George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller mid-century walnut omni wall unit - 4 bay This wall unit measures: 129.5 wide x 18 deep x 95 inches high.
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950’s. Unit is Walnut and made in Zeeland, Michigan.
Walnut
$3,500Sale Price|36% Off
Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Zebra Wood and Chrome Tubular Wall Unit
By Herman Miller
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller zebra wood and chrome wall /shelf unit.
Chrome
Rare Free Standing Modular George Nelson Wall Unit Bookcase, Herman Miller Inter
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Rare midcentury Free standing Modular George Nelson Wall Unit Bookcase, Herman Miller International collection "Vitra", 1960s brushed steel Chrome, White lacquered wood.
Wood
Shelving Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Expansive Four Bay George Nelson ‘Comprehensive Storage System' (CSS) with customized ash shelving installed by first sale client in the 1970s. Introduced by Herman Miller in 1959,...
Wood
Peter Protzmann Zebra Wood Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By Peter Protzmann
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Peter Protzmann designed wall unit from the "Tubular Collection" (circa 1970-1971) for Herman Miller.
Zebra Wood
Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Wall Unit or Bookcase, circa 1970
By Peter Protzmann, Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
This wall unit is from Herman Miller's "Tubular Collection" (circa 1970).
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Lighted George Nelson CSS Herman Miller Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a rare vintage comprehensive storage system wall unit, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1959.
Metal
Modern Wall Desk By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
MODERN AND FUNCTIONAL DESK WALL UNIT BY GEORGE NELSON, PRODUCED BY HERMAN MILLER.
Chrome, Metal
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller, 1959
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Munster, NRW
Very rare George Nelson CSS wall unit for Hermann Miller, 1959, CSS (Comprehensive Storage System) off-white modular wall unit or room divider designed by George Nelson for Herman Mi...
Sold
H 78.5 in W 80 in D 18.5 in
Vintage CSS Wall Mounted Shelving Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage George Nelson CSS Wall Mounted Shelving Unit 1960s CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller 1960's example with two bays of shelving Three shelves with adju...
Aluminum
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson For Herman Miller.
Aluminum
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A three-bay CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Steel
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A four-bay CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Aluminum, Steel
Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit, composed of 3 boxes, 4 aluminum uprights and 12 planks. Wear due to time and age of the wall unit.
Metal, Aluminum
Three-Bay CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A three-bay CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Steel
1970s CSS Modular Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Paris, FR
CSS white lacquered wood and stainless steel modular wall unit designed by George Nelson in 1957 and edited by Herman Miller between 1959 and 1973.
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 96 in W 98 in D 18 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller 4 Bay OMNI System Wall Shelving Unit Cabinets
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni system 4 bay wall unit. This massive, magnificent wall unit is an icon of the mid century modern home and office.
Metal
Sold
H 90 in W 79 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Style CSS Wall Unit, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, compact shelving system, with nine shelves, three drawers and two cabinets, attributed to George Nelson CSS system. In excellent condition. The...
Sold
H 90 in W 76.75 in D 13.75 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller 3 Bay Omni System Mid Century Shelving Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An Omni system wall unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller. A gorgeous mid century modern wall unit featuring sleek, brushed aluminum framing, and walnut shelving.
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Desk and Wall Unit Combo
By George Nelson
Located in St. Louis, MO
George Nelson for Herman Miller comprehensive storage system or CSS desk and wall unit combination.
Aluminum
Wall Unit by George Nelson for Mobilier International, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and metal wall unit by Georges Nelson. It comprises 3 uprights, 9 shelves, 1 box with a folding door containing 2 drawers and storage units and 1 box with 2 doors containing a s...
Metal
Sold
H 72 in W 90 in D 17 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mounted Shelving Wall Unit Cado / Nelson Style
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Poul Cadovius
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic hanging three bay wall shelving unit, in the style of George Nelson or Poul Cadovius. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 90" W x 17" D x...
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Secretary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde Paldao Secretary for Herman Miller. Two Part Wall Unit can be used with or without top.
Paldao
George Nelson for Herman Miller Wall Unit Mid-Century Modern
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Toledo, OH
George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni wall unit 98" wide. George Nelson designed, Omni Systems wall unit in great condition.
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Css' Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
The wall unit was the first piece of furniture by Herman Miller that made use of vertical space to free up living space.
Steel
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller, 1959
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Munster, NRW
VERY RARE GEORGE NELSON CSS WALL UNIT FOR HERMANN MILLER 1959 CSS (Comprehensive Storage System) off white modular wall unit or room divider designed by George Nelson for Herman M...
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Walnut Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'Comprehensive Storage System (CSS)' wall unit, steel and aluminum, walnut, enameled masonite, laminate, United States, 1960s This storage system is...
