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Black Walnut Credenza Mid Century

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Black Lacquer Walnut Brass Legs 77" Mid Century Modern Long Vintage Credenza
Black Lacquer Walnut Brass Legs 77" Mid Century Modern Long Vintage Credenza

Black Lacquer Walnut Brass Legs 77" Mid Century Modern Long Vintage Credenza

By Established Lines

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Black Lacquer Walnut Brass Legs 77" Mid Century Modern Long Vintage Credenza MINT!

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern walnut credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Modern Walnut Credenza by Thomas Throop  Black Creek Designs  Made to Order
Modern Walnut Credenza by Thomas Throop  Black Creek Designs  Made to Order

Modern Walnut Credenza by Thomas Throop Black Creek Designs Made to Order

By Black Creek Designs LLC

Located in New Canaan, CT

Inspired by the simplicity of Asian furniture and a nod to mid-century modern the Vivian credenza

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door
Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door

Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century modern 9 drawer Walnut credenza with cabinet door. Has 3 white lacquered drawers behind

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Modern Walnut Credenza
Vintage Modern Walnut Credenza

Vintage Modern Walnut Credenza

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage credenza that combines walnut woodgrain with chrome accents for a stunning Mid-Century

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

"Douglas" Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, Dark Walnut, Mid-Century Modern Styling
"Douglas" Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, Dark Walnut, Mid-Century Modern Styling

"Douglas" Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, Dark Walnut, Mid-Century Modern Styling

By Pete Deeble

Located in Long Beach, CA

mid century/Danish modern, simplicity, and music. It's built from beautiful black walnut and finished

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Credenza, Laminate, Formica, Walnut Grain, Mid Century, MCM, Office
Vintage Credenza, Laminate, Formica, Walnut Grain, Mid Century, MCM, Office

Vintage Credenza, Laminate, Formica, Walnut Grain, Mid Century, MCM, Office

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Vintage Credenza, Laminate, Formica, Walnut Grain, Mid Century, MCM, Office, Living Room. Vintage

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Laminate, Formica

Mid-Century Modern Inspired "Victoria" Credenza, Boho Stereo Cabinet in Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Inspired "Victoria" Credenza, Boho Stereo Cabinet in Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Inspired "Victoria" Credenza, Boho Stereo Cabinet in Walnut

By Pete Deeble

Located in Long Beach, CA

. It's built from beautiful black walnut (but is available in other species as well). All Pete Deeble

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

"Douglas" Turned Leg Stereo HiFi Cabinet / Credenza - Mid-Century Modern WALNUT
"Douglas" Turned Leg Stereo HiFi Cabinet / Credenza - Mid-Century Modern WALNUT

"Douglas" Turned Leg Stereo HiFi Cabinet / Credenza - Mid-Century Modern WALNUT

By Pete Deeble

Located in Long Beach, CA

century modern, simplicity, and music. It's built from beautiful black walnut and finished with hand

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Italian 17th Century Baroque Walnut Credenza or Small Cabinet
Italian 17th Century Baroque Walnut Credenza or Small Cabinet

Italian 17th Century Baroque Walnut Credenza or Small Cabinet

Located in Troy, NY

Italian 17th Century Baroque Walnut Credenza or Small Cabinet of interesting size and proportions

Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Modern Walnut Credenza
Modern Walnut Credenza

Modern Walnut Credenza

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

This Modern Walnut Credenza from the Cali Collection is made in the heart of Ohio with locally

Category

2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Black

Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Black

Located in Cincinnati, US

One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel

Walnut Credenza in the Style of Knoll, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1965
Walnut Credenza in the Style of Knoll, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1965

Walnut Credenza in the Style of Knoll, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1965

By Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Walnut Credenza or Buffet that sits up on a square iron black base. Two doors and 4 drawers for

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Cambre Credenza, Modern Walnut Credenza, Black, 2 Drawers, for Craft Associates
Cambre Credenza, Modern Walnut Credenza, Black, 2 Drawers, for Craft Associates

Cambre Credenza, Modern Walnut Credenza, Black, 2 Drawers, for Craft Associates

By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Cambre Credenza, modern Walnut Credenza, black, 2 drawers, for Craft Associates This modern teak

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Custom-Made Walnut Credenza
Vintage Custom-Made Walnut Credenza

Vintage Custom-Made Walnut Credenza

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This custom-built mid-century modern credenza offers a refined balance of clean lines, warm wood

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century American Studio Craft Thick Slate Top Black Walnut cabinet
Mid Century American Studio Craft Thick Slate Top Black Walnut cabinet

Mid Century American Studio Craft Thick Slate Top Black Walnut cabinet

By Phillip Lloyd Powell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century American Studio craft thick slate top black walnut credenza cabinet. beautiful hand

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Slate

1950s Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California
1950s Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California

1950s Mid Century Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California

By Glenn of California

Located in North Hollywood, CA

and visual contrast Ready to elevate your space with this mid-century masterpiece? Send us a message

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Vintage 1960s Florence Knoll Floating Credenzas Walnut & White Laminate
Pair of Vintage 1960s Florence Knoll Floating Credenzas Walnut & White Laminate

