Broyhill Sculptra Midcentury Walnut Nightstand, Pair
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra midcentury Walnut nightstand - pair Each nightstand measures: 24 wide x 15
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Midcentury Walnut Nightstand, Pair
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra midcentury Walnut nightstand - pair Each nightstand measures: 24 wide x 15
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut 9-Drawer Dresser. Featuring a
Wood, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Nightstand
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Nightstand This nightstand measures: 24 wide x 15 deep x 22.5
Walnut
Mid-century modern Broyhill sculptra credenza/buffet. Circa 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-century modern Broyhill sculptra credenza/buffet. Circa 1960s Features a
Walnut
$2,995 / set
H 29.75 in W 96 in D 40 in
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Dining Table with 3 Leaves
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Dining Table with 3 Leaves This table measures: 60 wide x 40
Walnut
Pair of Lacquered Broyhill Sculptra Nightstands
By Broyhill
Located in Dallas, TX
We have updated these classic Broyhill nightstands with fresh light gray lacquer. Brass hardware
Brass
$2,095
H 43.5 in W 40 in D 17 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Sculptra” Highboy Dresser by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern “Sculptra” highboy dresser by Broyhill showcases the sculptural elegance and
Metal
$2,095 / set
H 23 in W 24 in D 15 in
Newly Refinished -Pair of Mid-Century Modern “Sculptra” Night Stands by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautifully proportioned Broyhill “Sculptra” night stands showcase the warm richness of walnut paired with the
Metal
$728Sale Price|44% Off
H 42.5 in W 17 in D 42 in
Mid-Century Modern Highboy Dresser from Sculptra by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern highboy dresser from the Sculptra line by Broyhill features hardwood
Walnut
$3,800
H 30.5 in W 60 in D 17.25 in
Broyhill Premier 'Sculptra' #6095 Walnut Sideboard w Granite Top, c 1960, Signed
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is an original Model 6095-12 from the iconic Sculptra collection by Broyhill Premier, produced during
Granite
Broyhill Sculptra Magna Chest Tall Dresser Mid-Century Modern
By Broyhill
Located in Frederick, MD
For your consideration we have this mid-century modern tall chest from the Broyhill Sculptra line
Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Low Dresser Mid-Century Modern
By Broyhill
Located in Frederick, MD
This lovely walnut Mid-Century Modern nine-drawer dresser is from the Sculptra line by Broyhill
Walnut
Midcentury Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
for Broyhill's Sculptra line. It is in excellent condition, recently refinished with minor surface
Walnut
Mid Century Broyhill Sculptra King Headboard Frame
By Broyhill
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Broyhill Sculptra King size headboard in walnut and oak. This piece displays the line's
Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Bookcase
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Bookcase. Featuring a straight
Metal, Brass
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century King Headboard
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra mid century king headboard Headboard measures: 77.75 wide x 1.5 deep x 39.75
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Mirrors - Set of 2
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Mirrors. Featuring a
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Dresser or Low Chest Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Toledo, OH
This beautiful Broyhill Sculptra dresser is made of walnut with the signature sculpture pattern on
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Sideboard
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Sideboard. Featuring a straight
Slate
Mid Century Modern Walnut Broyhill Sculptra Queen Headboard Frame
By Broyhill
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Broyhill Sculptra queen size headboard in walnut and oak circa 1960's. This piece displays
Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut High Chest
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut High Chest. Featuring a straight
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Storage Cabinet
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Storage Cabinet. Featuring a
Wood, Walnut
Vintage MCM Broyhill Sculptra Drop Leaf Dining Table
By Broyhill
Located in Chicago, IL
Broyhill's Sculptra line •walnut with book-matched panels •curved surfboard shape •extends from 29" to 61
Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra Brutalist mid century walnut credenza The credenza measures: 62.25 wide x 17
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Full Size Headboard
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Full Size Headboard. Featuring a
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Sideboard
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This beautiful Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra walnut sideboard is a standout example of
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 43.25 in W 27.13 in D 1 in
Broyhill Sculptra Mid-Century Modern Walnut Framed Wall Mirror, 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut framed wall mirror By Broyhill, "Sculptra" Collection
Mirror, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra mid century 6 drawer lowboy dresser Dresser measures: 60 wide x 17 deep x 31.5
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra King Size Headboard
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern king size headboard made for Broyhill's 'Sculptra' line
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Nightstands. Featuring a
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser. Featuring a
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Nightstands. Featuring a
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a set of six Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Dining Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a set of six Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Dining Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a set of six Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Dining Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Fulton, CA
Mid-Century Modern credenza by Broyhill Furniture. "Sculptra" line circa. 1962. Quality
Oak, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Brutalist Mid Century Bar Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra Brutalist mid century bar buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch together measure
Wood
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century 9 Drawer Lowboy Dresser or Buffet
