$1,228Sale Price|58% Off
H 33.08 in W 26.58 in D 27.56 in
José Espinho Armchair Model Prefa for Móveis Olaio, 1962
By José Espinho 1, Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
Jose´ Espinho was one of the most amazing Portuguese designers of the XX Century. The armchair Model Prefa for Move´is Olaio is one of the greatest pieces done by Jose´ Espinho. The...
Faux Leather, Cedar
$1,974Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.54 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Coffee Table by José Espinho for Estoril Sol Hotel, Model Export, 1970's
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This exquisite coffee table, designed by José Espinho and produced by Móveis Sousa Braga and Móveis Olaio in Portugal, is a prime example of 1970s Portuguese design.
Wood
$1,034Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 16.54 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Side Tables by José Espinho for Estoril Sol Hotel, Model Export, 1970's
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This stunning side table, designed by José Espinho and produced by Móveis Sousa Braga and Móveis Olaio in Portugal, is an exceptional example of 1970s Portuguese design.
Wood
Vintage Portuguese Bedside Table by Móveis Olaio, 1960's
By Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
This bedside table was designed and produced by Móveis Olaio in Portugal during the 1960's. It is made of mutenye wood and features one drawer with a wood handle in a darker wood.
Wood
Typist Chair, Model Simples, by Móveis Olaio, 1940's
By Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
This typist chair was designed and produced by Móveis Olaio, during the 1940's, for the Agronomic Station in Oeiras, Portugal.
Beech
Sold
H 26.97 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Dining Table, Model Brasil, by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio, 1967
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This dining table, model 'Brasil' was designed by José Espinho and produced by Móveis Olaio, in Portugal, in 1967. It is made of mutenye wood, mahogany and beechwood.
Wood, Beech
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H 28.55 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Set of 8 Chairs, Model Noruega, by Gastão Machado for Móveis Olaio, 1978
By Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
This set of eight chairs was designed by Gastão Machado for Móveis Olaio, Portugal, in 1978. Gastão Machado designed this model for young people's room, however its detachable molded...
Faux Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.67 in W 18.71 in D 16.54 in
Pair of School Chairs, Model Sena, by António Sena Da Silva, for Móveis Olaio
By Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of school chairs, model Sena, was designed by António Sena da Silva, in colaboration with Gastão Martins Machado and Leonor Álvares de Oliveira, and produced by Móveis Olai...
Beech
Drawing Board and Chair by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio, 1970's
By José Espinho 1, Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
A rare and well-preserved Drawing Board and Chair set designed by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio in the 1970s — an iconic example of Portuguese modernist design rooted in functional c...
Metal
Armchair by José Espinho for Olaio, Portugal, 1960s
By José Espinho 1, Olaio
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair, linha Prefa for Moveis Olaio. Designed in 1961 by José Espinho. Portugal, 1960s.
Beech
Prefa Desk by José Espinho for Móves Olaio, 1962
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This desk, model Prefa, was designed by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio, in Portugal, in 1962. On the right side has four drawers and one sliding top, that gives an extra space when wo...
Copper
Coffee Table, Model Excelsior, by José Espinho for Olaio, 1962
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This coffee table, model "Excelsior", was designed by José Espinho and produced by Móveis Olaio, in Portugal, in 1962. It has a simple design and the table top makes an elegant curve...
Wood
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H 28.94 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in
Set of Ten José Espinho Black Lacquered Florida Armchairs, Portugal, 1961
By José Espinho 1, Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
Designed by Portuguese architect and designer José Espinho in 1961, this set of ten “Florida” armchairs was originally conceived for the Hotel Florida in Lisbon and produced by the r...
Velvet, Lacquer
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H 30.71 in W 27.17 in D 27.17 in
José Espinho Undianuno Wood Olaio 67 Armchair for Móveis Olaio, 1967
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
Olaio 67 was the first collapsible armchair produced by Móveis Olaio.
Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 58.67 in D 27.17 in
José Espinho Midcentury Yellow Fabric "Olaio 67" Sofa for Móveis Olaio, 1967
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
Olaio 67 was the first collapsible sofa produced by Móveis Olaio.
Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 55.91 in D 35.44 in
Vintage Agba Wood "Nilva" Dining Table by José Espinho for Móveis Olaio, 1960s
By Olaio, José Espinho 1
Located in Lisboa, PT
This dining table is made from Agba wood and was designed in the 1960s by José Espinho for Olaio. It is non extendable.
Wood
Sold
H 77.96 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Industrial Portuguese Walnut Roller Blind Door Filing Cabinet by Olaio, 1940s
By Olaio
Located in Lisboa, PT
Produced by the Portuguese Manufacture Móveis Olaio. Marked by Maker.
Walnut
$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
$1,650 / 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
$2,800 / set
H 14.75 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Glass Demi Lune Wall Sconces, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano glass demi lune wall sconces, in stock One LED E26 base socket. Black glass sphere and brass fittings. Textured Murano glass, Wired to the American sta...
Brass
$6,500 / item
H 14 in W 36 in D 20 in
Modern Oval Coffee Table in Oak Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Palazzo oval coffee table with green and ivory glass sits on 2 Rift White Oak Wood pedestals by Ercole Home. This new bespoke coffee table design by Ercole Home is available today fo...
Art Glass, Cut Glass, Walnut
Rosso Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
$799Sale Price / item|47% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and honey coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. M...
Oak
'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imagination, cre...
Metal, Iron
$658Sale Price / item|55% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade ...
Oak
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
$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
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
Tiled Mirror
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
TILED MIRROR, designed in 2025. This mirror is crafted with hand-built tiles that are available in customer's own choice of glaze. Crafted by skilled artisans in Northern Portugal....
Ceramic, Mirror, Walnut
Pins Medium Side Table
By Marioni
Located in Milan, IT
Colorful and sophisticated, this side table will make an elegant statement in a contemporary living room, where it can be displayed alone or combined with others in the same Pins col...
Brass
Glossy Cream Ceramic Chandelier in Antique Brass 5-Arm 42.5" DIA
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Five antique brass patina arms curve up from a ceramic cluster dish to five tall stoneware ceramic shades in a glossy glaze with a subtle off-white hue. With a fixed black walnut orb...
Brass
Yki Nummi 'Lokki' large white acrylic pendant for Innolux Oy
By Innolux Finland, Yki Nummi
Located in Glendale, CA
Yki Nummi 'Lokki' large white acrylic pendant for Innolux Oy. Designed in 1960, Nummi's innovative 'Lokki' is one of the best-known finnish design Classics. The name Lokki comes fr...
Metal
Italian modern Square coffee table in wood, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Square coffee table in wood, 1970s Coffee table with square top in dark wood. The 4 legs that support the top have a triangular section, also in dark wood. 1970s. Good...
Wood
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.