Three Seater Brown Leather Sofa by Skipper Mobler
Located in London, GB
, organic contrast to the dark leather. This combination of a low-profile silhouette and refined material
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Leather, Oak
Three Seater Brown Leather Sofa by Skipper Mobler
Located in London, GB
, organic contrast to the dark leather. This combination of a low-profile silhouette and refined material
Leather, Oak
A French Blue Velvet Sofa, C. 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, ebonized wood base. The low-profile silhouette and clean lines reflect the refined modernism of mid-century
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
1st edition Mah Jongh sofa by Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Original first edition Mah Jong sofa cushions by Roche Bobois, reupholstered in rich green leather
Aluminum
Vintage Leather Nailhead Sofa with Turned Bun Feet
Located in Dekalb, IL
surface that highlights the hide's character and variation. The frame features a low, structured profile
Leather, Wood
Patricia Urquiola Bowl Sofa For Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
through also in the low tables that reflect the sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant
Formica
Sofa "Teckel" by Michel Mortier for Steiner 1963
By Michel Mortier
Located in New York, NY
its own. The low seat profile anticipated the aesthetic shifts that would define the 1960s and 70s
Metal
Leather and Teak Midcentury Danish Modern Floating Sofa
By Arne Vodder, Dux of Sweden
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sharp Danish Mid-Century Modern teak and leather floating low profile sofa.
Leather, Teak
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Cloud Sofa, C. 1950s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Westport, CT
Indulge in luxurious comfort with the Low-Profile Cloud Sofa, a timeless piece designed by Adrian
Bouclé, Maple
1960s Bernhardt Boucle Professionally Upholstered Sofa
By Flair, Bernhardt
Located in North Canton, OH
. Spectacular lines. Just a wonderful piece. Very special. Low profile. Flair companion chairs listed separately
Bouclé
Paul McCobb "Pagoda" Style Arched Wing Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Van Nuys, CA
1950, arched cathedral back, and low profile seat. This sofa has a clean look with a design nodding to
Fabric
Danish Modern, Beige Fabric, Oak, Banana Sofa, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Danish Mid-Century Modern, Beige Fabric, Oak, Banana Sofa, Denmark, 1940s A Danish cabinetmaker
Fabric, Oak
Custom "Warren" Sofa by M C Home
Located in New York, NY
lines and low profile, the contemporary sofa is made with solid wood frame, feather wrap foam bench seat
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$4,150
H 28.75 in W 74.81 in D 36.23 in
Martin Visser Sofa / Daybed for 't Spectrum – Netherlands, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Almelo, NL
Martin Visser Sofa / Daybed for 't Spectrum – Netherlands, 1960s This iconic mid-century modern
Steel, Chrome
Original 1960s Italian Green four piece Modular Sofa
Located in London, GB
upholstery. Its proportions, low profile and generous seat depth align with Italian modernist design of the
Metal
$13,864
H 28.75 in W 38.59 in D 38.59 in
Modular Sofa by Rossi di Albizzate, Beige Leather, Italy, 1970s Design
By Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
, enhancing its character and authenticity. The generous, rounded cushions and low profile create an inviting
Leather
$6,250
H 26 in W 85 in D 36 in
Custom Upholstered Milo Baughman Style Sofa in John Rosselli Mocha Brown Fabric
By Milo Baughman
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Custom upholstered sofa inspired by the clean-lined, mid-century modern designs of Milo Baughman
Fabric
$21,900
H 25.5 in W 90 in D 32 in
Midcentury 1965 Illum Wikkelsø – Model V11 Three-Seater Leather Sofa - Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
distinctive mid-century charm. The proportions are generous, with a deep seat and low back, making it ideal
Leather
$9,203
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 37.41 in
Yoko 3-Seater Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France 1970s
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
