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Mid-Century Modern Laminate Formica Top and Rattan Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Laminate Formica Top and Rattan Coffee Table

Mid-Century Modern Laminate Formica Top and Rattan Coffee Table

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Mid-Century Modern Laminate Formica Top and Rattan Coffee Table Scratch on one end of table (see

Category

Mid-20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Laminate, Formica

Mid Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Black Laminated Top
Mid Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Black Laminated Top

Mid Century Modern Walnut Coffee Table with Black Laminated Top

By Lane Furniture

Located in East Freetown, MA

Large mid-century modern wood coffee table with black laminated top.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Coffee Table With Beautiful Laminate Drawing
Mid-Century Coffee Table With Beautiful Laminate Drawing

Mid-Century Coffee Table With Beautiful Laminate Drawing

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage coffee table with twisted metal x-base. Laminate top picturing three window frames with

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak and Laminate Rectangular Coffee Table
Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak and Laminate Rectangular Coffee Table

Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak and Laminate Rectangular Coffee Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak and Laminate Rectangular Coffee Table. Item features a nice

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Unusual Mid-Century Modern Rosewood and Laminate Coffee Table
Unusual Mid-Century Modern Rosewood and Laminate Coffee Table

Unusual Mid-Century Modern Rosewood and Laminate Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique vintage modern coffee table features elegant rosewood sides with a white laminate top

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Chrome

White Top Mid-Century Coffee Table
White Top Mid-Century Coffee Table

White Top Mid-Century Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Interesting midcentury coffee table, white laminate table surface, metal trim on the sides, along

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Large Danish Mid-Century Round Coffee Table with White Laminate Top
Large Danish Mid-Century Round Coffee Table with White Laminate Top

Large Danish Mid-Century Round Coffee Table with White Laminate Top

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Large 38" 1960s Danish round coffee table featuring tapered legs and stylish white laminate top.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Frattini Inspired Coffee Table, Wenge, Smoked Glass, White Laminate
Mid-Century Frattini Inspired Coffee Table, Wenge, Smoked Glass, White Laminate

Mid-Century Frattini Inspired Coffee Table, Wenge, Smoked Glass, White Laminate

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Coffee table demonstrates architectural approach to furniture design popularized by Italian

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wenge, Laminate

Vintage Round Rattan Drum Shape Coffee or End Table with Laminate Top
Vintage Round Rattan Drum Shape Coffee or End Table with Laminate Top

Vintage Round Rattan Drum Shape Coffee or End Table with Laminate Top

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome round rattan drum shape coffee table or end table with laminate top. It is in wonderful

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Laminate

Original Freeform Coffee Table, Top Covered with Laminate, circa 1960
Original Freeform Coffee Table, Top Covered with Laminate, circa 1960

Original Freeform Coffee Table, Top Covered with Laminate, circa 1960

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Original freeform coffee table, top covered with laminate, blackened wooden legs terminated by

Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Laminate "T-Angle" Coffee Table
Vintage Laminate "T-Angle" Coffee Table

Vintage Laminate "T-Angle" Coffee Table

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Bring home the minimalist practicality that helped make mid-century modern design so popular. This

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Round Midcentury Bamboo Rattan Italian Coffee Table with Laminated Top, 1960s
Round Midcentury Bamboo Rattan Italian Coffee Table with Laminated Top, 1960s

Round Midcentury Bamboo Rattan Italian Coffee Table with Laminated Top, 1960s

Located in Roma, IT

Round midcentury bamboo and rattan side or coffee table with laminated top. This amazing item

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Laminate

Vintage Mid Century Modern WalnutCoffee Table with Rocket Legs Laminate Top
Vintage Mid Century Modern WalnutCoffee Table with Rocket Legs Laminate Top

Vintage Mid Century Modern WalnutCoffee Table with Rocket Legs Laminate Top

Located in Seattle, WA

This coffee table is an iconic Mid Century rectangle shape. It's such a great design with a walnut

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered White Laminate Parson’s Style Coffee or End Table
Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered White Laminate Parson’s Style Coffee or End Table

