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Mid Century Modern Wall Unit

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Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Italy, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Italy, 1970s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Italy, 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s

By Saporiti

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Shelves

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern wall unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s.  

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit "Made to Measure" by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit "Made to Measure" by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit "Made to Measure" by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

By Cees Braakman

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Wall-filling 'Made to Measure' storage unit designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe. The 'Made to

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Formica Wall Unit, circa 1980s
Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Formica Wall Unit, circa 1980s

Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Formica Wall Unit, circa 1980s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Large modular Mid-Century Modern wall unit offering multiple flexible storage options. Impressive 1

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Formica, Lucite

Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights
Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights

Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights

By John Widdicomb, Pace Collection

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice two part Mid-Century Modern wall unit display or curio cabinets.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Chrome

Kipp Stewart Wall Unit
Kipp Stewart Wall Unit

Kipp Stewart Wall Unit

By Kipp Stewart

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Mid-Century Modern wall unit designed by Kipp Stewart. One piece unit with cabinet

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Large Mid-Century Modern Bookcase or Wall Unit
Large Mid-Century Modern Bookcase or Wall Unit

Large Mid-Century Modern Bookcase or Wall Unit

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This impressive Mid-Century Modern wall unit boasts natural wood finish and spacious storage

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Burl Wood Thick Glass Shelves 3 Bay Wall Unit
Burl Wood Thick Glass Shelves 3 Bay Wall Unit

Burl Wood Thick Glass Shelves 3 Bay Wall Unit

By Milo Baughman, Pace Collection

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Modern wall unit. Secretary drop desk compartment. Outstanding modern decor setting piece of furniture

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Exotic Burled Multi Purpose Wall Unit
Exotic Burled Multi Purpose Wall Unit

Exotic Burled Multi Purpose Wall Unit

Located in Pasadena, TX

A mid century modern wall unit executed in an exotic burled veneer. A multi-use piece containing a

Category

Vintage 1960s Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Danish Mid-Century Oak Shelving System in Kjærnulf Style, 1960s.
Danish Mid-Century Oak Shelving System in Kjærnulf Style, 1960s.

Danish Mid-Century Oak Shelving System in Kjærnulf Style, 1960s.

By Henning Kjærnulf, Poul Cadovius

Located in Asaa, DK

Danish Mid-Century Oak Shelving System in Kjærnulf Style, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960
Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960

Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960

By Poul Cadovius, Cado

Located in The Hague, NL

Danish modern teak wall unit designed by Poul Cadovius, Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece is

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960
Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960

Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960

By Poul Cadovius, Cado

Located in The Hague, NL

Danish modern teak wall unit designed by Poul Cadovius, Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece is

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Chained Ceramic Four Unit by Duisburger Kunstgewerbe
Mid-Century Modern Chained Ceramic Four Unit by Duisburger Kunstgewerbe

Mid-Century Modern Chained Ceramic Four Unit by Duisburger Kunstgewerbe

Located in Doornspijk, NL

they form a sturdy and stylish wall object. Each plaquette was made in relief and has been finished

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet  by Nils Jonsson for Troeds
Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet  by Nils Jonsson for Troeds

Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet by Nils Jonsson for Troeds

By Troeds Bjarnum 1, Nils Jonsson

Located in Mortsel, BE

Very nice wall cabinet, some wear and tear see pictures please

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Large Mid Century Swedish Teak Wood Bookshelf Wall Unit by Bodafors
Large Mid Century Swedish Teak Wood Bookshelf Wall Unit by Bodafors

Large Mid Century Swedish Teak Wood Bookshelf Wall Unit by Bodafors

By Bodafors, Bertil Fridhagen

Located in Detroit, MI

This beautiful vintage mid century Swedish modern four-piece teak wood bookcase wall unit was

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Teak

Mid-Century Design Danish Metal Wall Unit, 1970’s
Mid-Century Design Danish Metal Wall Unit, 1970’s

Mid-Century Design Danish Metal Wall Unit, 1970’s

Located in Delft, NL

Metal holders with plastic shelves.

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960
Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960

Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Bookcase with wooden slatted structure with shelves and storage module, 1960. In good condition, with patina consistent with age and use. Origin: Italy

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Large Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase
Large Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

Large Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century Danish modern Hansen & Guldborg modular teak wood wall unit shelving

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson
Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson

Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century modern Omni wall unit shelving system designed by George Nelson is circa

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960
Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960

Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A classic mid-century wall unit with four wall mounted upright rails where four short and two long

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT
Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT

Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT

By Milo Baughman, Century Furniture

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Burl

Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wall Unit
Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wall Unit

Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wall Unit

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Danish Modern Teak Wall Unit. Pieces can be re-arranged. 96w 18d Rails are 69h

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Teak

Mid century Modern Italian Wall Unit - 1960s
Mid century Modern Italian Wall Unit - 1960s

Mid century Modern Italian Wall Unit - 1960s

Located in Uccle, BE

Mid century Modern Italian Wall Unit - 1960s Wear consistent with age and use / See Photos

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Franklin Park, IL

George Nelson for Herman Miller mid-century walnut omni wall unit - 4 bay This wall unit

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s

Located in Brussels, BE

IMid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

80s Wooden Wall Unit
80s Wooden Wall Unit

80s Wooden Wall Unit

Located in Ljubljana, SI

design pieces. A timeless accent for vintage, Scandinavian, or mid-century interiors. Good vintage

