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.
Pierre Chapo Large 'T20B' Dining Table with Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint, Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set consisting of Pierre Chapo T20B dining table with set of ten 3758A dining chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier. Pierre Chapo, large dining table, m...
Leather, Fabric, Elm, Mahogany
Dining Table, Eight Chairs, Two Leaves by Eric Buck, Made in Denmark
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Immaculate Danish rosewood table and chairs by Eric Buck and produced by O.D Mobler A-S Domus Danica. This set consists of 11 pieces (table, eight chairs and two leaves). Table with...
Fabric, Wood
Pierre Chapo Dining Room Set with 'T21 D' Table and 'S24' Chairs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining table, model 'T21D', solid elm, France, 1970s This table is one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and ...
Elm
Mid Century Modern Danish Six Safari Chairs Dining Table Set by Erik Wørts 1960s
Located in Portland, OR
A very stylish Mid Century Modern Danish dining set, by Erik Wørts/ Woerts for Niels Eilersen, circa 1960. The dining set comprises six safari chairs and matching table. Each safari chair is made of red lacquered beech wood and has a canvas back support, seat and armrests. The canvas has just been professionally replaced with contemporary style canvas and stitched in the identical manner using the original canvas parts as templates. The armrests are joined to the chair frame with the original brass fittings, all the canvas parts can be easily removed and cleaned. The condition of this set is remarkable, the table and chairs are in excellent condition, the chairs are both sturdy and comfortable. All the red lacquer is in very good condition as it the table top. This very stylish Danish MCM dining set is ready to grace your space. Bloomsbury acquired this set from the original owners, who purchased the set in 1964, from the Danish furniture Store, Scan Design...
Canvas, Beech, Lacquer
Six Pc. Mid Century Thaden Jordan Dining Set Table, Leaf and Four Chairs
By Thaden-Jordan Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century dining set by the Thaden-Jordon Furniture Company ( Herbert Von Thaden and Donald Lewis Jordan ) circa 1947- 51. Constructed of bent plywood and thin birch veneer, th...
Birch, Plywood
Dinning table and 4 chairs by Rudi Bonzanini for Tecnosalotto, Italy, 1970s
By Rudi Bonzanini, Tecnosalotto
Located in Tresbœuf, FR
Dining Table and Four Chairs by Rudi Bonzanini for Tecnosalotto, Italy, 1970s Elegant Italian dining set from the 1970s, comprising a round glass dining table and four tubular steel...
Chrome
Pine Round Dining Table with 4 chairs in style of Pierre Chapo, France 1965
By Pierre Chapo, Christian Durupt, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pine Round table with 4 chairs in style of Pierre Chapo, France 1965 The size from the table is: 111cm diameter, 75cm table height. Chairs: Height 92,5cm, width 35cm, depth 49cm. se...
Pine
Vintage Hans Olsen "Roundette" Dining Suite with 7 Chairs by Frem Røjle
By Frem Røjle, Hans Olsen
Located in Dekalb, IL
Expandable round dining table with matching set of seven chairs, designed by Hans Olsen as part of his celebrated Roundette series. The table features a circular top with integrated ...
Plastic, Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Dining Table & Chairs in Walnut & Pink Upholstery w/ 3 Leaves
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wonderful dining set by Broyhill Brasilia. This set includes the classic Brasilia base table with three 12" leaves, and 6 recently reupholstered chairs, 2 armchairs, 2 side chairs. T...
Upholstery, Walnut
5 pc Mid Century Dinette Set by Viko Baumritter c 1950’s
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century dinette set including four chairs and a dining table. This set was designed by Viko Baumritter circa 1950/1960’s. It is in good, original vintage condition showing some ...
Plastic, Wood
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Dining Set with 4 DSX and 42" Dining Table
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by the legenday Charles and Ray Eames, this dining set was produced in the 1970s by Herman Miller. This set consists of 4 DSX chairs with bright orange shells and metal base...
Metal, Aluminum
Guglielmo Pecorini Dining Room Set with Chairs and Table in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guglielmo Pecorini, dining room set, chestnut, pine, Italy, 1950s Striking dining set by Italian designer Guglielmo Pecorini, consisting of a freeform table and five sculptural chai...