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered White Laminate Parson’s Style Coffee or End Table

By (after) Jean Michel Frank

Located in Topeka, KS

Fabulous Mid-Century Modern two-tiered white laminate particle board rectangle Parson’s style

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Laminate, Masonite

Yngve Ekstrom Flip Top Teak / Laminate Danish Style Coffee Table for Swedese
Yngve Ekstrom Flip Top Teak / Laminate Danish Style Coffee Table for Swedese

Yngve Ekstrom Flip Top Teak / Laminate Danish Style Coffee Table for Swedese

By Yngve Ekström

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A very well crafted teak wood flip top coffee table with easy lifting from the tops inset spaces

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Teak

1950's Mid Century Angular Low Table With Dark Slate Laminate Top
1950's Mid Century Angular Low Table With Dark Slate Laminate Top

1950's Mid Century Angular Low Table With Dark Slate Laminate Top

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950’s Mid Century Angular Low Table With Dark Slate Laminate Top. Good quality side table with a

Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Metal Base Coffee Table
Mid-Century Metal Base Coffee Table

Mid-Century Metal Base Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long five foot table or bench with white laminate top over walnut wood grain. Set on a black metal

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Long Coffee Table
Mid-Century Modern Long Coffee Table

Mid-Century Modern Long Coffee Table

By Lane Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage modern sofa table with white laminate top and tapered legs. Attractive mid-century design

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

1960s Chrome Serving Trolley Coffee Table Smoked Glass Top & Faux Laminated Wood
1960s Chrome Serving Trolley Coffee Table Smoked Glass Top & Faux Laminated Wood

1960s Chrome Serving Trolley Coffee Table Smoked Glass Top & Faux Laminated Wood

By Gallotti & Radice

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Mid-Century Modern Italy chrome serving trolley or coffee table, with smoked glass top with under

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Formica Top Coffee Table c. 1950/60's
Mid Century Formica Top Coffee Table c. 1950/60's

Mid Century Formica Top Coffee Table c. 1950/60's

By Baumritter

Located in New York, NY

Classic Mid Century coffee, cocktail table having a white formica laminate top on sculptural turned

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Jens Risom Walnut and Laminate Coffee Table
Jens Risom Walnut and Laminate Coffee Table

Jens Risom Walnut and Laminate Coffee Table

By Jens Risom

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Versatile square coffee or cocktail table by Jens Risom, with straight, turned walnut legs, squared

Category

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

Florence Knoll T-Bar Walnut Laminate Coffee / Cocktail Table
Florence Knoll T-Bar Walnut Laminate Coffee / Cocktail Table

Florence Knoll T-Bar Walnut Laminate Coffee / Cocktail Table

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century rectangular coffee / cocktail table with a walnut laminate top in three

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto large coffee low table, Artek c. 1970s, birch & white laminate top
Alvar Aalto large coffee low table, Artek c. 1970s, birch & white laminate top

Alvar Aalto large coffee low table, Artek c. 1970s, birch & white laminate top

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in London, GB

Alvar Aalto, Finland (designer) Coffee / Low Table Designed c. 1933, this example produced by

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Milo Baughman Attr. Black & White Laminate Checkerboard Coffee Table c. 1970s
Milo Baughman Attr. Black & White Laminate Checkerboard Coffee Table c. 1970s

Milo Baughman Attr. Black & White Laminate Checkerboard Coffee Table c. 1970s

By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

wood frame, the table is covered with alternating black and white laminate panels, forming a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Florence Knoll Coffee / Side Table with Laminate Top And Stainless Steel Base
Florence Knoll Coffee / Side Table with Laminate Top And Stainless Steel Base

Florence Knoll Coffee / Side Table with Laminate Top And Stainless Steel Base

By Florence Knoll

Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp

laminate top and a stainless steel base. A nice example of classic modernist design. The table stands in a

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!

