MCM Bakelite & Stainless Steel Wine Corkscrew / Barware
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well constructed MCM bakelite and stainless Steel wine corkscrew / barware, circa 1970s. The corkscrew is in very good vintage condition and measures 3.75"W x 5"D x ....
Stainless Steel
$220Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Teak & Metal Nutcracker by Sowe Konst
By Sowe Konst
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM teak & metal nutcracker by Sowe Konst of Sweden, circa 1960s. Nutcracker is in fair vintage condition with a beautiful teak wood grain and metal fittings; it measures 6"W x 11"...
Metal
$260Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Teak & Metal Nutcracker by Sowe Konst
By Sowe Konst
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM teak & metal nutcracker by Sowe Konst of Sweden, circa 1960s. Nutcracker is in good vintage condition with a beautiful teak wood grain and metal fittings; it measures 6"W x 11"D ...
Metal
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Style Greek MCM Bronze Bottle Opener
Located in San Diego, CA
Brutalist style Greek MCM bronze bottle opener, circa 1960s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a great patina and measures 2.25"W x 3.25"D x .25"H. It has a figure on the f...
Bronze
Vintage MCM Rosenthal Netter Brass Champagne Bucket
By Rosenthal Netter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a superb Vintage Mid-Century Modern Fluted Brass Champagne Bucket, reminiscent of the distinguished designs often associated with Rosenthal. This elegant piece showcases a...
Brass
MCM Green and Gold Starburst Highball Tumblers - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 mid century highball tumblers. Each is decorated in olive green with a metallic gold starburst. Perfect for using as water glasses or for cocktails. Each measures 2.75"Dia...
Glass
MCM Cocktail Shaker Signed Dyball with Stylized Brown & Orange Roosters
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Clear class cocktail shaker with gold-tone cover, the glass decorated with large, stylized roosters in brown and orange enamel against a ground of horizontal bars repeated three time...
Metal
12 Bottle Capacity MCM Iron & Walnut Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Black enameled iron wine rack sitting in solid walnut bars, 12 bottle capaciy in the style of Arthur Umanoff circa 1970's
Iron
1960s Alvino Bagni Decanter Set MCM Bitossi
By Alvino Bagni
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Very rare example, and in excellent condition! Imported by Raymor in the 1960s.
Ceramic
MCM Chrome "Penguin" Ice Bucket by West Bend Manufacturing
By West Bend
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM chrome "Penguin" ice bucket by West Bend Manufacturing, circa 1960s. The design features three walnut handles and an embossed penguin motif on the side of the bucket....
Chrome
MCM Danish Stelton Georg Jensen Serving Barware Tools
By Stelton, Georg Jensen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive collection of Stelton serving and bar tools. There is quite an assortment including 4 long cocktail spoons, ice tongs from the Cylinda line, bottle opener from Peter Holmb...
Stainless Steel
MCM Grass Cloth and Bamboo Ice Bucket with Tongs
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM grass cloth and bamboo ice bucket with tongs, circa 1970s. The set includes a pair of bamboo ice tongs and is in very good vintage condition; it measures 7.5"D x 12"H...
Grasscloth, Bamboo
1950s MCM Pepe Mendoza Ashtray Brass Malachite Mexico
By Pepe Mendoza
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Pepe Mendoza Ashtray Mid Century Modern Mexico (#2) Stamp by maker present .75 thick x 4.38 w x 5 d Preowned Vintage Review images listed.
Malachite, Brass
Large MCM California Pottery Ashtray by Sascha Brastoff
By Sascha Brastoff
Located in San Diego, CA
A large atomic design, California pottery ashtray by the celebrated designer Sascha Brastoff, circa 1970s. A rare piece that is hand-painted and signed by Brastoff. Imprinted logo an...
Pottery
$220Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Chrome "Penguin" Ice Bucket by West Bend Manufacturing
By West Bend
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM chrome "Penguin" ice bucket by West Bend Manufacturing, circa 1970s. The design features three walnut handles and an embossed penguin motif on the side of the bucket....
Chrome
$896Sale Price / set|25% Off
MCM Silver Fade Ombre French Carafe Decanter & 8 Stems Style Dorothy Thorpe
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage mid-century modern beverage serving set of eight silver fade ombre French stem glasses and one carafe or decanter in the style of Dorothy Thorpe but unsigned. Beauti...