relaxed French design from the 1970s. Known for its low profile and inviting, lounge-like comfort, the
Leather
De Sede 'DS-2011' Chocolate Leather Sofa, Swiss 1983
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
features a captivating low-slung, curvilinear profile, upholstered in thick, high-quality chocolate leather
Leather
George Sofa by Brian Paquette for Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
low profile silhouette sits above a sculpted solid wood base. This piece is available in exclusive BP
Wool, Walnut
A French Heavy Oak Brutalist style Open Arm Sofa, C. 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking example of mid-century European craftsmanship, this French heavy oak sofa frame, circa
Oak, Leather, Upholstery
1960s Vintage Scandinavian Red Velour Three-Seat Sofa With Beech Feet
Located in Elkton, MD
a low, wide profile with rounded arms and a tufted backrest consistent with Scandinavian seating
Upholstery
Daybed sofa GS195 by Gianni Songia for Sormani 60s, 70s
By Sormani, Gianni Songia
Located in Padova, IT
, designed by Gianni Songia for Sormani in 1963, is a highly regarded Mid-Century Modern Italian daybed. It
Fabric, Wood
1960s Pod Sofa by R Huber in teak and blue upholstery
Located in Victoria, BC
posture. The low profile and wide stance give the piece a grounded presence. The sofa has been
Teak
$7,039
H 24.81 in W 70.87 in D 35.44 in
Vintage three-seat KALI sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1970s–1980s
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Tresbœuf, FR
piece of French mid-century modern / space age design, this sculptural sofa showcases Michel Ducaroy’s
Wool
$15,200
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
softness of the volumes. Its low and inviting profile reflects the spirit of Italian design in the 1970s
Leather
$16,720
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
accentuates the softness of the volumes. Its low and inviting profile reflects the spirit of Italian design
Stainless Steel
Milo Baughman Kelly Wearstler Coquette Alabaster & Black Tuxedo Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
textile features a striking hand-painted grid that adds graphic energy to Baughman’s classic low-profile
Cotton, Hardwood
$27,788 / item
H 29.14 in W 114.18 in D 39.38 in
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant material quality of the wooden table-top
Metal
$6,600
H 27.17 in W 78.94 in D 32.49 in
"Monte Carlo" Sofa by Ingvar Stockum for Futura Möbler, Sweden 1960s
By Ingvar Stockum, Futura Möbler
Located in Utrecht, NL
. This sofa embodies the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the mid-century era
Leather, Wood
$28,000
H 27.6 in W 88.6 in D 31.5 in
“Pullman” Sofa in Burnt Caramel Mohair with Rosewood Buttons, Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
. The silhouette is defined by its broad rectilinear arms, low horizontal profile, and deep seating
Hardwood, Mohair
$10,500
H 27.56 in W 90.56 in D 35.44 in
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, Sand Velvet, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
added comfort or a low profile for more open visual space. This design brilliance has earned it a place
Velvet
A French Heavy Oak Brutalist style Open Arm Sofa Frame, C. 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking example of mid-century European craftsmanship, this French heavy oak sofa frame, circa
Oak
$35,000
H 28 in W 108 in D 33 in
Brazilian Modern Sofa with Sculpted legs in Oatmeal Bouclé, JD Moveis, 1960s
By J.D. Moveis e Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship and proportion, this sofa is a strong representation of mid-century Brazilian design—where
Bouclé, Hardwood
$14,940
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
“Anfibio” leather sofa bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti 70s
By Giovannetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Padova, IT
convertible sofa bed is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century furniture. It is part of the permanent
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
sides maintain a low, straight profile. An intriguing contrast emerges between the substantial body and
Metal
$4,170
H 36 in W 93.5 in D 28.5 in
Likely Circa 1825–40 Antique American Classical, Empire Style, White Sofa!
