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Maurizio Tempestini For John Salterini

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Signed Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini Ottoman Foot Stool Circa 1960s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Peabody, MA
Italian rope and wrought iron ottoman designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, circa
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Midcentury Circular Metal End Tables
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Tempestini FOR John Salterini) (Priced as pair).
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Metal

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Midcentury Circular White Metal End Table
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
legs. (Maurizio Tempestini FOR John Salterini)(Pair available in black: DUF0859).
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Midcentury Metal Coffee Table with Marble Top
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
marble top and lower black glass shelf. (Maurizio Tempestini FOR John Salterini).
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Cocktail Table by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and rare cocktail table design by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini with a built in
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Set of 6 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Midcentury Black Metal Chairs
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
comfortably sloping in a gently S-curved form, 2 with arms, 4 side chairs. (Maurizio Tempestini FOR John
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Italian Iron Orange Slice Loveseat by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cincinnati, OH
designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini Italy.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats

Materials

Iron

Set of 3 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Black "Radar" Lounge Chairs, 1950's
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tempestini for John Salterini, 1950's. Featuring smooth, sturdy, ergonomic wrought iron hoop construction
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Iron

Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
are in excellent vintage condition. Exceptional design by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of Four Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron Dining Chairs, circa 1940
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of 4 Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini iron garden patio dining chairs. Featuring welded
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

5 Pc Salterini Orange Slice Clam Shell Patio Dining Table & Chairs Powder-Coated
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tempestini for John Salterini. This set has been freshly powder-coated in white. Chairs dimensions: 27.5 H x
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Maurizo Tempestini For John Salterini Wrought Iron Curved Ribbon Patio Sofa 2 Pc
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Maurizio Tempestini For John Salterini, 2 Piece Curved Wrought Iron Ribbon Sofa Frames. 2
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s John Salterini High Back Lounge Chairs & Ottomans, 2 Lounge Set
By John Salterini
Located in Monrovia, CA
Tempestini for John Salterini style High Back Lounge Chairs with Removeable Footrests or Ottomans. 2 High
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Radar Dining Table
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Vintage Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Radar dining table 48 inch Outdoor Mesh top dining
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Maurizio Tempestini Iron Cocktail Magazine Table for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Maurizio Tempestini powder-coated iron patio cocktail table for Salterini is a stylish and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Maurizio Tempestini John Salterini "Ribbon" Oval Dining Table in Wrought Iron
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini John Salterini "Ribbon" Oval Dining Table in Wrought Iron Offered for sale is
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Patio Set, White Reed Enameled Steel, 1960s
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Maurizio Tempestini for Satlerini Patio Set, White Reed Enameled steel 1960s. Rare set includes 4
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous iron hoop chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini c1955. In very good
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Fantastic Set 4 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Clam Shell Iron Patio Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic set of 4 wrought iron and metal mesh lounge designed by Maurizio Tempestini and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

2 Pairs Mid Century Modern Radar Lounge Chairs Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous mid century modern design mid fifties by Maurizio Tempestini, his radar chairs are
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

Tempestini for Salterini Radar Chair
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Nice Garden or Patio Radar chair designed by Tempestini, manufactured by Salterini. No damage
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Iron

Mid-Century Modern 6pc. Set Salterini Radar by Maurizio Tempestini C1955
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 6 piece set of "Radar" outdoor patio dining set. Incudes 4 chairs 48" round top table with an umbrella hole and the heavy solid cast iron art deco umbrella holder. In excell...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