Pine, Chestnut
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Green Stained Oak Dining Chairs with Matching Table
By Vico Magistretti, Hank Loewenstein, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dining set consists of four Vico Magistretti, 'Carimate' green stained oak dining chairs and a matching 1970's Hank Loewenstein Padova Din...
Rush, Oak
5 Pc. Wrought Iron and Glass Garden Patio Dining Set by Meadowcraft
By Meadowcraft, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chic garden, patio, dinette set consisting of a dining table , and four side chairs. The table has a tempered glass top, the chairs have their original upholstered pad seats, metal e...
Wrought Iron
Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Beige "Peacock" Cafe Set for Four, 1950s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Russell Woodard Tan toned Geometric Spun Fiberglass Cafe Set of 4. Featuring sturdy, balanced, woven Light Khaki Spun Fiberglass frameworks, hourglass bases, ergonomic arched fan b...
Fiberglass, Glass
Mid Century Broyhill Conover Furniture Co. Table 6 Caned back Chairs Dining Set
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a great looking mid century Broyhill Conover Furniture Co. dining room set including a table two three leg supports and one leaf, 2 arm and 4 side chairs. The entire set is ...
Cane, Wood
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
$1,375Sale Price / set|69% Off
Midcentury Dining Room Sets Teak Wood Brass Italian Design Extendable Table
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury dining room sets teak wood brass Italian design extendable table Table cm. 80 x 90, inches 32 x 36 height cm.73, inches 2.2, tab...
Brass
Gordon Russell. Designer WH Russell a Rosewood & Mahogany 'Burford' Dining Suite
By Gordon Russell, W. H. Russell
Located in London, GB
Gordon Russell Broadway. Designed by W.H. Russell FSIA. A rosewood and mahogany 'Burford' dining suite, comprising of a low side board, with serpentine ...
Mahogany, Rosewood
Dining Set by Hans Olsen, 4 Chairs, Round Extendable Table, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Hans Olsen
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This great dining set was most probably designed by Hans Olsen in 1952 for Frem Røjle or designed in his style around 1950s, could have been also produced by some other manufacture. ...
Beech, Leather
8 Pc Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Spun Fiberglass Dining Set by Russell Woodard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 8pc indoor outdoor dining set of spun fiberglass by Russell Woodard. Set includes table with a glass top, not pictured, glass is per...
Paint, Fiberglass
$9,365Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Round Table and Five Chairs attributed to Willy Rizzo, 1970's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Lisboa, PT
This set of table and chairs was designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, in Italy during the 1970's. The chairs are in lacquered wood, steel and reupholstered with a synthetic leath...
Metal
Pine Dining Set by Dom Hans Van Der Laan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Constructed from lacquered pine planks and fastened using hinge nails, this rare Dom Hans van der Laan (The Netherlands 1904-1991) dining set features straight corners and beveled in...
Metal
Vintage Wood Folding Table w/ Four Bentwood Chairs in the style of Arne Jacobsen
Located in New York, NY
Mid century Danish modern set is unmarked and in the style of Arne Jacobsen’s 1960,s Camping Set. The table and chairs have legs that are hollow tubular steel .The table folds and i...
Steel
Rustic Round Dining Table with Benches in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Table with benches, solid oak, Europe, 1950s Provincial hand-carved set, embodying the perfect balance of rustic charm and a sense of robustness. Its thick circular tabletop in oak ...
Oak
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Soborg Dining Set
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Dining Set, Table and 4 Chairs, by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard for Soborg Mobelfabrik Circa 1950’s. Set includes four model 317 Armchairs in solid te...
Brass
$4,760Sale Price / set|30% Off
Romeo Rega design for Mario Sabot Italy Brass Octagon Dining Table & 4 Chairs
By Romeo Rega
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Circa 1970's Romeo Rega design for Mario Sabot dining table and 4 chairs. Lovely combination of brass, smoke glass and wicker trimmed in chrome make this set a standout in any decoru...
Brass
Pierre Chapo Dining Set with 'T14D' Table and 'S24' Chairs in Elm and Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining room set with eight 'S24' dining chairs and 'T14D' dining table, elm, leather, cord, France, 1960s-1980s This dining room set by Pierre Chapo, comprising a ‘T14...
Leather, Elm
Vintage Salterini Style Wrought Iron Small Garden Patio Bistro Dining Set - 3 pc
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Salterini Style Wrought Iron Small Garden Patio Bistro Dining Set - 3 pc. Listing includes (1) small round dining table, (2) dining side chairs, pierced fretwork design to ta...
