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Australian Mid Century Modern

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TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Dark Ash - Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Light Ash - Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Clear Ash, Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Clear Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-Century Furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Dark Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Light Ash Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish, Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Danish Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish- Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
first designed. These iconic stools are the among the most coveted Australian mid-century pieces ever
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

TH Brown Martelle Bar Stool in Ash Teak Finish Australian Iconic Designer Piece
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
Australia in 1911. From the 1950's, TH Brown produced many of the most sought-after mid-century furniture
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Ash

Mid-Century Australian Modern Teak Sofa & Armchairs by Parker Furniture, 1950s
By Parker Furniture
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Parker Furniture in 1956. Parker has a legacy of creating some of the finest Mid-Century furniture. These
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs Model "Australia" by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of armchairs Model "Australia" by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern abstract on board by Margaret Malval. Colorful composition in a nice gray and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
H 18.5 in W 28.5 in D 1.75 in
Outdoor Trend Module Lounge and Footstool, Designed in 1970
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge & footstool set. The best in Australian Furniture Design… one of
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern "Australia Model 50-4" Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Australia Model 50-4" Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
By Peter Brown (Australian)
Located in Adelaide, SA
The Trend Module lounge ( Foot stool sold separately) The best in Australian furniture design
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
TH Brown Trend Module Lounge, Boucle
H 30.91 in W 30.32 in D 37.41 in
Ray Austin Crooke, (Australian 1922-2015) Gouache On Paper
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Gouache on paper depicting a tropical landscape with a structure partially hidden behind shrubbery, blue waters in the background with green rolling hills in the distance set against...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass, 1950s The lamp needs 1 x E14
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp, 1960s
Petite Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp, 1960s
H 13.78 in W 3.94 in D 10.63 in
1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
An expertly restored 20th-century vintage armchairs or lounge chair in typical Italian mid-century
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
1950's Mid-Century Modern Restored Armchair
H 33.47 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sofa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Paris, FR
engaging 20th-century pieces and bespoke contemporary lighting. With a strong focus on Italian mid-century
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sofa, 1950s
Italian Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sofa, 1950s
H 30.32 in W 57.09 in D 31.5 in
TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
By Peter Brown (Australian), TH Brown
Located in Adelaide, SA
Trend Foot stool The best in Australian furniture design. One of Australia’s all time design
Category

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
TH Brown Trend Foot Stool, Boucle
H 17.72 in W 30.32 in D 21.26 in
Hayward Veal Australian Nocturne Cityscape Painting
By Hayward Veal
Located in Essex, MA
An oil on board painting by Australian painter W. Hayward Veal (1913-1968), entitled Nocturne No. 4
Category

Vintage 1940s Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Pine, Masonite, Paint

Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
Located in New York City, NY
more than 290 architects, the Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses showcases work by such icons as Marcel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Books

Materials

Paper

Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses
H 13.375 in W 9.5 in D 1.55 in
Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Mid-Century Modern Oil on Canvas Painting Sebastion
Located in Montreal, QC
in very precise detail. Sebastion’s work has been sold throughout America, Australia and Europe and
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Mid-Century Arthur Stutchbury Office Chair
Located in LYON, FR
63cm, D 56cm Located in Wollongong Australia. Please contact us for an Australia wide shipping quote
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Arthur Stutchbury Office Chair
Mid-Century Arthur Stutchbury Office Chair
H 34.65 in W 24.81 in D 22.05 in
Grant Featherston, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Australia, 1950s
By Grant Featherston
Located in High Point, NC
Kennett Bros. & Rayner, Australia, 1950s. 14” seat height
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

1950's, French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French collectible mid-century lounge chair or armchair in a tubular black re-lacquered
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1950's, French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair
1950's, French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair
H 40.16 in W 26.19 in D 29.14 in
Mid-Century Modern Green Diabolo Table Desk, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Green Table Desk, 1950s The lamp needs 1 x E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb, is
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Oil Painting on Canvas by George Walsh, Australia
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage signed oil painting on canvas by George Walsh, Australia. Original authentic landscape
Category

20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Mid-Century 70's Dining Suite
Located in LYON, FR
Mid-70's Set of tub chairs and table. Apparently custon designed by an architect for his own home
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

Patio Table & Benches by Jensen-Jarrah, Made in Australia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Proudly made in Australia from fine Australian Jarrah wood timber, this furniture set is crafted with the
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wood

