$2,595 / set
H 16.25 in W 21 in D 21 in
Founders Style Mid Century Oak Cane and Glass End Tables - Pair
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders Style Mid Century Oak, Cane and Glass End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 21 wide
Cane, Glass, Oak
$5,400 / set
H 38 in W 20.5 in D 21.75 in
Set of Six Caned BackJack Cartwright Armchairs for Founders Furniture Co. 1960s
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Camden, ME
A stunning set of six armchairs designed by Jack Cartwright in walnut and cane for Founders
Cane, Walnut
$3,895
H 80.25 in W 67 in D 18 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures
Cane, Walnut
$2,250Sale Price|25% Off
H 33 in W 42 in D 19 in
Mid century walnut and cane bar cart on casters by Jack Cartwright Founders
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century walnut and cane bar cart on casters by Jack Cartwright Founders. All walnut bar cart
Cane, Laminate, Walnut
$1,500
H 22.75 in W 30.5 in D 24.25 in
1960s Jack Cartwright for Founders Side or End Table in Walnut, Cane, and Glass
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut, Cane and Glass Side or End Table, attributed to Jack Cartwright for Founders
Walnut, Cane, Glass
$3,571Sale Price / item|35% Off
H 56.5 in W 40.25 in D 19.63 in
Post Modern John Stuart Chrome Accent Cane Front Gentlemens Dresser Armoire
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
upper drawers, the uppermost concealed behind delicately woven cane fronts, and two larger drawers below
Chrome
$1,600
H 77 in W 30.25 in D 16.25 in
Large Midcentury Cabinet by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture, circa 1960
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Pasadena, CA
This tall cabinet, designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture around 1960, reflects the
Cane, Walnut
$8,995 / set
H 28.5 in W 108 in D 40 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Jack Cartwright / Founders Dining Table & Chairs S/7
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Founders Furniture Company. The rosewood topped table opens to 108 inches, and each leaf is an additional
Upholstery, Cane, Rosewood
Jack Cartwright for Founders Cane Credenza
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid century credenza by Jack Cartwright for founders. Six cane front doors open to reveal three
Brass
Sold
H 34 in W 77.5 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Baughman for Founders Cane and Chrome Server Credenza, 1970s
By Milo Baughman, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, cane and chrome, server sideboard credenza with two drawers
Chrome
Founders Four Door Cane Front Credenza
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Founders four door walnut cane front credenza, c.1970s, USA. This piece features four beautiful
Chrome
Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Sideboard Credenza
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders mid century walnut and cane sideboard credenza Credenza measures: 77.5 wide x 18 deep x
Cane, Walnut
Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Front Bar Cabinet
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders mid century walnut and cane front bar cabinet The bar cart measures: 36.25 wide x 18.25
Cane, Walnut
Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders mid century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 These chairs measure: 19 wide x 23
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 73 in W 33.75 in D 16 in
Founders Style MCM Walnut Cane Front Freestanding Wall Unit Section Bookcase
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders style mid century walnut cane front freestanding wall unit section bookcase This
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 82.5 in W 32.5 in D 16.25 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut, Chrome & Cane Modular Secretary by Founders 20thC
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
Century Modern secretary offers chrome frame with walnut modular units including caned double door
Chrome
Walnut and Cane Mid Century Modern Credenza by Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Beautifully proportioned sideboard designed by Jack Cartwright and made by Founders Furniture in
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 34.25 in W 42 in D 18.25 in
Expertly Restored - Jack Cartwright Cabinet w/ Cane Doors for Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enhance your home with the Jack Cartwright Cabinet with Cane Doors, crafted for Founders Furniture
Leather, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 30.75 in W 77.5 in D 18 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Front Credenza
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Walnut and Cane Front Credenza This credenza measures
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 48 in W 33.5 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Founders Walnut and Cane Hanging Wall Cabinet Shelving Unit
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, founders hanging cabinet wall unit, made of walnut wood and
Walnut
Sold
H 47 in W 52 in D 19 in
Midcentury Chest of Drawers with Cane Panels by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers with cane panels by Jack Cartwright for Founders High
