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Emilio Ambasz Knoll Stacking Office Chair Plastic and Metal
By Emilio Ambasz, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Emilio Ambasz for Knoll Office Chair stackable ergonomic modern design. Price per
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Qualis Chair by Emilio Ambasz for Tecno, 1991
By Tecno, Emilio Ambasz
Located in Budapest, HU
The Qualis Chair designed by Emilio Ambasz for Tecno in 1991 combines comfort and style. The chair
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Other

Qualis Chair by Emilio Ambasz for Tecno, 1991
Qualis Chair by Emilio Ambasz for Tecno, 1991
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 24.81 in
Qualis Office Chair by Emilio Ambasz for Tecno, 1991
By Tecno, Emilio Ambasz
Located in Budapest, HU
, designed by Emilio Ambasz in 1991. This high-quality armchair features a swivel five-spoke structure and
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Other

Emilio Ambasz Leather & Glass "NuAGE" Coffee Table for Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Emilio Ambasz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
architect, Emilio Ambasz for Poltrona Frau featuring a 1.5 cm thick tempered glass top, thick asymmetrically
Category

1990s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Space Age Desk Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti and Emilio Ambasz for Dorsal
By Emilio Ambasz, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Zagreb, HR
Set of four vintage space age desk chairs designed by Giancarlo Piretti and Emilio Abasz for Dorsal
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Space Age Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Plastic

Giancarlo Piretti, a Set of Four Chairs, Plia, Anonima Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Paris, FR
Domestic Landscape, MoMA, Edited by Emilio Ambasz, New York, 1972, p.37 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Periscopio Table Lamps by Danilo & Corrado Aroldi for Stilnovo, 1967
By Danilo & Corrado Aroldi, Stilnovo
Located in Rotterdam, NL
of rail and two floor lamps. Literature: "Italy - The New Domestic Landscape" edited by Emilio
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Ugo La Pietra (1938-) Overlying Bookcase black
By Ugo La Pietra
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Landscape. Curated by architect Emilio Ambasz, the exhibition included 150 Italian design objects from the
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Ugo La Pietra (1938-) Overlying Bookcase black
Ugo La Pietra (1938-) Overlying Bookcase black
H 68.9 in W 102.37 in D 22.84 in
Pair of Periscopio Table Lamps by Danilo & Corrado Aroldi for Stilnovo, 1960s
By Danilo & Corrado Aroldi, Stilnovo
Located in Rotterdam, NL
- The New Domestic Landscape" edited by Emilio Ambasz, page 62. Publisher: New York Graphic Society
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli bench Pierre Frey fabric 1970
By Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Paris, IDF
with Emilio Ambasz in the late 1970s, he also pioneered award-winning seating systems such as Vertebra
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Folding Lucite "Plia" Chair by Piretti for Castelli, Italy
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
together with leading figures of italian and international design: emilio ambasz, rodolfo bonetto, nilo
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti Mid-Century Yellow "Alky" Italian Armchairs, Castelli 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
” twice: for the vertebra seating system - designed together with Emilio Ambasz - and for the Piretti
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Giancarlo Piretti Mid-Century Orange "Alky" Italian Armchairs, Castelli 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
the “compasso d’oro adi” twice: for the vertebra seating system - designed together with Emilio Ambasz
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 6 folding armchairs Plona model by Giancarlo Piretti-Anonima Castelli 70s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Padova, IT
names of Italian and international design: emilio ambasz, Rodolfo Bonetto, nilo gioacchini, Giancarlo
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Giancarlo Piretti Mid-Century Green "Alky" Italian Armchairs, Castelli 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
the “compasso d’oro adi” twice: for the vertebra seating system - designed together with Emilio Ambasz
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Folding Giancarlo Piretti "Planta" Coat & Umbrella Stand for Castelli in Brown
By Anonima Castelli, Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
figures of italian and international design: emilio ambasz, rodolfo bonetto, nilo gioacchini, giancarlo
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Plastic, Lucite

