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.
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
Guillerme & Chambron Writing Desk in Solid Oak and Black Leather
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
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
Drexel “Declaration” Walnut Coffee Table by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Brass Hardware ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take...
Brass
Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO Coffee Table w/ Stingray Glass Top
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Adrian Pearsall 893-TGO coffee table for Craft Associates is a striking example of American Mid-Century Modern design, with a sculptural walnut base that feels more like functio...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 1618-ET Sculpted Side Table for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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...
Glass, Wood, Walnut
1950s Axel Einar Hjorth Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century writing desk in solid oak, designed in the style of Swedish architect and designer Axel Einar Hjorth. The wide rectangular top features softly rounded edges/ On the left,...
Oak
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
Brass Frame Brown Glass Top Floating Wall Console Table, 1950s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass Frame Brown Glass Top Floating Wall Console Table, 1950s, Italy Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Height: 58 cm Width: 58 cm Depth: 23 cm
Brass
Vintage Walnut & Mosaic Tile 42" Round Coffee Table after Gordon & Jane Martz
By Lane Furniture, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this coffee table evokes the striking design language of Gordon and Jane Martz, and the excellent production typical of vintage Lane pieces designed by ...
Ceramic, Hardwood, Walnut
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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Oak Round Tier Side Table by Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Oak, Walnut
Roger Capron Coffee Table with Floral Imprinted Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, beech, ceramic, France, 1960s This elegant French rectangular coffee table from the 1960s is a design by Roger Capron, known for his iconic ceramic work....
Ceramic, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk with Return in Wood with Turquoise Top
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Gustavo & Vito Latis, desk with a return, mahogany, maple, formica, Italy, circa 1960 Made in Italy, this writing desk with return is a testament to the design eth...
Formica, Mahogany, Maple
Pair of United Furniture Diamond-Front Nightstands in Carved Walnut, MCM 1960s
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Description: Mid-Century Modern United Furniture Company vintage circa 1960s, pair of nightstands or end-tables. A fine example of American retro furniture design. Solid construction...
Walnut
$1,750 / item
Paolo Piva Style Coffee Table, 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural coffee table reminiscent of the famed "Alanda" coffee table by Paolo Piva. Each unit is L-shaped, with a clear plate glass top carried by a black enameled metal wire fr...
Metal
84 inch Oval Oak Dining Table custom design on Knoll Pedestal base
By Aaron Saxton, Knoll
Located in South Charleston, WV
46.5" x 83.75" and 29" inch tall. Original pedestal cast iron base from the period 1955-1965 from Knoll reconditioned and like new. These original knoll bases are wider and heavier t...
Iron
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Dining or Work Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' dining tables, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer...
Steel
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a round tabletop composed of his preferred mater...
Ceramic, Beech
1970s Walnut Starburst Oval Dining Table by Osvaldo Borsani for Stow Davis
By Osvaldo Borsani, Stow Davis
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Beautiful dining table with starburst pattern walnut top designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Stow Davis, circa 1970s. Incredible walnut top sits on heavy black enameled steel and polish...
Stainless Steel
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
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Coffee Table in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, coffee table, copper and beech, Italy, 1960s. This coffee table is an absolute eye-catcher. The copper is in beautiful, patinated condition and the vibrant yet...
Copper
Newly Refinished - Italian Travertine Top & Walnut Coffee Table by Sligh Lowry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished, Original Travertine Tops With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and crea...
Travertine, Chrome
Moveis Teperman, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brass console table produced by Moveis Teperman, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use, including natural wood cracking. Overall Dimensions (inches): 38.0"H...
Brass
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
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
Guillerme & Chambron Extendable 'L'Italienne' Dining Table in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, dining table, model 'L'Italienne', solid oak, France, 1960s This L'Italienne dining room table is designed by the acclaimed French designer d...
Oak
Italian Naturalistic Dining Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, peculiar material use, and superb carvings, combine to form an exceptional table perfect for anyone looking to infuse their ho...
Pine
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
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
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, coffee table, Brazilian hardwood (Pequi), Brazil, 1970s This exceptional hand-carved coffee table embodies everything that José Zanine Caldas stood for: a deep ...
Hardwood
Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Heavy Pine Table, Denmark, 1960s
By Rainer Daumiller, Knud Friis & Elmar Moltke Nielsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial solid pine table produced in Denmark during the 1960s, designed by the architectural firm Knud Friis and Elmar Moltke. The thick plank top features rounded edges and corn...
Pine
Large Danish Conference or Dining Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining or conference table, teak, Denmark, 1960s Very large Danish conference or dining table in teak. The table features an expansive boat-shaped top supported by eight cubic legs....
Teak
Saarinen Style Tulip Table with Green Onyx Top and Black Enameled Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saarinen-style tulip table features a round green onyx top with a sculpted Dupont edge profile — a continuous curved form that requires specialized stone fabrication to execute. The ...
Onyx, Metal, Enamel
1950s Coen de Vries Style Desk, Birch, Beige Enameled Tubular Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact desk attributed to the style of Coen de Vries combines birch construction with a beige enameled tubular metal frame. Three drawers with turned wooden knobs occupy an asymmetr...
