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.
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table with Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron
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 c...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron Coffee table with Illustrative Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1970s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a rectangular tabletop composed of his preferred...
Ceramic, Beech
Danish Modern Coffee Table, Solid Teak & Beveled Glass Top, 1980
Located in Perkasie, PA
Danish Modern Glass-Top Teak Coffee Table – F51275 A beautifully designed Danish Modern coffee table, combining the natural warmth of solid teak with the clean, understated lines o...
Glass, Teak
Italian Mid-Century Modern Modular Coffee Table in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, beech, Italy, 1960s This Italian coffee table combines a clean, architectural shape with an inventive, adaptable design. Its square beech frame is divided into four co...
Beech
Gae Aulenti Bicycle Tour Coffee Table.
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gae Aulenti Bicycle Tour Coffee Table
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Design Walnut Dining Table with Curved Legs
Located in Perkasie, PA
Title: Mid-Century Modern Design Walnut Dining Table with Curved Legs Description: A handsome Mid-Century Modern design walnut dining table dating to approximately the 1990s. The ta...
Walnut
Authentic Pierre Jeanneret Library Table PJ-TAT-08 Large, Chandigarh, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible Teak Library Table (circa 1955–56) designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret for the historic Chandigarh project in India. Cataloged as mod...
Teak
Luigi Massoni “Dilly Dally” Vanity Table and Chair for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Wolfurt, AT
An iconic “Dilly Dally” modular vanity table and matching chair, designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in 1968. A remarkable example of innovative Italian design from the late ...
Metal
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
1 of 2 Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron & Marble Top Side Table
Marble, Wrought Iron
Sculptural Charles Dudouyt Round Side Table in Oak Wood, France, Late 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare side table was designed by Charles Dudouyt and produced in France in the late 1940s. The different carved shapes of the wood illustrate the craftsmanship and originality of...
Oak
Milo Baughman Mid Century Nickel Three Tier Swivel Coffee / Cocktail Table, 1970
Located in Den Haag, NL
Milo Baughman Mid Century Nickel Three Tier Swivel Coffee / Cocktail Table, 1970s. The nickel plated brass table having three circular glass topped tables, two of which swivel into d...
Chrome
Danish Modern Expanding Teak Dining Table by Faarup Mobelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 28.50in H x 68in W - 105in W x 35.50in D 2x Extension Leaf 18.50in ________________________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern ...
Wood, Teak
Skovby SM33 Danish Teak Round Extendable Dining Table Mid-Century Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Danish modern teak dining table by Skovby, model SM33, featuring a distinctive geometric tabletop and an innovative hidden extension system. The round tabletop sho...
Rosewood
Coffee table by Paul T. Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare coffee table, model 5040 designed by Paul T. Frankl (1886-1958) for Johnson Furniture Company USA, c. 1955 . Marked by manufacturer. Mahogany, cork. Dimensions: 14¼ h × 56¾ w × ...
Mahogany
Italian Graphic Coffee Table in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, glass, Italy, 1970s This ash coffee table from Italy consists of a wooden grid, build up out of ash laths. Four solid round legs end up in four round ends. On top...
Glass, Ash
Roger Capron Coffee table with Illustrative Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1970s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a rectangular tabletop composed of his preferred...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron Oval Pair of Coffee Tables in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron coffee tables, ceramic, beech, France, 1960s A beautiful pair of coffee tables by Roger Capron, crafted in France during the 1960s. The design pairs a warm wooden frame...
Ceramic, Beech
Warren Platner for Knoll Coffee Table in Steel and Glass
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, coffee table, nickel-plated steel, glass, United States, design 1966 This iconic coffee table by Warren Platner is created by welding curved steel rods to ...
Steel
Vintage 1970s Coffee Table in Wood and Glass, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Square coffee table with a wooden frame and smoked glass top, Italian design, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition; shows signs of wear consistent with its age. DIMENSIONS: Height 3...