Pair of Vintage 1960s Florence Knoll Floating Credenzas Walnut & White Laminate

By Florence Knoll

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

classic mid century modern cabinets featuring walnut wood construction and white laminate door faces. Each

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Leather, Laminate, Walnut

Modern Walnut Credenza the Peabody Collection
Modern Walnut Credenza the Peabody Collection

Modern Walnut Credenza the Peabody Collection

By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. This credenza cabinet is solid black walnut, Claro walnut

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser
Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser

Mid-Century Modern Merton L. Gershun American of Martinsville Walnut Dresser

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Chicago, IL

Excellent original condition Mid-century Modern American of Martinsville credenza or lowboy dresser

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s
Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s

Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s

By Directional, Milo Baughman

Located in Miami, FL

Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s Features a sleek Mid

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza
Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza

Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza

By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza. Left side has 2

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer

Vittorio Dassi Walnut, Sycamore & Brass Credenza, Sideboard Italy 1960
Vittorio Dassi Walnut, Sycamore & Brass Credenza, Sideboard Italy 1960

Vittorio Dassi Walnut, Sycamore & Brass Credenza, Sideboard Italy 1960

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Miami, FL

Vittorio DASSI long credenza, buffet, sideboard with 5 doors made in the 1960s. Sycamore and walnut

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Sycamore, Walnut, Glass

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Credenza by Florence Knoll
Vintage Walnut and Chrome Credenza by Florence Knoll

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Credenza by Florence Knoll

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Introducing the stunning mid-century walnut credenza designed by architect and furniture designer

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Chapman Large Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Rose Copper

Chapman Large Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Rose Copper

Located in Cincinnati, US

One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel

Vintage Walnut and Cane Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders, 1960s
Vintage Walnut and Cane Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders, 1960s

Vintage Walnut and Cane Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders, 1960s

By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright

Located in Delray Beach, FL

A refined and architecturally composed mid-century modern credenza designed by Jack Cartwright for

Category

Mid-20th Century Credenzas

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Display Cabinet by Stanley
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Display Cabinet by Stanley

Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Display Cabinet by Stanley

By H. Paul Browning 1, Stanley Furniture

Located in North Hollywood, CA

finest of 1960s American craftsmanship and mid-century modern design. Manufactured in the United States

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Metal, Steel

George Nelson 8000 Executive Series Credenza for Herman Miller in Walnut
George Nelson 8000 Executive Series Credenza for Herman Miller in Walnut

George Nelson 8000 Executive Series Credenza for Herman Miller in Walnut

By George Nelson

Located in Emeryville, CA

This exceptional walnut exterior and black door credenza was designed by George Nelson for Herman

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California
Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California

Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Credenza by Glenn of California

By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century walnut tambour door credenza designed by Milo Baughman and manufactured by Glenn of

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Laminate, Rosewood, Walnut

Art Deco Copper Plated Black Lacquer Credenza Sideboard, 1940s
Art Deco Copper Plated Black Lacquer Credenza Sideboard, 1940s

Art Deco Copper Plated Black Lacquer Credenza Sideboard, 1940s

Located in Lisbon, PT

hardware. It maintains symmetrical and clean style lines with a mid-century approach, highlighted by an

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Glenn of California Tambour-Door Credenza with Black Formica Top
Glenn of California Tambour-Door Credenza with Black Formica Top

Glenn of California Tambour-Door Credenza with Black Formica Top

By Glenn of California

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid Century Modern Credenza designed by Glenn of California for Glenn of California in the United

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Formica, Wood, Walnut

John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished

John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished

By John Van Koert, Drexel

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser, credenza, or sideboard By John Van Koert for

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Maple Black

Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Maple Black

Located in Cincinnati, US

One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel

Modern Black & Chrome Metal Tanker Credenza by Steelcase
Modern Black & Chrome Metal Tanker Credenza by Steelcase

Modern Black & Chrome Metal Tanker Credenza by Steelcase

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Vintage Modern black enameled steel tanker Credenza with chromed legs and Walnut Laminate Top. This

Category

Vintage 1970s American Credenzas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

$4,560Sale Price|22% Off

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Credenza

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pasadena, TX

Elegantly crafted credenza made of walnut. Credenza features distinctive half moon drawer and door

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

CraftAssociates Hutch, Modern Walnut Hutch, Black and Walnut, Cambre Collection
CraftAssociates Hutch, Modern Walnut Hutch, Black and Walnut, Cambre Collection

CraftAssociates Hutch, Modern Walnut Hutch, Black and Walnut, Cambre Collection

By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, maple Dimensions H: 53.25 W: 18 L: 78

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Walnut, Brass, and Black Glass Server by Tommi Parzinger
Walnut, Brass, and Black Glass Server by Tommi Parzinger

Walnut, Brass, and Black Glass Server by Tommi Parzinger

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in Palm Desert, CA

additional design element to the cabinet. Elevate you dining room with this original mid-century piece.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

John Kapel for Glenn of California Credenza
John Kapel for Glenn of California Credenza

