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Magna Dresser

Broyhill Brasilia Dining Table & Chairs in Walnut & Pink Upholstery w/ 3 Leaves
Broyhill Brasilia Dining Table & Chairs in Walnut & Pink Upholstery w/ 3 Leaves

Broyhill Brasilia Dining Table & Chairs in Walnut & Pink Upholstery w/ 3 Leaves

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

have: Model 6130-41: Door Chest (Tall Dresser) Model 6130-25: Magna Dresser (Chest) 2x Model 6130-90

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Recent Sales

Broyhill Sculptra Magna Chest Tall Dresser Mid-Century Modern
Broyhill Sculptra Magna Chest Tall Dresser Mid-Century Modern

Broyhill Sculptra Magna Chest Tall Dresser Mid-Century Modern

By Broyhill

Located in Frederick, MD

of furniture. This Magna Chest is the largest tall chest made by Broyhill. It has an impressive

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Magna Dresser, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Magna Dresser, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Magna Dresser, 1960s

By Broyhill

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga magna dresser with both cabinet storage at top and eight drawers

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magna Dresser Chest, 1964
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magna Dresser Chest, 1964

Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magna Dresser Chest, 1964

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in South Bend, IN

Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut "Magna" dresser chest of drawers From the "Brasilia" line by

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Walnut Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Highboy Armoire by Oscar Niemeyer
Walnut Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Highboy Armoire by Oscar Niemeyer

Walnut Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Highboy Armoire by Oscar Niemeyer

By Oscar Niemeyer, Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This "Magna" dresser was delicately restored to preserve the original patina. The Brasilia line has

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest
Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding Mid-Century walnut highboy dresser or chest of drawers from the Broyhill Brasilia

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Danish Teak Highboy Magna Dresser
Danish Teak Highboy Magna Dresser

Danish Teak Highboy Magna Dresser

Sold

H 45 in W 48 in D 18.25 in

Danish Teak Highboy Magna Dresser

Located in Miami, FL

highboy dresser features beautifully sculpted teak handles and a plinth base. The grain and patina of the

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest, 1960s

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding Mid-Century Modern walnut highboy dresser or chest of drawers from the Broyhill

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1962
Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1962

Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1962

By Broyhill

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern magna dresser chest By Broyhill "Saga" collection USA, 1962

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentlemans Chest
Broyhill Brasilia Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentlemans Chest

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentlemans Chest

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Broyhill Brasilia Magna mid century 8 drawer walnut highboy dresser gentlemans chest Very

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Chest Dresser
Broyhill Brasilia Magna Chest Dresser

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Chest Dresser

Sold

H 44 in W 54 in D 19 in

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Chest Dresser

By Oscar Nemon

Located in Southampton, NJ

Broyhill Brasilia Magna chest. Fantastic walnut piece with brass arched pulls by Broyhill from

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Magna Highboy Dresser
Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Magna Highboy Dresser

Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Magna Highboy Dresser

Sold

H 43.75 in W 54.75 in D 19.25 in

Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Magna Highboy Dresser

By Broyhill

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Magna Highboy Dresser Dresser measures: 54.75 wide x 19.25 deep x

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Sculpted Walnut Dresser Chest, 1965
Broyhill Brasilia Magna Sculpted Walnut Dresser Chest, 1965

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Sculpted Walnut Dresser Chest, 1965

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut highboy dresser or chest of drawers by Broyhill

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Broyhill Premier Sculptra Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser

Broyhill Premier Sculptra Magna Mid Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser

By Broyhill

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Broyhill premier sculptra magna mid century 8 drawer highboy dresser This dresser measures: 54

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Magna Highboy
Mid Century Magna Highboy

Mid Century Magna Highboy

Sold

H 46.5 in W 42 in D 18 in

Mid Century Magna Highboy

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid Century magna highboy Highboy measures: 42 wide x 18 deep x 46.5 high This price includes

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Broyhill Premier Mid-Century Modern Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1963
Broyhill Premier Mid-Century Modern Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1963

