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Florence Knoll Bench
Florence Knoll Bench

Florence Knoll Bench

By Florence Knoll

Located in Miami, FL

Very long Florence Knoll bench designed for Knoll, brown upholstery and chrome base, 8 legs

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Modern X-Base Upholstered Bench
Modern X-Base Upholstered Bench

Modern X-Base Upholstered Bench

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stylish modern upholstered bench. Sturdy X-frame chrome base. The padded seat is covered in a black

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Erwine & Estelle Laverne Woven Leather Bench for Laverne
Erwine & Estelle Laverne Woven Leather Bench for Laverne

Erwine & Estelle Laverne Woven Leather Bench for Laverne

By Erwine & Estelle Laverne, Laverne Originals

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Leather woven bench by Erwine & Estelle Laverne for Laverne Originals c.1955, USA. The bench

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Monumental Florence Knoll Bench or Coffee Table
Monumental Florence Knoll Bench or Coffee Table

Monumental Florence Knoll Bench or Coffee Table

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Custom unique Florence Knoll bench for Knoll is black leather and chrome frame. Amazing opportunity

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Black Tufted Canvas Museum Bench by Metropolitan Furniture, 1986
Black Tufted Canvas Museum Bench by Metropolitan Furniture, 1986

Black Tufted Canvas Museum Bench by Metropolitan Furniture, 1986

By Metropolitan

Located in Miami, FL

Museum bench with newly upholstered heavy black canvas fabric on square tubular chrome frame by

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll for Knoll Ox Blood Leather Bench, 2 Available
Florence Knoll for Knoll Ox Blood Leather Bench, 2 Available

Florence Knoll for Knoll Ox Blood Leather Bench, 2 Available

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Florence Knoll for Knoll Ox-Blood Red 60" Leather and Chrome Bench. Very nice shape. Two Benches

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Architectural Postmodern Bench / Coffee Table White Lacquer & Polished Steel
Architectural Postmodern Bench / Coffee Table White Lacquer & Polished Steel

Architectural Postmodern Bench / Coffee Table White Lacquer & Polished Steel

By Karl Springer

Located in Las Vegas, NV

that pairs effortlessly with both warm mid-century woods and contemporary interiors. Dimensions: 50" L

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Walnut  Side Table with Chrome Legs circa 1950's
Florence Knoll Walnut  Side Table with Chrome Legs circa 1950's

Florence Knoll Walnut Side Table with Chrome Legs circa 1950's

By Knoll

Located in Wilton, CT

Florence Knoll Is considered one of the most iconic designers of the Mid-Century Modern era

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pair of French Modernist ‘Bauhaus’ Stools with Upholstered Seats by Hermès
Pair of French Modernist ‘Bauhaus’ Stools with Upholstered Seats by Hermès

Pair of French Modernist ‘Bauhaus’ Stools with Upholstered Seats by Hermès

By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Rare and Exquisite Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Bauhaus style benches / stools fabricated with

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Sitzgruppe Karl Andersson and Sner Carl Malmsten 2 Bänke + Tisch
Sitzgruppe Karl Andersson and Sner Carl Malmsten 2 Bänke + Tisch

Sitzgruppe Karl Andersson and Sner Carl Malmsten 2 Bänke + Tisch

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Berlin, DE

Designer: Carl Malmsten Herkunftsland: Schweden Epoche: 1960er, Mid Century Material: Pinienholz Maße ca

Category

2010s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Jorge Zalszupin Oxford sofa l'Atelier Brazil 1970
Jorge Zalszupin Oxford sofa l'Atelier Brazil 1970

Jorge Zalszupin Oxford sofa l'Atelier Brazil 1970

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

l'Atelier, Brazil 1970. These chairs are made with a chrome-plated tubular structure, leather straps, and

Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Chrome Square Benches
Chrome Square Benches

Chrome Square Benches

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of modern style footstools with black and red fabric and sleek chrome frames. Great as extra

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

Unique Mid-Century Modern Orange Bench
Unique Mid-Century Modern Orange Bench

Unique Mid-Century Modern Orange Bench

Located in Brooklyn, NY

in amazing condition. The bench sits on sculptural bent chrome legs and has a molded plastic backing

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Loveseats

Materials

Chrome

Allesandro Albrizzi: midcentury bed bench in chrome
Allesandro Albrizzi: midcentury bed bench in chrome

Allesandro Albrizzi: midcentury bed bench in chrome

By Alessandro Albrizzi

Located in Zemst, BE

High quality 'end of bed' bench In chrome with reupholstered cotton cushion. Design: Allesandro

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Chrome

Norwegian Rosewood Resin Bench Planter Table Mid Century Modern
Norwegian Rosewood Resin Bench Planter Table Mid Century Modern

