Piero Fornasetti Book End
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Toronto, ON
This is a charming one half of a rare Fornastti bookend. It is nonetheless a wonderful collectible and highly decorative accent piece for a desk, or bookshelf display. Who knows may...
Metal
$550
H 14 in W 11.75 in D 2.5 in
Fornasetti: The Complete Universe edited by Barnaba Fornasetti (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Large hardback book in slipcase, 685 pages lavishly illustrated throughout with color and black and
Other
$1,850
H 1.5 in W 12 in D 6 in
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Serving Bowls Rectangular Pair Of Italy MCM
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
kiwi. They are called appetizer bowls from the Fornasetti book and there were others made of which we
Porcelain
$3,100Sale Price|34% Off
H 1 in Dm 19.25 in
'Greca' Greek Key Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed, circa 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
smokey (spotted) pattern. The 'Greca' aka Greek Key motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti paraventi screen Italy 1954
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
). The screen is in very good condition. Similar models published in the Fornasetti book. Piero
Brass
$750
H 0.75 in Dm 10.25 in
Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Recipe Plate, Snake a la Cleopatra
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
noted in Barnaba Fornasetti's book Fornasetti: The Complete Universe, the recipes depicted on the plates
Porcelain
Three Vintage Fornasetti Leaf “Foglie” Plates
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, Graphic Design, Piero Fornasetti, or groups of three. With time, all Fornasetti objects containing gilt
Ceramic
$960Sale Price|43% Off
H 1.375 in W 11.813 in D 4.125 in
Vintage Enameled Metal / Wood Drawer Piero Fornasetti Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Doraville, GA
Fornasetti in the 1950's / 1960's and is listed in the book Fornasetti - The Complete Universe. The box is
Metal
$875Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 4.73 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
Pair of Fornasetti 1950s Beer Steins with Nautical Motifs
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
/rope/nautical/seafaring motifs. Pictured in Fornasetti’s Complete Universe book, the closest thing this
Ceramic
$3,250Sale Price|32% Off
H 1 in Dm 19.25 in
'Cammei Marbalia' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
' is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range
Mirror, Wood
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 16 in D 7 in
Piero Fornasetti Umbrella Stand, Metal, Trompe L'oeil Design, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stamford, CT
and craftsmanship. The 'Cesto di Dalie' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete
Metal
$750
H 0.75 in Dm 10.25 in
Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Recipe Plate, Snake a la Cleopatra
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
: Fornasetti: The Complete Universe, edited by Barnaba Fornasetti, page 614, #163. The book notes that while
Porcelain
$2,975Sale Price|32% Off
H 28.25 in W 16 in D 7 in
'Cesto di Dalie' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dalie' (which translates to Basket of Dahlias in Italian) motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti
Metal
Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams by Patrick Mauries (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
are in colour. Fornasetti worked in many different mediums, this book presents his work under six
Paper
Fornasetti Designer of Dreams by P. Mauries (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Piero Fornasetti lived and worked in Milan from 1935 until his death in 1988. during this long
Paper
$25,600Sale Price|26% Off
H 56.5 in W 47.25 in D 33.25 in
'Pompeiana' Corner Cabinet by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 2 of 2 in 1988, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
shelf. The 'Pompeiana' aka Pompeian Motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Table Lamp "Cameo", Italy, circa 1960
By Fornasetti
Located in Munich, DE
Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988), enameled table lamp in black with gold transfer printed lithographic
Brass, Metal
Tray by Piero Fornasetti, Original 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in JM Haarlem, NL
. I have never seen this tray before and I only know it from the book: Fornasetti 'The Complete
Metal
Piero Fornasetti Book Ends
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Piero Fornasetti book ends. Decoration black and white, circa 1970.
Fornasetti Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in San Francisco, CA
book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior designers and
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Giostra di Frutta Mug
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe
Set of Nine Piero Fornasetti Zodiac Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A singular designer
Remarkable Set of Piero Fornasetti Recipe Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
. Piero Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with
Fornasetti Style Metal Book Table
Located in North Miami, FL
Rare Italian Fornasetti style painted metal book table, c.1950s
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Fleming Joffe Recipe Plate, Cobra a L'Indienne
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A singular designer
Porcelain
Vintage Set of Piero Fornasetti Optical Illusion Face Coasters and Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A singular designer
Spectacular Set of Six Large Piero Fornasetti and Giostra di Frutta Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe
Piero Fornasetti coffee table book design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great Piero Fornasetti coffee table with transfer print and brass legs.