Glass, Wood
Willy Rizzo Large Bar Cart in Chrome, Brass and Smoked Glass Trays, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and truly one-of-a-kind large Italian serving bar cart with removable trays, entirely crafted in a combination of chrome, brass, and smoked bronze glass. This incredibly ...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Beautiful, large bar and serving cart made of walnut wood, original 1930s
Located in München, DE
Beautiful, large bar and serving cart made of solid walnut. Manufactured in the 1930s. Made in Germany. High-quality design featuring hinged glass side panels. As shown in the photos...
Walnut
George Nakashima Round Turned-Leg Dining Table in American Black Walnut 152cm
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, round turned-leg dining table, American black walnut, United States 1965 Crafted in 1965, this round dining table by George Nakashima s...
Walnut
Californian Modern Coffee Table w/ Bookshelf & Drink Tray by John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Mahogany, Original Frosted Glass, Original Metal & Plastic Tray ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furn...
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Art Deco Nightstands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, light blue decorated glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors ...
Brass
Luna Coffee Table by Bloom Home, Solid Reclaimed Elm, Vintage Style
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Luna 50″ Coffee Table. A heavy thick top with vintage style pommel legs. This coffee table is constructed from solid elm wood in our natural elm finish. Please note this item is ha...
Elm
Italian Mid-Century Modern 1950s Sculptural Writing Desk in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, mahogany, glass, Italy, 1950s This exceptional Italian desk from the 1950s embodies the sophistication and expressive freedom that defined the finest mid-century desig...
Glass, Mahogany
Danish Mid-Century Wall Mounted Teak Console or Entryway Table, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small wall unit for your entrance way area or beneath a mirror as a practical shelf with small two drawers and one center compartment. It is made from Teak, featuring two dove-tail d...
Teak
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
Walnut Extra Long 6 Feet Long Lane Alta Vista Midcentury Modern Coffee Table
By Moreddi 1, Lane Furniture, Baumritter, Dux of Sweden, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Round Top, TX
An extra long coffee/cocktail table from Lane Alta Vista's Copenhagen line in walnut and ash. Cleaned and oiled, without having a full restoration, so that a little of the original h...
Ash, Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Walnut & Pink Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wonderful set of dining chairs by Broyhill Brasilia. This set includes 6 recently reupholstered chairs, 2 armchairs, 4 side chairs. Chairs are in very nice shape. They've been reupho...
Upholstery, Walnut
French Designer, Side Table, Metal, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and tubular metal side table likely designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches...
Metal
Argentine Designer, Coffeee Table, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood coffee table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches, minor dents, dings...
Wood
Small French 1950's Guéridon in the Manner of Charles Dudouyt
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A wonderfully sculptural French side table in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, featuring a circular top raised on a finely turned central column and distinctive tripod base terminating...
Wood
Monumental Sculptural Polished Stainless Steel Cantilever Coffee Table, USA
By Maria Pergay
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Sculptural Polished Stainless Steel Cantilever Coffee Table, about 3/8 thick stainless. Top is polished, lower section with satin brushed finished. Very heavy, most likely...
Stainless Steel
1940s Italian Hand-Carved Dining Table in Oak with Scalloped Rim
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, Italy, 1940s This 1940s dining table in chestnut reflects the influence of the Paolo Buffa School. Its defining elements are the scalloped rim with cutouts and t...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Calvin / Directional Burl Walnut Parsons Style Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century modern Calvin Furniture for Directional burl walnut veneer Parsons style coffee table. It is marked and in very good condition. These clean lined coffee tables ...
Walnut, Burl
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Mid-Century Modern Night Stands Bed Side Tables
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables in beautiful wooden structure with greatly carved decorated side legs and feet with thr...
Wood
Cees Braakman Rosewood Executive Desk for Pastoe, 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braakman's executive desk for Pastoe features a floating rosewood-veneered top with a black-stained accent beneath, creating a pronounced shadow gap that lifts the surface visually f...