Norwegian Rosewood Resin Bench Planter Table Mid Century Modern

Located in Lake Worth, FL

exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. Its rich red-brown hue and resilient construction, featuring a blend

Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Brown Leather and Chrome Bench
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Brown Leather and Chrome Bench

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Brown Leather and Chrome Bench

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century rectangular bench with a two section chocolate brown leather upholstered seat

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Pair of International Style Black Tufted Leather and Chrome Benches
Pair of International Style Black Tufted Leather and Chrome Benches

Pair of International Style Black Tufted Leather and Chrome Benches

By Knoll

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of American mid-century International Style (circa 1950) 'Barcelona' ottomans / benches with

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Curved Lucite Upholstered Stool/ Accent bench. Circa 1970s.
Mid-Century Modern Curved Lucite Upholstered Stool/ Accent bench. Circa 1970s.

Mid-Century Modern Curved Lucite Upholstered Stool/ Accent bench. Circa 1970s.

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Curved Lucite Upholstered Stool/ Accent Bench in the Charles Hollis

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Post Modern Karl Springer Chrome Daybed Chaise Sofa Bench by Selig
Vintage Post Modern Karl Springer Chrome Daybed Chaise Sofa Bench by Selig

Vintage Post Modern Karl Springer Chrome Daybed Chaise Sofa Bench by Selig

By Paul Tuttle, Selig

Located in Chicago, IL

Ultra modern Chaise lounge / daybed / bench by Selig in the manner of Paul Tuttle. Style of Milo

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Chrome

Classic 1960s Modernist Black and Chrome Bench Sette', after Arne Norell
Classic 1960s Modernist Black and Chrome Bench Sette', after Arne Norell

Classic 1960s Modernist Black and Chrome Bench Sette', after Arne Norell

By Arne Norell

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic 1960s modernist, Space Age black and chrome bench Sette. Reminiscent of the Classic designs

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Wonderful Transitional Chrome Velvet Stool Nickel Bamboo Jansen Bench
Wonderful Transitional Chrome Velvet Stool Nickel Bamboo Jansen Bench

Wonderful Transitional Chrome Velvet Stool Nickel Bamboo Jansen Bench

Located in Roslyn, NY

Perfect seating for the transitional or Classic rooms, this chrome / nickel stool with purple

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Smoked Chrome X Shape Square Benches Ottomans Stools
Pair of Smoked Chrome X Shape Square Benches Ottomans Stools

Pair of Smoked Chrome X Shape Square Benches Ottomans Stools

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of smoked chrome x shape square benches ottomans stools.

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Nickel

Paul Evans Cityscape Stool or Bench
Paul Evans Cityscape Stool or Bench

Paul Evans Cityscape Stool or Bench

By Paul Evans

Located in San Francisco, CA

Paul Evans design stool or bench for his Cityscape line, U.S.A. A rare form offered in its original

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Set of Three "Contempo" Ottomans, Benches, Footrests, Poufs
Set of Three "Contempo" Ottomans, Benches, Footrests, Poufs

Set of Three "Contempo" Ottomans, Benches, Footrests, Poufs

By Contempo

Located in New York, NY

reupholstered as the foam cushions have become hardened. Square chrome legs, upholstered tops, removable

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Chrome

Bench, Modular Seating By Allermuir, Cross Shape, Modern, Commercial Grade
Bench, Modular Seating By Allermuir, Cross Shape, Modern, Commercial Grade

Bench, Modular Seating By Allermuir, Cross Shape, Modern, Commercial Grade

By Allermuir

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Bench, Modular Seating By Allermuir, Cross Shape, Modern, Commercial Grade, Office, Gym, Postmodern

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

MCM Lucite Stool Bench Upholstered in Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
MCM Lucite Stool Bench Upholstered in Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric

MCM Lucite Stool Bench Upholstered in Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

authentic classic Monogram Louis Vuitton fabric seat atop a very sturdy lucite bench with chrome legs. This

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Futuristic Black Patent Leather Upholstery Oval Lucite Base Bench on Wheel MINT
Futuristic Black Patent Leather Upholstery Oval Lucite Base Bench on Wheel MINT

Futuristic Black Patent Leather Upholstery Oval Lucite Base Bench on Wheel MINT

By Charles Hollis Jones, Hill Manufacturing

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Futuristic Black Patent Leather Upholstery Oval Lucite Base Bench Piano Stool on Wheel MINT!