Wrought Iron
Woodard Black Cafe Set with Round Glass Table & Two Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Woodard Furniture Co., John Woodard
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Russell Woodard Black Round Cafe Table with 2 "Sculptura" Dining Side Chairs. Featuring three pieces, including: a round (29.25D X 29.H) Black enameled Wrought Iron table, w...
Wrought Iron, Wire
Midcentury Outdoor Dining Iron 8 Piece Set John Salterini Large Glass Top Table
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 8 piece set consisting of a large dining table from the early 50s, heavy decorative iron with a large beveled glass top. 6 armchairs from the late...
Steel, Iron
Mid Century Cafe Dinette Set Inc. Table and Two Chairs Attributed to Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Charming three piece cafe style dinette set to include two chairs and a table. The chairs feature a dramatic scrolled arm, with backs that have a circular caned pattern...
Wrought Iron
Modern Biloba Marble Dining Table, Calacatta, Marble, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Biloba Marble Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Biloba marble dining table celebrates Portuguese architectural heritage and organic design, resulting in a creation rich in history and artistry. Drawing inspiration from the Alcobaça Monastery, its Gothic and Baroque influences are reimagined through signature arches, meticulously crafted from three distinct marbles to form the delicate patterns of Gingko Biloba leaves. With a thoughtful balance of tradition and contemporary design, the Biloba marble dinng table stands as a timeless, heirloom-quality furniture piece. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Biloba Dining Table can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. For U.S. clients, we can handle all customs clearance, cover duties, and offer white-glove service as well upon request. Biloba 12-Seat Dining Table Material Codes FI136 dark green lacquer; satin finish ME006 brushed brass; high-gloss finish ST005 green Guatemala marble; polished ST010 Calacatta Cremo marble; polished ST033 Verde Antigua...
Onyx, Travertine, Statuary Marble, Marble, Brass
Dining Set by IKEA, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with some signs of use Faux leather in good condition with some signs of use Table shows some signs of use The table dimensions : H:76 W:84 D:84 Chair - high...
Chrome
1950s Sculptural French Chalet Set of Carved Tables and Chairs in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of two tables and eight dining chairs, solid pine, brass, France, 1950s Crafted in solid pine and preserved from a 1950s ski hotel-lodge tucked high in the French mountains nea...
Brass
3 pc. Mid Century Dinette Kitchen Set after Umanoff McCobb c 1950/60's
By Arthur Umanoff, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century kitchen, or dinette set comprised of a small table and two side chairs. The table has a faux rosewood formica top, on black metal a pedestal base, the two chars ...
Wrought Iron
1970s French Dining Room Set with Round Table and Chairs in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set with round table and four matching chairs, solid elm, leather, France, 1970s This French dining set, constructed entirely from solid elm, exemplifies a 1970s blend ...
Elm
Tricomfort Madein France SOLID Rosewood Adjustable Chairs Folding Table Outdoor
By Triconfort
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tricomfort Made in France SOLID Rosewood Adjustable Chairs Folding Table Outdoor Set MINT! It is just a phenomenal outdoor furniture set! Chair...
Rosewood
Armonia Walnut Dining Chair, Set of 8, Silvio Piattelli design made in Italy
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Introducing the Armonia Chair. This set of 8 Italian walnut chairs is an unique and timeless dining chair set. The chairs are made from...
Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Walnut
$3,720Sale Price / set|40% Off
Restored Rattan Sapele Ribbon Mahogany Dining Table w/ Stacked Rattan
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A stunning dining set that embodies timeless elegance and mid-century charm. This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired set showcases a square rattan table...
Rattan
Verner Panton "Pantonova" Dining Set of Dining Table and Six Chairs
By Verner Panton, Fritz Hansen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare Verner Panton Pantonova dining table and chairs, made by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1971. Cognac color leather seat pads. Set includes table, m...
Chrome
$3,200 / set
French Midcentury Formica Dinette Set by SIF
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Midcentury Retro Kitchenette Set in a daring powder blue formica from the SIF brand made during the 1950s. This iconic, complete set includes a statement cupboard, an expandin...
Chrome
1970s Lucite Dining Gaming Table and Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning lucite table set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the be...
