MCM Italian Leather Sofa by Baxter of Italy
By Baxter Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For full item description click on "Read More" or "Read More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from Chairish and they normally s...
Leather
MCM 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eggplant leather sofa with leather-wrapped panels attac...
Leather
MCM Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Sofa Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Sofa Newly Reupholstered Mid Century Modern Classic Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Design, Wheat Finish 1950s Sofa has been newly reu...
Leather, Wood
MCM Milo Cruisin' Style Chrome Flat Bar Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Leather
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
This MCM Cruisin' style sofa combines ultimate comfort with sleek design.
Chrome
French Wrought Iron Sofa Leather Cushions Mid Century Settee 1950s Vintage MCM
Located in London, GB
A fabulous French Mid-Century wrought iron sofa with leather cushions in wonderful condition. Most likely made around the 1950s in France, this impressively sized, very comfy and cha...
Wrought Iron
MCM Style Mark Goetz for Bernhardt Design Moreau Sofa in Navy Blue Leather
By Bernhardt Design
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Striking mid-century modern style three-seater Moreau sofa tailored in premium deep navy blue leather, designed by Mark Goetz and manufactured by the premium brand Bernhardt Design. ...
Leather, Wood
Hans Olsen for Vatne Mobler MCM Model 500 Teak and Leather Sofa
By Hans Olsen, Vatne Møbler
Located in Germantown, MD
Hans Olsen for Vatne Mobler Mid-Century Modern Model 500 Teak and Black PU Leather Upholstered Sofa. Very comfortable and in Excellent condition. Measures 87" in width and 29" in de...
Teak, Faux Leather
Modern Tufted Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This statement leather sofa reinvents MCM designs with fine materials and a neutral palette.
Leather, Wood
Unavailable
H 33.47 in W 70.87 in D 37.41 in
Mcm and Scandinavian Design Style Cognac Leather and Beige Bouclé Fabric Sofa
Located in Tourcoing, FR
MCM And Scandinavian Design Style Cognac Leather And Beige Bouclé Fabric Sofa with Wooden Base Finishes.
Velvet, Wood, Leather, Fabric, Bouclé
Vintage MCM Wood Trimmed Leather Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Midcentury leather sofa. Beautiful channel tufted design with a one piece cushion. Warm wood trim with inset leather panels. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Leather, Wood
MCM Percival Lafer Style Leather and rattan sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Leather and rattan sofa in the style of Percival Lafer Fantastic sofa in great shape ( only minor signs of wear to frame and leather ) Maker unknown but the leather is top notch....
Leather, Rattan
1980s Roche Bobois Modern Burnt Orange Leather Lounge Sofa Couch MCM
By Roche Bobois
Located in Dayton, OH
"Circa 1980s Roche Bobois contemporary/modern burnt orange leather sofa. Measures: 88". Roche Bobois is the story of two families, the Roches and the Chouchans, not predestined to...
Leather
Vatne Mobler Knut Saeter Rosewood Leather Sofa Danish Modern MCM
By Knut Sæter, Vatne Møbler
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960’s 4 seater sofa designed by Knut Saeter in black leather and rosewood. Minimalist design with the suspended profile and flared arms, each section visually framed in beautiful ...
Leather, Rosewood
MCM 405 Duc Sofa by Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Decorate your living room with this beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eggplant leather so...
Leather
Sold
H 35 in W 77 in D 28 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Leather 3 Seater Cognac Sofa MCM
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
"Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather 3 seater sofa. Finished in Cognac over cylindrical brass tapered legs. Provenance : Jerome Schottenstein Estate, Columbus Ohio. Jerome was...
Brass
Sold
H 28 in W 73 in D 73 in
MCM Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Sofa & Armchair Newly Reupholstered - Pair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Sofa & Armchair Newly Reupholstered - 2 Piece Set This Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft sofa & armchair set has...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
1940s Frits Henningsen Style Brown Leather Settee Couch MCM
By Fritz Heningsen
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A diminutive danish brown leather sofa / couch in the manner of Fritz Henningsen. The button tufting accentuates the curved back. Similar in styling to Finn Juhl, and Flemming Lassen...
