Mid Century Blenko

Blenko 1959

Blenko Glass By Myers

Blenko Decanter

Blenko Glass Owl Bookends

Mid Century Blenko Blown American Art Glass Applied Swirl Crackle Vase #8318

$310

Mid Century Blenko Blown American Art Glass Applied Swirl Crackle Vase #8318

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Nice mid century Blenko art glass handmade vase. Clear crackle body with a cobalt blue applied swirl to the neck.

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

American Mid Century Blenko Glass Apple

$145

American Mid Century Blenko Glass Apple

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful purple tainted Blenko glass apple excellent condition no chips or cracks great color and very collectible.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Brutalist Midcentury Blenko Amoeba Shaped Glass Candleholder

$260Sale Price|20% Off

Brutalist Midcentury Blenko Amoeba Shaped Glass Candleholder

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage Blenko candleholder. Shaped in an artistic organic amoeba form, this glass sculpture is beautiful, artful and sculptural all at the same time. An amoeba like form e...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Glass

Wonderful Mid Century BLENKO Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Centerpiece Bowl

$875

Wonderful Mid Century BLENKO Purple Amethyst Art Glass Large Centerpiece Bowl

By Blenko Glass

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Wonderful Mid Century Modern "BLENKO" Purple / Amethyst Crackle Art Glass Large Centerpiece Bowl, With Original Label.

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Pair of Brutalist Midcentury Blenko Amoeba Shaped Glass Candleholder

$375 / set

Pair of Brutalist Midcentury Blenko Amoeba Shaped Glass Candleholder

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and rare pair of vintage Blenko candleholders. Shaped in an artistic organic amoeba form, this glass sculpture is beautiful, artful and sculptural all at the same time. An...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Modern Blenko Style Vase

$275

Mid Century Modern Blenko Style Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Exceptional mid century art glass vase. Attributed to Blenko.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Mid Century Green Blenko Glass Lamps

$2,950 / set

Pair of Mid Century Green Blenko Glass Lamps

By Blenko Glass

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Gorgeous pair of Blenko Glass Lamps in a beautiful emerald green color. Lamps have been updated with clear lucite bases. They are newly wired with 3-way sockets. The lamps measure 31...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Blown Glass, Acrylic

Mid-Century Blown Glass Fish Lamp by Blenko

$580Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-Century Blown Glass Fish Lamp by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

An original piece that is current and unique. Mid-Century, Hollywood Regency, Eclectic, Coastal, Modern, Boho.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Blenko Persian Blue Crackle Glass Vase Mid Century

$300

Blenko Persian Blue Crackle Glass Vase Mid Century

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Blenko's "Persian Blue" crackle glass vases were part of the company's Mid-Century Modern designs, popular for their vibrant color and unique texture.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Ice Blue Glass Elephant Bookends, Mid-Century, 1960s

$475 / set

Blenko Ice Blue Glass Elephant Bookends, Mid-Century, 1960s

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Modernist set of tinted ice blue glass stylized elephant bookends. Blenko Glass Co.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Blenko Mid-Century Modern Glass Bookends, Bamboo Design, 1960s

$465 / set

Blenko Mid-Century Modern Glass Bookends, Bamboo Design, 1960s

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Pair of cast clear glass bookends with a stylized bamboo motif by Blenko.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Stunning Amberina Orange Red Blenko Lamp, Mid-Century Modern

$1,400Sale Price|20% Off

Stunning Amberina Orange Red Blenko Lamp, Mid-Century Modern

By Blenko Glass

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning vintage amberina red and orange Blenko lamp with original finial. The original lampshade show some light wear but the vintage Blenko Glass is in perfect condition. Lamp reta...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Blenko Large Red Blown Art Glass Vase Vessel Jug with Stopper

$1,200

Mid Century Modern Blenko Large Red Blown Art Glass Vase Vessel Jug with Stopper

By Blenko Glass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mid Century Modern Blenko Large Red Blown Art Glass Vase Vessel Jug with Stopper.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko

$300 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Cool pair of MCM hand-blown glass owl bookends by Blenko, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural finish on the front. Very cool...

