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Italian Midcentury Modern Furniture

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Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Soriana' Chaise Lounge Chair in grey leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
one of the most important designs of Italian Mid-Century furniture design. The cushions and the
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Dove Desk or Table Lamp by Barbaglia and Colombo
By PAF Studio, Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cool post modern design by Barbaglia and Colombo for PAF Studio made in Italy circa 1980's. It
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Sarfatti for Arteluce Style Chrome Desk Lamp
By Sarfatti for Arteluce, Arteluce, Stilnovo, Gaetano Sciolari, Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern Sarfatti for Arteluce style chrome desk lamp. Unusual Mid-Century Modern chrome
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Style Circular Brass and Cotton Velvet Italian Bar Stool
Located in Madrid, ES
Modern circular Italian bar stool, made of polished brass structure with bottom footrest ring and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs with Woven Paper Cord Seats, Italy, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
and craftsmanship that define the structures. What sets Italian mid-century furniture pieces apart
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Wood

Brown and Black Italian Leather Checkerboard Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Italian Art Deco rug from the mid-20th century. A true oddity. Brown and black leather
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Western European Rugs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs, typical Italian design of the 1960s, has been restored and reupholstered in
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Lacquer

1950s Sputnik Modern by Stilnovo Patinated Brass Chandelier 8 Bulb Lamp Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in National City, CA
Modern Italian chandelier Sputnik Space Age design in patinated vintage brass. Italy circa 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Cristal Art Vintage Round Wall Mirror with Tasseled Glass Frame, 1950s
By Cristal Arte
Located in Jersey City, NJ
2". Designitalia outsources fine Italian Mid Century Furniture; Please browse our other items by
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Art Glass, Wood

1960s Italian Set of Four Hand-Stitched Leather and Chrome Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Very chic Italian chairs with exceptional design that gives a very sleek and attractive profile
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Custom Italian Counter Balance by Le Lampade
By Stilnovo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Vintage style three arm floating chandelier, inspired by Italian midcentury lighting designs this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century White Boucle Shell Chair, Miroslav Navratil, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
attended a master school for furniture in Valašské Mezirící, then until 1935 the Czech State Industrial
Category

20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Velvet, Beech

Mazzega Square Murano Glass Sconces, Italian Wall Light, Italy, 1960s
By Mazzega
Located in Roma, IT
Italian wall light made of Murano glass, Mazzega. Italy, 1960s Mount an E27 attack bulb.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Murano Vintage White Pink Orange Ribbons Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fratelli Toso, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
great display piece on any desk, vanity or curio cabinet. Mid-century era. Measures 4 1/2" tall x 4 1/2
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Gio Ponti Art Dèco Italian Lounge Armchair from Hotel Bristol Merano, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Luxurious Art Deco style armchair designed by Gio Ponti for Hotel Bristol Merano Italy. Lounge
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Fontana Arte Black Metal and Glass Mirror Model "1928" Design Max Ingrand, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Jersey City, NJ
further exploration, Designitalia offers a curated selection of fine Italian Mid Century Furniture. Browse
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal

XL Midcentury Murano Glass Pendant Lamp, Italy, 1970s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Very unusual vintage large Murano glass pendant lamp made in Italy in the 1970s. The lamp is
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Murano Glass

Fratelli Toso Murano Red Aventurine Candy Cane Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Fratelli Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Only 1 Left! Beautiful vintage Murano handblown red over white, and aventurine Italian art glass
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass

Mid-Century Modern Red Leather Swivel Office Chair
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern red leather swivel office chair. Iconic Mid-Century Modern office chair design
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Large Italian Brutalist Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in München, DE
Wonderful brutalist chandelier from the 1960s. Extremely successful Italian design. A very
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s
By Roche Bobois
Located in Utrecht, NL
in the diverse shapes and forms of this stylish sofa. What sets Italian mid-century furniture
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

  • Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s
  • Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s
  • Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s
  • Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s
H 31.5 in. W 80.32 in. D 35.44 in.
Italian Mid-Century Modern "Cobra" Table Lamp by Angelo Lelli for Arredoluce
By Arredoluce, Angelo Lelii
Located in New York, NY
Rare and important Italian Mid-Century Modern "Cobra" table lamp by Angelo Lelli for Arredoluce
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Pair of Midcentury Tito Agnoli Rattan and Bamboo Italian Pouf Stools Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Italy during the 1960s. The craftsmanship of these stools is exceptional and the curved bamboo
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Italian Golden Hand-Hammered Bronze Clam Footed Bowl, Key Dish, Catchall, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern golden hammered handcrafted bronze clamshell footed bowl, key dish
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Mazzega Mid-Century Modern "Pulegoso" Murano Glass Italian Chandelier, 1960s
By AVMazzega
Located in Puglia, Puglia
metal. Amber and transparent color, Italy, 1960s. The historic glassworks Mazzega IVR was the architect
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