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Cane Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Leather, Cane, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 67 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Founders Walnut Cane Hanging Wall Cabinet Credenza Set, 1960s
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an outstanding Founders set, a hanging cabinet wall unit, made of walnut
Walnut
Sold
H 50 in W 42 in D 18 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Pecan wood Cane High Boy Dresser
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Extremely rare and stunning vintage high boy dresser by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture
Walnut
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut Caned Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Esperance, NY
Jack Cartwright for founders walnut caned dining chairs - set of 6 A Great set of 1960s solid
Walnut
Mid-Century American Walnut Coffee Table By Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Walnut, two drawer coffee table with cane shelf by "Founders", a Division of Thomasville. Extra
Walnut, Cane
Jack Cartwright for Founders Credenza/ Buffet
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Company Credenza or Buffet. But also can be a Dresser
Metal
Midcentury Night Stands by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
construction with brass pulls, cane shelf and grained leather top. Very solid and incredibly well crafted. In
Brass
Mid-Century Night Stands by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
construction with brass pulls, cane shelf and grained leather top. Very solid and incredibly well crafted. In
Brass
Sold
H 30.13 in W 52 in D 18 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza, Refinished
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard or credenza By Jack Cartwright for Founders USA
Brass
Vintage Walnut Cane Headboard - Queen/Full Size
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Trenton, NJ
This Mid-century Walnut Headboard with Cane Detail is designed to add a touch of elegance and
Cane, Wood, Walnut
Midcentury Gallery Top Cane Door Credenza Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Florence Knoll, Jack Cartwright
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury double cane doors with gallery laminated top featuring two adjustable shelves and one
Brass
Early 1960s Founders Furniture Florence Knoll Style Walnut Credenza
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright, Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
A beautifully designed and constructed credenza by Founders Furniture, probably a Jack Cartwright
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 67 in L 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Credenza TV Console by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Lafayette, IN
Beautiful Honduran rosewood Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders. Credenza features unique
Brass
Sold
H 20.75 in W 27 in D 27 in
End Table Table in Cane and Walnut by Jack Cartwright for Founders, USA, c 1960s
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Deland, FL
grain with well contrasted black tops. The cane is entirely intact and beautiful. Perfect for collectors
Walnut
Founders for Thomasville Walnut Jack Cartwright Dining Chairs
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Founders for Thomasville walnut Jack Cartwright dining chairs with caned backs and original black
Cane, Walnut
Midcentury Jack Cartwright for Founders, Room Divider Wall Unit
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Midcentury Jack Cartwright For Founders - Room Divider Wall Unit A beautifully Refinished and
Cane, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Cane-Front Credenza in the style of Jack Cartwright
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique cane front credenza makes a unique server in a tight dining space. Spacious cabinet
Circa 1960s Mid-Century Modern Night Stand by Founders
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Modern night stand made by Founders, c.1960s. Rarely found design by Jack Cartwright
Brass
Sold
H 80.75 in W 26.88 in D 18 in
1960's Mid-Century Modern Three-Part Founders Cabinet in Solid Pecan
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A significant quality 1960's mid-century modern three part Founders in solid pecan. Designed by
Cane, Wood
Modernist Desk /Bookcase, Dresser with Top Storage, Figured Walnut
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Suite designed by Jack Cartwright (FOUNDER'S). sUITE INCLUDES,,,, Desk
Cane, Laminate, Walnut
Pair of Midcentury End Tables in the Manner of Milo Baughman
By Founders Furniture Company, Milo Baughman, Jack Cartwright
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of midcentury end tables with cane doors and side panels, walnut cases, and glass tops inset
Chrome
1960's Mid-Century Modern Three-Part Cabinet on Bookcase on Chest
By Jack Cartwright
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
on a plinth base. Made by Founders of solid pecan with cane panels and fine brass pulls, it was
Cane, Wood
Founders 6-Door Caned Front Credenza/ Buffet
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Founders 6-door caned front credenza/ buffet. Walnut finish, with 3 sets of double doors. Each door
Cane, Walnut
Founders Mid Century Cane and Walnut Sofa
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders Mid Century Cane and Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 89.75 wide x 34 deep x 27 inches
