1950's George Nelson X-Leg Extension Dining Table Model 5062
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hanover, MA
Per the George Nelson Foundation website, Irving Harper, John F. Pile, Ernest Farmer, associates at George Nelson's office, share design credit.
Iron
George Nelson Walnut Armchairs 1947 Design
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
..SOLD..Pair of George Nelson armchairs designed in 1947 with Ernest Farmer for Herman Miller. Beautifully restored and reupholstered in woven chenille fabric.
George Nelson 4669 Dining Chairs 'Set of 4'
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Ernest Farmer
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Rare set of dining chairs model 4669 designed by George Nelson and Ernest Farmer for the 1948 Herman Miller collection helmed by Nelson.
Cane, Birch
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Among the noted designers who worked for George Nelson Associates, Inc. were Irving Harper, George Mulhauser (designer of the Coconut Chair), Robert Brownjohn (designer of the sets f...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 30.5 in W 18.5 in D 33.75 in
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4 drawer Dresser by Herman Miller #1
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
The staff included significant designers in their own right such as Irving Harper, George Mulhauser, Ernest Farmer, Gordon Chadwick, George Tscherny, and Don Ervin; many working for ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 33.25 in W 18.5 in D 67.25 in
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Ten Drawer Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
The staff included significant designers in their own right such as Irving Harper, Ernest Farmer, Gordon Chadwick, George Tscherny, and Don Ervin; many working for the office for yea...
Aluminum
Sold
H 31 in W 17.5 in D 19 in
Set of 8 Ernest Farmer Caned Dining Chairs for George Nelson Associates
By Ernest Farmer
Located in Stamford, CT
A striking set of eight chairs caned dining chairs designed for Ernest Farmer for George Nelson associates. Newly upholstered.
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 17.25 in D 21.25 in
Set of Six Ernest Farmer for George Nelson and Associates Dining Chairs
By Ernest Farmer
Located in Stamford, CT
A set of six Ernest farmer dining chairs designed for George Nelson and Associates.
Maple, Upholstery
Pair of George Nelson Walnut Side Tables by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
This 1956 design by Ernest Farmer for the George Neslon office is a great example of their understated, clean-lined aesthetic.
Walnut
Set of Six George Nelson #4668 Dining Chairs for Herman Miller
By Ernest Farmer, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A stunning set of six mahogany dining chairs by Earnest Farmer with George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller. Included are four side chairs and two armchairs.
Sold
H 30.5 in W 18.5 in D 33.75 in
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4 drawer Dresser by Herman Miller #2
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
The staff included significant designers in their own right such as Irving Harper, George Mulhauser, Ernest Farmer, Gordon Chadwick, George Tscherny, and Don Ervin; many working for ...
Aluminum
Pair of 19th-century French farmhouse armchairs in beech wood
By Ernest Farmer
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
Discover rustic elegance with this exceptional pair of 19th-century French farmhouse armchairs crafted from beech wood and originating from the prestigious Burgundy wine region. Thes...
Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 18 in D 19 in
Set of Four Ernest Farmer Midcentury Dining Chairs for George Nelson Associates
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Ernest Farmer
Located in Framingham, MA
Rare set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Ernest Farmer for George Nelson Associates and produced by Herman Miller.
Cane, Maple
$3,191
H 29.14 in W 51.19 in D 27.56 in
MidCentury Pedestal Extension Dining Table - George Nelson - Herman Miller - 60s
By Herman Miller
Located in Milano, IT
Pedestal extension dining table model 5559B designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, produced in the USA in the 1960s. Dining or conference table model 5559B, designed by George...
Aluminum
Dining or Game Table by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square dining or game table with an ash top, on folding steel legs. Model DTM.
Steel
1960s Jese Möbel Height-Adjustable Console Dining Table
By Jese Mobel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Jese Möbel in the 1960s, this height-adjustable table features a rectangular light wood top mounted on four slender tapered legs in black enamel with brass foot caps. A b...
Enamel, Brass, Metal
1950's George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic George Nelson design for Herman Miller gate leg table. 2 fold wide wood hinged tops with double gate legs. The odd discoloration of one leaf appears to be an issue with the or...
Walnut
$3,800
H 28.15 in W 72.04 in D 40.15 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Dining Table Desk, 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
Unusual original dining or desk table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, mid century Dimensions are 72.04" x 40.15" x 28.15" (height) This dining table was designed by George Nels...
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Herman Miller 48” Dining Table
By Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Herman Miller 48” Dining Table This dining table is a timeless piece that effortlessly combines elegance and functionality. Crafted with a cream top and chrome pe...
Metal
$2,843
H 28.35 in W 111.82 in D 40.16 in
Pedestal Extension Table model 5559 By GEORGE NELSON for HERMAN MILLER 1950S
By George Nelson
Located in Vigevano, PV
Pedestal Extension Table model 5559 By GEORGE NELSON for HERMAN MILLER 1950S
Aluminum
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 101 in D 39.5 in
Arne Vodder George Tanier Siebart Mobler Extendable Dining Table
By Arne Vodder, George Tanier
Located in Pasadena, TX
Arne Vodder for George Tanier Siebart Mobler extendable dining table. Early production teak Arne Vodder dining table, manufactured by SIbast, Denmark and distributed by George Tanie...
