Mid-Century Heywood Wakefield Wood Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exemplifying stream-lined mid-century modern design, this authentic Heywood Wakefield wood credenza captures the timeless appeal of mid-20th-century American craftsmanship.
Wood
Mid-Century Heywood Wakefield ‘Prophecy Group’ Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century credenza manufactured by Heywood Wakefield, circa 1950s.
Metal
Heywood Wakefield "Old Colony" Vintage Maple Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century modern sideboard features a smaller footprint than most, but offers ample storage. Made of blonde maple wood and accenting brass clover shaped hardware, with two wid...
Maple, Wood, Hardwood
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Maple Wheat Credenza and Hutch
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Maple Wheat Credenza and Hutch The credenza measures: 48 wide x 19 deep x 32.5 inches high The hutch measures: 44 wide x 14 deep x 26 inches high The c...
Maple
Pair of Rare Art Deco Credenzas by Russel Wright for Heywood Wakefield
By Russel Wright
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of rare Art Deco Credenzas, designed by Russel Wright for Heywood Wakefield, American, circa 1930s.
Chrome, Metal
Mid-Century Heywood Wakefield Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A Mid-Century Heywood Wakefield credenza with two drawers. Drawers feature original brass hardware.
Brass
Heywood Wakefield Isabel Credenza in Wheat, c1950
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in New London, CT
One of the reasons Heywood Wakefield pieces are still around 60 years later and still popular among collectors is the fact that they are made of sold hardwoods; no veneers.
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wonderful Heywood Wakefield Credenza features the classic champagne finish, and is the perfect size for using as a dresser or server.
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Credenza/Sideboard
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Credenza/Sideboard Deco and Modern combined Heywood Wakefield Credenza/Sideboard - Solid wood construction.
Wood
Gilbert Rohde Inspired Heywood Wakefield Credenza with Glass Top Cabinet
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Two Piece Cabinet From Heywood Wakefield. French Art Deco And Scandanavian Blond Designs Combined To Help Create American Modernism. Cabinet Has Been Recently Restored To it...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Harmonic Champagne Credenza M998
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a Heywood Wakefield credenza from their "Harmonic" line.
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Champagne Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Esperance, NY
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Champagne credenza. This is a excellent model from hey-wood Wakefield very rare and hard to find.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Champagne Credenza Dresser
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a midcentury credenza dresser made in 1957 by Heywood Wakefield.
Wood
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Wheat 4 Drawer Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid century wheat 4 drawer credenza This credenza measures: 54.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 34 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Wood
Credenza w/ China, Bookcase Top by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Cincinnati, OH
The bookcase / china has double sliding glass doors with grounded out finger pulls and four adjustable shelves the piece retains the manufactures branded mark by the Heywood Wakefiel...
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Tambour Door Credenza with Hutch Top
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a very nice Heywood-Wakefield sideboard with glass-front hutch top. The piece has a tambour door on the left side of the sideboard and three large drawers on the right. The ...
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Champagne Credenza Buffet M593
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a mid-century credenza by Heywood Wakefield. It is made of birch with a 'Champagne' finish.
Birch
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, 1952
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a gorgeous Mid-Century Modern atomic era sideboard or credenza by Heywood-Wakefield. The sideboard features solid maple construction and unique sculpted drawer pulls.
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Buffet measures: 53.5 wide x 18 deep x 34.5 inches high (Measurement for hutch are pending) All pieces of furn...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 31.63 in W 50 in D 18 in
Vintage Restored Solid Maple Heywood Wakefield Tambour Credenza Desk & Chair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
(1) Heywood Wakefield Tambour Door Credenza (1) Heywood Wakefield Desk (1) Heywood Wakefield Cats Eye Chair
Maple
Sold
H 34.5 in W 47.75 in D 20.5 in
Heywood Wakefield Style Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Sideboard Credenza, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard or credenza attributed to Heywood Wakefield. The credenza features solid maple construction with beautiful wood grain.
Maple
Sold
H 58.25 in W 50 in D 18.5 in
Heywood Wakefield Maple Tambour Door Sideboard Credenza with Hutch Top, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern tambour door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet with hutch top By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Solid maple in original "wheat" finish, with sl...