Pluvium orange umbrella stand by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli 70s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Padova, IT
international design: emilio ambasz, Rodolfo Bonetto, nilo gioacchini, Giancarlo Piretti , Charles Pollock, f.a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands

Materials

Plastic

Minimalist Elegant 'Spider' Floor Lamp by Joe Colombo for Oluce, Italy 1965
By Oluce, Joe Colombo
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
'Italy- The New Domestic landscape' MOMA,, New York, Emilio Ambasz, 1972 Page 62 illustrated the wall
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Set of 2 folding armchairs “Plona” mod. by G. Piretti for Anonima Castelli 70s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Padova, IT
, collaborating with illustrious names of Italian and international design: emilio ambasz, Rodolfo Bonetto, nilo
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Emilio Ambasz (b. 1943) on several award-winning designs, including the two ergonomic seating systems
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Chrome and Clear Lucite Plia Folding Chair by Anonima Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Set of 8 Clear Lucite Chrome Frame "Plia" Italian Chairs for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Set of 8 Pink Lucite Chrome Frame "Plia" Italian Chairs for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Set of 8 Clear Lucite Black Frame "Plia" Italian Chairs for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Set of 6 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso d'Oro
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Set of 4 Chrome and Clear Lucite Plia Folding Chairs by Anonima Castelli, Italy
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Black and Transparent Plia Chairs Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli Italy
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, jointly with Emilio Ambasz, the Gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome, Metal

Set of 4 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 12 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti Lucite Pink Folding "Plia" Italian Chair for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Set of 6 Red and Smoked Lucite Plia folding chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti Lucite Pink and White Folding Plia Chairs for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso d'Oro (Italy) in 1981
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Red and Smoked Lucite "Plia" Folding Chairs by Piretti for Castelli Italy
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 Red and Clear Lucite Plia Folding Chairs by Piretti for Castelli, Italy
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 Cane and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal of BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso d'Oro
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Straw and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, together with Emilio Ambasz, the gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid Century Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca for Cassina, in Teack whis two Cristal Tops
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Emilio Ambasz was co-sponsored Cassina. In 2005 Cassina was purchased by the Poltrona Frau Group Iconic
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Crystal

Pop Combinable "Brick" Shelf by D'Urbino De Pas Lomazzi for Longato, 1970
By Jonathan de Pas, Paolo Lomazzi, Collezioni Longato, Donato D’Urbino
Located in Milan, Italy
or totally disassembled for shipping. Literature: Emilio Ambasz, "Italy: The New Domestic
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Shelves

Materials

Plastic

32 Dorsal Desk Chairs by Emilio Ambasz
By Castelli
Located in Dronten, NL
Set of 32 desk chairs 'Dorsal', designed by Emilio Ambasz and Giancarlo Castelli for Open Ark
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

32 Dorsal Desk Chairs by Emilio Ambasz
32 Dorsal Desk Chairs by Emilio Ambasz
H 39.38 in W 16.93 in L 39.38 in
Sedie 'Vertebra System' Emilio Ambasz e Giancarlo Piretti per OpenArk, 1970s
By Emilio Ambasz, Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Milano, IT
Gruppo di 3 sedie con imbottitura in espanso, rivestimento in tessuto e struttura in metallo e materiale plastico smaltati.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Sedie Vertebra System di Emilio Ambasz e Giancarlo Piretti per OpenArk - anni 70
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli, Emilio Ambasz
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di sedie con imbottitura in espanso, rivestimento in tessuto, struttura in metallo e materiale plastico smaltati. Discrete condizioni, rivestimento consumato.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Vertebra System Chairs by E.Ambasz E G.Piretti for Anonima Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli, Emilio Ambasz
Located in Padova, IT
backrest forward as the user moves his legs forward. Emilio Ambasz (Resistencia, June 13, 1943) is an
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Alessandro Becchi, "Anfibio", a Sofa Bed, 1970s, Giovannetti
By Giovannetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Paris, FR
, MoMA, Emilio Ambasz, New York, 1972, p.119 Note This model was part of the famous New York exhibition
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Cotton