Category

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

Materials

Blown Glass

American Mid century Blown Glass Vase by Blenko 1970's

$225

American Mid century Blown Glass Vase by Blenko 1970's

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous Blenko glass blown vase in lime green , excellent condition no chips or cracks circa 1970's.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Art Glass Bottle Set, Orange, USA, 1960s

$1,575 / set

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Art Glass Bottle Set, Orange, USA, 1960s

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Fantastic mid-century 10 piece set of Blenko Art Glass in vibrant orange tones.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Art Glass

Large Hand Blown Mid Century Art Glass vase att. to Blenko

$275

Large Hand Blown Mid Century Art Glass vase att. to Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Large hand blown art glass vase, attributed to the Blenko Glass Co. circa 1950/60's. The vase is executed in emerald green, and it is in great, original condition, free of damage o...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Glass Owl Bookend / DoorStop by Blenko Hand-Blown, 1970s

$175

Mid-Century Modern Glass Owl Bookend / DoorStop by Blenko Hand-Blown, 1970s

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

A very cool MCM hand-blown glass emerald green owl bookend / door stop by Blenko Glass, circa 1970s. The piece is very heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural...

Category

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

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Elephant Bookends by Blenko, Art Glass, USA, 1960s

$495 / set

Mid-Century Modern Elephant Bookends by Blenko, Art Glass, USA, 1960s

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Mid Century solid cast glass stylized elephant bookends. Backs are polished smooth, while fronts are textured.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Attributed Thick White Glass Catchall Bowl Ashtray

$395

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Attributed Thick White Glass Catchall Bowl Ashtray

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-Century Modern Blenko attributed thick white and clear glass catchall, bowl, ashtray.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Attributed Thick White Glass Catchall Bowl Ashtray

$395

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Attributed Thick White Glass Catchall Bowl Ashtray

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-Century Modern Blenko attributed thick white and clear glass catchall, bowl, ashtray.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide...

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Blown Glass “Mushroom” Candle Holders – Pair by Blenko Glass Company

$210 / set

Mid-Century Blown Glass “Mushroom” Candle Holders – Pair by Blenko Glass Company

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

A striking pair of Mid-Century Modern candle holders attributed to Blenko, showcasing the brand’s celebrated mastery of hand-blown art glass.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Olive Green Art Glass Cigar Ashtray with Four Rests

$390

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Olive Green Art Glass Cigar Ashtray with Four Rests

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Olive Green Art Glass Cigar Ashtray with Four Rests, circa 1960s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Blue Glass Fish Vase in the Style of Blenko Glass

$300Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-Century Blue Glass Fish Vase in the Style of Blenko Glass

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Fun mid-century blue glass fish vase in the style of Blenko Glass, circa 1970s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Olive Green Art Glass Cigar Ashtray with Four Rests

$300

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Olive Green Art Glass Cigar Ashtray with Four Rests

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Olive Green Art Glass Cigar Ashtray with Four Rests, circa 1960s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

Blenko Glass Promotional Item for Blenko Glass

$450

Blenko Glass Promotional Item for Blenko Glass

By Blenko Glass

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An uncommon and handmade glass desk weight in luminous tones of amber and red advertising the Blenko Glass works.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Original Blenko Mid-Century Modern Mint Green Art Glass Bowl, Centerpiece 1980

$595

Original Blenko Mid-Century Modern Mint Green Art Glass Bowl, Centerpiece 1980

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Marked Blenko Mid-Century Modern handmade Art Glass Bowl made in America 1980.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Amberina Stoppered Bottle att. to Blenko

$175

Mid Century Amberina Stoppered Bottle att. to Blenko

By Joel Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Mid Century Amberina, Tangerine glass stoppered glass bottle, attributed to Joel Myers, for Blenko circa 1960/70's.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Glass

Large Pair Blenko Mid Century Olive-green Ribbed Vases now as Lamps

$4,650 / set

Large Pair Blenko Mid Century Olive-green Ribbed Vases now as Lamps

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Francisco, CA

each hand-blown vase of striking size with everted lip and short neck above a ribbed cylindrical body all resting on a Lucite base