By Paul McCobb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Birch, Laminate

Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll Oval Pedestal Tulip Coffee Table in White Laminate
Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll Oval Pedestal Tulip Coffee Table in White Laminate

Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll Oval Pedestal Tulip Coffee Table in White Laminate

By Knoll, Eero Saarinen

Located in Stamford, CT

invites in all those around it. The table features a satin white laminate top and a painted cast metal

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Low Profile
Vintage Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Low Profile

Vintage Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Low Profile

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage MCM Laminate Low Profile Multi-tier Coffee Table The

Category

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

Materials

Laminate

Thomas O'Brien "Vintage Modern" Teak and White Laminate Coffee Table
Thomas O'Brien "Vintage Modern" Teak and White Laminate Coffee Table

Thomas O'Brien "Vintage Modern" Teak and White Laminate Coffee Table

By Thomas O'brien

Located in Chicago, IL

A fantastic rendition of the style of coffee table that is typical of the form from the mid 20th

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Postmodern White Laminate Metal Coffee Table End Table Casters Style Brian Kane
Postmodern White Laminate Metal Coffee Table End Table Casters Style Brian Kane

Postmodern White Laminate Metal Coffee Table End Table Casters Style Brian Kane

By Brian Kane

Located in Topeka, KS

Stylish Postmodern white laminate rolling low coffee table or end table on casters in the style of

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Sofa Table "Tulip" with white laminated top by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
Sofa Table "Tulip" with white laminated top by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

Sofa Table "Tulip" with white laminated top by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

By Eero Saarinen, Knoll

Located in Beograd, RS

round laminated top. Manufacturer's attribution mark is still present at the bottom of the table top as

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s
Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Coffee Table, Italy 1980s

By Memphis Group

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Mid-Century Memphis style side coffee table, Italy 1980s. Lacquered laminate table top

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate

Mid-Century modern 1960s extendable coffee table by Nathan
Mid-Century modern 1960s extendable coffee table by Nathan

Mid-Century modern 1960s extendable coffee table by Nathan

Located in London, GB

A unique Mid-Century coffee table with an extendable top, made by English manufacturer Nathan. The

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Teak

Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Southampton, NY

Mid Century Modern Extendable Coffee Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Sleek Original Mid

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Formica

Classic Mid Century "Artist Pallet" shape coffee / cocktail table
Classic Mid Century "Artist Pallet" shape coffee / cocktail table

Classic Mid Century "Artist Pallet" shape coffee / cocktail table

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Mid Century "Artist Pallet" shape coffee / cocktail table, Unusual (3) hairpin leg design

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Round Coffee Table Charles Eames Herman Miller
Mid Century Round Coffee Table Charles Eames Herman Miller

Mid Century Round Coffee Table Charles Eames Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, Charles Eames

Located in Baltimore, MD

Rare 1950's coffee table designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, early production, Aluminum

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Jen Risom Walnut Coffee Table
Mid-Century Jen Risom Walnut Coffee Table

Mid-Century Jen Risom Walnut Coffee Table

By Jens Risom

Located in Pasadena, TX

40? Mid-century Jen Rison walnut coffee table. Jens Risom coffee table in walnut laminate

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee a...

Materials

Walnut

Hans Wegner / Johannes Hansen Danish Black Laminate and Teak Reversible Coffee T
Hans Wegner / Johannes Hansen Danish Black Laminate and Teak Reversible Coffee T

Hans Wegner / Johannes Hansen Danish Black Laminate and Teak Reversible Coffee T

By Johannes Hansen

Located in Queens, NY

Danish mid-century coffee / cocktail table with a circular reversible top with a black laminate

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak, Laminate

Mid-century Coffee Table with Brass Base
Mid-century Coffee Table with Brass Base

Mid-century Coffee Table with Brass Base

Located in Brooklyn, NY

grain finished top. Unique vintage table with interesting brass details, woodgrain laminate top. Please

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Round Two Tier Greek Key Pattern Laminate Top Occasional Side End Table Stand
Round Two Tier Greek Key Pattern Laminate Top Occasional Side End Table Stand

Round Two Tier Greek Key Pattern Laminate Top Occasional Side End Table Stand

By Heritage-Henredon, Drexel

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Round Two Tier Greek key pattern laminate top occasional side end table stand.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Laminate

Reversible top around Danish Mill Century modern coffee table
Reversible top around Danish Mill Century modern coffee table