John Kapel for Glenn of California Credenza

By Glenn of California, John Kapel

Located in Denton, TX

Four door credenza with sculpted walnut handles that open to shelves and drawers. Beautiful black

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Plastic, Walnut

George Nelson For Herman Miller Desk And Credenza
George Nelson For Herman Miller Desk And Credenza

George Nelson For Herman Miller Desk And Credenza

By George Nelson

Located in Pasadena, TX

A mid century modern desk and credenza designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller. The

Category

Vintage 1960s American Credenzas

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard/ Bar / Console by Paolo Buffa
Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard/ Bar / Console by Paolo Buffa

Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard/ Bar / Console by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in New York, NY

An Elegant, Timeless and Enchanting Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical cabinet / bar

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Marble

Modern Iron Credenza
Modern Iron Credenza

Modern Iron Credenza

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

with solid grey-washed pine OR black walnut and finished with a beautiful matte finish. The frame is

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Metal

Pair of Florence Knoll Floating Credenza for Knoll Inc.
Pair of Florence Knoll Floating Credenza for Knoll Inc.

Pair of Florence Knoll Floating Credenza for Knoll Inc.

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

This pair of credenzas were acquired from the family that owned the first Knoll concession in

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Cabinet Credenza Phillip Lloyd Powell and Paul Evans
Cabinet Credenza Phillip Lloyd Powell and Paul Evans

Cabinet Credenza Phillip Lloyd Powell and Paul Evans

By Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell

Located in Atlanta, GA

Walnut with Powell's signature carving and chisel technique. It was adorned with lacquered gold leaves on

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Slate, Iron

Chapman Credenza Storage Unit Maple Navy

Chapman Credenza Storage Unit Maple Navy

Located in Cincinnati, US

One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel

Vintage MCM Sliding Door Credenza After Paul McCobb
Vintage MCM Sliding Door Credenza After Paul McCobb

Vintage MCM Sliding Door Credenza After Paul McCobb

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This striking Mid-Century Modern credenza is a masterclass in minimalist sophistication, drawing

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Credenzas

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Mid-century Italian sideboard attributed to Osvaldo Borsani from the 1940s
Mid-century Italian sideboard attributed to Osvaldo Borsani from the 1940s

Mid-century Italian sideboard attributed to Osvaldo Borsani from the 1940s

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Baambrugge, NL

Mid-century Italian sideboard attributed to Osvaldo Borsani from the 1940s. This large, 3 meter

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Chapman Large Credenza Storage Unit Maple Brassy Gold

Chapman Large Credenza Storage Unit Maple Brassy Gold

Located in Cincinnati, US

One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel

Italian Modernist Credenza by Vittorio Dassi for Dassi Mobili Moderni
Italian Modernist Credenza by Vittorio Dassi for Dassi Mobili Moderni

Italian Modernist Credenza by Vittorio Dassi for Dassi Mobili Moderni

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Dallas, TX

A phenomenal early Italian modernist server in sculpted Italian walnut with hand-carved mahogany

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Marble

Dark Walnut and Grass Cloth Low Cabinet after Harvey Probber
Dark Walnut and Grass Cloth Low Cabinet after Harvey Probber

Dark Walnut and Grass Cloth Low Cabinet after Harvey Probber

Located in Chicago, IL

Dark walnut low cabinet with grass cloth inlaid doors in the manner of Harvey Probber. Double doors

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

Floating Storage Cabinet
Floating Storage Cabinet

Floating Storage Cabinet

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

! Specs Period/model: New; Mid-Century Modern inspired Specs: Walnut, steel Dimensions: H 17.5

Category

2010s American Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

French Mid-Century Dark Walnut Four-Door Credenza Style of Maxime Old
French Mid-Century Dark Walnut Four-Door Credenza Style of Maxime Old

French Mid-Century Dark Walnut Four-Door Credenza Style of Maxime Old

By Maxime Old

Located in Queens, NY

French Mid-Century dark walnut credenza with four sliding door panels having a square pattern

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Chapman Storage Dresser, Credenza Walnut White

Chapman Storage Dresser, Credenza Walnut White

Located in Cincinnati, US

One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Steel

Early Florence Knoll Ebonized Door Walnut Credenza
Early Florence Knoll Ebonized Door Walnut Credenza

Early Florence Knoll Ebonized Door Walnut Credenza

By Knoll

Located in Lutz, FL

Mid Century Modern Walnut Early Florence Knoll Credenza or Sideboard with original black ebonized

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Chrome

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Black Walnut Credenza Mid Century For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic black walnut credenza mid century available at 1stDibs. Each black walnut credenza mid century for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, walnut and metal. Find 54 options for an antique or vintage black walnut credenza mid century now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a black walnut credenza mid century — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A black walnut credenza mid century made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Baroque — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made black walnut credenza mid century over the years, but those crafted by Florence Knoll, Knoll and Paul McCobb are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Black Walnut Credenza Mid Century?

Prices for a black walnut credenza mid century start at $925 and top out at $15,600 with the average selling for $4,550.

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 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.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.