Teak
$9,540
H 28.15 in W 89.77 in D 33.67 in
Hans Wegner "AT-309" Drop-Leaf Dining Table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare “AT-309” dining table was designed by Hans Wegner in 1955 and its title of ‘iconic’ is well deserved. As it is no longer produced, this model has become a collector’s item ...
Wood
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.5 in W 50 in D 23 in
MidCentury George Nelson Sling Table for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Produced for only 4 years this exceptionally rare "Sling Table" is in wonderful vintage condition. Featuring a rounded granite top on chromed legs. A perfect compliment to the iconic...
Granite, Steel, Chrome
$2,000
H 29.25 in W 42 in D 42 in
1971 Herman Miller Eames Universal 42 in Square Dining Table with Laminate Top
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Universal Dining Table, Model ET206, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1961. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1971. ...
Aluminum, Steel
Børge Mogensen Dining Table model "753", 1950s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Model 753 dining table, designed by renowned Danish architect Børge Mogensen, exemplifies the timeless Scandinavian design ethos. Crafted with a combination of beech, brass, and ...
Brass
$6,800
H 30 in W 65 in D 40 in
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller gate leg dining table George Nelson Vintage 1950s Walnut Gate Leg Dining Table By Herman Miller. George Nelson Designed This T...
Wood, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Extendable Dining Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Esperance, NY
Available for purchase is this beautiful original mid-century table, featuring two butterfly leaves for easy extension. When fully extended, the table measures 82” in width.
Wood
$39,000
H 0.4 in Dm 0.4 in
Mid-Century Modern expandable Dining Table by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This expandable dining table is a remarkable example of the inventive spirit that defined the work of Forma Móveis e Objetos de Arte S.A. In the 1950s, as Brazilian cities expanded a...
Wood
$5,500
H 29.75 in W 64.75 in D 40 in
George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
A rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller Measures: 40" depth 29.75" height. 64.75" long unfolded 41.5" half folded 18.5" folded.
Wood
Rosso Glass Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
$6,876 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
The Lily, Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection. An iconic, unobtrusive design. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgiu...
Linen
$2,400
H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in
Rosewood and Chrome Drexel Index Writing Desk Library Table, circa 1970s
By Drexel, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Stunning midcentury, Hollywood Regency, Post Modern design writing table, desk, made by Drexel as part of their Index series, possibly designed by Milo Baughman, circa 1960/1970s. T...
Chrome
Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1960s.
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Dining Table, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century modern rectangular dining room table in Nordic oak. Very likely designed by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark (born...
Oak
1968 Executive Desk
By Warren Platner
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current i...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$4,875Sale Price|25% Off
H 29 in W 36 in D 63 in
Stunning MidCentury Minimalist Rosewood Dining Table 1 Leaf by Georg Petersens
By Georg Petersens
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful rare dining table featuring Brazilian rosewood on a rectangular form table top on chrome legs. Dining table has 1 leaf that is removable ans stows away under the table. Lea...
Chrome
George Nelson Adjustable Tray Table
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Adjustable Tray Table Model #4950 Originally designed in 1949 utilizing Bent wood Technology perfected during WW2 Elegant and useful Original Clean surface A 2nd matche...
Walnut
$2,750
H 30 in W 63 in D 33.375 in
Brutalist Belgian Slatted Oak Dining Table w/ Rounded Legs Attributed to DePuydt
By De Puydt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy solid oak dining table attributed to Belgian maker De Puydt, featuring the robust, uncompromising construction characteristic of Belgian Brutalist furniture. The thick rectangu...
Oak
$6,000
H 28.5 in W 72 in D 41.75 in
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Restored Rosewood Conference Dining Table
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare table was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the early 1960s for Herman Miller, the producer of all Eames designs at the time. It was not widely produced at the time, and...
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Thin Edge Secretary Desk Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1950s original Thin Edge secretary desk cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This early version features the rare black enamel stainless large pulls and tapered wood...
Walnut
$5,802
H 28.55 in W 63 in D 35.44 in
"Hunting table" desk or dining table by Børge Mogensen, Søborg Denmark
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Hägersten, SE
"Hunitng table" designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced in Denmark by Søborg Furniture. Solid oak legs with teak feet. Brass runners and table top in teak. Works perfectly as either a d...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Dining or Conference Table, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Hugh wooden table with beautiful and particular details in the style of Gianfranco Frattini. Excellent craftsmanship in very good original condition with small signs of wear, please ...
Plywood
$7,253 / item
H 28.35 in W 66.54 in D 48.04 in
Antella Dining Table by Japanese Architect Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina
By Kazuhide Takahama, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antella Dining Table by Japanese Architect Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina Kazuhide Takahama’s Antella is a dual-purpose piece: a console that can be transformed into an oval table. T...
Wood
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout the case and drawer fronts with new spinning top a...
Aluminum
$2,500
H 24 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Walnut Three Drawer Cabinet (no bench)
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with four drawers, Model 4606, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. T...
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.