Glass, Maple
Sold
H 31.5 in W 39 in D 20.5 in
Paul McCobb Style Ebonized Midcentury Compact Credenza by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
Paul McCobb style ebonized Mid-Century Modern compact credenza or cabinet By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Newly ebonized solid maple and brass hardware Measures: 39"W x 2...
Brass
Restored Solid Maple Heywood Wakefield M-1542 Wheat Tambour Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Donald Deskey, Russel Wright, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Versatility abounds with this Heywood Wakefield Model M-1542 Tambour Door Credenza.
Maple
Mid Century Modern 3 Drawer Credenza by Heywood Wakefiled
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern lounge chair features vintage velvety upholstery with solid maple arms and legs. Dimensions: 25w 24.5d 32.5h 18sh Condition notes: Vintage upholstery is in ...
Maple
A Room Divider Credenza by The Heywood Wakefield Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
A Room Divider Credenza by The Heywood Wakefield Co. Shelves on One Side, Doors on One Side, Slide Through Shelf Top Center
Heywood Wakefield Ebonized Maple Tambour Credenza Hutch
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic, art deco inspired, Mid-Century Modern, ebonized maple, two piece, credenza hutch by Heywood Wakefield Co. features a bottom credenza with left side tambour front compartment ...
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Bar Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century bar sideboard buffet credenza Credenza measures: 34 wide x 17 deep x 32.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vi...
Wood
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Sideboard Credenza, 1955
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a very nice and rare Heywood-Wakefield Mid-Century Modern sideboard credenza.
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Encore Double Dresser/Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Encore Double Dresser/Credenza on Splayed Legs Offered is a Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Encore Double Dresser/Credenza on Splayed Legs.
Birch
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Bar Record Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid century bar record sideboard buffet credenza Credenza measures: 35.5 wide x 18 deep x 32 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call rest...
Wood
Deco-Modern Heywood Wakefield Amber C3318 Airflow Buffet Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
The C3318 Airflow buffet was designed by Heywood Wakefield and 1937 and continued production until 1939.
Birch
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid century sideboard Credenza buffet and hutch This buffet measures: 53.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 73.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 34 in W 54 in D 18.75 in
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Sideboard Credenza, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern solid maple sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Measures: 54"W x 18.75"D x 34"H.
Maple
Sold
H 34 in W 54 in D 19 in
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Solid Birch Sideboard Credenza, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Solid birch, in original "Champagne" finish.
Birch
Sold
H 31 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Sideboard Credenza Solid Cherry Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid century modern solid cherry sideboard by Heywood Wakefield.
Sold
H 32.5 in W 48 in D 18.75 in
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Blonde Solid Wood Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid century blonde solid wood sideboard buffet credenza This piece measures 48 wide x 18.75 deep x 32.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...
Brass
Sold
H 34.38 in W 54 in D 20 in
Heywood-Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern long dresser or credenza by Heywood-Wakefield. The dresser features solid maple construction with gorgeous wood grain.
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Maple Sideboard Credenza with Hutch Top
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet with hutch top By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1964 Solid maple in original "champagne" finish, with sliding glas...
Glass, Maple
Sold
H 58 in W 50 in D 18 in
Heywood Wakefield Maple Tambour Door Credenza with Hutch Top, Newly Refinished
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern tambour door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet with hutch top By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Solid maple, with sliding glass doors.
Glass, Maple
Sold
H 58.5 in W 50 in D 18.5 in
Heywood Wakefield Maple Tambour Door Sideboard Credenza with Hutch Top, 1957
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern tambour door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet with hutch top By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1957 Solid maple in original "champagne" finish, with...
Glass, Maple
Heywood Wakefield Maple Tambour Door Sideboard Credenza with Hutch Top, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern tambour door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet with hutch top By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Solid maple in original "wheat" finish, with sl...
Glass, Maple
Sold
H 31 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Solid Cherry Long Dresser Credenza by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice outstanding quality solid cherry dresser by Heywood Wakefield.
Sold
H 31.63 in W 65 in D 20.75 in
Paul McCobb Style Ebonized Triple Dresser or Credenza by Heywood Wakefield
By Paul McCobb, Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern triple dresser or credenza by Heywood Wakefield. The dresser features a newly ebonized finish and sleek Minimalist midcentury design, very much in the s...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Isabel Sideboard in Wheat, c1950
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid-Century Modern credenza by Heywood Wakefield in Isabel offers birch construction in the Wheat finish with the frieze drawer surmounting a central drawer tower and flanking cabi...
