.54 in W 4.92 in D 5.51 in
Galupa Art Deco Wall Sconce, Optical Glass & Aluminum, Up/Down Lighting
Located in İstiklal, TR
GALUPA Art Deco Wall Sconce, a masterpiece of design that effortlessly combines elegance and functionality. This stunning wall sconce is crafted in the timeless Art Deco style, featu...
Aluminum
$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 85 in D 36 in
Stellar Pair Milo Baughman Yellow Leather Parsons Sofas Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stellar pair of Milo Baughman yellow leather parsons sofas. This pair is in remarkable vintage condition with only light signs of age. The magnificent yellow leather has embroidere...
Leather
Monumental Florence Knoll Bench or Coffee Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Custom unique Florence Knoll bench for Knoll is black leather and chrome frame. Amazing opportunity to own a one of a kind piece. This bench can also make a great soft ottoman.
Steel, Chrome
$807
H 29.53 in W 73.23 in D 25.99 in
Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Dimensions at layout: Height:41cm, depth:84cm, width:186cm Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
$2,429 / item
H 11.8 in W 11.8 in D 7.5 in
Tulip Organic Modern Contemporary Wall Sconce, Wall Light in White Plaster
By Hannah Woodhouse
Located in London, GB
Handmade Tulip organic modern wall light/ wall sconce, in silky smooth white plaster, created by artist Hannah Woodhouse in her London studio. Contemporary organic modern design insp...
Plaster
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Brass
Swedish Art Deco Dressing Table Vanity
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Art Deco dressing table with foldable mirrors. Ample storage on the sides and pull-out drawer in the center.
Mirror, Teak
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
H 32 in W 77 in D 32 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Black Leather 3 Seat Sofa Wood Legs
By Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Black leather 3 seat sofa dark wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nic...
Leather, Birch
$2,700Sale Price|25% Off
H 36 in W 72 in D 30 in
Original Mid century Compact Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Eames sofa compact with orange Herman miller woven upholstery. Charles and Ray Eames compact couch is great design that keeps a subtle profile. The cushioned pads that form ...
Steel, Chrome
$3,301
H 51.97 in W 44.89 in D 13.78 in
Art Deco Stylish Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s
Located in Devon, England
Beautiful and original 1930s Art Deco English walnut display cabinet. A lovely piece of furniture that's veneered in figured mid tone walnut. Still retains its original silk interior...
Glass, Walnut
$3,200
H 32 in W 38 in D 70 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sculptural Rocking Wave-Form Chaise Lounge
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Adrian Pearsall, this chaise was made by Craft Associates early in Pearsall's career, around the 1950s. Featuring the now-classic wave form seat and a two-stage carved wa...
Upholstery, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Sofa, Walnut, Canvas, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, beige canvas webbing and brown velvet sofa designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. 16” seat hei...
Canvas, Velvet, Walnut
Custom French Plaster Chandelier in the Style of Jean-Charles Moreux
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant and Timeless, Custom French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Chandelier / Pendant or Flush Mount Ceiling Light in the style of the French Mid-century architect-decorator Jean-C...
Metal
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.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
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