Leather
MCM Leather Black Sofa by Koinor Germany
By Koinor
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of An MCM Aniline leather black sofa by Koinor of Germany Approximate Measurements in Inches 31" high at ...
Leather
Sold
H 31.25 in W 85 in D 30.5 in
1970s MCM Green Tufted Leather 3 Seat Sofa by Kalustekiila Finland & Teak Frame
By Kalustekiila
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon find in the states, this 1970s Scandinavian MCM sofa by Kalustekiila of Finland, having the original high quality green tufted leather upholstery which does shows some wear,...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 34 in
1970s MCM Green Tufted Leather Teak Club Chairs & Ottoman Kalustekiila Finland
By Kalustekiila, Uu-Vee Kaluste Oy
Located in St. Louis, MO
Uncommon to find these in the states, this 1970s Scandinavian MCM Pair of lounge or club chairs with ottoman by Kalustekiila of Finland.
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 28.5 in W 72 in D 24 in
MCM White Vinyl Faux Silk Look Daybeds or Convertible Sofas or Sectional, a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern white daybeds or convertible sofa sectional. Comprised of faux silk textured vinyl, painted metal tube bar backrests, and tapered round wood legs with bra...
Metal
1960s Danish MCM Leather Sofa by Hans Olsen for Christian Sorensen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful 1960s Danish MCM leather sofa by Hans Olsen for Christian Sorensen.
Leather
Sold
H 26.78 in W 75.6 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Three Seater Black Leather Sofa Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Scandinavian Three Seater Black Leather Sofa Vintage Retro MCM The sofa is upholstered in genuine soft black coloured leather.
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 78.75 in D 29.53 in
Mid Century Danish Norwegian Three Seater Sofa Black Leather Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Danish Norwegian Three Seater Sofa In Black Leather Three seater Danish or Norwegian black leather sofa dating from the 1970s. This sofa is beautifully mad...
Leather, Foam, Teak
Sold
H 25.6 in W 68.51 in D 31.5 in
Mid Century Pieff Beta Tan Brown Leather Three Seater Sofa Vintage Retro MCM
By Pieff and Co.
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Pieff Beta Tan Brown Leather Three Seater Sofa Vintage Retro MCM Retailed by Harrods and Heals, their products personify British mid century design.
Other, Chrome
Sold
H 30.71 in W 57.88 in D 38.59 in
De Sede DS-86 Two Seater Brown Leather Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM
By De Sede
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ De Sede DS-86 Two Seater Brown Leather Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM Hand built by De Sede craftsman in Switzerland in the 1970s, this beautiful two seater sofa is...
Leather, Foam
Sold
H 25.6 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Green Leather Modular Corner Three Seater Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Green Leather Modular Corner Sofa Three Seater Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM A wonderful three piece vintage 70’s modular sofa set, very similar to designs by Rhombus b...
Leather, Foam
Vintage MCM Le Corbusier LC2 Style Sofa with Chrome Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful vintage MCM Le Corbusier LC2 style sofa with chrome frame and a very deep chocolate brown leather that seats 3.
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 86.62 in D 35.44 in
Mid Century Off White/Cream Leather Three Seater Sofa Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Off White/Cream Leather Three Seater Sofa Vintage Retro MCM A beautiful vintage three seater sofa dating from the 1970s in a light coloured cream/off white ...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Large Cream Patterned Leather Modular Sofa Set Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Large Cream Leather Modular Sofa Set Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM This amazing cream leather 80s modular sofa set is a real statement piece for your home.
Leather, Glass, Foam
Sold
H 25.99 in W 86.62 in D 31.5 in
William Plunkett Sofa Settee Kingston Range Black Leather1960s MCM
By William Plunkett
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
William Plunkett supplied Kingston to several important interiors projects, including the QE2. It was used Russell and Bromley shoes stores across the UK and exhibited at the Design ...
