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.
Johannes Andersen Danish Teak Dining Table With Two Leaves
Located in New York, NY
1960's mid-century modern oval dining table by Johannes Andersen, fully restored with minor wear and patina due to age and use. Diameter 47'' each leave width 23 5/8'' total length ...
Teak
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Expertly Restored- Arthur Umanoff Vintage Spindle Side Table with Magazine Shelf
By Washington Woodcraft, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
George Nakashima 'Frenchman's Cove II' Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, ‘Frenchman’s Cove II’ dining table, American black walnut, United States of America, 1967 This striking and unique Frenchman’s Cove II ...
Walnut
Roger Capron Oval Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s A beautiful coffee table by Roger Capron, crafted in France during the 1960s. The design pairs a warm wooden frame with an o...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic brown tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design co...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Tables in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee tables, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee tables with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both...
Ceramic, Beech
Danish Designer, Coffee Table, Wood, Ceramic, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green ceramic tile coffee table designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.85"H x 57.5"W x 33.65"D Al...
Ceramic, Wood
Guillerme & Chambron Rectangular Coffee Table in Oak with Ceramic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, coffee table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s Charming coffee table by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, crafted in solid oak with three in...
Ceramic, Oak
Roger Capron 'Cuvette' Ceramic Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, 'Cuvette' coffee table, ceramic, steel, France, 1960s An exceptional Cuvette coffee table by Roger Capron, designed in France during the 1960s. One of Capron's most ic...
Steel
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Hexagonal Drum Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Formica Tops Show Wear This pair of mid-century modern walnut hexagonal drum side tables from the 1960s offers a bold geometric presence wit...
Formica, Walnut
French Modernist Dining Table in Walnut and Black Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, glass, walnut, France, 1950s Elegant French dining table from the 1950s, featuring a sleek black glass top resting on a finely crafted walnut base. The sculptural bent...
Glass, Walnut
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Wood Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi, Gio Ponti, Melchiorre Bega
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables with simple and elegant wooden squared structure, double front door, carved legs and completed by the ...
Brass
Dennis & Leen for Formations Furniture Waterfall Cocktail Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Dennis & Leen for Formations Furniture Waterfall Cocktail Table.
Wood
Three-Tier Swivel Chrome and Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Milo Baughman
Located in Torquay, GB
A stylish three-tier swivel coffee table in polished chrome with inset glass tops. Inspired by the clean architectural lines of Milo Baughman's celebrated 1970s designs. The rotati...
Steel, Chrome
Danish Teak Coffee Table with Ceramic Tile Top, 1960s mid century modern
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This Danish teak coffee table, adorned with exquisite ceramic tiles, is an ideal addition for post-dinner gatherings. The handmade artistic patterns seamlessly blend teak wood and ce...
Ceramic, Teak
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison Dining Table in Oak and Ceramic Tiles
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison dining table, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s A remarkable example of French mid-century design, this dining table was created by the celebrate...
Ceramic, Oak
Bruno Mathsson "Maria Flap" Teak & Beech Dining Table for Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 28.50in H x 58in - 110in W x 35.50in D Period Style: Swedish Modern Materials: Walnut Wood, Beech Wood, Brass Hardware ________________________________________ Transform...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Willy Rizzo Style Chrome and Glass Console Table, 1970's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern glass and polished chrome console table in the style of Willy Rizzo. This sleek modern console features geometric fretwork design with a removable clear inset gla...
Chrome
1990s Danish Coffee Table Modern Minimalist Glass, Polished Chrome Rectangular
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A refined 1990s Danish Modern coffee table in clear glass and polished chrome. The clean rectangular silhouette pairs a thick clear glass top with two sled-style polished chrome base...
Steel, Chrome
1966 Knoll Dining Table by Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Part of the iconic 1966 Leisure Collection designed by Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, this table helped define modern outdoor furniture. The newly made inset top, wrapped in woo...
Metal, Steel
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta Large 'Bramante' Table in Maple
By Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 'Bramante' dining or studio table, maple, Italy, design 1950, production 1980s A remarkable and cutting-edge design by the celeb...
Maple
1970s Modern Patchwork Burl Floating Coffee Table Manner Of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fabulous patchwork burl modern floating coffee table attributed to the famous furniture designer, Paul Evans. Paul Evans is regarded as one of the founders of the brutalist...
Burl
1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Wood Italian Console
By Gio Ponti
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This exceptional 1950s Italian console table perfectly embodies the sophisticated, sculptural elegance of the Mid-Century Modern era, heavily drawing inspiration from the iconic styl...
Brass
Large Rosewood Coffee Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and exceptionally rare large coffee table in stunning rosewood, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. This highly sought-after ...
Wood, Rosewood
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
1970's Milo Baughman for Lane Parsons Console Table in Tortoise
By Milo Baughman, Lane Furniture
Located in Southampton, NJ
Mid-century Modern parsons console table with striking burl tortoise laminate finish designed by Milo Baughman for Lane Furniture. Circa 1970's, Signed, ready for use.
Laminate, Wood, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone & Glass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition, 1 Minor Chip Shown in Pic Materials: Italian Travertine Stone, Original Glass Top, 1 Minor Chip on Glass
Travertine
Pair of Elephant Nightstands or Side Table in Rattan, Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and rare pair of Mid-Century elephant-shaped side tables with removable trays, fully made in hand-woven wicker. These stylish organic pieces were designed by Vivai del Sud ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of Side Tables in Solid Oak and Ceramic
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of side tables, oak, ceramic, France, 1960s This side table, crafted from solid oak, displays the robust geometric language associated w...
