$5,996Sale Price|25% Off
H 30.25 in W 82 in D 36 in
Tulip Group Sofa in Rosewood by K M Wilkins for G-Plan of England
By G Plan Furniture, Thonet, Percival Lafer, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This extraordinary three-seater G-Plan sofa, conceived by K.M. Wilkins for the celebrated “Tulip
Velvet, Rosewood, Upholstery
$2,495 / set
H 31.25 in W 24.5 in D 22.5 in
MCM Tulip Swivel Armchairs White Shell & Black Cushions by Burke Set of 4
By Maurice Burke
Located in Topeka, KS
chairs. Burke modeled their fiberglass chairs after Saarinen’s tulip chair and Eames fiberglass shell
Metal
$995
H 31.25 in W 24.5 in D 22.5 in
1 Mid-20th Century MCM Tulip Armchair with White Shell & Black Cushion by Burke
By Burke, Inc., Maurice Burke
Located in Topeka, KS
Saarinen’s tulip chair and Eames fiberglass shell chairs as a more affordable option for the masses. But they
Metal
$2,795 / set
H 31.25 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Mid-20th Century MCM Tulip Chairs White Shell & Black Cushions by Burke Set of 4
By Maurice Burke, Burke, Inc.
Located in Topeka, KS
shell chairs. Burke modeled their fiberglass chairs after Saarinen’s tulip chair and Eames fiberglass
Metal
Eames Table and 4 Saarinen Tulip Chairs Dining Set
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Eero Saarinen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
signed Knoll tulip chairs paired with a Herman Miller dining table. Table is model 650, featuring white
Aluminum
Sold
H 29.75 in W 46.75 in D 17 in
Large Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Planter on Tulip Bases with Metal Insert
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Large Mid-Century Modern solid oak planter on twin tulip bases. This is a one-of-a-kind piece, you
Metal
1950s Early Tulip Swivel Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll - a pair
By Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Iconic pair of tulip swivel chairs designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates. These chairs
Fiberglass
Tulip Seating Group in Rosewood by K M Wilkins for G-Plan of England
By Percival Lafer, G Plan Furniture, Charles and Ray Eames, Thonet
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A breathtaking embodiment of 1970s British modernism, this G-Plan “Tulip Group” ensemble by K.M
Velvet, Rosewood
Sold
H 31.25 in W 20.5 in D 21 in
1 Mid Century Modern Tulip Side Chair White Shell & Black Cushions by Burke
By Burke, Inc., Maurice Burke
Located in Topeka, KS
Saarinen’s tulip chair and Eames fiberglass shell chairs as a more affordable option for the masses. But they
Metal
Sold
H 33 in W 19 in L 33 in
Burke Fiberglass #103 Shell Chairs with Padded Seats Set of 5 Mid-Century Modern
By Burke, Inc., Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Topeka, KS
Saarinen’s tulip chair or Eames fiberglass shell chairs as a more affordable options for the masses. But
Metal
Modern Eames Style Square Tulip Table
Located in Wilton, CT
Modern Eames Style 48" Square Tulip Table. Table top is new and has never been used. The pedestal
Metal
Eames Saarinen Style Tulip Desk Chair by Burke
By Burke, Inc., Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome Mid-Century Modern fiberglass armchair by Burke. Evocative of Eames fiberglass armshells
Fiberglass
Sold
H 29 in W 42 in D 42 in
Eames for Herman Miller Dining Table with Eero Saarinen Knoll Tulip Chairs
By Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Eero Saarinen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dining set consisting of table and 4 tulip chairs by the iconic American designers Charles and Ray
Aluminum
Sold
H 29.75 in W 46.75 in D 17 in
Large Modern Solid Oak Planter on White Tulip Bases with Metal Insert
By Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Large Mid-Century Modern refinished solid oak planter on twin Saarinen style tulip bases. This is a
Metal
Sold
H 30.25 in W 36.38 in D 36 in
Tulip Group Lounge Chairs in Rosewood by K M Wilkins for G-Plan of England
By Charles and Ray Eames, G Plan Furniture, Percival Lafer, Thonet
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This exquisite pair of G-Plan “Tulip Group” armchairs, designed by K.M. Wilkins and crafted in
Velvet, Rosewood
Brutalist Steel Wall Sculpture
By Paul Evans
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Silas Seandel. Can be hung vertically or horizontally. Pictured with Eames DCW and Saarinen tulip table
Steel
Sold
H 31 in W 24.5 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Modern Burke Inc Fiberglass Shell Desk Armchair Rolling Swivel Tilt
By Burke, Inc.