Leather
Mid Century Green Leather Modular Seating Set Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Green Leather Modular Seating Set Vintage Retro MCM This lounge set consists of a two seater modular sofa, a matching pair of armchairs and a matching foots...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 27.56 in D 34.26 in
Tetrad Nucleus Brown Armchair Leather Chairs Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM
By Tetrad
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Tetrad Nucleus Brown Armchair Leather Chairs Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM 1970s 1st edition Tetrad Nucleus armchair with removable arms.
Chrome
Sold
H 28.35 in W 32.29 in D 39.38 in
Pair Of Tetrad Leather Armchairs/Two Seater Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM
By Tetrad
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Pair Of Tetrad Leather Armchairs/Two Seater Sofa Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM A pair of beautiful armchairs, that can be transformed into a two seater sofa, made by th...
Leather, Foam
Vintage LC2 Tan leather chrome frame 3 seat sofa style of Le Corbusier
By Le Corbusier, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 3 seat sofa by Le Corbusier. Model LC2 in Tan Leather in very good vintage condition. Triple chrome plated steel frame in great condition. Manufactured by Gordon Internationa...
Chrome
$1,969
H 35.44 in W 77.56 in D 34.85 in
LUXURY VIVA ITALIAN DESIGNER TAN LEATHER 3 SEATER SOFA ARMCHAiR ALSO AVAILABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this luxury Viva Italian designer tan leather 3 seater sofa. A stunning designer collection with boastful proportions. This sofa range features lar...
Leather
Vintage De Sede DS-31 Leather Sofa
By De Sede
Located in London, GB
An amazing vintage De Sede DS-31 leather sofa, made in Switzerland and dating from around the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, only the finest quality materials were used when co...
Chrome
$1,990Sale Price|30% Off
H 27.96 in W 69.69 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Wood Scandinavian Sofa, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern wood Scandinavian sofa, circa 1950. With a new upholstery. In original condition, preserving a beautiful patina, with minor wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
Bastiano sofa, original leather upholstery by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2912 Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa, original leather upholstery, in perfect condition. Gavina label. Gavina manufacture, circa 1970.
Leather
Morrison Naugahyde Sofa, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Morrison Naugahyde sofa, 1960. Original naugahyde. Measures 93" long, 32" deep overall height 32", seat height 16", seat depth 22" arm height 21".
Naugahyde
$3,729Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 86.62 in D 38.19 in
1970's Midcentury Modern Italian Design Leather 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design Leather 3 Seat Sofa. Made in Italy, 1960's / 70's period. Cognac leather three seat sofa with straps and buckles on the side rests. Bulbous s...
Leather
$3,450
H 35 in W 79 in D 33 in
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
By Molteni & C, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by Gerard van den Berg under his independent 'Gerard van den Berg Design' studio during ...
Metal
Cassina Refolo 514 Sofa
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Rochester, England
The Cassina Refolo 514 sofa is a refined example of Italian design, created by the renowned brand Cassina. Its sleek silhouette combines a solid wood frame with generously cushioned ...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ).
Upholstery
$1,398
H 26.38 in W 31.5 in D 67.72 in
1960s Italian Leather Sofa with Original Upholstery, Good Condition
Located in Roma, IT
Leather Sofa is a design furniture realized by italian production 1960s. Original Upholstery. Good condition except for slight stitching of the sewing thread.
Leather
$8,403
H 24.41 in W 90.56 in D 36.23 in
Cini Boeri - Leather Sofa "Gradual" for Knoll International, 1970s
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Cini Boeri “Gradual” Sofa for Knoll International, Italy, 1972 Rare “Gradual” sofa designed by Cini Boeri for Knoll International in 1972. Upholstered in supple brown leather, this ...
Leather
DS 44 Two Seater Sofa in Buffalo Leather by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
Made in Switzerland, 1970s Leather block style sofa with vertical stitching on seat and seat back. The De Sede DS-44 buffalo "Neck" leather is extremely thick (up to 5mm or 3/16in) a...
Leather
$19,450Sale Price / set|22% Off
H 23 in W 70 in D 36 in
Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It doesn't get much cooler than this early year (original) collectors set of the model-932 'Quartet' sectional by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Released in 1964, this example has incred...
