XL Red Taupe Ceramic Table Lamp, Germany
Located in Rijssen, NL
The style of the glaze is called 'Fat Lava'. Which means the glaze is thick on some parts, like lava.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Space Age Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
Fat Lava
to
55
779
140
950
785
7
3
2
2
1
3
947
1
392
476
2
14
142
159
941
103
71
62
27
920
674
127
39
18
950
950
950
263
51
45
31
29
Tall Vintage Lava Stick Stand, German, Ceramic, Hall, Umbrella, Large Vase, 1970
$1,187Sale Price|20% Off
Tall Vintage Lava Stick Stand, German, Ceramic, Hall, Umbrella, Large Vase, 1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Appealing West German decor with wonderful period colour Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good, original order Quality ceramic finished in the distinctive 'fat lava' manner ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Planter Vase, Glazed, Earth Tones, France
Located in Miami, FL
A very good quality fat lava style midcentury ceramic planter vase.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-century Modern Vase Decor Ravenna by Bodo Mans for Bay Keramik
By Bodo Mans, Bay Keramik
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Mark Hill writes in his book Fat Lava "the vase is a scarce and desirable range which shows the influence of work by Pablo Picasso and Roger Capron, which the designer Mans saw when ...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Roth Keramic Red and Black Vase 1970s, West Germany
By Roth Keramik
Located in Hastings, GB
All designs are thought to be by Dorothea Roth This fat lava vase is model number 4110.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Otto Keramiek Buffalo Figurine by Otto Gerharz
By Otto Keramik
Located in Verviers, BE
The Otto factory is famed for new and innovative glazes (particularly fat lava and matte glazes) and was taken over by Otto's son in 1994.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Scheurich Amsterdam 2 Vases Lava Glaze West German Pottery 1970s
By Heinz Siery, West German Pottery, Scheurich Keramik
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The characteristic Fat Lava glaze, with its textured appearance, flows around the molded decor elements, creating a tone-on-tone color variations and adding subtle texture to balance...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid Century West German Ceramic Pitcher by Heinz Hommerich for Übelacker, 1960s
$263Sale Price|50% Off
Mid Century West German Ceramic Pitcher by Heinz Hommerich for Übelacker, 1960s
By West German Pottery, Ü Keramik
Located in Valencia, VC
This striking Fat Lava pitcher, designed by Heinz Hommerich for Übelacker or Ü Kermik, embodies the bold and organic aesthetic of mid-century West German ceramics.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Round Backlit Brown Ceramic Wall Mirror, Germany, 1970s
By PAN Keramik
Located in Barntrup, DE
The high-quality glazed ceramic wall mirror was manufactured in Germany in the 1970s, in the Fat Lava Art Pottery period. The gracefully shaped ceramic frame shows beautiful warm bro...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Metal
1 of the 4 Red Ceramic Wall Lights, West-Germany
Located in Rijssen, NL
The style of the glaze is called 'Fat Lava'. Which means the glaze is thick on some parts, like lava.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ceramic
West German Pottery Floor Vase in Red and Green ceramic by Scheurich, Germany
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extra large, gorgeous fat lava ceramic Floor Vase manufactured by Scheurich in late 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Burnt Orange Mid-Century Studio Ceramic Flower Frog, Sweden ca. 1965
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Andernach, DE
Funky fat lava style flower Frog from Sweden, unique piece, made from ceramic featuring a volcanic burnt orange to dark caramel.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Vallauris Ceramic Majolica Candle Holder/ Candlestick, 1960s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glazed Ceramic Candle Holder by Vallauris, France, 1950-1960s Beautiful candle holder for two candles in fat lava glazed ceramic. Nice colors: Shades of brown with white and red acc...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Vintage MCM Lava Glaze Ceramic Lamps - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Featuring a striking triple-gourd silhouette, these lamps are adorned with a tactile "fat lava" glaze that transitions beautifully from deep emerald green to vibrant citrine yellow.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Lava, Brass
Vintage West German Pottery Stoneware Vase Mid-Century
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage West German pottery or stoneware vase, likely featuring a dark, possibly "fat lava" style glaze characteristic of the era.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Pottery
1 of the 2 Playful orange Ceramic Wall Lights Ceramic, Germany
Located in Rijssen, NL
The style of the glaze is called 'Fat Lava'. Which means the glaze is thick on some parts, like lava.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Blue Ceramics by Charles Cart ¨Emaux des Glaciers¨, France, 1960s
$526Sale Price / set|40% Off
Mid-Century Blue Ceramics by Charles Cart ¨Emaux des Glaciers¨, France, 1960s
By Vallauris, Le Cyclope, Charles Cart
Located in Valencia, VC
Set of Two Mid-Century French Ceramics by Le Cyclope, Vallauris — Fat Lava Glaze An exceptionally beautiful pair of ceramics from the renowned Vallauris workshop Le Cyclope by Charl...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Garniture
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware
Vintage Patinated Lava Glaze Planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage planter is a masterclass in Brutalist expression, featuring a heavily textured "fat lava" glaze that exudes raw, elemental power.