Located in Topeka, KS
after Saarinen’s tulip chair and Eames fiberglass shell chairs as a more affordable option for the
Teak
Pair of c. 1960's Scandinavian leather lounge chairs
By Ingmar Relling
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Experience the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design with this exquisite pair of c. 1960's leather lounge chairs, most probably of Norwegian origin. These stunning pieces feature ...
Steel
$28,500
H 26.5 in W 92.75 in D 32 in
Warren Platner Walnut and Leather Floating Case Sofa for Lehigh Leopold, c. 1970
By Lehigh Leopold, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and highly sought-after collectors piece (with celebrity provenance) is a Warren Platner Executive Leather Case Sofa designed for Lehigh Leopold in circa 1970...
Chrome
$825Sale Price|47% Off
H 27.56 in Dm 21.66 in
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional JT Kalmar chandelier with large ice frost glass with chrome structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the Austrian Design. This uniq...
Glass
Smoked Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Central Brass Plate
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall sconces made of a piece of curved and wavy Murano glass with a central brass plate. Two lights per sconce. Price per sconce
Brass
Large 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imaginatio...
Metal, Iron
Adrian Pearsall "Havana" Satellite Chaise Lounge Chair & Ottoman / Baughman
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
Adrian Pearsall "Havana" Lounge Chair & Ottoman for Craft Associates. Style of Milo Baughman Chair Model #1717 - RC / Ottoman #1841-O Most likely will desire to reupholster this fo...
Wood
$3,387 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 55.91 in
Compact Orbitale Brass Chandelier 3 Rotating Balanced Arms, Low Ceiling Featured
By Arteluce, Stilnovo, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This unique compact brass chandelier has been expertly designed to work perfectly also with lower ceilings. With a 12-inch (30 cm) tall body, it allows for a 6-inch (15 cm) space to ...
Metal, Brass
$4,680 / item
H 30 in W 48 in D 18 in
Minimalist Curved Front Arcade Console in Lichen on Oak by Martin and Brockett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin & Brockett's Arcade Console 48” is a nod to the ancient Roman architectural form- a succession of contiguous arches supported by columns. It features a slight convex curvature...
Paint
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,234Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in Dm 19.69 in
1950s Italian Mid-Century modern Brass Pendant 4 Light by Arteluce
By Arteluce
Located in Nicolosi, IT
1950s Italian Mid-Century modern Brass Pendant 4 Light by Arteluce A striking example of post-war Italian lighting, this 4-light pendant is attributable to Arteluce and dates to t...
Metal, Brass
Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit or wardrobe, walnut, Italy, 1970s This striking wall unit from the 1970s reflects a bold modernist approach with an architectural appearance. Crafted from rich walnut, the...
Walnut
$3,886 / set
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Pair of Mid Century Dedar Tiger Velvet Dante Armchairs, H. Lis, Europe, 1960s
By Henryk Lis
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful, restored armchairs designed by Henryk Lis. Original 1960s produced in Europe, Poland. Furniture after full carpentry and upholstery renovation. The fabric, which is cove...
Textile, Beech
$7,017 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 47.25 in
1968 Italian Chrome 5-Piece Tulip "Margot" Dining Set, Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA
By RIMA, Gastone Rinaldi, Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Stunning Mid Century Modern Italian set of 4 chairs and round dining table in chromed tube steel. Model name "Margot" by Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA, 1968. Suitable for indoor and outdo...
Steel, Chrome, Wrought Iron
Mid Century Rosewood Case Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid Century Modern Rosewood Case Sofa with Original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric. Chrome base. All cushions come off. 85w 34d 24h 15.5seat
Velvet, Rosewood
Mid-Century Propellor Coffee Table by Vladimir Kagan for Selig
By Selig, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
Restored vintage Propellor Table, designed by Vladimir Kagan for Selig. Redone in our dark walnut finish, featuring the signature nickel stretcher refinished in bronze, and a brand-...
Bronze
Lightolier, Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gerald Thurston floor lamp by Lightolier. Features a brass and walnut base and a perforated brass shade. Measures: 17" diameter x 64.5" height.
Brass
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.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.