Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
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Herman Miller George Nelson Action Office Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
Thus is a Herman Miller Desk designed by George Nelson. It's from Nelson's Action Office Series. It
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Mid Century Executive Desk
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Mid Century Executive Desk
This desk measures: 135 wide x 87 deep
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
Vintage Herman Miller Table or Desk with Knoll Walnut Top
By Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller aluminum segmented base. We have 8 available.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s
Desk or writing
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
H 34.65 in W 38.98 in D 28.55 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Desk with Return
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Desk with Return
This desk measures: 80.75 wide x 18.5
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Drop Side Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Drop Side Desk
This desk measures: 40 wide x 24 deep x
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Modern Herman Miller High Back Swivel Office Chair Newly Upholstered
By Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller High Back Swivel Office Chair on Casters Newly
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Leather
H 43 in W 23 in D 19 in
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
The Top has a very floating appearance.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return
This desk measures: 65 wide x
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 26.5 in W 34.5 in D 16 in
Writing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Steel
1970s Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller "Action Office" Rolltop Desk Exec.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Basel, BS
Desk". These early productions of these Herman Miller products hold more value than the more modern
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
H 34 in W 30 in D 54 in
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Chrome
1993 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Management Desk Chair Original Black Leather
By Herman Miller
Located in Wilton, CT
Designed by Ray and Charles and manufactured by Herman Miller, these Management Height Black
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 33 in W 23 in D 23 in
Herman Miller High-Back Office Chair
By Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Herman Miller high-back soft pad office chair in black leather, great condition. Stamped with date
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, wood, United States, design 1953.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Roll Top Action Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful early example of the Action Office Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
H 32 in W 65 in D 32 in
George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates
Home Office desk, model 4658
Manufactured by Herman Miller
USA, 1946
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Usa, 1955
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pedestal desk designed in 1955 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA. Teak wood top with two
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Table or Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vintage Action Office Table or Desk
The Action Office desk or
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
George Nelson ‘Action’ Roll-Top Desk Wall Unit by Herman Miller, circa 1970s
By Herman Miller
Located in Kensington, MD
survival in a work at home Covid world.
Manufactured by Herman Miller, circa 1970s.
Upper storage
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
U-Shape Burdick Desk for Herman Miller with Floating Table
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage U-shaped desk designed by Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller. This enormous desk has three
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Onyx, Granite, Aluminum
Herman Miller Eames PSCC Swivel Desk Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Light yellow fiberglass shell desk chair by Herman Miller. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Model
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Herman Miller Typewriter Desk Return by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing the iconic Herman Miller typewriter desk return, a testament to the visionary design of
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Upholstered Shell Office Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century upholstered shell office chair
This chair measures
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brescia, IT
Modernist Desk
George Nelson by Hermann Miller
1950
Laminated wood, aluminum base
Rare model.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 33.86 in W 59.06 in D 27.56 in
Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By Robert Propst, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Action Office Writing Desk by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
H 28.75 in W 66 in D 32.5 in
Gilbert Rhode for Herman Miller EOG No. 17 Receptionist Desk
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Herman Miller in the 1940s. The desk is in original, unrestored condition. It's composed of walnut veneer
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Steel
Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Reclining Executive Office Chair - One Piece, 1980s
By Herman Miller
Located in Basel, BS
Here is a rare opportunity to purchase an incredible vintage in-tact original Herman Miller soft
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Chrome
H 38 in W 26 in D 33 in
Bruce Burdick table for Herman Miller 1980s
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in bari, IT
glass top (15 mm) designer Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller 1980s.
In 1980, this table received design
Category
1980s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Crystal, Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Executive Office Group Walnut Desk & Return
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 9000 Series Mid Century Walnut Desk and Return
This desk measures
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Early Vintage Time Life Desk Chair ES104 by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Time Life Desk Chair ES104 by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. The appears to be a nice
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
H 35.5 in W 27 in D 27.75 in
54" Vintage Single Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
54" Vintage single pedestal desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This distinctive desk has two
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Steel
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Padded Fiberglass Teal Swivel Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Countryside, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Padded Fiberglass Teal Swivel Office Chair
This swivel office
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
H 32.75 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Eames Herman Miller EA108 swivel desk chairs, USA 1970s. Two available
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Hastings, GB
Eames Herman Miller EA108 swivel desk chairs, USA 1970s. Two available. Polished aluminium frames
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 33.08 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Dat-1 Swivel Desk or Office Armchair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Classic Mid-Century Modern office or desk armchair, model DAT-1 on castors and tilt swivel in off
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
H 34.26 in W 24.81 in D 22.84 in
Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By Robert Propst, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
H 47.25 in W 61.82 in D 33.08 in
Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Steel
H 29 in W 42 in D 17 in
MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather perch stool or chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
Eames for Herman Miller High Back Leather Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Sold individual. 30 available !
Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group chairs in premium plush
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Soft Pad Desk Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Leather chair with aluminum base and wheels. Stamped Herman Miller under the seat. The chair turns
Category
1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Eames for Herman Miller High Back Aluminum Group Chairs
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ask for custom shipping quote
An icon of Mid-Century Modern design that continues to be produced
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC)
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC) in a scarce Purple Fabric
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Fiberglass
Art Deco Palladio Fall Front Desk by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c. 1940’s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sophisticated drop front desk designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller as part of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Wood, Burl
H 37 in W 40 in D 17 in
Charles Eames for Herman Miller MCM Upholstered Shell Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Countryside, IL
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century upholstered shell office chair
This chair measures
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare Early Charles and Ray Eames PACC Desk Chair for Herman Miller, USA, 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, USA, 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 33.5 in W 25 in D 24 in
Ray & Charles Eames for Herman Miller Full Option Rare Green Desk Chair, 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Amsterdam, Haarlem and IJmuiden for lamps, chairs, small items as tables and office desks, small not too
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 33.47 in W 22.45 in D 21.66 in
Ea 216 Soft Pad Desk Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Leather chair with aluminum base and wheels. Stamped Herman Miller under the seat. The chair turns
Category
1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 42.13 in W 24.02 in D 25.2 in
MCM Mauve Hopsacking & Chrome Tubular Chairs by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller
By Peter Protzmann, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
pair of Mid-Century Modern chrome tubular chairs by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller to offer to you
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
H 31.5 in W 23.25 in D 27 in
Set of 6 Charles Eames Alu Chairs by Herman Miller, White Leather
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
6 Charles Eames Alu Chairs by Herman Miller, White Leather, H 84.5 cm
Item description:
This set
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Category
1960s Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Chrome
H 32.68 in W 64.18 in D 32.29 in
1960s Herman Miller Eames Swivel Office Desk Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Herman Miller Eames fiberglass shell office or desk chair. Swivel base with wheels
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Set of Four Eames for Herman Miller Swivel Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dazzling mid-century set of four padded swivel chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Steel
Herman Miller ES102 Intermediate Chair Design Charles & Ray Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
rare Herman Miller ES102 Intermediate Desk chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames
Upholstery in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Vintage Mid Century Modern Herman Miller Blue Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
This Herman Moller Chair with Black Edging on upholstery. Possibly Leather or Vinyl Seat . Possible
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Wood
Herman Miller DAT Executive armchair Designed by Charles & Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Herman Miller DAT fibre plastic armchair on office base,
Designed by Charles & Ray Eames in 1948
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
1970s Herman Miller Eames Red Time Life Executive Office Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1970s Herman Miller Eames Red Time Life Executive Office Chair
Label present
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Metal
Original Charles & Ray Eames Herman Miller Upholstered Fiberglass Arm Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
. Retains remnants of original Herman Miller label. CPI stamp dates it from between 1974-1982.
Quite good
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 32.5 in W 25 in D 25 in
Charles and Ray Eames Contract Base Arm Chair by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Dronten, NL
Swiveling parchment fiberglass arm chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks
Materials
Aluminum
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Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of vintage mid century herman miller desks available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique vintage mid century herman miller desks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, aluminum and wood. There are all kinds of vintage mid century herman miller desks available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of vintage mid century herman miller desks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern vintage mid century herman miller desks are of considerable interest. Many vintage mid century herman miller desks are appealing in their simplicity, but Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson produced popular vintage mid century herman miller desks that are worth a look.
How Much are Vintage Mid Century Herman Miller Desks?
Vintage mid century herman miller desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,900, while the lowest priced sells for $300 and the highest can go for as much as $24,999.
A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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