Brass
Sold
H 2 in Dm 31 in L 2 in
'Butterflies'' Large 31" Diameter Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
yet beautiful piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti Green and Gold 'Cammei' Side Table, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
with the same brass base design are documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare
Brass
Soli E Lune Sun and Moon Pattern Ceramic Coasters by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
theme in Fornasetti's work, eventually evolving into one of his signature designs. Patrick Mauries' book
Ceramic
Single Mid Century Lamp by Fornasetti w/ "Book" Pattern
Located in Astoria, NY
An original table lamp by Fornasetti with a cylindrical body decorated in a black and white books
Brass
Piero FornasettIi Bowl in the Giostra di Frutta Pattern
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A
Fornasetti Magazine Rack
By Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
the "Fornasetti,The Complete Universe" book Page 487
1950's Fornasetti Signed Shell Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
and material. While a variant of this tray is pictured in the Fornasetti: Complete Universe book on p
Metal
Fornasetti 1950's Madripora Coral Red Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Universe book on p. 526, my favorite thing about this tray is that it has a likeness in the Fornasetti
Metal
'Cammei'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs
Mirror, Wood
'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautiful piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The
Mirror, Wood
'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautiful piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti Enameled Metal and Mahogany Box, 1950
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Paris, IDF
by Piero Fornasetti in the 1950s and is listed in the book Fornasetti The Complete Universe. It has
Metal
Red 'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti 'Architettura' Side Table, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
design are documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare piece is sought after by
Brass
Fornasetti Order of the Garter Ceramic Round Concave Ashtray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Yellow and blue hand painted ceramic concave transferware ashtray from Piero Fornasetti, designed
Ceramic
'Butterflies' Drinks Table / Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautiful piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The
Brass
'Butterflies' Drinks Table / Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by
Brass
'Butterflies' Side Table / Drinks Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by
Brass
Sold
H 1.57 in W 5.51 in D 4.52 in
1960s Original Gorgeous box by Piero Fornasetti With Butterflies Motif
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
the book "Fornasetti by Electa n. 2 Volumi - Artista Alchimista - Bottega Fantastica" Dimension: 5,51
Metal
'Red Malachite' Drinks Table by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
by Piero Fornasetti would work excellent as a small table to place a book or a drink on top of, and
Brass
Sold
H 23.75 in Dm 10.5 in
'Butterflies' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought
Metal
Sold
H 23.75 in Dm 10.5 in
'Butterflies' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought
Metal
'Cammei' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
translates to Cameos in Italian) motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This
Metal
Sold
H 17.5 in W 17 in D 14 in
Italian Tole Metal Painted Stacked Book Form Flip-Top Side or Accent End Table
By Fornasetti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Whimsical Italian Hollywood Regency stacked and leaning book form toleware flip-top accent table
Steel
Sold
H 17.25 in W 39.5 in D 19.75 in
'Cammei' Coffee Table by Piero Fornasetti, c. 1960s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique collectors item is the 'Cammei' coffee table by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath
Brass
Set of 10 Gilt Piero Fornasetti "Love" Coasters with Original Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stockholm, SE
ex) 7. Love is not without fear Reference: Book Fornasetti: The Complete Universe is published by
Porcelain
'Viso Di Donno' Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, and documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare piece is sought after by
Brass
'Viso Di Donno' Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Donna' which means woman's face in Italian, and documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe
Brass
"Giostra di Frutta" Brass Tripod Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
piece. The 'Giostra di Frutta' aka 'Fruit Carousel' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The
Brass
'Malachite' and Brass Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
tables are documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare piece is sought after by
Brass
Sold
H 21.75 in Dm 14.25 in
'Butterflies'' Lacquered Wood and Brass Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare
Brass
Sold
H 21 in Dm 14.5 in
'Strumenti Musicali' Drinks / Side Tables by Piero Fornasetti, c 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Strumenti Musicali aka 'Musical Instruments' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete
Brass
'Cammei' Lacquered Wood and Brass Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by
Brass
"Uccelli Nella Gabbia" Brass Tripod Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", the motif was first used in the
Brass
Sold
H 23.75 in Dm 10.5 in
'Cammei Marbalia' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Motif' and 'Marbalia' aka 'Marbled Motif' is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe
Metal
Sold
H 26.5 in Dm 45.25 in
'Butterflies' Cafe Dining Table by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe
Wood
Sold
H 21.5 in Dm 14.25 in
'Chiavi' Brass Tripod Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare piece is sought after by interior designers
Brass
Sold
H 21.5 in Dm 14.25 in
'Viso Di Donno' Pair of Side Tables by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
means woman's face in Italian, and documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare set
Wood
Rare 'Città di Carte' (City of Cards) Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior
Brass
Vintage Trompe l'oeil Leather Book Waste Basket, 20th Century
By Piero Fornasetti, Maitland Smith
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vintage Trompe l'oeil Leather Book Waste Basket / Trash Can, 20th Century.