Ceramic, Oak
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, walnut, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made from ...
Brass
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Mid-Century Coffee Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Coffee Table, circa 1960. Philip and Kelvin LaVerne were a father-son duo that was renowned for transforming metal furniture into narrative art. This table ...
Bronze
Mod. 58 Large Rosewood and Brass Bar Cart by Ico Parisi, Italy, 1952
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and exceptionally rare large serving bar cart designed by the Italian design master Ico Parisi and produced by De Baggis in Italy during the 1950s. This outstanding Model 5...
Metal, Brass
Patricia Urquiola Ardys Green Low Table for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Ardys Green Low Table for Cassina Thanks to their rounded corners and glossy finish, the Ardys coffee tables, designed by Patricia Urquiola, dialogue with the soft...
Concrete
Mid century Rosewood Danish Oval Extension Dining Table by IB Kofod Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid century Rosewood Danish extension dining table with (2) leaves by IB Kofod Larsen. This table is very high quality hand built by Danish furniture makers. Made in Denmar...
Rosewood
Newly Refinished - Italian Travertine Top & Walnut Coffee Table by Sligh Lowry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Travertine Tops Expertly Refinished: With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing...
Travertine, Chrome
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, leather, France, 1960s. This desk is designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron. This design holds an utter...
Leather, Oak
Brazilian Designer, Side Table, Wood, Glass, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A green, yellow red-painted wood, metal and glass side table likely designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.8"H...
Glass, Wood
Square Walnut Side or Coffee Table by Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century square side or coffee table in walnut wood with smoked glass top. This stylish table was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina and was produced in Italy ...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Wood, Walnut
Stunning Mid-Century American Modern Craft Mirror by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner, Wendell Castle, George Nakashima
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this beautifully sculpted mirror by Dean Santner. Master craftsman Dean Santner designs was part of the American Modern Craft movement along side Wendell Ca...
Wood
Petite Mid-Century Modern Cabinet in Walnut with Unique Marble Top & Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome and versatile cabinet with plenty of storage. Extremely well built high quality piece. Very well cared for and ready for use.
Marble, Brass
Pierre Vandel Coffee Table
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A large double level cocktail table in lucite and brass by Pierre Vandel.. This table is signed and with new glasses, as the old ones have been replaced . This table fits with any ...
Brass
$1,039Sale Price|45% Off
1970s Brass and Glass 'Jax' Coffee Table In the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Toronto, ON
Stunning coffee table with a whimsical brass base and tinted glass top, it is often referred to as the 'Jax' table, attributed to and in the style of Milo Baughman. The base of the t...
Brass
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti 'Sapo' Coffee Table in Concrete and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti for Saporiti, coffee table 'Sapo', glass, concrete, chromed steel, aluminum, Italy, 1972 Modern, sculptural coffee table designed by Sergio and Giorgio S...
Concrete, Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Tile Top Wrought Iron Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century tile top table, having a stylized wrought iron base with a geometric tile top. The square top features repeating aqua, turquoise glazed square tiles. This example is in ...
Wrought Iron
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Marble Italian Console Table
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s Mid-Century Modern console table is a masterclass in Italian-inspired elegance and slender proportions. The piece features a beautifully figured marble top with ...
Marble
$1,066Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1960s Walnut Coffee Table, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Rectangular coffee table made of solid walnut, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Height 39 cm; Width 112 cm; Depth 57 ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone & Brass Coffee Table by Artedi
By Artedi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Glass Top, Original Condition on Stone Materials: Travertine, Patinated Brass, Original Glass Top
Travertine, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Spanish Green Onyx Gueridon / Side Table, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Outstanding Mid-Century Modern Onyx Stone Gueridon Table Spain, 1950s Eye-catching onyx side table with column pedestal round base holding a round top. It has an amazing color in gre...
Stone, Onyx
Drexel “Declaration” Walnut Coffee Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Brass Pull Handles ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we...
Brass
Neoclassical Coffee Table Style Maison Jansen Iron, Brass, Marble, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
French two-tier brass, iron coffee table with marble top, 1950 Midcentury neoclassical, Empire Revival Coffee Table with black marble and nice brass details. This round forged iron...
Marble, Iron, Brass
Greta M. Grossman Marble-Top Side Table for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Crema Marfil Stone Marble ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life,...
Marble
Roger Capron ‘Sou-Chong’ Coffee Table in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, ‘Sou-Chong’ coffee table, ceramic, stained beech, France, 1971 Lovely French coffee table with wonderful composed ceramic tiles by French designer Roger Capron. Both t...
Ceramic, Beech
Italian Round Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, walnut, Italy, 1970s Italian round dining table from the 1970s. The design is defined by its striking base, composed of diagonally arranged slats that recall architect...
Walnut
Brutalist French Dining Table in Gouge Solid Elm by Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, solid elm, France, 1950s/1960s Made by the skilled hands of a French cabinetmaker, this organically formed table embraces both the inherent qualities of the wood and a...
Elm
Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and truly unique Mid-Century square coffee table in bamboo and brass, completed by a smoked glass top and a reversible black and white lower tier. This incredibly stylish o...
Brass
Vintage Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll 16" Side or End Tables in Calacatta Gold
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of vintage, Eero Saarinen for Knoll, signed marble top side tables. The tops are round, 16" wide. The height is 20". These tables feature the rare Calacatta Gold marble, which h...
Marble, Metal, Iron, Gold
George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987 This Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s...
Walnut
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' coffee table, polyester lacquered wood, Italy, 1964 Designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, the Saratoga coffee ...
Wood, Lacquer
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