Chrome
Luna Coffee Table by Bloom Home, Solid Reclaimed Elm, Vintage Style
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Luna 50″ Coffee Table. A heavy thick top with vintage style pommel legs. This coffee table is constructed from solid elm wood in a dark finish. Please note this item is handcrafted...
Walnut, Reclaimed Wood
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern Walnut & Brass Coffee Table
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 designs...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Travertine Stone ______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this...
Travertine
French Designer, Coffee Table, Burl, France, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood coffee table designed and produced in France, c. 1980s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to the surface,...
Burl
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Dining Table Circa 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5965 mahogany dining table, ca. 1950s. It features a bowed top and blade-form tapered legs with subtle brass cleats. Measures 83.75” long, plus thr...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Round Extendable Dining Table with Leaf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully refinished vintage walnut dining table showcasing the timeless elegance of Mid-Century Modern design. Its round tabletop features rich walnut grain, a warm reddish-brow...
Walnut
Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Expanding Dining Table for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Dimensions: 29.25in H x 42in - 57in W x 42in D 1x Extension Leaf 15in __________________________________...
Wood, Maple
Paul Evans Signed Brutalist “Stalagmite” Bronze and Glass Coffee Table, circa 19
By Paul Evans
Located in Perkasie, PA
Title Paul Evans Signed Brutalist “Stalagmite” Bronze and Glass Coffee Table, circa 1969 Description A striking Paul Evans Brutalist coffee table, dating to approximately 1969, feat...
Bronze
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Butterfly-Leaf Dining Table
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...
Teak
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome Tubular Glass Top Side Table
Located in San Carlos, CA
This vintage 1970s side table is a striking example of Mid-Century Modern design, built around a sculptural chrome tubular steel frame in the style of Milo Baughman. The continuous c...
Chrome
French Designer, Side Table, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table or gueridon designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches to the ...
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Maison Jansen Brass, Steel and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid-century French brass and steel coffee table or cocktail table is inspired by the Louis XVI style with its quiver of arrows motif legs. The base is joined by an H stretcher w...
Brass, Steel
1950s Mid-Century Italian Brass Console Table with White Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern in baroque neoclassical design wall console table. The beautiful gilt brass decorated structure and long legs with its white...
Marble, Brass
Roger Capron Round Coffee Table with Floral Imprints in Ceramic and Wood
By Roger Capron
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 California Redwood Burl Live Edge Coffee Table on Redwood Stump Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A dramatic 1970s California redwood burl coffee table, cut from a single slab with a naturally sculpted live edge. The top shows rich amber and cinnamon tones with dark figured burl ...
Redwood
Mid-Century Signed Karl Springer 2-Tier Gunmetal & Brass Cocktail Table
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist two-tier cocktail table by Karl Springer, crafted in America circa 1980, exemplifies the designer's celebrated approach to luxurious and innovative furnitu...
Brass
Argentine Designer, Console Table, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted wood console table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Patina and wear such as bu...
Wood
Mid-Century Scandinavian Rosewood Coffee Table with Blue & Green Mosaic Tile Top
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a striking vintage square coffee table, believed to be Swedish or Danish, pairing richly figured rosewood with a luminous mosaic tile top in shades of blue and green. Arrang...
Ceramic, Rosewood
Mid 20th Century Alain Chervet Ibex Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
Mid 20th Century Alain Chervet Ibex Coffee Table Coffee Table attributed to Alain Chervet, France 1970s. The table features a pair of stylised Ibex...
Brass
Italian Designer, Console Table, Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood console table designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scattered scuffs and minor abrasions to the ...
Wood
Vintage Mosaic Tile & Oak Side Table by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern accent/side table designed by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, circa 1960s. This piece features a round solid oak frame with a slotted ...
Ceramic, Oak
Newly Refinished -Pair of Mid-Century Modern “Rhythm” Walnut Side Tables 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...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Drum-Shaped Revolving Side Table
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A refined Mid-Century Modern side table crafted from richly grained mahogany, featuring a distinctive cylindrical, drum-shaped silhouette and a beautifully polished finish that highl...
Brass
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