Leather, Canvas
Vintage Italian Distressed Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage rustic, rich, Italian distressed leather sofa will be a comfy addition to your living room. This three-seat sofa is beautifully designed with high-quality stitching and ...
Leather
A mid century modern Danish, Ib Kofoed-Larsen Sofa, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A stunning Mid-Century Modern vintage sofa from Ib Kofoed Larsen. The model `Kandidaten` stands out as a perfect piece of vintage Danish Design history.
Leather
Space Age Sofa in White Wood and Aubergine Leather, USA circa 1970
By William Andrus
Located in View Park, CA
A modernist space age sofa after William Andrus, circa 1970. Painted white wood shell with aubergine hued leather, which appears slightly espresso in darker light. Significantly dis...
Leather, Wood
Sold|$8,000
H 28 in W 90 in D 33 in
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Knoll, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Vintage Bastiano 3 seat long low sofa with a rosewood frame and Original tan leather cushions. All straps are original and functional the frame has a beautiful rosewood w...
Brass
$3,496
H 27.96 in W 66.93 in D 33.47 in
Maralunga Two-Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
Wool
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 114.5 in D 71.5 in
Sexy Jack Lenor Larsen Red Velvet Sofa Sectional
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Super sexy Jack Lenor Larsen abstract red velvet sofa sectional. This is one of a kind masterpiece is attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional. The unusual Larsen velvet fabric is...
Upholstery
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
$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
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
$10,490 / set
H 25.6 in W 42.52 in D 39.38 in
Mario Marenco first edition pair of leather lounge chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1970s
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The first edition pair of Marenco leather lounge chairs by Arflex, originating from the 1970s, epitomize the ingenuity of Mario Marenco's design. Debuting in 1970, these lounge chai...
Leather
$2,550Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 30 in W 29 in D 30 in
Pair Italian Leather and Polished Steel Barcelona Lounge Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of iconic “Barcelona” chairs in the style of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Initially created for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona exposition, each chair features a sturdy poli...
Chrome
$12,775Sale Price|51% Off
H 10.23 in W 41.85 in D 15.51 in
Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
LE MURA RIGHT MODULE 90, LE MURA LEFT MODULE 90 & LE MURA CENTRAL MODULE 90 CAT. Z - ZAREEN 03 CLASP AND ZIPPERS MATT BLACK NICHEL T148 WITH INTERLINER CAL117 The project Le Mu...
Leather
$7,850
H 26.78 in W 83.47 in D 31.11 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” Sofa for Gavina, Brown Leather, 1962
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Bastiano” sofa for Gavina, brown leather, Italy, 1962 The "Bastiano" sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, designed for Knoll in 1962, epitomizes architectural d...
Leather, 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 Brooklyn, NY
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY WITHIN NEW YORK CITY Offered here is a rare and timeless “Alanda” sofa by B&B Italia, designed by Paolo Piva in the 1980s – a standout example of refined Ita...
Leather
$4,400
H 27.56 in W 88.59 in D 33.47 in
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi 'Ateljee' Sectional Sofa in Black Leather
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Haimi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, modular sofa, leather, metal, wood, Finland, 1963 This streamlined sectional sofa is characterized by a simplistic, natural and modernist aesthetic...
Metal
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 90 in D 34.5 in
Fantastic Milo Baughman style Rosewood Case Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Milo Baughman style rosewood case sofa. We just love the original textured gold velvet in usable condition-some minor wear to double sided seat cushions. This wonderful v...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$2,284Sale Price|30% Off
H 39.38 in W 87.41 in D 29.53 in
Three-Seather Leather Sofa model Sapporo by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, 1970s
By Mobil Girgi
Located in Roma, IT
Three-seather Leather Sofa model Sapporo, realized by Mobilgirgi in 1970s. Production Mark. Wood, plastic and padded leather. Good condition.
Wood, Leather, Plastic
Milo Baughman Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Milo Baughman Chesterfield style tufted sofa with wood plinth base. In good vintage condition, circa 1980s Dimension: 84" long 32" deep 26" tall seat height 14".
Fabric
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.