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Mid Century Pedistal Chrome Base Benches
Pair of Mid Century Pedistal Chrome Base Benches

Pair of Mid Century Pedistal Chrome Base Benches

By Stanley Jay Friedman

Located in Bedford, NY

Pair of benches attributed to Brueton Industries of New York and designed by Stanley Jay Friedman

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Chrome X-Base and Tufted Leather Bench
Mid-Century Chrome X-Base and Tufted Leather Bench

Mid-Century Chrome X-Base and Tufted Leather Bench

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid-Century chrome X-base and tufted leather bench.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Stylish Milo Baughman Style Chrome "Y" Base Bench
Mid-Century Modern Stylish Milo Baughman Style Chrome "Y" Base Bench

Mid-Century Modern Stylish Milo Baughman Style Chrome "Y" Base Bench

By Milo Baughman

Located in Miami, FL

You are looking at a super stylish 1960s-1970s chrome bench, sim. To some of the work of Milo

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern 1970s Chic Modern Chrome T-Bench
Mid Century Modern 1970s Chic Modern Chrome T-Bench

Mid Century Modern 1970s Chic Modern Chrome T-Bench

Located in Miami, FL

This piece has been Totally re-furnished , legs have been re- nickeled , seat has been re-foamed and reupholstered In a white crisp linen blend fabric . Great for foot of the bed, En...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Benches

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Baughman Chrome Pucci Fabric Stools or Benches
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Baughman Chrome Pucci Fabric Stools or Benches

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Baughman Chrome Pucci Fabric Stools or Benches

By Emilio Pucci

Located in Miami, FL

Metal construction with chrome-plated fin. Emilio Pucci fabric upholstered seat cushions. Benches

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Gallery Bench
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Gallery Bench

Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Gallery Bench

Located in Pasadena, CA

Mahogany and chrome hand carved gallery bench, 1970s. Measures: 17 H x 77 W x 35 D inches.    

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Bench in Chrome and Walnut
Vintage Bench in Chrome and Walnut

Vintage Bench in Chrome and Walnut

Located in Freiburg, DE

- Vintage bench in solid walnut - Features armrests dark teak - Honed and oiled - Non-toxic wood

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

1950s Chrome Long Bench, Kvadrat Upholstered Covers, USA
1950s Chrome Long Bench, Kvadrat Upholstered Covers, USA

1950s Chrome Long Bench, Kvadrat Upholstered Covers, USA

Located in Hudson, NY

the button/cording pattern to the top in a perfect contrast white. Pair of tri-leg chrome supports

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Leather Upholstered Chrome Bench Early Production, 1971
Florence Knoll Leather Upholstered Chrome Bench Early Production, 1971

Florence Knoll Leather Upholstered Chrome Bench Early Production, 1971

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Raleigh, NC

Leather upholstered chrome bench designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. The label on this piece dates

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Newly Upholstered in Aqua Blue Copper Bench Chrome Base
Milo Baughman Style Newly Upholstered in Aqua Blue Copper Bench Chrome Base

Milo Baughman Style Newly Upholstered in Aqua Blue Copper Bench Chrome Base

By Milo Baughman

Located in Houston, TX

Offered is a Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style newly upholstered in aqua blue and copper

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Baughman for Coggin Chrome X Benches with Llama Upholstery
Pair of Baughman for Coggin Chrome X Benches with Llama Upholstery

Pair of Baughman for Coggin Chrome X Benches with Llama Upholstery

By Milo Baughman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Outstanding pair of chrome X benches with Llama upholstery. Both benches are marked "Thayer

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Faux Bamboo, Chrome and Black Tufted Leather Bench
Faux Bamboo, Chrome and Black Tufted Leather Bench

Faux Bamboo, Chrome and Black Tufted Leather Bench

By George Koch Sons, Inc.

Located in Houston, TX

This is such an unusual and lovely faux bamboo and black leather bench by George Koch Sons. It's a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Chrome and Blue Strap Bench or Coffee Table
Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Chrome and Blue Strap Bench or Coffee Table

Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Chrome and Blue Strap Bench or Coffee Table

By Milo Baughman

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style chrome and strap bench is circa 1980. The clean

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

1970's Chrome Bench with Geometric Patterned Gray Upholstery
1970's Chrome Bench with Geometric Patterned Gray Upholstery

1970's Chrome Bench with Geometric Patterned Gray Upholstery

Located in Stamford, CT

Great bench to be used anywhere as an accent piece. Chrome is in good condition. New foam with new

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Foam, Cotton, Upholstery

Vioski New Century Modern Tufted Tuulla Bench in Pewter Gray
Vioski New Century Modern Tufted Tuulla Bench in Pewter Gray

Vioski New Century Modern Tufted Tuulla Bench in Pewter Gray

By Jeff Vioski

Located in Vernon, CA

The Tuulla Bench is part of the Tuulla Series, lead by the award-winning Tuulla Chair. The Tuulla