Glass
MCM Bottle Opener in brass by Carl Aubock, Austria 1940s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find vintage brass coin bottle opener depicting Emperor Carl VI, designed by renowned Viennese deaigner Carl Auböck. The bottle opener is integrated with a ...
Brass
Barware Bottle Opener Long Two-toned Wood Handle MCM Vintage
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Barware MCM Bottle Opener Long handled with strap Crafted in two-tone wood and metal 18.25 long x 1.38 diameter Preowned unrestored vintage condition. See images provided.
Metal
American MCM Russel Wright Water Jug Ceramic Pitcher for Oneida
By Oneida, Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful large ceramic jug pitcher designed by Russel Wright for Oneida beautiful colors glaze and condition.
Ceramic
MCM Silver Plated Armorial Shield Carafe Made in Italy
By Jonathan Adler, Tiffany & Co., Paloma Picasso
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful carafe brings chic and sexy to your barware collection. Made in Italy, this piece has elements of high design craft. The silver plated body holds and impressive shield...
Silver Plate
Set of Four MCM "Republican Party Elephant" Beaded Drink Coasters
Located in San Diego, CA
A cool set of four MCM "Republican Party Elephant" beaded drink coasters, circa 1970s. The coasters are in very good vintage condition with no staining and measure 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 2...
Beads
Pair Asymmetrical MCM Baccarat Crystal Whiskey Decanters, 20th Century
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Unusual asymmetrical configuration Modernist style pair of Baccarat crystal decanters. Signed on the bases Excellent condition.
Crystal
$296Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage MCM Blue Ice Bucket by Morgan & Company Bucket Brigade
Located in Topeka, KS
This fabulous mid-century modern ice bucket is sure to be a hit at your next gathering while sitting alongside your favorite barware, drinking glasses, stemware, or cordials. It will...
Plastic
$109Sale Price|54% Off
CLEARANCE - MCM / Vintage Brass (or Bronze?) Stylized Fish-Shaped Ashtray
Located in Warrenton, OR
CLEARANCE - MCM / Vintage Brass (or Bronze?) Stylized Fish-Shaped Ashtray / Cigarette Holder. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing soon and items will not be available thereafter....
Brass, Bronze, Metal
MCM Cocktail Shaker with Silver Plate Top and Recipes for 6 Cocktails
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage six recipe cocktail shaker with silver plate, center-pour lid and decorated in red and black enamel with the cocktail names printed above the ingredients with lines for amoun...
Silver Plate
Isamu Kenmochi 1960s MCM Chrome & Red Plastic Ashtray or Catchall Dish
By Isamu Kenmochi
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Japanese designer Isamu Kenmochi Ashtray or Catchall chrome & red melamine. Underside is marked "MARU /TREND PACIFIC, INC/ LOS ANGELES, CALIF / DESIGN Isamu Ken...
Metal, Chrome
MCM "Korkenzieher" Wine Corkscrew in Box by Peter Raacke for Rostfrei
By Rostfrei Solinger
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well constructed MCM "Korkenzieher" wine corkscrew by Peter Raacke for Rostfrei circa 1970s. The corkscrew is in very good vintage condition in its original box and m...
Stainless Steel
MCM Hand-painted Hula Girl R73a Ceramic Tumblar Cup by Orchids of Hawaii
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Orchids of Hawaii was a Bronx, New York-based company that made fun, glazed ceramic mugs, dishes, and lamps for tiki bars and Polynesian restaurants from the 1950s to the...
Ceramic
$371Sale Price|25% Off
MCM Ice Bucket Signed George Briard Tan & Rust Faux Patent Leather
By Georges Briard
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage mid-century modern ice bucket signed by George Briard original tan & rust faux suede leather with brass toned ring knob handle. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind ...
Faux Leather, Plastic
MCM Bitossi Yellow Owl Vase & Candle Holder by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi, Rosenthal Netter
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of MCM Bitossi stoneware yellow owls by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter, circa 1960s. The first hand thrown piece is a vase which measures 4"D x 10"H and the second piece i...
Stoneware
Hard to Find MCM Chrome and Bakelite Cocktail Shaker Marked "Modavanti"
By Glo Hill
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid twentieth century chrome and Bakelite cocktail shaker from the "Modavanti" division / line by Glo-Hill. The shaker of cylindrical form with an internal lid recessed below the rim...
Chrome
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Cocobolo Wood Minimalist Salt & Pepper Shakers by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
A goegeous pair of MCM cocobolo wood minimalist interlocking salt & pepper hakers by Don Shoemaker, circa 1970s. The pair were made in Mexico and are in very good vintage condition m...
