$10,849
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini LB7 Bookcase in Teak Wood by Poggi Pavia 1950s Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
veneered solid teak wood, and black lacquered metal details. Designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Pavia
Metal
LB7 Bookshelves, Franco Albini for Poggi, 1960
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The LB7 "Infinito" bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi is an iconic creation of 1950s Italian
Teak
LB7 three-bay bookcase, Franco Albini for Poggi 1950
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Three-bay bookcase model “LB7”, designed by Franco Albini for Poggi around 1950. The system is part
Metal
$9,041
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Franco Albini Modular bookcase model "LB7" Production Poggi Pavia 1957
By Franco Albini
Located in Vigevano, PV
Franco Albini Modular bookcase model “LB7” Production Poggi Pavia 1957 This bookcase has two
Aluminum
$19,287
H 114.18 in W 81.11 in D 17.72 in
Bookcase Model 795 by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, Italy, 1980, Walnut and Steel
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Vicenza, IT
design, such as Franco Albini’s LB7 bookcase from the 1950s. Scarpa’s 1935 concept shows a visionary
Steel
$10,827
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury LB7 modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1957
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase model LB7 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi. Marked Poggi Pavia. An extremely
Wood
$13,862 / item
H 120.87 in W 35.44 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia Italian Dark Wood LB7 Bookcase, Italy 1970s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
, designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia, shelves and container with wood veneer adjustable in
Wood
$32,547
H 109.45 in W 104.34 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Rosewood Mid-Century Modern “LB7” Modular Bookcase for Poggi, 1957
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Vicenza, IT
LB7 bookcase, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Poggi in 1957. Modular bookstore
Brass, Iron
$19,850
H 118.12 in W 102.37 in D 16.54 in
Franco Albini Attributed Mid-Century Bookcase, circa 1950, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Very very beautiful italian mid-century wood modular bookunit. This Franco Albini design attributed
Metal
Unavailable
H 108.27 in W 68.9 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Midcentury Bookcase Wood LB7 Designed for Poggi in 1957, Italia
By Amando Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Franco Albini LB7 bookcase for Poggi, 1957. Signed under the feet. Rosewood shelves and cabinets
Aluminum
Library "LB7, " in Rosewood by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1957
By Franco Albini
Located in Nice, FR
Library, model LB7, design Franco Albini, 1957. Rosewood, in perfect condition. Variable
Rosewood
Unavailable
H 125.2 in W 35.44 in D 11.82 in
Library or Room Divider "LB7, " in Rosewood by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1956
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Brussels, BE
and small library or room divider "LB7" made by Poggi, 1956, in beautiful rosewood, even
Brass
Rare Franco Albini "LB7" library and base for Poggi
By Franco Albini
Located in Milan, IT
A Franco Albini "LB7" library with original base to raise library an extra 28cm. Base measures
Wood
Franco Albini LB7 bookcase for Poggi Pavia, Italy, 1950s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The LB7 bookshelf, designed by Franco Albini in 1957, is crafted from die-cast aluminum, rosewood
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 118.12 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Italian Midcentury Franco Albini's 'LB7' Style Ceiling-Mounted Bookcase, 1960
By Franco Albini
Located in Traversetolo, IT
The iconic ceiling-mounted bookcase model 'LB7', designed by the renowned designer Franco Albini
Brass
Franco Albini LIBRERIA LB7, ANNI '50
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Baranzate, IT
Libreria LB7 in legno di teak e composta da due moduli e otto ripiani. Disegnata da Franco Albini
Wood
'LB7' bookcase Franco Albini for Poggi
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Iconica libreria a soffitto, fruibile anche da centro, modello ‘LB7’, design di Franco Albini per
Teak
"Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
"Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1950s.