Castelli Midcentury Rosewood Desk
By Castelli
Located in Austin, TX
, Charles Pollock, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Giancarlo Piretti, Gino Gamberini, Emilio Ambasz, Rodolfo
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Castelli Midcentury Rosewood Desk
Castelli Midcentury Rosewood Desk
H 30.25 in W 91.125 in D 40 in
Angelo Mangiarotti Marble Dining Table, 1969 by Skipper, Italy
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Munster, NRW
landscape Emilio Ambasz 1972 p. 46 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000, Volume I
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Angelo Mangiarotti Marble Dining Table 1972 by Skipper, Italy
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Munster, NRW
exhibition, Italy the new domestic landscape Emilio Ambasz 1972 p. 46 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio del
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Angelo Mangiarotti Marble Dining Table, 1972 by Skipper, Italy
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Munster, NRW
exhibition, Italy the new domestic landscape Emilio Ambasz 1972 p. 46 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio del
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

TOIO Floor Lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo CASTIGLIONI, vintage
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Landscape. Achievements and Problems of Italian Design. Ed. Emilio Ambasz. Exh. cat., Museum of Modern Art
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Plia Folding Chair Set by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1960's Italy
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
system - designed together with Emilio Ambasz - and for the Piretti collection, launched in 1988.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Giancarlo Piretti White Bouclé Fabric "Alky" Italian Armchair for Castelli 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
- designed together with Emilio Ambasz - and for the Piretti collection, launched in 1988.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Giancarlo Piretti Midcentury Brown "Alky" Italian Armchair for Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
with Emilio Ambasz - and for the Piretti collection, launched in 1988.    
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

2 red Alky chairs by Giancarlo Piretti a for Anonima Castelli  70s 
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Padova, IT
names of Italian and international design: emilio ambasz, Rodolfo Bonetto, nilo gioacchini, Giancarlo
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Angelo Mangiarotti, Pedestal Marble Dining Table, 1972 by Skipper, Italy
By Skipper, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Munster, NRW
, Italy the new domestic landscape Emilio Ambasz 1972 p. 46 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio del Design
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Vico Magistretti, a Pair of Armchairs, "Vicario", Artemide, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Paris, FR
. Provenance Private collection Literature Italy: The New Domestic Landscape, MoMA, Edited by Emilio Ambasz
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Giancarlo Piretti Lucite Pink Folding "Plia" Italian Chairs for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal by BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso d’Oro (Gold Compass
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Set of Three Black and Transparent Plia Chairs Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, jointly with Emilio Ambasz, the Gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti White "Plia" Italian Folding Chair for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal by BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso d’Oro (Gold Compass
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti White "Plia" Italian Folding Chair for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Emilio Ambasz, the gold medal by BD (USA), the SMAU prize in 1979 and the Compasso d’Oro (Gold Compass
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Aluminum

Giancarlo Piretti Clear Lucite Folding "Plia" Italian Chair for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
(USA). For the VERTEBRA seating system: in 1977 he was awarded, jointly with Emilio Ambasz, the Gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Aluminum

Afra & Tobia Scarpa, a Pair of Lounge Chairs, Model 925, Cassina, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Paris, FR
1968, p. 20 Italy: The New Domestic Landscape, MoMA, Edited by Emilio Ambasz, New York, 1972, p.30
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

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Emilio Ambasz For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the emilio ambasz you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A emilio ambasz — often made from metal, plastic and aluminum — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the emilio ambasz you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A emilio ambasz is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern and modern styles are sought with frequency. Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli and Danilo & Corrado Aroldi each produced at least one beautiful emilio ambasz that is worth considering.

How Much is a Emilio Ambasz?

Prices for a emilio ambasz start at $442 and top out at $22,113 with the average selling for $2,322.

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.