Glass, Lucite
Modern Biloba Marble Dining Table, Green Guatemala, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Biloba Marble Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Biloba marble dining table celebrates Portuguese architectural herita...
Statuary Marble, Marble, Travertine, Onyx, Brass
1970s Chromecraft Smoked Lucite Tulip Chairs Dining Table, Set of 5
By Chrome Craft
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, timeless, smoked oval glass dining table and smoked tulip swivel chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibite...
Steel
Vintage Rattan Dining Set with Six Chairs attributed to McGuire
By John McGuire
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Rattan dining room set attributed to John McGuire consisting of glass topped rattan dining table and six dining chairs. There a...
Rattan, Glass
Dining Room Set with Table and Four Chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Italy 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Very nice dining room set by Giotto Stoppino from the 1970s in Italy. This set consists of a dining table and four matching dining room chairs. The table has a tubular, chrome-plated...
Metal, Chrome
$4,900 / set
Drexel Accolade extendable dining set
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a handsome Drexel dining set that displays brass accents on the curves. It's also expandable and has leaves, so you can alter it's size for e...
Brass
John Risley Sculptural Patio Set with Two Lady Chairs and Wire Tulip Table 1960s
By John Risley
Located in Dallas, TX
Two solid steel lady chairs by mid-century sculptor John Risley (1919-2002). Handmade in his studio in Middletown, Ct circa 1960. Freshly powder-coated in a Calder red...
Steel
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Dropleaf Storage Table and Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid Century Modern Space Saver Minimalist Hide Away Dropleaf Table and Chairs Functional Danish design set. Ideal for those...
Teak
Knoll Marble Dining Table With 5 Chairs by Eero Saarinen, 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Magnificent and fully original Tulip dining set designed by Eero Saarinen. It is produced by Knoll International in the 1960s. The set consists of 5 original tulip chairs and the o...
Carrara Marble, Metal
Rare Early Production Knoll Saarinen Walnut Tulip Table & 4 Chairs 575 Madison
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful and quite rare very early production Knoll Eero Saarinen Tulip table and chairs. The Walnut top table and chairs all bear the Knoll 575 Madison Avenue label which means t...
Iron
$9,500 / set
Retro Futurist Jetsons Dining Set
Located in Goshen, IN
The Jetsons Dining Set faces the future with style and fun. Walnut and ash wood provide the two-tone look. The Jetsons Dining Set comprises the Jetsons Dining Table and six (6) Jet...
Wood, Ash, Walnut
Folding German Picnic Table Set with Benches, Wood and Metal, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
German beer garden wood folding table with two wood folding benches. Sturdy and well made wood surfaces and metal folding legs. Folding mechanism is...
Metal
Vintage Russell Woodard Mid Century Modern Spun Fiberglass Patio Dining Set 5 Pc
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Russell Woodard Mid Century Modern Spun Fiberglass Patio Dining Set - 5 Pc Set. Set includes a round pedestal base dining table (does not include glass top), (4) pedestal base dining chairs...
Fiberglass
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Italian Foldable Table and Four Chairs, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful midcentury set, made of bamboo and rattan foldable table and four chairs. It is an Italian production of 1960s and the state of conserva...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
Wrought Iron Mid Century Garden Patio Set Five Pieces
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Five-piece wrought iron dining / patio set. One glass-topped table and four chairs. Painted green. Table measures: 42.5 in across.- 29-3/8 in high. - 29- 11/16 in high. With glass t...
Wrought Iron
1968 Italian Chrome 5-Piece Tulip "Margot" Dining Set, Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA
By Eero Saarinen, Gastone Rinaldi, Florence Knoll, RIMA
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Stunning Mid Century Modern Italian set of 4 chairs and round dining table in chromed tube steel. Model name "Margot" by Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA, 1968. Suitable for indoor and outdo...
Steel, Chrome, Wrought Iron
$2,800 / set
Set of Six Rattan or Bamboo Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of six rattan or bamboo dining chairs, American, circa 1960s. They retain their warm original patina. This came from an estate with the matchi...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
$750Sale Price / set|53% Off
Vintage Wrought Iron Bistro Set with Glass Top Table & 3 Chairs
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage bistro set features wrought iron table with round glass top and three chairs. These rich airs feature removable green cushions and met...
Wrought Iron