Cocobolo
A rare mcm lava glaze ashtray by Fohr Keramik, mid 20th century
By Fohr
Located in View Park, CA
A very rare mid century ceramic lava glaze ashtray by Fohr Keramik, Germany 20th century. In tones of lavender, licorice, and swimming pool blue. Two opposite edges boast thick rivul...
Ceramic
Large MCM Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket with Lid and Swing Handle
By Dansk
Located in Morristown, NJ
Large MCM Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket with Lid and Swing Handle Description: A sculptural Danish Modern teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This ico...
Plastic, Teak
MCM Atapco Siamese Teak Butcher Block Cheese Board with Knife, Hong Kong, 1960s
By Atapco
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted mid-century modern Siamese teak butcher block barware / cheese mini cutting board by Atapco, Hong Kong, circa 1960s. This compact yet substantial piece features...
Stainless Steel
MCM Clear Acrylic Ice Bucket of Cube Form w/Pivoting Lid and Routed Lines
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Clear Acrylic ice bucket of "cube" form with a pivoting lid opening to a spherical interior. The exterior routed with wide half-round lines adding to the optical design.
Acrylic
$224Sale Price|20% Off
Organic Shaped Wicker Rattan Cane Wine Bottle Holder Caddy MCM Boho Tiki
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Vintage French organic shaped rattan wine bottle holder, circa 1960s
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
MCM Boxed set of 8 Fornasetti Vini E Liquori Ceramic Coasters for Rosenfeld
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of eight white ceramic coasters in the Vini E Liquori pattern by Fornasetti for Rosenfeld Importers. Each decorated in black and gold on white ceramic. Each coaster is decorated ...
Ceramic
MCM Over-sized Mauro Manetti Vintage Goldtone Pineapple Form Ice Bucket
By Mauro Manetti
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This iconic Pineapple Ice Bucket was designed by the renowned Italian designer Mauro Manetti and produced in the 1960s and 1970s. This authentic version marked on the base with "M/M ...
Metal
MCM Phenolic Resin Tray w/Locomotive Inlaid in Woods and Brass by Couroc
By The Couroc Company
Located in Nantucket, MA
A rectangular tray in black phenolic resin with an inlaid locomotive in natural and stained woods and brass. Phenolic resin was developed to be alcohol, hot water and cigarette burn ...
Brass
$521Sale Price / set|25% Off
Vintage MCM Pair Kromex Ice Buckets 1 Light 1 Dark Woodgrain Textured Metal
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely pair of vintage mid-century modern Kromex ice buckets. Both woodgrain textured metal buckets 1 lighter with a bail handle and 1 darker with side knob handles. Both with one-pi...
Metal, Chrome
MCM Ceramic Coasters by Fornasetti in the "Mitologia" (Myth) Pattern in 22k Gold
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage ceramic coasters by Fornasetti made exclusively for Bonwitt Teller stores. Decorated with gold in white ceramic in the "Mitologia" (Myth) pattern, each depicts a different s...
Ceramic
Large Round Bamboo Glass Top MCM Dining Dinette Table by McGuire MINT!
By Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large round bamboo 3/4" glass top MCM dining Dinette table by McGuire MINT!
Bamboo, Glass
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.
Whether it’s streamlined or sophisticated, a bar area is always a welcoming feature in any home interior. A cheery well-made drink with friends and family has the potential to yield some unforgettable moments alongside those that aren’t easily remembered. And the only way to conjure that exemplary cordial is by putting the proper antique or vintage barware to work.
Essential barware equipment ranges from sterling-silver barspoons for mixing your cocktails in tall collins glasses to jiggers, shakers and strainers that allow you to whip up martinis and old-fashioneds.
From a design standpoint, some barware, such as our array of Art Deco glass whiskey sets or mid-century modern silver-banded tumblers crafted by Dorothy Thorpe, can help position your bar as a bold and attractive centerpiece to a room. At the very least, a carefully curated collection of barware can elevate with subtlety the bar’s nearby fixtures, as a handcrafted crystal decanter might do for your vintage 1960s bar cart.
As cocktail hour draws near, find inspiration in our gorgeous gallery of home bars in locales ranging from London to New York to San Francisco, and browse the exquisite selection of antique, new and vintage barware and glassware on 1stDibs.
Smoking might have fallen out of fashion, but these ashtrays have enduring design appeal.
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.