Leather, Wood
'Malachite' and Brass Side Table by Piero Farnasetti, circa 1960s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. The 'Malachite' motif and similar side tables are documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete
Brass
Sold
H 21.75 in Dm 14.25 in
"Uccelli Nella Gabbia" Brass Tripod Side Table by Piero Farnasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nella Gabbia' aka 'Caged Birds' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", the
Brass
Sold
H 21.75 in Dm 14.25 in
'Butterflies'' Lacquered Wood and Brass Side Table by Piero Farnasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior
Brass
Sold
H 21.75 in Dm 14.25 in
'Butterflies'' Lacquered Wood and Brass Side Table by Piero Farnasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior
Brass
Sold
H 21.75 in Dm 14.25 in
"Uccelli Nella Gabbia" Brass Tripod Side Table by Piero Farnasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Caged Birds' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", the motif was first
Brass
Vilhelm Wohlert, Wall Light, Wood, Paper, Denmark, 1950s
By Vilhelm Wohlert
Located in High Point, NC
A folded beige fabric and wood wall light designed by Vilhelm Wohlert and produced by Le Klint, Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9.75"H x 10.5"W x 10.0"D Back Plate ...
Wood, Paper
$57,682
H 76.78 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
Modern Penedo Quartz Display Cabinet, Handmade in Poerugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Penedo Quartz Display Cabinet, Handmade in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple The Penedo quartz display cabinet captures the enduring beauty of nature’s landscapes,...
Onyx, Carrara Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass
$17,064 / 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
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Art Deco Style, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano glass wall sconces, in stock Fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finials and brass accents Art Deco inspired design. Gives off warm beams of lig...
Brass
Murano Hand Blown Chartreuse Green Glass Chandelier, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano hand blown studio glass chandelier, in stock All different shaped chartreuse green discs with white details, rigadin technique Brass plated structure with 24 exposed brass reg...
Brass
'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Smoked Ash and Rattan
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
'Le roi Bench' by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Dimensions: W. 120 CM D. 35 CM H. 42 CM W. 47.24" D. 13.78" H. 16.54 " Finishes available: Natural Ash or Sm...
Rattan, Ash
$9,600
H 72 in W 52 in D 1.25 in
2-Panel Black Lacquer Screen with Cream Pear by Robert Kuo, Handmade, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2-panel screen Black lacquer Cream lacquer Hand repousse Copper base Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the...
Copper
$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
Shroom Rattan Pencil Reed Table Lamp Mid Century Modern
Located in Oxford, GB
Illuminate your space with elegance and artistry with this mid century modern style pencil reed rattan table lamp. Handcrafted with a beautiful structural shroom shape and accented w...
Rattan
Pop-Art Enzo Mari Style Lucite Cube Sculpture
By Enzo Mari
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage blue lucite cube sculpture with suspended steel marbles. In the style of Enzo Mari.
Lucite
French Art Deco tambour screen room-divider
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Oakland, CA
French Art Deco tambour room divider / folding screen crafted of heart pine, can be coiled and shaped into multiple positions to fit the space as needed. Possibly Baumann et Fils, Me...
Pine
$653Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 14.6 in W 7 in D 7 in
Contemporary Organic Modern Moroccan Handmade Stone Wool Reed Table Lamp
Located in Marseille, FR
- Handspun and handwoven white lampshade - made of 100% Siroua wool, an endangered sheep living in a volcanic massif with very long wool fibers, located less than 100 km from the we...
Stone
$13,819 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
$60,085
H 64.57 in W 37.8 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Modern Unique Cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique bar cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth, in a strikingly decorative design with elegant details. Made from mahogany with floral motif inlays in birch and rosewood. Lighting inside. M...
Mahogany
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood, Denmark - 1960s.
Wood
$180,257
H 45.28 in W 56.3 in D 17.33 in
Italian Art Deco Bar Cabinet in Parchment with Inlays Signed by Anzani, 1930s
By Giuseppe Anzani
Located in Meda, MB
This bar cabinet was produced in Italy, in the late 1930s and is a really unique and special piece. Its tremendous historical and artistic value is what makes this item a real piece...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Maple, Walnut, Parchment Paper
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.