Category

Vintage 1980s Slovenian Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Plywood

80s Wooden Wall Unit
80s Wooden Wall Unit

80s Wooden Wall Unit

Located in Ljubljana, SI

design pieces. A timeless accent for vintage, Scandinavian, or mid-century interiors. Good vintage

Category

Vintage 1980s Slovenian Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Plywood

3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling
3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling

3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling

Located in Kensington, MD

to hang the unit, but to not use it would be to miss out on the true beauty of the rosewood. Two deep

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood Cado System Wall Unit
Rosewood Cado System Wall Unit

Rosewood Cado System Wall Unit

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Highly versatile and functional Cado System wall unit in Brazilian rosewood by Danish designer Poul

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley
Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley

Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley

By Stanley Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

mid-century American modern design. Stanley Furniture Company of Stanleytown, Virginia produced well

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a four bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Ca...

Materials

Aluminum

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Large Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Mirror, 1960s.
Large Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Mirror, 1960s.

Large Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Mirror, 1960s.

Located in Asaa, DK

Large Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Wall Mirror, 1960s. Large and impressive vintage Rosewood

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Rosewood

Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern Floating Rosewood Wall Cabinet 1950s
Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern Floating Rosewood Wall Cabinet 1950s

Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern Floating Rosewood Wall Cabinet 1950s

By Jacob Kjaer

Located in Detroit, MI

This truly stunning vintage mid century Danish modern rosewood wall-mounted cabinet shelving unit

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Wall Unit, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Wall Unit, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Wall Unit, 1960s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Wall Unit, 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Hallway Mirror with Console
Mid-Century Modern Italian Hallway Mirror with Console

Mid-Century Modern Italian Hallway Mirror with Console

By Fontana Arte

Located in Brooklyn, NY

remain facilitating the upper section of unit). Brass trim and brackets show patina, tarnish and wear

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern German Wall Unit, Wood, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern German Wall Unit, Wood, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern German Wall Unit, Wood, 1970s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern German wall unit, wood, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, Wood, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, Wood, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, Wood, 1960s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Italian wall unit, wood, 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Kai Kristiansen FM Rosewood Wall Unit #2
Kai Kristiansen FM Rosewood Wall Unit #2

Kai Kristiansen FM Rosewood Wall Unit #2

By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen

Located in Oakland, CA

Brazilian rosewood wall system designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik Denmark. FM

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood, Wood

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley
Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley

By Stanley Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

characteristic of mid-century American modern design. Stanley Furniture Company of Stanleytown, Virginia

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s
Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s

Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s

Located in Almelo, NL

Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s (24 Available, Priced Per

Category

Late 20th Century German Brutalist Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s

Located in Berlin, DE

Mid-Century Modern wardrobe or wall unit, crafted in the 1960s. This striking piece features a bold

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Poul Cadovius Cado Teak Wall Shelf Units, 'Three Pieces'
Poul Cadovius Cado Teak Wall Shelf Units, 'Three Pieces'

Poul Cadovius Cado Teak Wall Shelf Units, 'Three Pieces'

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of three Poul Cado wall units. One is a three drawer cabinet measures - 30"W x 16"D x 18"H

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Vintage Italian Chrome and Brass “Cityscape” Wall-Mounted Unit
Vintage Italian Chrome and Brass “Cityscape” Wall-Mounted Unit

Vintage Italian Chrome and Brass “Cityscape” Wall-Mounted Unit

By Renato Zevi

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Discover this stunning vintage “Cityscape” wall-mounted unit, crafted in Italy and attributed to

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Modern Wall Unit
Modern Wall Unit

Modern Wall Unit

$3,250 / item

Modern Wall Unit

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

pricing on other wood species! This modern wall unit for Bertu Home is made to order and has the best of

Category

2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'E22' Wall Unit or Bookcase
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'E22' Wall Unit or Bookcase

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'E22' Wall Unit or Bookcase

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, bookcase or wall unit, model 'E22', lacquered steel, lacquered aluminum

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 30 units, Germany 1960
Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 30 units, Germany 1960

Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 30 units, Germany 1960

By Limburg

Located in La xara, VC

1960s wall or ceiling cristal light. Metal base and round, clear glass shade. 1960-1970. All our

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 20 units, Germany 1960
Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 20 units, Germany 1960

Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 20 units, Germany 1960

By Limburg

Located in La xara, VC

1960s wall or ceiling cristal light. Metal base and round, clear glass shade. 1960-1970. All our

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 10 units, Germany 1960
Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 10 units, Germany 1960

Mid-Century Round Clear Glass Sconces Flush Mounts 10 units, Germany 1960

By Limburg

Located in La xara, VC

1960s wall or ceiling cristal light. Metal base and round, clear glass shade. 1960-1970. All our

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Glass

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Mid Century Modern Wall Unit For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century modern wall unit for your home. Each mid century modern wall unit for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. If you’re shopping for a mid century modern wall unit, we have 988 options in-stock, while there are 2 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century modern wall unit — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each mid century modern wall unit bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Hollywood Regency hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern wall unit over the years, but those crafted by Nils Nisse Strinning, String Design AB and Poul Cadovius are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Wall Unit?

Prices for a mid century modern wall unit can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $49,237, while the average can fetch as much as $3,500.

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.