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra mid century 9 drawer lowboy dresser or buffet This piece measures: 66 wide x
Wood
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Dining Table with 3 Leaves
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra mid century walnut dining table with 3 leaves This table measures: 60 wide x
Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Dining Table with 3 Leaves
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra mid century walnut dining table with 3 leaves This table measures: 60 wide x
Walnut
Mid-Century Danish Modern Broyhill Sculptra Nightstand on Pencil Legs
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Danish Modern Broyhill Sculptra Nightstand on Pencil Legs Offered is a walnut nightand
Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 84 in L 29.5 in
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Surfboard Expanding Dining Table 2 Leaves
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra mid century walnut surfboard expanding dining table with 2 leaves This table
Walnut
Sold
H 36 in W 21 in D 20 in
Broyhill Sculptra Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Cat's Eye Dining Chairs, Set of
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra brutalist mid century walnut cat's eye dining chairs - set of 6 Each chair
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
Broyhill Sculptra Brutalist Mid Century Cats Eye Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra Brutalist mid century cats eye dining chairs - set of 6a Each chair measures
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 36 in W 20.5 in D 21.5 in
Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Cat's Eye Dining Chairs, Set of 6, No Captains Chairs
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra walnut cat's eye dining chairs - set of 6 - no captains chairs These chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Vintage Mid Century Modern Credenza c. 1960s
By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Denville, NJ
Broyhill Sculptra Collection, circa 1966. The piece radiates mid-century charm with its deep amber walnut
Walnut
Sold
H 36 in W 22.5 in L 36 in
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Cat's Eye Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Walnut Cat's Eye Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 22.5
Upholstery, Wood
Mid Century Broyhill Sculptra Triple Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Sculptra low triple dresser manufactured by Broyhill in walnut. This piece features the
Oak, Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Walnut China Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern walnut Sculptra series china cabinet made by Broyhill. The lower section with
Walnut, Glass
Mid-Century Rare Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Multicase
By Broyhill
Located in Raleigh, NC
A seldomly seen piece from the iconic Sculptra line by Broyhill furniture. This item is so unique
Cane, Rattan, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Credenza, 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern sculptra credenza by Broyhill Premier. Back edge of top surface is accented with
Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra Nightstands, Pair
By Broyhill
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1950's Mid-Century Modern night stands for sale. Manufactured by Broyhill, and part of the
Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Walnut And Slate Buffet Chest
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern Sculptra series buffet or dresser made by Broyhill. A walnut case with slate
Slate
Broyhill Sculptra Mid-Century Modern Walnut King Size Headboard, 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut king size headboard By Broyhill Brasilia, "Sculptra
Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 17 in D 60 in
Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Slate Mid-Century Modern Buffet Sideboard Credenza MCM
By Broyhill
Located in Dayton, OH
Broyhill Premier Sculptra collection buffet or credenza, circa 1960s. Made of walnut with slate top
Slate
Sold
H 68 in W 38.5 in D 17 in
Broyhill Sculptra Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase Cupboard China Cabinet MCM
By Broyhill
Located in Dayton, OH
Broyhill Premier Sculptra collection bookcase or china cabinet, circa 1960s. Made of walnut with
Glass, Walnut
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Walnut Credenza / Buffet, 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern sculptra credenza by Broyhill. Signature relief cut pattern adorns the cabinet
Walnut
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Mid Century Highboy Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Premier sculptra mid century highboy dresser This dresser measures: 42 wide x 17 deep x
Wood
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Mid Century China Cabinet
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Mid Century China Cabinet This cabinet measures: 58 wide x 17 deep x
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Premier Sculptra Credenza Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Premier Sculptra Credenza Dresser Offered is a walnut dresser/credenza
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Premier Sculptra Credenza Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a walnut dresser/credenza made by Broyhill Premier's 'Sculptra'. Has 6 dovetailed
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Premier Sculptra Tall Chest of Drawers
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Premier Sculptra Tall Dresser/Chest of Drawers Offered is a walnut
Walnut
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill premier sculptra magna mid century 8 drawer highboy dresser This dresser measures: 54
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Premier Sculptra Tall Chest of Drawers
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a walnut tall chest of drawers made for Broyhill Premier's 'Sculptra' line. Has 5
Walnut
Sold
H 28.75 in W 58.25 in D 17 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Sculptra” Walnut Credenza by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Sculptra King Size Headboard
By Broyhill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern king size headboard made for Broyhill's 'Sculptra' line
Walnut
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century Full Headboard with Footboard
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra mid century full headboard with footboard The headboard measures 55 wide x 1.5
Wood
Sasco Semi-Flush Mount Brass Light Fixture, Custom Finishes
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
The Sasco is a versatile custom-made solid brass and glass globe light fixture, which can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. Shown here in our factory brass, an uneven unfinished br...