Located in Austin, TX
accentuates the horizontal “temple façade” profile prized in early 19th-century neoclassicism. Massive paw
Fabric, Wood
$4,482
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 29.14 in
Vintage Ilona Lounge Sofa by Arne Norell for Norrell Mobel AB, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
best of Scandinavian mid-century design. The sturdy beech wood frame anchors the piece with warmth
Brass
$27,788 / item
H 29.14 in W 114.18 in D 39.38 in
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant material quality of the wooden table-top
Metal
$17,330 / set
H 25.99 in W 122.05 in D 112.21 in
Modular Strips Sofa in brown velvet by Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in amstelveen, NL
Cini Boeri, defined by its soft, quilted construction and low, horizontal profile. Oversized and
Velvet
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 22 in W 128 in D 36 in
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa in Excellent Original Condition, ca. 1960’s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
to find in clean, ready to use original condition. Sexy sinuous lines, low slug profile makes this an
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Frank Kyle Floating Mahogany Sofa End Tables Mexico City
By Frank Kyle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
. Built-in side tables. Low profile with amazing clean modern lines. Fresh upholstery gray metallic. 139
Brass, Bronze
$27,788 / item
H 29.14 in W 114.18 in D 39.38 in
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
By Patricia Urquiola, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant material quality of the wooden table-top
Metal
“Bolla” Sofa – Attributed to Gianni Ruffi, Italy, 1970s
By Gianni Ruffi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
for modern, mid-century, or avant-garde interiors, the Bolla sofa stands as an iconic expression of
Fabric
$9,500
H 25.63 in W 104.38 in D 37.44 in
1970s Pianura Sofa 3Seater by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Italian walnut
By Mario Bellini
Located in Victoria, BC
1971. The design is defined by its low horizontal profile and clear modular construction. Generous
Walnut
$42,071 / item
H 29.14 in W 114.18 in D 110.24 in
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
reflect the sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant material quality of the wooden
Metal
Italian modular sofa in brown leather, 1970s design
By Vittorio Introini, Mario Bellini, Giorgio Saporiti, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Paris, FR
Lounge/modernist feel very current low profile Brown leather that blends seamlessly into any decor Ideal
Leather
$29,366 / item
H 29.14 in W 141.74 in D 70.87 in
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant material quality of the wooden table-top
Metal
$27,788 / item
H 29.14 in W 114.18 in D 39.38 in
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa, Foam and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
sofa’s soft profile, the painted frame meeting the elegant material quality of the wooden table-top
Metal
$12,500
H 30 in W 87 in D 38 in
Sofa in the Style of George Bighinello for Eurosalotto in Ivory Boucle, Italy
Located in New York, NY
sculptural model features a low-profile silhouette with a continuous, rounded back and integrated arms, all
Bouclé, Wood
$16,500 / item
H 74 in W 270 in D 110 in
Noa Curved Sofa with Integrated Side Pod By Mondo Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
, enhancing the depth and curvature of the form without distraction. The low, grounded profile reinforces a
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$4,400
H 28 in W 102 in D 41 in
B&B Italia “Alanda” Sofa in Caramel Leather – Fully Restored Excellent Condition
By B&B Italia
Located in Astoria, NY
to its original aesthetic. The Alanda’s low profile, angular geometry, and deep seat create a
Leather
$4,770
H 29.53 in W 61.03 in D 34.26 in
C684 Sofa by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort in Bouclé Upholstery The Netherlands 1968
By Artifort, Kho Liang Ie
Located in Almelo, NL
statement in mid-century modern design, the C684 sofa by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort encapsulates minimalist
Bouclé, Upholstery
$75,900Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 84.25 in D 38 in
Important Adjustable 'Roll Back Day Bed' Sofa by Kagan-Dreyfuss, 1950s, Signed
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, tailored finish while complementing the bold, mid-century silhouette with a sophisticated texture and
Brass
$1,910 / item
H 11.42 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Beechwood Coffee Table by Carl Straub, Germany, 1960s
By Carl Straub
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Beechwood Coffee Table by Carl Straub, Germany, 1960s Offered individually
Beech
$8,964 / set
H 28.75 in W 36.62 in D 37.41 in
Set of 4 seater modular sofa Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova Nuvolone, Italy 70s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Nicolosi, IT
1970s, embodies the best of Italian Space Age and Mid-Century Modern design. Featuring a newly
Fabric
$6,932
H 29.14 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Stunning & very rare green leather DS-31 Sofa by Team De Sede for De Sede Swiss
By De Sede
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
and back cushions, creating a balanced contrast between softness and structure. The low profile and
Leather
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.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.