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Mid-Century Clear Glass Fish Vase in the Style of Blenko Glass

$425 / set

Pair of Mid-Century Clear Glass Fish Vase in the Style of Blenko Glass

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Fun pair of mid-century clear glass fish vases in the style of Blenko Glass, circa 1970s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Art Glass Vases by Blenko Blue and Amber Ball Form

$279 / item

Mid-Century Modern Art Glass Vases by Blenko Blue and Amber Ball Form

By Blenko Glass

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Pair of fish bowl vases by American glass blowing company Blenko. Amber colored case is a little taller than the blue vase 10 inch to 9.5 inch. Amber vase retains 90% of it's origina...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Massive Mid-Century Hand-Blown Glass Fish Vase in the Style of Blenko Glass

$575

Massive Mid-Century Hand-Blown Glass Fish Vase in the Style of Blenko Glass

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Massive mid-century hand-blown clear glass fish vase in the style of Blenko Glass, circa 1970s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Single Mid-Century Large Orange Blown Glass Bottle Shape Table Lamp by Blenko

$3,250

Single Mid-Century Large Orange Blown Glass Bottle Shape Table Lamp by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Stamford, CT

Single midcentury large orange blown glass bottle shape table lamp by Blenko Blenko Large Orange Glass Lamp with Brass Hardware. Not sold with shade. Hand Blown Glass, Brass...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Mid-Century Modern Gray Blown Art Glass Table Lamps Acrylic Base, Pair

$2,400 / set

Blenko Mid-Century Modern Gray Blown Art Glass Table Lamps Acrylic Base, Pair

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of Blenko Mid-Century Modern frosted light gray blown art glass table lamps with Nickel Hardware.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Nickel

1980s Blenko Purple Paper Bag Blown Art Glass Vase American Mid-Century Modern

$595

1980s Blenko Purple Paper Bag Blown Art Glass Vase American Mid-Century Modern

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Purple Blenko sculptural Paper Bag blown art glass vase, vessel, geometric shape made in America 1980. The sculptural purple transparent glass body looks stunning with every turn. No...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Blenko Art Glass Vase Pitcher

$250

Vintage Blenko Art Glass Vase Pitcher

By Blenko Glass

Located in Chicago, IL

A Vintage Blenko Art Glass vase pitcher. Attributed to Wayne Husted.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Tall Mid-Century Modern Amber Hand Made Blown Art Glass Vessel, Vase by Blenko

$1,200

Tall Mid-Century Modern Amber Hand Made Blown Art Glass Vessel, Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

1988 tall Mid-Century Modern handmade art glass vessel, vase, decanter by Blenko.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Set 2 Blenko Style Mid-Century Modern Hand Made Blown Art Glass Vessel, Vase

$950 / set

Set 2 Blenko Style Mid-Century Modern Hand Made Blown Art Glass Vessel, Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Set of 2 translucent baby blue Mid-Century Modern handmade art glass vessel, vase, decanter in the Style of Blenko.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Fish Bookends by Blenko

$450 / set

Fish Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-century era, pair of Blenko, thick glass fish bookends.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Blenko Glass Shell Bookends

$495 / set

Blenko Glass Shell Bookends

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

1970s Blenko glass clear glass shell bookends.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Glass Crystal Shovel Bookends by Blenko

$325 / set

Mid Century Glass Crystal Shovel Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted

Located in San Diego, CA

Each Measures: 5” W x 3.15” D x 5” H. Mid-Century, Hollywood Regency, Art Deco, Eclectic, Coastal, Modern, Boho, Organic Modern, Minimalist, Scandinavian

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Vintage Signed Blenko Pitcher Yellow

$525 / set

Vintage Signed Blenko Pitcher Yellow

By Blenko Glass

Located in Fulton, CA

Blenko hand crafted glass pitcher with applied handle. Signed on base "BLENKO". Vibrant yellow color. Excellent original condition. (this is one item, not a set) 10.63 inches high....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Blenko Glass Owl Book Ends

$650 / set

Blenko Glass Owl Book Ends

By Blenko Glass

Located in Denton, TX

1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers rare emerald green solid cast glass with textured design in the front and smooth on the back.