Wood
Iconic LB7 Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi
By Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic teak bookcase LB7 by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia. Adjustable eight shelves and two
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Bookcase Model LB7
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in bari, IT
Franco Albini in 1956. Production Poggi Present in the permanent collection of the Muso of the Triennale
Teak
Italian Midcentury bookcase LB7 by Franco Albini, Italy, 1956
By Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia. An extremely flexible bookcase
Wood
Italian Midcentury Bookcase Lb7 by Franco Albini, Italy, 1956
By Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia. An extremely flexible bookcase
Wood
"LB7" bookcase by Franco Albini Poduzione Poggi Pavia 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Iconica libreria a soffitto, fruibile anche da centro disegnata da Franco Albini e prodotta da
Teak
Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia Bookstore "LB7" , Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Naples, IT
Libreria ‘LB7’ di Franco Albini per Poggi Libreria prodotta negli anni ’50 da Poggi su progetto di
Wood
'LB7' two-bay bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Milano, IT
Iconica libreria a soffitto modello 'LB7' disegnata da Franco Albini per una produzione Poggi anni
Teak
Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia "LB7" Bookcase, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Naples, IT
Wooden shelf bookcase with floor and ceiling uprights, designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi
Wood
Bookcase LB7 by Franco Albini for Poggi in Rosewood & Brass
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
LB7 bookcase, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Poggi in 1957. Modular bookstore
Brass
Sold
H 111.03 in W 102.37 in D 13.78 in
1950s Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Rosewood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian library shelves, adjustable with uprights set on the floor and ceiling, designed by Franco
Metal
Sold
H 111.03 in W 102.37 in D 13.78 in
1950s Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Wood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian library shelves, adjustable with uprights set on the floor and ceiling, designed by Franco
Metal
Sold
H 118.12 in W 102.37 in L 118.12 in
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Wood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
, designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia, midcentury design. Shelves and container adjustable in
Metal
Sold
H 13.78 in W 68.51 in L 13.78 in
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Wood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
, designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia, midcentury design. Shelves and container adjustable in
Metal
Sold
H 127.17 in W 69.3 in L 127.17 in
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Wood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
, designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia, midcentury design. Shelves and container adjustable in
Metal
Sold
H 120.08 in W 68.9 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Wood Bookcase Lb7 for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian wood shelves bookcase with floor and ceiling uprights, designed by Franco Albini in 1956
Metal
Sold
H 116.15 in W 69.3 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Wood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
, designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia, midcentury design. Shelves and container adjustable in
Metal
'LB7' two-bay bookcase with top Franco Albini for Poggi 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Iconica libreria a soffitto a due campate con piano modello 'LB7', disegnata da Franco Albini e
Wood
Two-bay 'LB7' bookcase Franco Albini for Poggi 1960s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Milano, IT
Iconica libreria a soffitto, fruibile anche da centro, modello 'LB7', disegnata da Franco Albini e
Teak
Franco Albini Modular Bookcase LB7 in Wood by Poggi Pavia 1956
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Cascina, Pisa
. Designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia, 1956, Italy. Licterature: R. Dulio, F. Marino
Brass
Sold
H 111.42 in W 68.9 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Dark Wood Bookcase Lb7 for Poggi, 1950s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian dark wood shelves bookcase with floor and ceiling uprights, designed by Franco Albini in
Metal
Sold
H 118.9 in W 102.37 in D 14.18 in
Libreria modello 'LB7' a tre campate Franco Albini per Poggi anni 50
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Milano, IT
Libreria a tre campate modello 'LB7', disegnata da Franco Albini e prodotta da Poggi a partire
Wood
Sold
H 118.12 in W 14.18 in D 69.3 in
Midcentury LB7 modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1957
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase model LB7 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi. An extremely flexible bookcase
Wood
Sold
H 114.57 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
Superb adjustable bookshelf, attributed as unique work by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
shelf attributed as a unique commission piece from Franco Albini's 1956 LB7 storage system manufactured
Brass
Franco Albini LB7 infinito bookcase Poggi Italy 1957
By Franco Albini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Larrge modular bookcase model LB7 designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Piggi, Italy 1957
Aluminum
LB7 Library, Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia
By Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic bookcase LB7 designed by Franco Albini in 1955 and manufactured by Poggi Pavia. Teak