Lovely Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s Dimension Height: 11.81 in (30 cm) Width
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Jenny Kee Hand Knitted Wool Cardigan, Australia, circa 1980
Located in Pymble, NSW
A beautiful hand-knitted wool cardigan by Jenny Kee, with original label and in almost unused condition. Purchased from Jenny in circa 1980 from her studio in the Blue Mountains west...
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Paul Soldner Signed Large Raku Fired Mid-Century Modern Vessel Sculpture Vase
By Paul Soldner
Located in Studio City, CA
2004 titled "Inferno") Australian National Gallery, Sydney, Australia National Museum of Modern Art
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Mid-century Fred Lowen Tessa Leather Armchair
By Fred Lowen
Located in LYON, FR
require a personalised Australia wide quote.
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-century Fred Lowen Tessa Leather Armchair
Mid-century Fred Lowen Tessa Leather Armchair
H 34.65 in W 29.93 in D 35.83 in
Paul Soldner Large Raku Fired Mid-Century Modern Vessel Wall Relief Sculpture
By Paul Soldner
Located in Studio City, CA
"Inferno") Australian National Gallery, Sydney, Australia National Museum of Modern Art, Koyoto, Japan
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair in Australian Sheepskin
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
could really curl up in.’ This mid-century classic supports countless positions and offers a comforting
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s The lamp needs 1 x E14 / E15 Edison screw fit
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Guglielmo Ulrich Attr Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs, Honey Shearling
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Stamford, CT
Guglielmo Ulrich Attribution, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sheepskin Lounge Chairs, Shearling
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Handmade Wall Ceramic Mask by DYBDAHL, 1960s Denmark
By Margrethe Dybdahl
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Handmade Wall Ceramic Mask by DYBDAHL, 1960s Denmark Dimensions Height: 5.11 in
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Mid Century Modern Crystal Chandelier attr. to Bakalowits, Austria 1960s
By Bakalowits & Söhne
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous and very elegant Mid Century Modern chandelier attributed
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Trench Art Copper Bullet Paperweight 1944 Australia Sterling Silver Florin
Located in Stamford, CT
caliber mounted on an Australian Sterling Silver Florin. Showing the portrait of King George VI, father
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

1960's Teak Mid-Century Parker Nesting tables
By Parker Furniture
Located in LYON, FR
, W 38cm Please contact us for an Australia wide quote.
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking ...

Materials

Teak

1960's Teak Mid-Century Parker Nesting tables
1960's Teak Mid-Century Parker Nesting tables
H 17.33 in W 35.44 in D 14.97 in
Peter Voulkos Signed Mid-Century Modern Stoneware Pottery Vase, circa 1950s
By Peter Voulkos
Located in Studio City, CA
, Melbourne, Australia National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. Japan Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Peter Voulkos Signed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Plate Charger
By Peter Voulkos
Located in Studio City, CA
, Melbourne, Australia National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. Japan Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
By Fred Lowen
Located in LYON, FR
been sanded and refinished. Excellent Patina. H 90cm, D 90cm, W 66cm Located in Wollongong Australia
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
Pair of Tessa Furniture T8 Mid-Century Chairs
H 15.75 in W 25.99 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp made in Glass and Metal, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp made in Glass and Metal, 1950s Dimension Height: 25.59 in (64 cm
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp made in Brass and Glass, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp made in Brass and Glass, 1960s Dimension Height: 16.92 in (43 cm
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Square Coffee Table by Angelo Mangiarotti, Italy 1970
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Catania, IT
and Australia. He worked with the eminences of the Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and met greats
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Smoked Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling Lamp by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s Three E14 sockets
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s Three E14 sockets. Works
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Petite Mid-Century Modern Tripod Table Lamp in Brass and Granulate, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Petite Mid-Century Modern Tripod Table Lamp in Brass and Granulate, 1960s Dimension Height: 9.25
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in Australian Sheepskin
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
womb chair and ottoman will be made to order with the finest Australian sheepskins. Please note, as
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Shearling Lounge Chair, Sheepskin, Beech, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Shearling Chair, Sheepskin, Beech, 1950s Chic modern arm, lounge, or
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp made in Smoked Glass and Brass, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp made in Brass and Glass, 1960s This golden table lamp features a
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Lovely Elegant Mid-Century Modern Brass Chandelier Lamp, Italy 1970s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Elegant Mid-Century Modern Brass Chandelier Lamp, Italy 1970s Executed in glass, metal and
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Massive brass and crystal glass Mid-Century Modern 6-armed sputnik lamp, 1950s.
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Massive brass and crystal glass Mid-Century Modern 6-armed sputnik lamp, 1950s. Six E27 sockets
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Paar Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps in the Style of Gino Sarfatti, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Paar Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps in the Style of Gino Sarfatti, 1960s Dimension Height: 8.66 in
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Very Rare Illum Wikkelsø Armchair Model "Australia"
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, FR
Very Rare Illum Wikkelsø Armchair Model "Australia" Beautiful & confortable armchair made in
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Mid Century Modern Style Rug, Red, White - Boobyalla No. 2 by Rug & Kilim
By Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
An 8x10 addition to the Mid-Century Modern rug collection, by Rug & Kilim in collaboration with the
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Large Mid-Century Chandelier, 1950s
By Atelier Design
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large Mid-century chandelier, 1950s. Teak, brass and glass. 3 beautiful double glass shades. white
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

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Australian Mid Century Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Australian mid century modern for your home. Each Australian mid century modern for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and ceramic. There are 86 variations of the antique or vintage Australian mid century modern you’re looking for, while we also have 4 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer Australian mid century modern, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An Australian mid century modern is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. Donald Brown, Daydream Production and Ellis each produced at least one beautiful Australian mid century modern that is worth considering.

How Much is an Australian Mid Century Modern?

Prices for an Australian mid century modern start at $80 and top out at $20,000 with the average selling for $1,100.

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 legendary 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.

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 Australian 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
    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 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 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 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 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

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

  • 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 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 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 ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 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.

  • 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.