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Hand-blown Vase by Blenko

$495

Hand-blown Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful hand-blown glass vase by Blenko in a light plum. Vase is in excellent condition and measures 13"h x 10"d.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid Century Glass Vase by Blenko att. to Joel Myers

$395

Mid Century Glass Vase by Blenko att. to Joel Myers

By Joel Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Mid Century Art Glass vase by Blenko, attributed to Joel Myers.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Six Blenko Glass Zodiac Box

$175 / item

Six Blenko Glass Zodiac Box

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Set of Blenko art glass zodiac plaques. Being sold individually. There are: 2 Taurus 1 Aries 2 Cancer 1 Libra.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Early Glass Decanter by Blenko

$895

Early Glass Decanter by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful and early, hand-blown glass decanter by Blinko from 1958. The decanter is in excellent condition and has the acid stamp signature on the bottom.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardin...

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Blenko Art Glass Decanters

$1,245 / set

Pair of Blenko Art Glass Decanters

By Blenko Glass

Located in Norton, MA

A pair of Blenko charcoal crackle glass decanters with charcoal crackle stoppers, circa 1950s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Bright Red Blenko Glass Floor Vase

$1,100

Bright Red Blenko Glass Floor Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in Ferndale, MI

Bright Red 22" tall floor vase produced by Blenko Glass . Triangular shaped body with 7.5" diameter flared opening . Color changes somewhat in different light between orange and red...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Large Glass Vase Attributed to Blenko

$575

Large Glass Vase Attributed to Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Large, glass vase attributed to Blenko, red to orange color gradation. Fine original condition, free of damage.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Blenko Glass Punch Bowls and Glasses with Service for Six

$750Sale Price|40% Off

Blenko Glass Punch Bowls and Glasses with Service for Six

By Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Blenko Glass punch bowls and drinking glasses with service for six. Hand blown green glass with myriad shades and nuance of hues. In good original condition with all the ha...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Blown Glass

Striking Vintage Clear Glass Bookends by Blenko

$375 / set

Striking Vintage Clear Glass Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Solid and substantial, they bring an elegant mid-century presence to any shelf, desk, or curated display.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Blenko Hand Blown Oversized Vases

$1,595 / set

Blenko Hand Blown Oversized Vases

By Blenko Glass

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Pleased too offer this great pair of hand blown large vases. The top opening are slightly different but that is to be expected with a hand made piece. These oversized vases will look...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Decanter Designed by Joel Myers

$975

Blenko Decanter Designed by Joel Myers

By Blenko Glass

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Great green and clear glass Blenko decanter. This beautiful piece was designed in 1968 by Joel Myers. Notice how the stopper has the clear and green glass.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Ice Cube Pillar Candleholders, a Pair

$125

Blenko Ice Cube Pillar Candleholders, a Pair

By Blenko Glass

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Manufacturer: Blenko Year: 1960s Origin: USA Style: Mid Century Modern Dimensions: 6.25" tall x 2" wide x 2" deep.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Vintage S Monogram Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko, Pair

$200 / set

Vintage S Monogram Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko, Pair

By Blenko Glass

Located in Chicago, IL

Handsome pair of heavy mid-century cast glass ice-cube shaped bookends by Blenko with scripted capital S monogram.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Blenko Amberina Table Lamp by Winslow Anderson

$1,400

Blenko Amberina Table Lamp by Winslow Anderson

By Blenko Glass

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A iconic Mid Century blown glass table lamp by the Blenko glass company in a red amber fade called Amberina.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Blown Glass, Walnut

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects

20th Century Decorative Objects

Glass Decorative Objects

Decorative Objects on Sale

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Mid Century Blenko For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mid century blenko available at 1stDibs. A mid century blenko — often made from glass, blown glass and art glass — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the mid century blenko you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century blenko bearing mid-century modern, modern or Hollywood Regency hallmarks is very popular. A well-made mid century blenko has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Blenko, Wayne Husted and Winslow Anderson are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Blenko?

Prices for a mid century blenko start at $60 and top out at $9,000 with the average selling for $595.

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.