White Opaline Glass Italian Pendant Lamp by Achille e Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Ceiling lamp designed in 1965 by the Castiglioni brothers. Produced by Flos. It produces diffused light through the opal glass diffuser and concentrated light with a polished aluminu...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Brass Rattan Stool, JA Studio
By Jonathan Amar
Located in Paris, FR
pieces and bespoke contemporary lighting. With a strong focus on Italian mid-century designs, his success
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

  • Contemporary Brass Rattan Stool, JA Studio
  • Contemporary Brass Rattan Stool, JA Studio
  • Contemporary Brass Rattan Stool, JA Studio
  • Contemporary Brass Rattan Stool, JA Studio
H 16.93 in. W 14.97 in. D 14.97 in.
Edmondo Palutari Sideboard, Made by Dassi Mobili Iterni, 1960s
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi Lissone
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This Italian sideboard dates back to the 1960s. The sideboard was designed by Edmondo Palutari and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set With Table and Chair in White Leatherette
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
, Italy, design 1968 Outstanding Italian dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni in a functional way
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vanities

Materials

Steel

Ezio Longhi Pair of Ribbed-Back Lounge Chairs for ELAM, Italy, 1960s
By Elam, Ezio Longhi
Located in Utrecht, NL
a woodcarver. This pair embodies the classical elegance of Italian mid-century furniture, and the
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alfredo Barbini Murano Signed Rib Cage Design Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Alfredo Barbini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and unusual, vintage Murano hand blown crystal clear, indented and ribbed Italian art
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Crystal

Italian Fume Glass Table Pace Collection.
By Pace Collection
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian 1960s smoke glass table by Pace Collection. Table can be reassemble when bronze glass
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Smoked Glass

Large Contemporary Pair of Brass Green Gold Leaf Murano Glass Sconces, Italy
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
sconces. Contemporary work from a small artisanal italian design workshop. In the mood of Mid-Century
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Gold Leaf, Brass

Gino Cenedese Attributed Murano Scavo Twin Handled Art Glass Vase
By Gino Cenedese
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish midcentury Italian Murano Scavo (excavated) art glass twin handled vase attributed
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Italian Mid-Century Chair with Red Sky Seat, Metal and Wooded Structure, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Chair with red sky seat, metal and wooded structure, 1960s Chair with round
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

"Dialogo" Brown Leather Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy, 70s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
“Dialogo" brown leather and walnut dining chairs by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy 70s The ‘Dialogo
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Gio Walnut Bench in Charcoal Bouclé
By Stamford Modern
Located in Stamford, CT
leader in Italian design. This floating cushion perches on top of solid brass pillars and hangs over a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

  • Gio Walnut Bench in Charcoal Bouclé
  • Gio Walnut Bench in Charcoal Bouclé
  • Gio Walnut Bench in Charcoal Bouclé
  • Gio Walnut Bench in Charcoal Bouclé
H 20 in. W 60 in. D 19 in.
Pair Armchairs and Sofa Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi Appelli & Varesio Edition
By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi
Located in Rovereta, SM
Pair armchairs Attributed to Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi (1925-1985), Pair of armchairs Maple and velvet Appelli & Varesio Edition. the size of air chairs are Depth 70cm ,Width 6...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Maple

Dinamarquesa Chair, Carlo Fongaro, Brazilian Modern, 1970s
By Carlo Fongaro
Located in Clifton, NJ
-1986) and produced by Probjeto, who signed one of the most popular lines of modern Brazilian furniture
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Pair of Murano Glass Polar Chandeliers Italian Modern, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Murano polar ice color chandelier, each with 88 precious hand blown glass leaves hanging on the brass frame. Spectacular light effect. Available three pairs of sconces. Provenance ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Blown Glass

Rare "George" Daybed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, Off-White Bouclé
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Danville, CA
The George line was created at the turn of the century by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Decorative Vase, by Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous midcentury bamboo and rattan decorative vase. This beautiful piece was produced by Vivai
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Rush

Mid-Century Italian Marble Table or Stand
Located in Troy, MI
circa 1970s small Italian marble table or stand with turned pedestal base and round top. Marble is
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Marble

  • Mid-Century Italian Marble Table or Stand
  • Mid-Century Italian Marble Table or Stand
  • Mid-Century Italian Marble Table or Stand
  • Mid-Century Italian Marble Table or Stand
H 19.5 in. W 14.5 in. D 14.5 in.
Single Stilnovo Directional Spot Sconce
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic midcentury Italian Directional spot wall sconce from Stilnovo from the 1950s in aged brass
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Lino Tagliapietra for Effetre Murano Glass, Mid-Century Modern Centerpiece, Mint
By Effetre International Company, Lino Tagliapietra
Located in Firenze, FI
1970s Lino Tagliapietra Murano glass centerpiece. A real eye-catcher! A black / maroon gorgeous creation - Sculpture Centerpiece Mouth Blown Murano glass artwork, modernist, well...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Centerpieces

Materials

Murano Glass

Salviati Gaspari Murano Pink Blue Biomorphic Rock Italian Art Glass Paperweight
By Salviati, Luciano Gaspari
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso pink and blue Italian art glass biomorphic rock shaped
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Blown Glass