Broyhill Premier Mid-Century Modern Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1963

By Broyhill

Located in South Bend, IN

A stunning Mid-Century Modern walnut magna gentleman's chest from the Forward '70 line by Broyhill

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Magna Saga Walnut Highboy Mid Century Chest for Broyhill Premier
Magna Saga Walnut Highboy Mid Century Chest for Broyhill Premier

Magna Saga Walnut Highboy Mid Century Chest for Broyhill Premier

By Broyhill

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A dark walnut / ebony magna highboy chest with upper double doors with carved designs to the door

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1960s
Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1960s

Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1960s

By Broyhill

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and outstanding Mid-Century Modern walnut "magna" gentleman's chest from the Saga line by

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1960s
Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1960s

Broyhill Saga Mid-Century Modern Walnut Magna Gentleman's Chest, 1960s

By Broyhill

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and outstanding Mid-Century Modern walnut "magna" gentleman's chest from the Saga line by

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Walnut and Oak Chest of Drawers Mid-Century Modern
Broyhill Brasilia Magna Walnut and Oak Chest of Drawers Mid-Century Modern

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Walnut and Oak Chest of Drawers Mid-Century Modern

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

The magna chest in the Broyhill Brasilia line is one of the most coveted items of the mid century

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Broyhill Premier Walnut Emphasis Magna Dresser
Broyhill Premier Walnut Emphasis Magna Dresser

Broyhill Premier Walnut Emphasis Magna Dresser

By Broyhill

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Deep, dark, chocolaty brown patina to the walnut wood. This huge magna dresser is like having a

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magna Dresser Chest, 1962
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magna Dresser Chest, 1962

Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Magna Dresser Chest, 1962

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut "Magna" dresser chest By Broyhill

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Broyhill Sculptra Magna Dresser Chest
Mid Century Broyhill Sculptra Magna Dresser Chest

Mid Century Broyhill Sculptra Magna Dresser Chest

By Broyhill

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage Broyhill Premier Sculptra Magna chest in walnut and oak. This piece offers plenty of

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest
Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid-Century highboy dresser chest from the Broyhill Brasilia line, circa 1960s. This piece is

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest
Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

Sold

H 43.31 in W 53.94 in D 19.3 in

Mid-Century Broyhill Brasilia Magna Dresser Chest

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Praha, CZ

An outstanding mid-century walnut highboy dresser or chest of drawers from the Broyhill Brasilia

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Mid-Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest
Broyhill Brasilia Magna Mid-Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest

Broyhill Brasilia Magna Mid-Century 8 Drawer Highboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Broyhill Brasilia Magna mid century 8 drawer walnut highboy dresser gentlemans chest. Very

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Rare Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-13 Credenza Buffet Sideboard Fluted Walnut
Rare Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-13 Credenza Buffet Sideboard Fluted Walnut

Rare Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-13 Credenza Buffet Sideboard Fluted Walnut

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

) Model 6130-25: Magna Dresser (Chest) 2x Model 6130-90: Nightstand Model 6150-14: Cathedral Round Table

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-62/63 Breakfront Buffet/Hutch Walnut China Cabinet
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-62/63 Breakfront Buffet/Hutch Walnut China Cabinet

Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-62/63 Breakfront Buffet/Hutch Walnut China Cabinet

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Base/Deck Additionally, we also have: Model 6130-41: Door Chest (Tall Dresser) Model 6130-25: Magna

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

1960s Broyhill Emphasis Walnut Magna Dresser
1960s Broyhill Emphasis Walnut Magna Dresser

1960s Broyhill Emphasis Walnut Magna Dresser

Sold

H 54 in W 19 in D 43.25 in

1960s Broyhill Emphasis Walnut Magna Dresser

By Broyhill

Located in Sacramento, CA

1960s Broyhill Premier Emphasis walnut magna dresser. Very large dresser has three large drawers