Wood
Sold
H 35.75 in W 51.25 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Sideboard in Champagne, 20th Century
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid-Century Modern sideboard credenza by Heywood Wakefield offers birch construction in Champagne finish having central three drawer tower flanked by side cabinets and surmounting ...
Glass, Wood, Birch
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Maple Double-Sided Room Divider, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern double sided room divider credenza by Heywood Wakefield. The room divider features solid maple construction and sleek midcentury ...
Maple
Heywood Wakefield Black Credenza/Dresser
Located in Westport, CT
Heywood Wakefield Black Credenza/Dresser with gold trim and drawers lined in gray cashmere
Wood
Rare John Van Koert Heywood Wakefield Six-Drawer Dresser
By John Van Koert, Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
John Van Koert for Heywood Wakefield six drawer dresser or credenza.
Maple
Midcentury Heywood Wakefield Credenza Sideboard
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A 1960s Heywood Wakefield credenza in solid maple.
Maple
Refinished Heywood Wakefield Minimalist Encore Sideboard
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautifully minimal Heywood Wakefield credenza/sideboard from their popular "Encore" line.
Brass
Solid Maple Heywood Wakefield Wheat Credenza Buffet
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Versatility abounds with this Heywood Wakefield credenza. Buffet, media cabinet, or entryway console are just a few ideas.
Maple
Vintage Modern Credenza by Heywood-Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful two-door service cabinet by Heywood-Wakefield makes a stylish and versatile addition to any interior. Added drawer storage with shelved storage cabinets make this uniq...
Brass
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Sideboard Credenza, 1955
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very nice Mid-Century Modern sideboard or credenza by Heywood Wakefield. The sideboard features solid maple construction and sleek midcentury design.
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Heywood-Wakefield Encore Wheat Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a midcentury double dresser by Heywood-Wakefield 'Encore'. It is made of solid maple with a 'wheat' finish. Features eight drawers with signature sculpted pul...
Maple
Heywood Wakefield "Sculptura" Asymmetric Low Cabinet or Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco American unique low sideboard, rendered in birch with wheat finish and glass by Heywood Wakefield, 1940s.
Birch
Heywood Wakefield Room Divider
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in New York, NY
Heywood Wakefield room divider, in original "Champagne" finish. Minor wear to the top of the base, where the shelf rests, not visible when the top is in place. Hard to find form fro...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Sideboard
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern sideboard by Heywood Wakefield features four dovetailed drawers, two cabinets with interior shelving, sculpted cabinet and drawer pulls. Dimensions: 52w 19...
Wood
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Tambour Door Sideboard Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very nice solid maple sideboard buffet or credenza by Heywood Wakefield. The sideboard features beautiful wood grain and clean midcentury lines.
Maple
Sold
H 32 in W 56 in D 19.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Encore Champagne Credenza/Dresser
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern dresser by Heywood Wakefield 'Encore,' circa 1957. This piece is built to last, made from yellow birch with eight drawers. Can be...
Birch
Sold
H 32.25 in W 56 in D 19.25 in
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern eight-drawer long dresser or credenza By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Solid maple and lacquer Measures: 56" W × 19.25" D × 32.25" H.
Maple, Lacquer
Sold
H 32.5 in W 34 in D 17.75 in
Restored Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern M590 Server or Record Cabinet
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Russel Wright, Gilbert Rohde, Paul Frankl
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Architecturally designed and assembled with no visible hardware. 34” Wide x 17.75” Deep x 32.5” High We have more Heywood Wakefield furniture including two credenzas, coffee table,...
Maple
Midcentury Heywood Wakefield Credenza
Located in Port Chester, NY
A stylish solid oak credenza, server, or sideboard from American furniture makers Heywood Wakefield, circa 1950.
Oak
Sold
H 60 in W 60 in D 18 in
Heywood Wakefield Room Divider M504 & M505 All Original Champagne Finnish Rare
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Allentown, PA
Heywood Wakefield m505 sitting on m504 rare very much sought after room divider living room side has no doors dining room side has the doors 1953-1956 No cracks All original F...
Birch
Midcentury Heywood Wakefield Dresser Credenza
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Spring Valley, CA
Rare gorgeous midcentury dresser piece. Beautifully crafted. Smooth sliding dovetail drawers.