Teak
"Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Teak library, Franco Ablini for Poggi, Italy, 1950. Elegant Franco Albini library or room divider
Teak
"Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Ashwood Library, Franco Ablini for Poggi, Italy, 1950. Elegant Franco Albini library or room
Ash
"Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Teak library, Franco Ablini for Poggi, Italy, 1950. Elegant Franco Albini library or room divider
Teak
LB7 bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Franco Albini, a pioneer in the world of Italian furniture. Crafted in 1955 and meticulously manufactured
Aluminum, Brass
LB7 Modular Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini in 1957 for Poggi Pavia. An extremely flexible
Wood
Sold
H 122.05 in W 102.37 in D 13.98 in
Mid-Century Modern "Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950s Height is adjustable
Wood
Sold
H 126.78 in W 103.15 in D 13.78 in
Mid-Century Modern "Lb7" Bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Lb7" bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950s. Adjustable bookshelf
Wood
Sold
H 111.82 in W 102.37 in D 13.78 in
Lb7 bookcase, designed by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia, Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookshelf designed by Franco Albini in 1956 for Poggi Pavia. An exceptionally flexible
Wood
Sold
H 97.64 in W 68.9 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Modular Bookcase LB7 in Solid Teak Wood by Poggi Pavia 1956
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
realized in solid veneered teak wood, and black lacquered metal details. Designed by Franco Albini and
Metal
Franco Albini LB7
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Franco Albini Library LB 7 Made by Poggi 1957 Palissander / Rosewood H. 300 x 260 x 25 cm
Rosewood
Franco Albini “LB7″ Library
By Franco Albini
Located in Porto, PT
“LB7″ library, mahogany and painted metal. Shelves and units can be adjusted or put in different
Metal
Franco Albini LB7 Bookcase
By Franco Albini
Located in Milan, Italy
Rosewood bookcase designed by Arch. Franco Albini with five extending wood legs terminating in iron
Rosewood
Extraordinary Library Designed by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
extraordinary library, Design Franco Albini, LB7, 1956, production Poggi, in rosewood, splitting
Metal
Sold
H 124.02 in W 68.9 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Rosewood bookcase Lb7 for Poggi, 1957 Pavia, Italia
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg, Amando Poggi
Located in Milano, IT
Franco Albini LB7 Bookcase for Poggi, 1957. Signed under the feet. Rosewood shelves and
Aluminum
Library "LB7" design Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A library "LB 7" POGGI, 1957. Rosewood. Height from 290 to 310 cm, width 260, depth 35. Literature
Rosewood
Bookcase Franco Albini Model LB7
By Franco Albini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wonderful library in teak design Franco Albini for Poggi 1956, 3 elements extensible till 325.
Teak
Exceptional Bookshelf LB7, Franco ALBINI by Poggy
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Adjustable library in 5 massive teak openwork profiled sums, supporting 13 (2 more than on the picture) racks shelving and one box. adaptable feet in height Bibliography: Giulian...
Library Model LB7 Designed by Franco Albini, 1950
By Franco Albini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Library, model LB7, design Franco Albini 1950 Rosewood, in perfect condition.
Rosewood, Wood
Franco Albini Walnut Bookcase LB7 for Poggi Pavia, 1956
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Madrid, ES
A two modular teak bookcase, Designed by Franco Albini and edited in 1956 by Poggi, Pavia, Marked
Metal
'LB7' Wall Unit by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1950s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Savona, IT
Wall unit produced in the 1950s by Poggi on a project by Franco Albini. Wooden uprights with
Metal
Franco Albini Bockshelf Mod LB7 for Poggi Original 1957, Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Morbio Inferiore, CH
Adjustable bookshelf by Franco Albini for Poggi. Structure fastened to the floor and the ceiling
Metal
Sold
H 122.05 in W 102.37 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Bookcase LB7 for Poggi, 1950
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Madrid, ES
An extraordinary rosewood and lacquered aluminum library designed by Franco Albini and edited by
Palisander
Sold
H 127.96 in W 122.84 in D 11.82 in
Midcentury Modular Wood Italian Albini's LB7 Style Bookcase, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Cassina de'Pecchi, IT
the 1960s. The bookcase' style reminds us the famous LB7 model by Franco Albini. It is composed by
Ash, Walnut, Rosewood
$2,346 / set
H 74.61 in W 29.53 in D 11.42 in
Teak and Brass Midcentury Free Standing Bookshelf Attributed to ISA
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Bookshelf made from teak wood in the 1950s.It is equipped with storage unit and shelfs. Overall good condition: this bookshelf has never been restored with the exception of some mino...
Brass
$932 / item
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Articulated Sconce Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Black and White
By Stilnovo, Arredoluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This exquisite sconce is a nod to the timeless pieces crafted by mid-century modern Italian studios Arteluce and Stilnovo in the 1950s, but with a unique and distinctive design that ...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Bronze Bench, France 1950's
By Alberto Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
Elegant bench in patinated wrought iron and bronze. The sabots are reminiscent of Giacometti's work for Jean-Michel Frank. 3 benches are available; the price is for one.