Metal
1950s Midcentury Italian Wood Brass Wall Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern and neoclassical design console table. The four stunning carved legs and its typical shaped white marble top give this conso...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Vivai del Sud Square Side Table in Bamboo, Wicker and Rattan, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
orgeous mid-century small square side table in bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This stylish organic table was produced in Italy during the 1970s by Vivai del Sud. In fabulous...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
Large Walnut Coffee Table by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and very rare large coffee table in beautiful walnut wood, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and in amazing ...
Wood, Walnut
Ferdinando Meccani 'Circolare' Dining Table or Center Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Meccani for Meccani Design, 'Circolare' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1966 This exquisite 'Circolare' table created by the multidisciplinary artist Ferdinando Meccani (193...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern "Jacks" Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern "Jacks" Coffee Table by Adrian Pearsall. Circa 1960s Features a sculptural walnut base table with a natural wood finish and an oval glass top. In Excellen...
Stained Glass, Walnut
Vintage 70s coffee table in gilt brass and smoked glass Italian design
Located in None, IT
Coffee table with gilt brass frame with beveled corners and smoked glass top, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: He...
Brass
Neoclassical Italian Biedermeier Walnut Inlay Tripod Chess Games or Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
A beautiful Italian walnut side table with great details and frames shaped in Victorian, Napoleon III, Louis XV style with chessboard on the top and the tripod feet legs. A very eleg...
Wood
Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig Italian Dark Wood Desk for Gino Maggioni, 1940s
By Gino Maggioni, Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design small writing desk wwith side chest of drawers in dark stained wood and metal designed by Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig for Gino Maggioni, Milan, produ...
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bamboo & Rattan Bar Cart, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Luxury hancrafted and elegant serving bar cart in bamboo & rattan in italian riviera style, blending organic materials with a sophisticated Mid-Century Modern silhouette. W...
Bamboo
Pair of French Red/Black Tripod Gueridon Tables, Emilio Terry Style, 1950s
By Emilio Terry, Mathieu Matégot
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of side tables/gueridons was produced in France in the 1950s. Each table features a welded steel rod construction with sculptural red scrolled tripod bases and b...
Steel
Large Rattan Biomorphic Coffee Table, USA 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Large Rattan Biomorphic Coffee Table, USA 1950. Very well made, ready for new home.
Rattan, Wood
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Marble, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted gilded wood and marble console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 35.5"W x 15.0"...
Marble
George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Slab' coffee table, English walnut, United States, 1964 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of ...
Walnut
Wood and Glass Set of Three Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful set of three nesting tables in wood and smoked glass attributed to Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Smoked Glass, Wood
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Cart in Cherry-Red Goatskin, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in München, BY
Rare 1960s Aldo Tura serving bar cart crafted from wood, clad in cherry-red goatskin and finished with a thick, clear lacquer coating. The high-quality frame is made of brass. A hig...
Brass
Vintage Mid-century Brutalist Danmark Oak Desk, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A freestanding brutalist desk attributed to Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, made in Denmark circa 1960. Built from oak with veneered oak on the top and side panels. The warm grain ...
Brass
Mid-Century Pastoe Inspired Rosewood & Chrome Extendable Table
By Thereca
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century Pastoe inspired rosewood & chrome extendable table. This piece, attributed to have been made by Dutch furniture manufacturer Thereca in the 1st half of the 1960s, ...
Steel, Chrome
Early Saarinen Knoll International Tulip Coffee Table Oval Calacatta Marble Top
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Originally designed by Eero Saarinen, this table was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International for resale in the heart of New York City. Being an early model, this specificati...
Marble, Enamel, Iron
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
Romeo Rega Large Rectangular Brass and Chrome Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique Mid-Century rectangular coffee table in solid brass and chrome, completed by a smoked glass top. This incredibly stylish table was designed by Romeo Rega and pro...
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Dutch Dining Table in Oak with Cross-Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, the Netherlands, 1960s This elegant dining table from the 1960s Netherlands is a beautiful example of refined mid-century design. Crafted in solid oak, the piece ...
Oak
Italian Naturalistic Dining Set With Six Chairs and Table in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining set with table and six chairs, pine, Italy, 1960s The substantial size, distinctive material use, and superb craftsmanship combine to form an exceptional dining set, perfect ...
Pine
940s Dutch Piet Zwart for Bruynzeel Attributed Writing Desk
By Bruynzeel, Piet Zwart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact Dutch writing desk attributed to Piet Zwart for Bruynzeel, dating to the 1940s. The solid oak frame is finished in a warm golden tone with f...
Laminate, Oak
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Desk by Raymond Loewy for Mengel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950’s Mid-Century modern oak drop front secretary desk by Raymond Loewy for Mengel The outside oak was replaced, the interior is original condition, shows some wear consistent with...
Steel
Rare Paul T. Frankl Model '5025' Coffee Table in Cork
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company, coffee table '5025', varnished cork, United States, 1950s Designed by Paul Frankl, this very rare coffee table features a striking biom...
Cork
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