Brass
$5,800 / set
H 23 in W 24.75 in D 12.5 in
Italian Designer, Nightstands, Wood, Brass, Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, brass and glass nightstands designed and produced in Italy, 1950s.
Brass
$6,314 / 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
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,104 / set
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Tables Brutalist Style, 2022
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne. The creator chose for the Pyrénées mo...
Oak
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
$7,029 / item
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair Various Positions Nightstand in Walnut and Oak by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by his fascination with the aesthetic allure of interiors depicted in films and literature, Yaniv Chen endeavors to capture the essence of captivating spaces. Reflecting upo...
Oak, Walnut
Mid Century 9 Drawer Dresser
By Jan Kuypers
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional nine drawer dresser, of solid teak wood construction, in clean original vintage condition. This exceptional dresser was designed by Jan Kuypers for Imperial Stratford ...
Walnut
Art Deco Vintage Nightstands Pair Duo Maple 1930s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage nightstands pair duo from plywood and maple veneer shellac polished by hand, 1930s Austria. A very beautiful Art Deco pair of nightstands or small chests, each with ...
Maple, Plywood
$13,702 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern end tables boast unusual drawer fronts with recessed pulls. Quality construction with curved front tops, stubby tapered legs, and a vintage walnu...
Walnut
Helen Hobey Baker Midcentury Walnut Nightstands, Pair
By Helen Hobey, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Helen Hobey Baker midcentury Walnut Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 28 wide x 18 deep x 25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Metal
Arne Iversen Mid Century Danish Teak Nightstands - Pair
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Iversen Mid Century Danish Teak Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 22.75 wide x 14.25 deep x 20.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call rest...
Teak
Pair of Brutalist Modern Walnut Nightstands
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This midcentury pair of sculpted front nightstands adds distinctive brutalist modern style and spacious bedside storage. Interior cabinet offers a shelf for additional organization o...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous walnut dresser. Classic century design with unique brass handles. Complete with 9 drawers. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Walnut
Founded during the 1920s, the Broyhill Furniture Company was one of the stalwart North Carolina makers of mid-priced, traditional wooden furnishings, and it served American families well. The Colonial Revival style — chairs with turned legs, beds with split pediment headboards — had always been the company’s stock in trade. But the vintage Broyhill bedroom furniture, dressers and cabinets of the postwar era are quite popular with today’s fans of mid-century modern design — particularly those who enjoy more flamboyant stylings, such as those of Adrian Pearsall.
For collectors of a certain type, Broyhill is most admired for its brief foray into the contemporary furnishings of the late 1950s and ‘60s. In 1957, responding to changing tastes, the firm launched its Broyhill Premier line with the Sculptra series.
Sculptra pieces featured decorative molding with a square-within-a-square motif and horizontal cat’s eye-shaped drawer pulls. Five years later, Broyhill introduced the Brasilia furniture group, inspired by the Oscar Niemeyer architecture for the brand-new Brazilian capital. The collection made its debut at the Seattle World’s Fair.
The cabinet door fronts of vintage Broyhill Brasilia pieces feature moldings based on the sweeping colonnades and parabolic curves of such buildings as the Palácio da Alvorada (“Palace of the Dawn”), the presidential residence. As you will see on 1stDibs, Broyhill created a striking and spirited line of furnishings that will make a happy keynote in any Atomic Age-inspired interior.
Ohio retailer Big Lots acquired the rights to the Broyhill name and related trademarks in 2019.
Find vintage Broyhill tables, credenzas, seating and other items on 1stDibs.
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.