Bronze, Wrought Iron
$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
Una 'Articolo Indeterminativo' Wood Chaise Longue
By Stefano Marolla
Located in Roma, IT
The chaise longue is the third piece of the collection Una (Articolo Indeterminativo) by Stefano Marolla. The name of the collection comes from the Italian grammar where the indeterm...
Wood
$42,000 / set
H 30.52 in W 41.74 in D 33.08 in
René Drouet Pair of Lounge Chairs in Olive Green Corduroy and Walnut
By René Drouet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
René Drouet, pair of lounge chairs, corduroy velvet, walnut, France, 1930s Designed by French decorator René Drouet, these club chairs are a quintessential example of French Art Dec...
Velvet, Walnut
Art Deco Collection of 10 Sculpture Decanters Sweden 1920s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have assembled an collection of 10 Art Deco decorative and hand made decanters made in Sweden during the early 1900s to 1930s . They used to have functionality as well as looking ...
Blown Glass
$6,977
H 77.96 in W 32.68 in D 12.21 in
Osvaldo Borsani anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex E60 bookshelf Italy 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The E60 bookshelf, crafted from anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex, is a distinguished model designed by the renowned Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno in the 1950s. Minimal...
Aluminum
$5,129 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
$4,618
H 32.88 in W 37.41 in D 16.93 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Bureau Desk Danish Mid Century Teak 1960s MCM Scandinavian
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous, rare and super-stylish Mid Century bureau secretaire desk by a top Danish designer in lovely vintage condition. Designed by the much-heralded Arne Wahl Iversen and made i...
Teak
A Pair of Regency Mahogany Cane Chairs, c.1810
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of regency mahogany low-back cane bottom chairs, circa 1810. 18 ½ inches wide by 22 inches deep by 30 ¼ inches tall; seat height 17 inches
Mahogany
1960s Italian Cabinet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood
Franco Albini Library “Poggi” Wood Metal Iron, 1955, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Franco Albini Library “Poggi” wood metal iron, 1955, Italy.
Wood
Phantom Table Tall by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Phantom table tall by 101 copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L40 / W40 /H50 cm Materials: cast iron Characterized by its intentional naive...
Iron
$8,180
H 55.12 in W 46.46 in D 16.93 in
Brutalist Style Italian Dry Bar made of Oak Wood, Hand-carved Drinks Cabinet
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian hand-carved oak wood bar cabinet with four folding doors and central interior shelf. Discover the essence of Italian style with our stunning contemporary oak wood bar cabin...
Wood
$23,506
H 27.56 in Dm 118.12 in
Rare and Exceptional 'Gilda' Circle Sofa in Velvet by Michel Ducaroy, 1972
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Echt, NL
Very rare extra large 'Gilda' circle sofa in excellent condition. Designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1972. The sofa is manufactured by 'Roset' the company name of Ligne Roset prior to 1...
Metal
While working under the polymath Gio Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian modernism — furniture designer Franco Albini nurtured a love for modern forms combined with traditional craft techniques.
Albini is widely known for working with organic materials such as rattan and cane for his chairs and other seating, but he also played a pivotal role in the Italian rationalist movement of the early 20th century, which saw architects and furniture makers applying a strict emphasis on geometry in their work. Rationalists drew on Ancient Roman architecture but rejected ornament, much in the way that Le Corbusier and celebrated Bauhaus figures such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had in their modernist furniture.
Albini received his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1929, and, in 1931, he founded his practice in Milan, where he tackled workers’ housing and other reconstruction projects. A gifted urban planner, he also developed the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Tesoro di San Lorenzo museums in Genoa. While Albini is revered for his Margherita chair — a Triennale Milano award winner created for Bonacina in 1951 — he also collaborated with manufacturers Poggi and Cassina in the 1940s on seating, tables and more that embodied his artistic vision. Of that mid-century work, the one piece that perhaps best captures this vision is the iconic Luisa chair.
With its cherry red upholstery and sinuous wooden legs that seem to float aboveground, the Luisa is a genuine masterpiece. It is also a testament to Albini’s perfectionism, as it endured several prototypes — including one made by Knoll in the late 1940s — and took approximately 15 years to design. Poggi launched the final version of the armchair in 1955, earning Albini the prestigious Compasso d’Oro from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design. It is produced today by Cassina. Albini named the chair for someone who likely saw the process firsthand: his personal secretary of two decades, Luisa Colombini.
Find vintage Franco Albini furniture on 1stDibs.
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.
Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.
As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.
Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.
Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères.
Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement.
Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.