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

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Handsome Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Mirror Mid-Century Modern
Handsome Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Mirror Mid-Century Modern

Handsome Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Mirror Mid-Century Modern

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Handsome Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia mirror, circa 1960s. The walnut frame features the signature relief cut and sculpted pattern modeled after Oscar Niemeyer's architectura...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires

Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires

By Diego Mardegan

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier

Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier

Located in Roma, Lazio

A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Brass

Mexican Modern Coffee Table
Mexican Modern Coffee Table

Mexican Modern Coffee Table

$3,850

H 13 in W 54 in D 42.5 in

Mexican Modern Coffee Table

Located in Houston, TX

Mexican Modern Coffee Table. This stunning Mexican mid century modern cocktail table, coffee table or low table has a boomerang shaped top with tapered legs and a beautifully decorat...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Shagreen, Walnut

Pair of Very Rare T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Side Chairs Wood & Nickel & Upholstery
Pair of Very Rare T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Side Chairs Wood & Nickel & Upholstery

Pair of Very Rare T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Side Chairs Wood & Nickel & Upholstery

By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings in the 1960s, these chairs were part of a long-running partnership with Widdicomb. Of the many successful pieces they made, these are among the rar...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia Dry Bar c. 1960's
Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia Dry Bar c. 1960's

Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia Dry Bar c. 1960's

$3,200

H 32.75 in W 38 in D 18 in

Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia Dry Bar c. 1960's

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Mid century, Space Age classic, Broyhill Brasilia dry bar, featuring the signature sculpted raised walnut arches, and decorative modernist brass drawer pulls. The top, constru...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman

By Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in Highland, IN

This reclining lounge chair and ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen combines sexy lines, incredible comfort, and great function. The chair features five positions of recline accommodating eve...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Upholstery

Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist Mid-Century Round Walnut Side Table
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist Mid-Century Round Walnut Side Table

Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist Mid-Century Round Walnut Side Table

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist Mid-Century Round Walnut Side Table. Featuring clean lines and a simple, elegant silhouette, it’s a versatile accent piece ideal for living rooms, bedroom...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Brasilia Credenza Sideboard by Broyhill
Mid Century Brasilia Credenza Sideboard by Broyhill

Mid Century Brasilia Credenza Sideboard by Broyhill

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional Broyhill Brasilia credenza, sideboard, in good, clean, ready ton use condition. The sideboard features a lower cabinet which has top doors that open to reveal open stora...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Glass, Wood

Broyhill Brasilia Midcentury Walnut Square Side Table
Broyhill Brasilia Midcentury Walnut Square Side Table

Broyhill Brasilia Midcentury Walnut Square Side Table

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Broyhill Brasilia midcentury walnut square side table This end table measures: 26 wide x 26 deep x 20 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vi...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

5 pc Mid Century Dinette Set by Viko Baumritter c 1950’s
5 pc Mid Century Dinette Set by Viko Baumritter c 1950’s

5 pc Mid Century Dinette Set by Viko Baumritter c 1950’s

By Viko Baumritter

Located in New York, NY

Mid Century dinette set including four chairs and a dining table. This set was designed by Viko Baumritter circa 1950/1960’s. It is in good, original vintage condition showing some ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Lightly Restored Broyhill Brasilia Walnut & Brass 9-Drawer Long Dresser & Mirror
Lightly Restored Broyhill Brasilia Walnut & Brass 9-Drawer Long Dresser & Mirror

Lightly Restored Broyhill Brasilia Walnut & Brass 9-Drawer Long Dresser & Mirror

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This fantastic long dresser & mirror combo was built in the 1970s by high-end manufacturer Broyhill for their Brasilia line of furntiure. Since then, the Brasilia line has become mor...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Broyhill Brasilia, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Brass, Highboy, USA, 1960s
Broyhill Brasilia, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Brass, Highboy, USA, 1960s

Broyhill Brasilia, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Brass, Highboy, USA, 1960s