Category
Late 20th Century American Brutalist Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Ceramic
Several Oval Ceramic Wall Lights, 1970
$935 / item
Several Oval Ceramic Wall Lights, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful set of oval ceramic wall lights in Fat Lava style. Manufactured in Germany around the 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Red Ceramic Roosters from Italy, Bitossi Style, Pair
By Bitossi
Located in Andernach, DE
Humorous Fat Lava style pair of roosters in a fiery red: mid-century ceramic figurines from Italy.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Art Ceramic Mystical Figural Dish, Belgium 1960's
$299Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Art Ceramic Mystical Figural Dish, Belgium 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Handcrafted hand made pottery dish with beige, brown fat lava glazes on the bottom of the bowl and red / orange glazes inside the bowl and the animal figure head and tale.
Category
Vintage 1960s Belgian Other Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Brown Gold Square Ceramic Messing Wall Lights , Germany, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Brown gold ceramic wall lights in Fat Lava style. Manufactured in Germany in the 1970s.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Vintage Lava Glaze Ceramic Small Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Its petite amphora silhouette is dramatically elevated by a high-contrast "Fat Lava" style glaze, a hallmark of the era's experimental ceramic movement.
Category
Late 20th Century German Brutalist Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Small West Germany Ceramic Vase, Vintage Mid-Century Art Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
The vase features a striking modernist band of lines in vibrant red, green and black, set against a rich, subtly textured white glaze—an iconic example of the "fat lava" style that h...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
bay keramik 1960's 70's vintage VASE red yellow black lava pattern model 67 30
By Bay Keramik
Located in Mannheim, DE
Intense red and yellow shiny glaze combined with black fat lava leaf pattern. Model number 67 30. Dimensions in cm: Height 31 cm, width 16 cm.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Jasba Keramik Aztec Duck Vase, West German Ceramics, Vintage 1960s
By Jasba Keramik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase by W. Germany, Hand-Crafted, 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The tall cylindrical form and textured glaze combine expressive color with sculptural simplicity, creating a visually captivating piece for collectors and interiors alike. Lava glaz...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Three brown Ceramic SPUTNIK Wall Lights by Pan Ceramics, Germany 1970s
By PAN Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Description: Original 1970s modernist German wall light set made of ceramic in fat lava optic. This super rare set of three walls light was produced in the 1970s by Pan Ceramics.
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Set of Three GREEN Ceramic SPUTNIK Wall Lights by Pan Ceramics, Germany 1970s
By PAN Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Description: Original 1970s modernist German wall light set made of ceramic in fat lava optic. This super rare set of three walls light was produced in the 1970s by Pan Ceramics.
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
1950s-1970s Bodo Mans Blue Rectangular West German Floor Vase, Geometric Relief
By Bay Keramik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century West German Ceramic Vase, Geometric Design, 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
Its repeated oval motifs, typical of “fat lava” and Scheurich-style ceramics, add a sculptural quality that catches light beautifully.
Category
20th Century German Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Ceramic Vase with Organic Textures, 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
The tactile surface, reminiscent of natural stone, reflects the “fat lava” era’s fascination with texture and experimentation.
Category
20th Century German Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Ceramic Vase, Burnt Sienna Glaze, Textured Design
Located in High Point, NC
This expressive vase features a rich burnt sienna glaze with embossed motifs and textured surface detailing, characteristic of mid-century German “fat lava” pottery. The design incor...
Category
20th Century German Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Sculptural Danish Sunflower Wall Sconce in Acid Glazed Stoneware, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Vibrant high-gloss orange and red acid and fat lava glazes sets the flower-power 1970s vibe for this exceptional attention piece.
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ceramic
Mustard and Tan West German Vase with Handle and Brown Swirls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Funky Teal German Vase with Red, Yellow, and White Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tall Brown Hand Thrown Ceramic Vase with Lip by Mobach
By Mobach
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Brown West German Ceramic Scheurich Koralle Vase
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pitcher, Glazed, Germany, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
cubic Ceramic Wall Light by Rolf Krüger for HEINZ NEUHAUS Leuchten Germany 1970s
By Rolf Krüger, Heinz Neuhaus Leuchten
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Description: Original 1970s modernist German wall light made of ceramic in fat lava optic. This super rare wall light was produced in the 1970s by Paul Neuhaus Leuchten.
