Mathieu Matégot Yellow and Black Metal Trolley, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women's clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
$3,065
H 8.86 in Dm 10.63 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern French White Metal Paper Bin , circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Fruit Black Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern, Enameled Metal Basket, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Metal
$2,169
H 14.97 in W 17.92 in D 5.91 in
Mathieu Matégot Black Lacquered Metal Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
$1,551
H 16.54 in W 18.9 in D 7.88 in
Mid-Century Modern Shelves by Mathieu Matégot, Metal, France, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Metal
$1,603
H 25.99 in W 15.75 in D 13 in
Mid-Century Modern Metal French Plant Stand Ashtray After Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
$1,511
H 32.29 in W 18.51 in D 13 in
MidCentury Modern White Metal French Plant Stand in the Style of Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
$3,013
H 0.4 in W 18.71 in D 13.98 in
Rare Red Tray by Mathieu Matégot, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Metal
$1,579
H 19.69 in W 8.27 in D 17.72 in
Mathieu Matégot Brass and Black Metal French Harpers Magazine Rack, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as
Brass, Metal
$3,013
H 1.19 in W 15.36 in D 21.26 in
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Tray with Rattan Design, France, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Red Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
$1,747
H 6.7 in Dm 7.49 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Metal Black French Flower Pot, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Metal French Flower Pots
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, 39 cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
$964
H 1.38 in Dm 17.52 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Enameled Metal Plate, Atelier Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, 22.5 cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 32cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 36"
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 40cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
$1,446
H 1.38 in Dm 17.72 in
Mathieu Matégot Black Mid-Century Modern Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
$1,995
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 5.91 in
Mathieu Matégot White Metal Magazine Holder, Mid-Century Modern, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Budapest, he moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing
Metal
$1,687
H 15.75 in W 13.78 in D 9.45 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Black Metal Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Budapest, he moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing
Metal
$13,259
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 22.84 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Copacabana Chair by Mathieu Matégot, 1954
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s, and upon
Steel
Mathieu Mategot Black Metal Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Metal
White Metal Magazine Holder by Mathieu Matégot, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s and upon
Metal
$723
H 0.4 in W 9.65 in D 5.52 in
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
$2,953
H 14.97 in W 17.72 in D 6.3 in
Mathieu Matégot White Lacquered Metal Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 32cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Tray, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Womens Designer HERMES ALLIGATOR ORAN SANDALS
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Oran Sandals crafted in a shiny alligator skin in the shade of Pink Electric. Signature double strap in the form of 'H' shape. Sole and heel are crafted out of stacked wood. P...
WOMENS DESIGNER Tommy Hillfiger - Tommy Jeans Puffer Jacket - Red - XS
Located in London, GB
HARDWARE Silver MATERIAL Polyester MEASUREMENTS Size XS PRODUCT TYPE Clothing, jacket
Womens Designer JIMMY CHOO 122 TAME BLUE SUEDE CRYSTAL HEELS
By Jimmy Choo
Located in London, GB
Stunning pair of Jimmy Choo 122 Tame Blue and crystal embellished strappy heels in suede. Semi round-toe slingback pumps with concealed platforms, crystal embellishments throughout ...
WOMENS DESIGNER Stuart Weitzman Satin Peeptoe Heels Red
By Stuart Weitzman
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of Stuart Weitzman peep-toe heeled satin pumps edged in diamonte stones. Size 36.5 UK 3.5. A preloved pair which are in good condition but need a good clean. Do look at...
Womens Designer VERSACE MEDUSA AEVITAS SATIN PLATFORM PUMPS
By Versace
Located in London, GB
The Medusa Aevitas pumps from Versace are a lesson in statement glamour. They're made from pink satin with towering double platforms and come embellished with crystals and Medusa cha...
Rare Mathieu Matégot Centerpiece Bar Stand, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Wilnis, UT
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enamel Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Holmfirth, GB
early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Shelf Model “Escargot” by Mathieu Mategot, France, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Holmfirth, GB
, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as
Metal
Magazine holder by Mathieu Matégot for Artimeta
By Mathieu Matégot, Artimeta
Located in Antwerp, BE
1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Enameled White Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Arimeta, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Mathieu Matégot Metal Plant Stand, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Shelve, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Set of Four Mathieu Matégot Garden Chairs
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France, in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Coffee Table, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
women's clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s and upon
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Coat Rack for Artimeta Soest, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Budapest, he moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matègot Corner Shelf, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Sold
H 8.86 in Dm 10.63 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern French White Metal Paper Bin , circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Bellevue' Coffee Table, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women's clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 37.8 in D 22.45 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Metal Sofa, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Lacquer
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Ashtray Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s, and upon
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Enameled Black Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s and upon
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s, and upon
Metal
Pair of Mathieu Matégot Side Tables, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s, and upon
Metal
Set of Two Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Metal French Flower Pots
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matègot Enameled Metal Fruit Bowl, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matègot Enameled Metal Fruit Bowl, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Red Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Yellow and Black Trolley, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
worked as a window dresser and women's clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Metal
Mathieu Mategot Extra Dry Trolley, circa 1952
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Kangourou Tables
By Mathieu Matégot, Patrice Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Brass, Metal
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 125.99 in D 21.66 in
Set of Mathieu Mategot Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Sofa, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 69.3 in D 29.14 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Formalist Black Lacquered Curved Metal Sofa
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 37.8 in D 22.45 in
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Formalist Black Lacquered Metal Sofa
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a
Lacquer
Sold
H 22.84 in W 13 in D 13 in
Mathieu Matégot, Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Metal, French Ashtray, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Ceramic
Sold
H 21.5 in W 12.5 in L 21.5 in
Mathieu Matégot and Georges Jouve 'Patte D'ours' Ashtray with Stand, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot, Georges Jouve
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Steel
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Ashtray, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot, Georges Jouve
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Sold
H 22.84 in W 12.6 in D 11.42 in
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Modern Yellow Ceramic Ashtray
By Mathieu Matégot, Georges Jouve
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Ceramic
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Ashtray, circa 1950
By Georges Jouve, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Budapest, he moved to France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing
Metal
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Ashtray, circa 1950
By Georges Jouve
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Ashtray, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot, Georges Jouve
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Sold
H 5.91 in W 6.7 in D 5.32 in
Meissen Commedia Dell' Arte Group 'Harlequin & Columbina', by Kaendler, ca 1860
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
mask and usually wears simple women's clothing. Designer: JOHANN JOACHIM KÄNDLER (1706 - 1775
Porcelain
Mathieu Mategot, Flying Table, circa 1950-1959
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Matègot & George Jouve, Ashtray
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Ceramic
Mathieiu Mategot Dedal Wall Shelf
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Garden Table
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
France in the early 1930s, where he worked as a window dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned
Metal
Mathieu Mategot Magazine Holder, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the 1940s
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Bellevue' Coffee Table, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women's clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal
Pair of Mathieu Mategot Magazine Holders, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
dresser and women’s clothing designer. He learned metalworking techniques as a prisoner of war in the
Metal, Enamel
$17,117 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
$6,388 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.