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Chrome

Ludlow Tufted Bench or Coffee Table
Ludlow Tufted Bench or Coffee Table

Ludlow Tufted Bench or Coffee Table

Unavailable|$4,250 / item

Ludlow Tufted Bench or Coffee Table

By Las Venus

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful bench upholstered in a deeply tufted velvet; shown here in a Classic Black. It is both

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Erik Jørgensen Bench, Model EJ 141, Designed by Jensen & Ernst
Erik Jørgensen Bench, Model EJ 141, Designed by Jensen & Ernst

Erik Jørgensen Bench, Model EJ 141, Designed by Jensen & Ernst

By Erik Ole Jørgensen

Located in Lisboa, Lisboa

, Denmark. It's a bench with legs made of chrome-plated and upholstered seat in black leather.

Category

Early 2000s Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Rare Gerald McCabe for Pacific Steel Slat Bench
Rare Gerald McCabe for Pacific Steel Slat Bench

Rare Gerald McCabe for Pacific Steel Slat Bench

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare bench from a series created by McCabe for Pacific furniture was utilized by many modern

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Bench, Footrest, Seat from Leather Gymnast Goat Pommel, Wheels; #2
Bench, Footrest, Seat from Leather Gymnast Goat Pommel, Wheels; #2

Bench, Footrest, Seat from Leather Gymnast Goat Pommel, Wheels; #2

Located in Madison, WI

Seating, footrest, bench made from leather gymnast goat pommel, circa 1950, from Germany. The legs

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Footstools

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench

Located in Toledo, OH

Mid-century modern chrome bench. Nice architectural bench of chrome-plated steel. Minor surface

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Chrome Bench
Mid-Century Chrome Bench

Mid-Century Chrome Bench

Located in New York, NY

Mid-Century chrome bench with textural ivory Boucle upholstery.

Category

20th Century Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Chrome Bench
Mid Century Chrome Bench

Mid Century Chrome Bench

Located in Middlesex, NJ

Mid Century Chrome Bench

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench

Located in North Bergen, NJ

Mid-Century Modern chrome bench with pair of matching throw pillows.

Category

Vintage 1970s Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Chrome and Upholstered Bench
Mid-Century Chrome and Upholstered Bench

Mid-Century Chrome and Upholstered Bench

By Milo Baughman

Located in Tarrytown, NY

Mid-Century chrome and upholstered bench.

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Chrome and Striped Bench
Mid-Century Chrome and Striped Bench

Mid-Century Chrome and Striped Bench

By Craft Associates, Milo Baughman

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century rectangular bench sitting atop chrome squared legs. This piece has been newly

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Chrome Bench
Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Chrome Bench

Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Chrome Bench

Located in Houston, TX

A Milo Baughman Style mid-century chrome bench newly rebuilt and upholstered in a charcoal wool

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench Knoll Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench Knoll Upholstery

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench Knoll Upholstery

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid-Century Modern chrome bench with Knoll yellow tufted upholstery, circa 1970's. Fabulous and fun

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

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Chrome Bench Mid Century For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the chrome bench mid century you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A chrome bench mid century — often made from metal, chrome and fabric — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a chrome bench mid century, we have 312 options in-stock, while there are 8 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect chrome bench mid century — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A chrome bench mid century is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency and Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made chrome bench mid century has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll and Knoll are consistently popular.

How Much is a Chrome Bench Mid Century?

The average selling price for a chrome bench mid century at 1stDibs is $2,400, while they’re typically $397 on the low end and $11,000 for the highest priced.

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 Benches for You

Don’t underestimate a good bench — antique and vintage benches are storage pieces, stylish accents and statement-making additional seating.

Today, benches are a great option to maximize seating in your house and outdoor space. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in foyers and entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host a hungry family with limited space. Whether you’re sprucing up your entertaining with upholstered Empire-style benches or adding more options to a dining room that’s seen a farmhouse makeover, this humble furnishing has only become more versatile over the years. Designers have recognized the demand for a good bench, crafting the convenient seating alternative from a range of materials, including wood, iron and even concrete.

Mid-century modern benches from George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand and the pared-down Platform bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller are classics of innovation, but maybe you’re looking for an unconventional design approach to your home's seating. Opt for something totally outside the box — an antique pine church-pew bench paired with a vintage wool throw and stationed under the mounted coatrack in your mudroom is a distinctive touch.

For your outdoor oasis, a wrought-iron patio bench is the obvious choice but not the only option. An enclosed back patio would do well to inherit a rattan bench with cushions, but it can be susceptible to weathering and should be covered or moved indoors when not in use.

Whatever your seating arrangement needs are, find vintage, new and antique benches for every space on 1stDibs.