Steel
Sold
H 36 in W 48 in D 24 in
George Nelson ‘Action’ Roll-Top Desk Wall Unit by Herman Miller, circa 1970s
By Herman Miller
Located in Kensington, MD
Manufactured by Herman Miller, circa 1970s. Upper storage compartment complete with original overhead lighting.
Metal
Eames Storage Unit 4x2 Wall Unit, with Herman Miller COA
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Culver City, CA
The functional beauty of Eames storage and wall units can be customized to fit your life. Dubbed "working art" since their 1949 debut as part of an exhibition at the Detroit Institut...
Steel
Five Bay George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
An incredible piece of Mid-Century Modern design-- this five bay walnut George Nelson wall unit was designed for Herman Miller in 1959.
Steel
CSS Herman Miller Mid-Century Wall Unit by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller provides a comprehensive storage system CSS that provides a completely flexible workspace.
Walnut
Midcentury George Nelson CSS Unit for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this authentic and original CSS Unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Aluminum
Sold
H 96 in W 97 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Wall Shelving Omni Unit, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a wonderful wooden Omni wall unit, by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1960s.
Wood
CSS Wall Unit with Vanity Mirror by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare CSS wall unit with residential modules, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller.
Aluminum
Sold
H 111.42 in W 99.61 in D 20.87 in
CSS Modular Wall Unit, George Nelson for Herman Miller & Mobilier International
By Herman Miller, Mobilier International, George Nelson
Located in Paris, FR
CSS white lacquered wood and stainless steel modular wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1957 and edited between 1959 and 1973.
Stainless Steel
George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Phoenix, AZ
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS wall-mounted unit, circa early 1960s.
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful Comprehensive Storage System designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This six pole storage system is comprised of eight drawers with dovetail joinery, four can lights ...
Walnut
George Nelson Herman Miller Three Bay CSS Shelf Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Ferndale, MI
George Nelson for Herman Miller. Measures: 97” wide x 94" tall, plus four extensions. Shelves: 12” deep, cabinet: 19” deep.
CSS Shelf by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1965
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
CSS Shelf by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1965 Vintage modular wall unit crafted in white lacquered wood and Vintage modular wall unit crafted in white lacquered wood and alu...
Aluminum
Vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni Single Bay Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni single bay wall unit. Anodized support, white cabinets and walnut shelves.
Walnut
George Nelson Five Bay CSS Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large and exceptional CSS wall unit by George Nelson. This system has ten shelves, one magazine shelf, two large cabinets with sliding doors and an adjustable shelf, one small cabine...
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 94 in W 97 in D 18.5 in
Handsome 3 Bay George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit Mid-Century Modern
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS 3 bay wall unit. This wonderful set consists of 2 flip down cabinets, 8 adjustable shelves, 1 desk shelf and 4 gunmetal finish poles alon...
Metal
Sold
H 100 in W 64 in D 14.5 in
George Nelson CSS Book Shelf Wall Unit with Desk Herman Miller Circa 1955
By George Nelson
Located in Emeryville, CA
Herman Miller introduced George Nelson’s Comprehensive Storage System (CSS) in 1959 and produced it until 1973. Available in various wood finishes, the CSS could also be customized t...
Aluminum, Steel
Wall Unit by George Nelson for Mobilier International, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall unit composed of 5 boxes, 2 glass boards, 4 aluminum posts adjustable in height: Min: 258cm Max: 265cm and 4 wooden boards. Wear due to time and age of the wall unit.
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 98 in W 105 in D 17.25 in
Omni Style Wall Unit Room Divider in Teak After George Nelson, Usa, circa 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
A rare and exceptional wall unit designed with strong influences taken from George Nelson's Omni Wall Unit for Herman Miller.
Aluminum
George Nelson Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'Comprehensive Storage System (CSS)' wall unit, steel and aluminum, walnut, United States, 1960s This storage system is designed by Nelson in the ...
Aluminum, Steel
Peter Protzman Herman Miller Wall Unit
By Peter Protzmann, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare unlimited edition Peter Protzman wall unit from the "Tubular Collection" (circa 1970-1971) for Herman Miller.
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Action Office" Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Action Office" wall unit.
George Nelson OMNI Walnut Wall Unit, ca. 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson OMNI Walnut Wall Unit, ca. 1960. Beautiful original early OMNI walnut and aluminum wall unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Turners Falls, MA
George Nelson for Herman Miller four-bay CSS wall unit. Unit consists of three-drawer cabinet, single-drawer cabinet, drop front cabinet with interior light, two-drawer filling cabin...
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a super handsome walnut wall unit designed by George Nelson. It consists of 13 shelves, 1 double file cabinet, 1 file cabinet with drawers, 1 table/desk, 3 separate drawers (...
Metal
George Nelson Herman Miller Omni CSS Wall Unit Desk
By George Nelson
Located in St. Louis, MO
Very nice George Nelson for Herman Miller 2 Bay CSS.