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Manhasset, NY

Broyhill Brasilia, Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Brass, Highboy Dresser, USA, 1960s Modernist highboy dresser designed and produced by Broyhill Brasilia in the United States circa 196...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

'Brasilia' Highboy Dresser by Broyhill Premiere, Refinished, 1960s, Signed
'Brasilia' Highboy Dresser by Broyhill Premiere, Refinished, 1960s, Signed

'Brasilia' Highboy Dresser by Broyhill Premiere, Refinished, 1960s, Signed

By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This incredible 'Brasilia' highboy dresser by Broyhill Premiere has been completely refinished and is signed with its original Brasilia label, and ready to grace your home or office....

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Drexel Dateline Mid Century Walnut Dining Table
Drexel Dateline Mid Century Walnut Dining Table

Drexel Dateline Mid Century Walnut Dining Table

By Drexel

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Drexel Dateline mid century walnut dining table The table measures: 24 wide x 24 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 23.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in w...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Walnut

Sculpted Two-Toned Brasilia Walnut Credenza by Broyhill
Sculpted Two-Toned Brasilia Walnut Credenza by Broyhill

Sculpted Two-Toned Brasilia Walnut Credenza by Broyhill

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Dallas, TX

Two-toned Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut credenza/sideboard. It features white lacquered exterior with a gorgeous dark stained walnut wood front, with sculpted ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wood

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Magna Dresser For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic magna dresser available at 1stDibs. A magna dresser — often made from wood, walnut and brass — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the magna dresser you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A magna dresser is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made magna dresser has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Broyhill and Broyhill Brasilia are consistently popular.

How Much is a Magna Dresser?

A magna dresser can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,595, while the lowest priced sells for $1,495 and the highest can go for as much as $3,500.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

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.

Finding the Right Dressers for You

Antique, new and vintage dressers are a staple in any household. Whether it’s a 19th-century solid pine or oak Welsh kitchen dresser you’re using to store tableware or a Broyhill Brasilia highboy in your bedroom, these furniture fixtures are essential for making the most of your space.

The first step in finding the perfect dresser is considering your particular needs. Most tall dressers offer anywhere from five to seven drawers, essentially allowing for the organization of an entire wardrobe, while shorter, waist-height dresser varieties can be equipped with a convenient vanity mirror.

highboy dresser is usually around six feet tall, with some versions standing even taller at seven feet or so. Highboys, which began to appear with frequency during the early 17th century in England, are essentially very tall dressers with lots of drawers, whereas a lowboy is a different type of storage furniture in that it's a dressing table with one or two rows of drawers. 

When shopping for your antique or vintage dresser, consider those that bear the hallmarks of solid construction. Good furniture means making an investment, and solid hardwood pieces of maple, walnut or cherry will prove far more durable than a bedroom dresser made of particleboard.

If you’re looking for a mid-century modern case piece that boasts a subdued pairing of wood grains and uncomplicated drawer pulls, browse elegant dressers designed by Florence Knoll, Harvey Probber, Paul McCobb and other furniture makers associated with the celebrated style on 1stDibs. 

Dressers characterized by bolder designs are also popular: Not only will your new piece of furniture be a storage solution, but it'll also make a statement.

Art Deco furniture makers preferred to work with dark woods and typically incorporated decorative embellishments. An ornately carved French or Italian Art Deco dresser complete with vanity mirror and cabriole scrolled feet might better complement the other pieces in your home. Alternatively, if you favor sumptuous antique furniture with curving lines and floral flourishes, the collection on 1stDibs also includes sophisticated 1800s-era Victorian walnut dressers and washstands with marble tops.

After all, a good case piece isn’t merely for minimizing clutter in your space. The style of your chosen dresser and its specific attributes should add something to your decor and your home. Modern creations include one-of-a-kind shapes, like the venturesome chests of drawers in leather, marble and wood crafted by the likes of Roberto Cavalli.

Explore a broad array of antique and vintage dressers today on 1stDibs.