De Pas D'urbino Lomazzi Italian Sofa "Piumino" by Dall'Oca, 70s
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Dell'Oca
Located in Puglia, Puglia
. De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi were part of the "Radical Design" movement, which dominated Italian
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Synthetic, Faux Leather

Multicolor Large Poliedri Murano Glass Chandelier or Ceiling Light
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Rome, IT
This chandelier consists dozens of hand blown multicolor "Poliedri" made of Murano glass with a brass frame. Available also a pair . Edition limited from a great master of Venetian...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Modern Murano Glass and Brass Pendant Chandelier
By Mazzega
Located in Dallas, TX
Very unusual and elegant Mid-Century Modern Italian cascading chandelier, in the manner of Mazzega
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, "Viscontea" Pendant Lamp for Flos, 1960
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Paris, FR
"Viscontea" pendant light was manufactured by Flos, in Italy in 1960s. Resin and enameled steel frame
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

1970's Vintage Italian Chrome Shelving Cabinet by Zevi
By Renato Zevi
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Italian shelving unit in chrome and glass. This was designed by Renato Zevi for
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Bonacina Mid-Century Modern Italian Rattan Armchair, 1950s
By Bonacina
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This hand-bent rattan chair was produced in the 1950s by the famous Italian company Bonacina.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, Jean Gillon, Sergio Rodrigues, Mario Bellini, Joe Colombo
Located in London, GB
A superb and rarely seen pair of lounge chairs. Made in Italy the chairs nod to Brazilian mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

  • Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
  • Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
  • Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
  • Pair of Rare Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
H 27.96 in. W 45.67 in. D 42.92 in.
Mid Century Modern Side Table on Castors, Glass, Chrome plated, Italy, 1970s
By Arredamenti Allegri
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Side Table on Castors, Glass, Chrome plated, Italy, 1970s. Extraordinary mid
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Italian Mid-Century Chiavari Chair in Full Brass with New Upholstery, 1970s
By Chiavari
Located in Morazzone, Varese
One amazing solid brass Italian Mid-Century Modern 'Chiavari' side chair. Made in the 1970s. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Sculpture by Alessio Tasca, Italy, 1970s
By Alessio Tasca
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Sculpture by Alessio Tasca, Italy, 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pale Blue Murano Twisted Rope 'Firenze' Mirror in the Style of Barovier e Toso
Located in London, GB
Pale green ribbed hand blown Murano glass eliptical mirror with two brass fluted clasps at the top and bottom, the inner edge lined with slender brass filet. Also available in pal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Single Mid-Century Modern Italian Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant modern scone from Mid-Century, Italy. Blown glass, perforated steel and brass materials
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Steel

  • Single Mid-Century Modern Italian Sconce
  • Single Mid-Century Modern Italian Sconce
  • Single Mid-Century Modern Italian Sconce
  • Single Mid-Century Modern Italian Sconce
H 14.25 in. W 5.5 in. D 8 in.
Sputnik Chandelier by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Elegant Sputnik chandelier with enlightened and different sized opaline glass globes, from Murano. Structure in brass. Creation by Studio Glustin. Pair available.
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Sideboard Italian Work Mid-Century Modern
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Lucca, IT
Sideboard Italian work Mid-Century Modern. The sideboard is divided into four parts, three sliding
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal

  • Sideboard Italian Work Mid-Century Modern
  • Sideboard Italian Work Mid-Century Modern
  • Sideboard Italian Work Mid-Century Modern
  • Sideboard Italian Work Mid-Century Modern
H 30.71 in. W 16.93 in. D 82.29 in.
  • 1
  • ...
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Italian Midcentury Modern Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of Italian midcentury modern furniture for your home. An item from our selection of Italian midcentury modern furniture — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. Find 8122 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of Italian midcentury modern furniture now, or shop our selection of 85 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the object in our assortment of Italian midcentury modern furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right option in this array of Italian midcentury modern furniture, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. A well-made piece of Italian midcentury modern furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Stilnovo, Murano and Venini are consistently popular.

How Much is an Italian Midcentury Modern Furniture?

Prices for a piece of Italian midcentury modern furniture start at $1 and top out at $71,819 with the average selling for $2,343.

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

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 legendary 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.

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.

Read More

Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds

Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds

The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.

Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond

Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond

Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.

A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture

A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture

The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.

The 16 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

The 16 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about to how they came to be.

Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood

Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood

The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.

Smilow Design Makes Marvels of the Mid-Century New Again

Smilow Design Makes Marvels of the Mid-Century New Again

Now guided by the third generation to lead it, the family-run furniture company creates eternally stylish pieces that last lifetimes.

Eileen Gray’s Deco Designs Launched Modernism. That Was Just the Beginning

Eileen Gray’s Deco Designs Launched Modernism. That Was Just the Beginning

Decades after her death, appreciation for the legendary designer and architect's work continues to flourish.

Harvey Probber Was the Godfather of Modern Modular Seating

Harvey Probber Was the Godfather of Modern Modular Seating

The forward-thinking designer is finally getting his due.