Oak
$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 Los Angeles, 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
$3,995
H 76 in W 60 in D 18 in
MCM 2-Piece China Hutch Cabinet Buffet by Heywood Wakefield Contessa Collection
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Mid-Century Modern 2-piece china hutch, cabinet, or buffet by Heywood Wakefield for the Contessa Collection. Comprised of 2-pieces a top hutch & a bottom buffet in a dark cherryw...
Metal
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 17 in W 19 in D 41 in
Rare Mid-century 2 Tier Carved Birch Coffee Table by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired 2-tier carved coffee Table is made from two sculpted birch boards suspended with X frames along either side. The table was made by the ...
Birch
$2,400 / item
H 22.5 in W 17.25 in D 29.5 in
Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Step End Tables. Great Scale And Form.
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Step End Tables. 22.5" H to top 16" H to bottom 29.5" L x 17.25 D each Stamped Heywood Wakefield Champagne
Maple
Created by the 19th-century merger of two venerable Massachusetts furniture makers, Heywood-Wakefield was one of the largest and most successful companies of its kind in the United States. In its early decades, the firm thrived by crafting affordable and hugely popular wicker pieces in traditional and historical styles. In the midst of the Great Depression, however, Heywood-Wakefield reinvented itself, creating instead the first modernist furniture — chairs, tables, dressers and more — to be widely embraced in American households.
The Heywoods were five brothers from Gardner, Massachusetts, who in 1826 started a business making wooden chairs and tables in their family shed. As their company grew, they moved into the manufacture of furniture with steam-bent wood frames and cane or wicker seats, backs and sides.
In 1897, the Heywoods joined forces with a local rival, the Wakefield Rattan Company, whose founder, Cyrus Wakefield, got his start on the Boston docks buying up lots of discarded rattan, which was used as cushioning material in the holds of cargo ships, and transforming it into furnishings. The conglomerate initially did well with both early American style and woven pieces, but taste began to change at the turn of the 20th century and wicker furniture fell out of fashion.
In 1930, Heywood-Wakefield brought in designer Gilbert Rohde, a champion of the Art Deco style. Before departing in 1932 to lead Herman Miller — the prolific Michigan manufacturer that helped transform the American home and office — Rohde created well-received sleek, bentwood chairs for Heywood-Wakefield and gave its colonial pieces a touch of Art Deco flair.
Committed to the new style, Heywood-Wakefield commissioned work from an assortment of like-minded designers, including Alfons Bach, W. Joseph Carr, Leo Jiranek and Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian nobleman who had made his name in Europe creating elegant automotive body designs.
In 1936, the company introduced its “Streamline Modern” group of furnishings, presenting a look that would define the company’s wares for another 30 years. The buoyantly bright, blond wood — maple initially, later birch — came in finishes such as amber “wheat” and pink-tinted “champagne.” The forms of the pieces, at once light and substantial, with softly contoured edges and little adornment beyond artful drawer pulls and knobs, were featured in lines with names such as “Sculptura,” “Crescendo” and “Coronet.” It was forward-looking, optimistic and built to last — a draw for middle-class buyers in the Baby Boom years.
By the 1960s, Heywood-Wakefield began to be seen as “your parents’ furniture.” The last of the Modern line came out in 1966; the company went bankrupt in 1981. The truly sturdy pieces have weathered the intervening years well, having found a new audience for their blithe and happy sophistication.
Find vintage Heywood-Wakefield desks, vanities, tables and other furniture for sale 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.
Mid-century modern credenzas descend from the Renaissance-era sideboard, once used to serve and store food and dishware. The clean-lined, low-profile version prized today emerged from Italian and Scandinavian design in the mid-20th century, defined by tapered legs and warm walnut or teak veneers.
Styles to Know
Mid-century modern credenzas are one of the most searched storage silhouettes on 1stDibs. Sliding-door and open-shelf configurations serve different needs: books and displayed objects suit open shelving, while electronics and linens are better behind doors. A matching mid-century modern dresser extends the look to the bedroom, or an apothecary cabinet offers more drawer storage in a smaller footprint.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Credenza
Hardware and veneer condition vary considerably from piece to piece, so listing photographs deserve a close look; our guide to case pieces covers what else to look for in construction. Every credenza comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition on record, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.