Tempestini for Salterini High Back Lounge with Footrest
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
finish. Designed by M. Tempestini for Salterini Furniture. suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Dimensions
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Mid Century Modern Radar Saucer Chairs by Tempestini for John Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of mid century modern iron hoop outdoor lounge chairs in old white paint. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, paint has wear but the iron is as strong and...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron & Wicker Patio Arm Dining Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co., Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of 4 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini black wrought & wicker patio or sunroom dining chairs
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Fabulous Pair 50s Tempestini Salterini Cantilever Patio Radar Lounge Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous pair of circular radar wrought iron patio chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Tempestini for Salterini Oscar Patio Chairs - Set of 2
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Athens, GA
Maurizio Tempestini , manufactured by John Salterini no maker’s mark multiple sets available
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern 5pc Iron Hoop Chairs with Table by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
. Could use a paint job. Priced and Sold as a 5 PC set. Designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. New
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

mid century modern tempestini for salterini oscar patio chairs - a pair
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Athens, GA
Tempestini , manufactured by John Salterini no maker>s mark multiple sets available 30.25ʺW × 27ʺD × 27.5ʺH
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Rare Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini White Lacquer Iron Frame and Mesh Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare set of four Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini white lacquer over wrought iron framed and iron
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salterini Tempestini Vintage Wrought Iron Radar Chairs Hoop Chairs Set of 4
By John Salterini, Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Salterini Tempestini Radar Chairs Hoop Chairs Set of 4 Available now for your enjoyment and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

1960s Tempestini Style Tripod Dining Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A modernist tripod dining table, similar in form to Maurizio Tempestini or Salterini tables. Of
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel

Side Table by Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Architectural side table manufactured by Salterini, design attributed to Tempestini. Metal mesh
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

Side Table by Salterini
Side Table by Salterini
H 19.25 in Dm 25 in
Radar Chair by Salterini Newly Powder Coated
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Great Radar Hoop chair designed by Tempestini for Salterini, just powder coated in semi gloss black
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Sofa
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Sofa. We currently also have a matched pair of chairs, matched pair of end tables and a coffee Table. All in nice solid shape! Cushions do come wi...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Sofa
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Sofa
H 28 in W 68.5 in D 29 in
Mid Century Salterini “Radar” Outdoor Dining Set
By John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Mid Century five piece set by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini .Four classic “Radar
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salterini 3 Piece Lounge Chair, 2 Chairs with 2 Tables and 2 Footrests White
By John Salterini
Located in Monrovia, CA
Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini John Salterini. * 2 Chairs, * 2 Footrests - (removeable), * 2 Cocktail
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Salterini Mirror
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Princeton, NJ
Oval wall mirror in original red finish by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Salterini Mirror
Large Salterini Mirror
H 39.5 in W 25.75 in D 1.5 in
Radar Style Lounge Chair
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Vancouver, BC
Inspired by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini's 1960s wrought iron patio furniture collection
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Radar Style Lounge Chair
Radar Style Lounge Chair
H 28 in W 26 in D 30 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Table
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Princeton, NJ
Beautiful table from the famous ribbon line designed by Tempestini for Salterini. "Wrought with
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Coffee Table
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Excellent condition
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Iron

Wicker Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
Tempestini for Salterini, circa 1952. Many other Salterini and Woodard pieces also available-- please inquire
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Twin/Queen Headboard
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
sale in the Tempestini/Salterini ribbon pattern: wall mirrors, dining chairs, and table. Many other
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of four iron chairs by Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Dallas, TX
A great set of four indoor/outdoor dining chairs designed by Tempestini for Salterini. If you have
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Chairs

Materials

Iron

Salterini Ribbon Dining Set 7-Piece by Maurizio Tempestini
By John Salterini
Located in Long Island, NY
A 7-piece wrought iron ribbon set by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. The ribbon pattern is one
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salterini Ribbon Mirror
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
Wrought iron mirror by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Please inquire about the following
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salterini Ribbon Mirror
Salterini Ribbon Mirror
H 2.5 in Dm 25 in
Salterini Bistro Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
to Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Price is for four. Please inquire about the following
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salterini Bistro Chairs
Salterini Bistro Chairs
H 33.5 in W 19 in D 19.5 in
Étagère by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
vitrolite and glass shelving by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini.  
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wrought Iron