Aluminum
George Nelson 2 Section Wall Mount CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Long Beach, CA
George Nelson 2 Section Wall Mount CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller. Completely modular unit features 2 3 drawer chests (note continuous wood grain on cabinet faces) 2 Glass front di...
Aluminum
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS (Comprehensive Storage System) wall unit, one of the most advanced storage systems of it's day and even now it's design has withstood the test of ...
Aluminum
Rare George Nelson CSS Wall Unit in rosewood by Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Maastricht, NL
Extremely rare custom ordered George Nelson CSS free hanging wall unit in rosewood with glass shelves in excellent original condition with a beautiful patina. Rosewood is not faded a...
Metal
Sold
H 96 in W 97 in D 19.5 in
Original CSS 'Comprehensive Storage System' by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Here for your consideration is an original 1950s design by George Nelson for Herman Miller. USA. The CSS. This wall unit features a 3 bay system composed of 4 silver extruded alu...
Aluminum
Sold
H 98 in W 98 in D 87 in
Exceptional George Nelson CSS Wall Unit with Desk and Credenza by Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Long Beach, CA
Exceptional George Nelson 3 section CSS Wall Unit with Desk and Credenza by Herman Miller.
Metal
George Nelson CSS (Comprehensive Storage System) Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Consisting of three "Bays", this unit can be configured in just about any arrangement as all the pieces are held on by adjustable brackets that slide up or down the uprights and lock...
Aluminum
George Nelson CSS Comprehensive Storage System
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS wall unit, one of the most advanced storage systems of it's day and even now it's design has withstood the test of time.
Aluminum
Herman Miller Action Office Desk and Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Action office desk and wall unit. Rare intact entire set with the original fabric doors on the wall unit.
CSS Wall Unit with Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Belmont, MA
This CSS was installed in the original owner's home in the early 1960's and was never moved, so it is in near-mint condition. Component list upon request.
Walnut
$4,450
H 9 in W 44 in D 21.38 in
Francois Monnet Coffee Table Smoked Glass and Brushed Steel , pair available
By François Monnet
Located in Miami, FL
Francois Monnet coffee table Mid-Century Modern from the 1960s. Brushed steel frame with elegant smoked glass top.
Stainless Steel
$4,360 / item
H 28.35 in W 40.16 in D 34.65 in
"Pietra" Curved Armchair with Leather Arms Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
Pietra from Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves ...
Bouclé
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
$6,879 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
Pink Marble Pedestal Cone Side Table
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introduce monumental elegance and a grounded detail to your interior with the stunning pink marble CONE side table. The sculptural geometric shape of this contemporary design piece ...
Marble
$1,650 / item
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
$7,200 / item
H 14 in Dm 36 in
Grand Mid-Century Flush Mount Uplight Ceiling Lamp from Filmcasino Vienna, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
We are delighted to present this stunning bowl-shaped pendant light / uplight plafoniere / flush mount light fixture dating back to the 1950s. (Actually there were three pieces avail...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
$4,250 / set
H 15.75 in W 5 in D 3 in
Brass and Murano Glass Sconces, Mid-Century Modern Style, Italy, New Design
Located in Austin, TX
Petite sconces from Murano, Italy made with smoked glass stamped into a lovely curved shape with texture. The brass structure has been newly wired to fit US standards. This pair is...
Brass
A Stunning Mid Century Design Walnut and Chrome Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning Mid Century design richly patinated walnut and chrome desk of exceptional quality, finely carved and with a fabulous curvilear clean design. The well figured moulded and ...
Chrome
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$1,224 / set
H 6.82 in W 4.34 in D 2.6 in
Bronze Door Handle and Bell Push with Brutalist Design 20th Century, European
Located in London, GB
A rectangular bronze push or pull door handle, with Brutalist geometric design, together with matching bell push, mid-late 20th century, European. This is a heavy handle, made of ca...
Brass, Bronze
$3,383 / set
H 78.75 in W 63 in D 14.97 in
Poul Cadovius, Teak Royal System, Scandinavian Midcentury, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Göteborg, SE
Poul Cadovius designed the Royal System shelving system in 1948. It was one of the world's first shelves that hung on the wall, freeing up floor space. The shelving system quickly be...
Metal
$8,962 / item
H 35.44 in W 63 in D 27.56 in
Brass and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Glustin Luminaires
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Mobile kinetic chandelier made of patinated brass with a round counterweight and two enlighten alabaster globes. Original design by Glustin Luminaires.
Alabaster, Brass
$1,711 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 43.31 in
Contemporary Art Deco Mint green and Red powder coated Carousel 5 arms pendant
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Carousel suspension lamp has a delicate balance of form and function that produces a quiet, modern light ambiance for all to savour, with its Contemporary Art Deco lines. The struct...
Metal
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
Capiz Shell Table Lamp, Model Cornelia
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cornelia Table Lamp is a lamp that is made from capiz shells which gives the material an irregular structure. This makes each lamp unique, something that adds to its character and pe...
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.