Chrome
Teak Cane Front Credenza and Cabinet by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Highland, IN
A beautifully designed and constructed credenza by Founders Furniture, it features a teak case with
Cane, Leather, Teak
Founders Style Mid Century Walnut and Cane Front Credenza
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders Stylemid century walnut and cane front credenza This credenza measures: 71.75 wide x 18
Cane, Walnut
Founders Style Mid-Century Cane and Oak Case Sofa
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Founders style mid-century cane and oak case sofa The sofa measures: 90 wide x 34 deep x 23.5
Cane, Oak, Upholstery
Sold
H 21.5 in W 26.13 in D 16.75 in
Thomasville Founders Woven Cane 2-Door Oak Nightstand with Brass Pulls
By Thomasville, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Miami, FL
Thomasville Founders Woven Cane 2-door oak nightstand with brass pulls Offered for sale is a
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 22.13 in W 22 in D 16 in
Pair of Rosewood, Cane and Black Leather Nightstands or Side Tables by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Miami, FL
Founders Furniture in the 1960s, often attributed to Harvey Probber. Two-tiered, fitted with a caned
Chrome
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut and Cane King Size Headboard
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Miami, FL
Founders Furniture in the 1960s. The bed frame features caned panels and a solid walnut frame.
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 46.5 in W 60 in D 13 in
Jack Cartwright Style Founders Mid Century Cane Front Credenza with Hutch
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright style founders mid century cane front credenza with hutch Credenza measures: 60
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 16.5 in W 19 in D 15 in
Jack Cartwright - Founders Pair of Bookmatched Walnut & Cane Tiered Side Tables
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Jack Cartwright and made in America by Founders, these side tables or end tables
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 29.25 in W 62 in D 28 in
Expertly Restored -Jack Cartwright Walnut & Cane Executive Desk for Founders Co.
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Cane, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 23.25 in W 22 in D 15 in
Pair of Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut and Cane Nightstands or Side Tables
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Miami, FL
designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture in the 1960s. Two-tiered, fitted with a caned magazine
Walnut, Cane
Sold
H 20.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Round Side End Table with Cane Shelf
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Round Side End Table with Cane Shelf Table measures: 27
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 25.25 in W 26 in D 16 in
Jack Cartwright for Founders Walnut and Cane Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century cabinets or nightstands By Jack Cartwright for Founders USA
Brass
Mid-Century Modern 3 Door Walnut Credenza by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant 3 door with caned panels that glide effortlessly. Each compartment has a shelf
Cane, Walnut
Milo Baughman Style Three Bay Wall Unit Founders Mid-Century Modern
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Milo Baughman style three bay walnut and caned wall unit. The upright poles are solid
Aluminum
Sold
H 34 in W 21.25 in D 19.5 in
Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Founders Two Armchairs and Six Side Chairs
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Kansas City, MO
Excellent set of eight mahogany and cane dining chairs (two armchairs and six side chairs
Cane, Mahogany
Jack Cartwright for Founders Brazilian Rosewood Wall Mounted Cabinet
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jack Cartwright for Founders Brazilian rosewood floating wall cabinet. Outstanding Rosewood which
Cane, Rosewood
Sold
H 35 in W 36 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Bar Serving Cart by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Lafayette, IN
Fantastic design by Jack Cartwright for Founders, and boy did he get this cart right! With its
Brass
Sold
H 36 in W 36 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Bar Serving Cart by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Classic Mid-Century Modern design by Jack Cartwright for Founders featuring a rosewood case, cane
Cane, Rosewood
Mid-Century Sideboard / Credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders
By Lane Furniture, Jack Cartwright, Milo Baughman, Founders Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century credenza by Jack Cartwright for Founders, circa 1960s. A striking example of mid
Metal, Brass
Mid century modern cane walnut credenza sideboard 4 drawer 2 door
By Founders Furniture Company, Jack Cartwright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern credenza sideboard with two caned cabinet doors and four drawers. The top drawer
Brass
$384Sale Price|30% Off
W 60 in L 84 in
Handmade Cotton Area Flat Weave Rug, 5x7 Blue And White Striped Indian Dhurrie
Located in Jaipur, IN
Cotton Vegetable Dyed Indigo Blue and White Striped Indian Dhurrie Rug - Size 5'x7' (150x210cm) These special flat-weave dhurries are hand-woven with 15 ply 100% cotton yarn. Due t...