Coffee Table by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
Tempestini for Salterini.  
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Modular Sofa by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Princeton, NJ
ribbon line by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Rearrange from one long sofa to loveseat and two chairs
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini 'Clam Shell' Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini 'Clam Shell' chairs.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Salterini Mid Century Orange Slice Garden Settees Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of settees designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. All the right curves
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini orange-slice chairs in iron. These chairs are
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Outdoor Table and Four Neva-Rust Dining Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Peabody, MA
Classic outdoor seating designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, ca. 1950s. Features
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel

2 Orange Slice Mesh Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cincinnati, OH
three seasons room and having flat foot pads makes them very stable. Designed by Maurizio Tempestini for
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Iron

Salterini “Radar” Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Radar” wrought iron patio lounge chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, c.1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Salterini Patio Rocking Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two wrought iron patio rocking chairs from the “Radar” line, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Salterini “Radar” Lounge Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of “Radar” wrought iron patio lounge chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Maurizio Tempestini "Ribbon" Patio Set for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patio set by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, USA, c.1950s. This set consists of a round
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Scoop Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A high-back patio lounge chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini from the 1950
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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Maurizio Tempestini For John Salterini For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the maurizio tempestini for john salterini you’re looking for. Each maurizio tempestini for john salterini for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, iron and wrought iron. Your living room may not be complete without a maurizio tempestini for john salterini — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A maurizio tempestini for john salterini made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — is very popular. Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini and Salterini each produced at least one beautiful maurizio tempestini for john salterini that is worth considering.

How Much is a Maurizio Tempestini For John Salterini?

The average selling price for a maurizio tempestini for john salterini at 1stDibs is $2,450, while they’re typically $200 on the low end and $22,800 for the highest priced.

John Salterini for sale on 1stDibs

While John B. Salterini designed ornate wrought-iron garden furniture for patios and lawns, he specifically sought to match the forms of indoor furniture and also advocated the use of his furniture indoors “because it brings into your home the freshness and gaiety of a flowery summer garden” (per his print advertisements).

After emigrating from Italy to New York, Salterini worked in journalism at first, editing a newspaper in Syracuse. When he moved to New York City, he worked in glass manufacturing and then entered into the production of wrought-iron furniture as a partner in Salterini & Gallo. When that company shuttered, he launched his own eponymous firm in 1934, eventually offering some of the most exquisite, high-end outdoor furniture of the mid-century period.

Over the course of his career, Salterini designed a wide range of furniture, from tables and chairs to chaise longues, ottomans and benches. And his influences were equally wide as well. His work is often identified as mid-century modernthe Clamshell line, designed for Salterini’s company by like-minded Italian architect and industrial designer Maurizio Tempestini, boasts soft curves and cocoon-like shells that strike a sharp contrast with the solidity of wrought iron and resemble the zany chair designs emerging during the postwar period from designers like Pierre Paulin and Arne Jacobsen.

The furniture from John B. Salterini Company also combined organic and geometric forms, one of the mid-century design movement’s defining features. But Salterini was equally influenced by the Gothic Revival and Art Deco movements, incorporating their signature flourishes like intricate lace-like patterns, delicate vine leaves and protruding scrolls into his French Provincial Group’s glass-topped tables and chairs. One of his most ornate and ostentatious designs is the Peacock double chaise longue, with its elaborate spokes and arching back.

The postwar boom in prosperity and leisure time led to the expansion of the home to include patios, which needed to be furnished with stylish outdoor furniture.

Wrought iron was considered the best material for outdoor use because of its comparative lightness and pliability to other metals. The term “wrought” means made by hand, as opposed to “cast” iron, which was made using molds. Salterini’s high-end handcrafted furniture, with names like Park Avenue Group — promoted for indoor use and photographed as such for the firm’s catalogues — attracted wealthy buyers from across the country. They were drawn to his ability to make a metal like wrought iron look almost ethereal and elegant, and the way he incorporated the popular styles and design principles of the day into his pieces. That Salterini’s garden furniture can be used indoors and look completely natural is a rare feat.

Find vintage John B. Salterini outdoor furniture on 1stDibs.

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 legendary 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.

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.