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Brown Ceramic Vase by VEB Haldensleben, East Germany, 1960s
By VEB Porcelain Manufactory
Located in Grythyttan, SE
The vase, identified as shape number 4077, features a unique decoration of bold black "fat lava" flowers along its surface. Founded in 1945, VEB Haldensleben evolved from the Carste...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Vallauris Majolica Blue Ceramic Hand Shaped Rings Stand Vase
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Vallauris Majolica Blue Ceramic Hand Shaped Rings Stand Vase
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
France, 1950s Eye-catching iridiscent blue ceramic hand vase with fat lava details in shades of blue and white glazed ceramic Beautiful from all sides.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Pair of West German Mid-Century Modern Scheurich Signed Ceramic Floor Vases
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
The larger vase is done in a red/orange gloss, with an accenting black fat lava glaze. The slightly smaller vase is done with a matte finish using earth tone glazes.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scheurich Keramik Vase, Glazed Ceramic, 1960s
$505Sale Price|50% Off
Mid-Century Modern Scheurich Keramik Vase, Glazed Ceramic, 1960s
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Valladolid, ES
It wasn't until the 1950s that Scheurich began producing ceramics. In the 1960s, the “Fat Lava” era began with thickly textured drip glazes and bubbling crater glazes that created th...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage 1970s Ceramic West German Studio Pottery by Scheurich, Germany, Bauhaus
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Pottery ceramic vase Fat lava Producer: Scheurich, Germany Decade: 1970s Origin: Germany Original vintage 1970s pottery ceramic vase in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage ceramic 1970s
Located in Quarrata, IT
The vessel showcases a sophisticated "Fat Lava" glaze technique, renowned for its rich textures and high-contrast palettes.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Space Age. Ceramic ashtrays set by Scheurich, Germany, 1970s
By Richard Manz, Bitossi, Scheurich Keramik, Aldo Londi
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Square in shape and in a fat lava style, each piece is unique and of a different color, creating a very combinable ceramic mosaic effect.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Space Age Ashtrays
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Ceramic Vase with Floral Motifs, W. Germany
Located in High Point, NC
Striking and sculptural, this vase captures the spirit of the “fat lava” era and serves as a dynamic focal point in any collection or interior setting.
Category
20th Century German Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Ceramic Vase, Mustard Yellow, W. Germany, 1960
Located in High Point, NC
Germany” pottery, often referred to as Fat Lava ceramics. Finished in a rich mustard-yellow glaze, the piece features an embossed floral and geometric pattern that adds depth and dim...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Unusual 1970s Brown West German Jug Vase with Handle and Spout
By Ruscha
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Tall Dutch Black Metallic Glazed Ceramic Vase with Wide Neck and Lip
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Turquoise Raku Ceramic Vase Discus Japanese Style, ca. 1975, possibly Germany
$218Sale Price|25% Off
Turquoise Raku Ceramic Vase Discus Japanese Style, ca. 1975, possibly Germany
By Pieter Groeneveldt
Located in Andernach, DE
A truly unusual piece of art is this low disc shaped bowl or vase with a turquoise Raku glaze and fat lava hints towards the base. The ceramic base shows the deep charcoal black of t...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Unmatching Pair of Rooster Glazed Ceramic Pitchers, Spain 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching pair of glazed ceramic spanish rooster shaped jugs / pitchers, 1970s One is a ceramic decorative rooster shaped jug in green and white ceramic with brown accents and th...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Jars
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Brown Orange Glazed Ceramic Pendant Light, Germany, 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
The lights are made of orange and brown glazed ceramic and glazed in 'Fat Lava' style. The orange and brown ceramic fits beautifully with warm, gold or clear light bulbs, but silver ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Round Orange Glazed Ceramic Pendant Light, Germany, 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
The lights are made of orange and brown glazed ceramic and glazed in 'Fat Lava' style. The orange and brown ceramic fits beautifully with warm, gold or clear light bulbs, but silver ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Ceramic Vase by Scheurich, Red and White Glaze, Germany
Located in High Point, NC
A striking example of West German “Fat Lava” ceramics, this vase captures the era’s fascination with expressive color and organic texture, making it a standout decorative accent for ...
Category
20th Century German Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Large Glazed Teal and Brown Ceramic Vase with Florist's Label
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive styles range from more traditional Mid-Century, volcanic textured, Fat Lava, and engobe. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Table Lamp, Lava Glaze, c 1960s, New Shade
By Carstens Tönnieshof, Amitābha Studio
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
The studio produced the full arc of West German art pottery: from the restrained forms of the early postwar years to the expressive fat lava glazes of the late 1960s, when Dieter Pet...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Unique Orange Glazed Ceramic Pendant Light, Germany, 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
The lights are made of orange and brown glazed ceramic and glazed in 'Fat Lava' style. The orange and brown ceramic fits beautifully with warm, gold or clear light bulbs, but silver ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Unique Brown Glazed Ceramic Pendant Light, Germany, 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
The lights are made of orange and brown glazed ceramic and glazed in 'Fat Lava' style. The orange and brown ceramic fits beautifully with warm, gold or clear light bulbs, but silver ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
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Fat Lava For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the fat lava you’re looking for. A fat lava — often made from ceramic, pottery and metal — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer fat lava, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A fat lava is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Arts and Crafts styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made fat lava over the years, but those crafted by Scheurich Keramik, Bay Keramik and Carstens Tönnieshof are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Fat Lava?
Prices for a fat lava can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $78 and can go as high as $2,950, while the average can fetch as much as $622.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
Read More
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Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
Tapio Wirkkala Bucked the Trends of Mid-Century Nordic Design
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.
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