Cotton
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
$290 / item
H 8.8 in Dm 5.3 in
Carlo Nason 'Gelato' Portable Table Lamp in Azure Glass for Established & Sons
By Established & Sons, Carlo Nason
Located in Glendale, CA
Carlo Nason 'Gelato' Portable Table Lamp in Azure Glass for Established & Sons Originally designed in the 1960s by Murano-based Carlo Nason, 'Gelato' has been re-engineered into a p...
Blown Glass
$1,518 / item
H 36.03 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
8 Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, Charles Dudouyt
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. The listed price is per chair and we have 8 chairs i...
Rush, Oak
Solana Wall Sconces
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
The "Solana" wall mount sconce or reading light is strongly influenced by Scandinavian, Danish, French, and Italian Mid-Century Modernism. The walnut back plate (available in natural...
Enamel, Brass
Unavailable|$6,950 / set
H 29.93 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Tito Agnoli Cane and Patinated Cognac leather dining room chairs, Italy 1966
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Almelo, NL
Tito Agnoli Cane and Patinated Cognac leather dining room chairs, Italy 1966 Tito Agnoli designed a set of six dining room chairs made of walnut, patinated cognac leather, and cane ...
Leather, Cane, Walnut
$3,750 / item
H 36 in Dm 32.5 in
Glossy Cream Ceramic Lola Chandelier in Antique Brass 3-Arm 32.5" DIA
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three antique brass patina arms curve up from a ceramic cluster dish to three tall stoneware ceramic shades in a glossy glaze with a subtle off-white hue. With a fixed black walnut o...
Brass
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé Burgundy Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé Burgundy 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 i...
Textile
Hourglass Sconce in Custom Brass Finishes and Colors
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Geometric shapes and playful symmetry add up to our Hourglass sconce. Offered in three rich brass finishes or powder coated colors, this fixture is fitted with 2 E26 sockets, suitabl...
Brass
$2,052 / item
H 40 in W 30 in D 0.03 in
"Vigne Fleurie" Signed Limited Edition Art Print by Christiane Lemieux - 30"x40"
Located in New York, NY
"Vigne Fleurie" is an exquisite limited edition fine art print that offers a modernist interpretation of a flowering vine set against a lush green colorfield. Each print is a view of...
Paper
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 32 in D 18 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak make up Vanity jewelry box by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish Modern teak make up vanity or desk. Beautiful light teak color with a nice grain. Flip top mirror with brass ring pull opens to a sliding felt lined jewelry box wi...
Felt, Mirror, Teak
Pair of Beech wood pendant lights by Jan Wickelgren, 1970s, Sweden
By Aneta
Located in Værløse, DK
A pair of pendant lights in bend Beech wood with a Canvas shades designed by Jan Wickelgren in the 1970s for Aneta Sweden. A fine set for a beautiful place. * A pair (2) of pendant...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
$3,400
H 19.69 in W 22.84 in D 13.78 in
Severin Hansen Jr. Side Teak Table + Cane by Haslev Furniture Denmark, 1960s
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen Jr.
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish modern small side table table of teak with pointed legs, designed by Severin Hansen Jr. and manufactured by Haslev Furniture in Danmark in the 1960s The table has a drawer ...
Cane, Teak
Swedish Designer, Coffee or Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden coffee or side table designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Wood
$5,500 / set
H 22 in W 28 in D 14 in
Pair of Machine Age Art Deco Side Tables in the Style of Donald Deskey
By Donald Deskey
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Pair of Machine Age Art Deco side tables in the style of Donald Deskey.
Chrome
$2,555 / item
H 15 in Dm 32 in
Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Pendant Light Made from Vintage 1950s Japanese Parasol
By Tennant New York
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the Ligurian Summer Collection, a sophisticated family of handmade fixtures in natural sea shell, coiled leather, marble, and bamboo, inspired by the faded splendor of th...
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.