Reversible top around Danish Mill Century modern coffee table

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid century modern danish teak round coffee table with reversible top of exceptional quality

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table, 'Black Top'
Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table, 'Black Top'

Florence Knoll T-Bar Coffee Table, 'Black Top'

By Florence Knoll

Located in Kalamazoo, MI

This classic steel T-Bar coffee table was designed by Florence Knoll in approximately 1952. It

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Danish Mid Century Aerodynamic Expanding Coffee Table
Danish Mid Century Aerodynamic Expanding Coffee Table

Danish Mid Century Aerodynamic Expanding Coffee Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

Versatile coffee table made of flame birch and teak with sliding top to reveal a black laminate

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

American mid-century modern coffee table ETR by Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
American mid-century modern coffee table ETR by Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s

American mid-century modern coffee table ETR by Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in MIlano, IT

American mid-century modern coffee table ETR by Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s Coffee table mod

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Gae Aulenti Laminate and Purple Metal Italian Coffee Table for Zanotta, 1970s
Gae Aulenti Laminate and Purple Metal Italian Coffee Table for Zanotta, 1970s

Gae Aulenti Laminate and Purple Metal Italian Coffee Table for Zanotta, 1970s

By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti

Located in Roma, IT

Amazing midcentury laminate and purple enamel metal coffee table. This fantastic piece was designed

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Mid Century Modern Vintage Chocolate Brown Green Walnut Coffee Table c1940 Italy
Mid Century Modern Vintage Chocolate Brown Green Walnut Coffee Table c1940 Italy

Mid Century Modern Vintage Chocolate Brown Green Walnut Coffee Table c1940 Italy

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid Century Modern vintage circular coffee table or side table from solid walnut in chocolate

Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Coffee Table in Teck
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Coffee Table in Teck

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Coffee Table in Teck

Located in Courbevoie, FR

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian coffee table in teck and celadon green laminate top. Magazine

Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Atomic Tiered Kidney Bean Table
Mid-Century Atomic Tiered Kidney Bean Table

Mid-Century Atomic Tiered Kidney Bean Table

By Lane Furniture, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Brooklyn, NY

biomorphic shape, this two-tiered table features a white laminated bottom shelf and glass top perfect for

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Hans Wegner Flip Top Coffee Table for Johannes Hansen
Hans Wegner Flip Top Coffee Table for Johannes Hansen

Hans Wegner Flip Top Coffee Table for Johannes Hansen

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in San Diego, CA

Johannes Hansen – Crafted from teak and oak with a flip top in black laminate – Mid-Century Modern design

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Laminate, Oak, Teak

Mid Century German Coffee Table with Rattan Shelf and Brass Legs
Mid Century German Coffee Table with Rattan Shelf and Brass Legs

Mid Century German Coffee Table with Rattan Shelf and Brass Legs

Located in Praha, CZ

This Mid Century Modern coffee table, produced in Germany during the 1960s, represents classic

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Yngve Ekstrom Flip Top Danish styled Coffee Table for Swedese Pastoe Sweden
Yngve Ekstrom Flip Top Danish styled Coffee Table for Swedese Pastoe Sweden

Yngve Ekstrom Flip Top Danish styled Coffee Table for Swedese Pastoe Sweden

By Yngve Ekström

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A great functional coffee table with a flipping top , one side is a well grained teak wood and the

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Teak

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Coffee Table Mid Century Laminate Top For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic coffee table mid century laminate top available at 1stDibs. Each coffee table mid century laminate top for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using laminate, wood and metal. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer coffee table mid century laminate top, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each coffee table mid century laminate top bearing Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco or Neoclassical hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one coffee table mid century laminate top that is appealing in its simplicity, but Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen and John Keal produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Coffee Table Mid Century Laminate Top?

A coffee table mid century laminate top can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,067, while the lowest priced sells for $419 and the highest can go for as much as $4,550.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Finding the Right Coffee-tables-cocktail-tables for You

As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.

Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.

Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.

If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”

Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs — shop Art Deco coffee tables, travertine coffee tables and other antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.