$5,500
H 32.5 in W 72 in D 20.5 in
Paul Frankl MCM Debonaire Cork & Mahogany Sideboard with Hammered Brass Knobs
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in St. Louis, MO
by two divided top drawers having lower cabinets with internal shelf beneath. Model number 2250-249
Brass
$6,370
H 29.25 in W 74.75 in D 38.5 in
1950's MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Executive Desk - Walnut & Rosewood
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
drawers with file cabinet and also another pull-out shelf. Dunbar brass Label in top left drawer. Happy
Brass
$3,795
H 30 in W 60 in D 18 in
Vintage MCM walnut wood credenza Buffet 3 drawers with Milled metallic Knobs
Located in Seattle, WA
the center and two large compartments on each side hidden by cabinet doors. The compact design offers
Wood, Walnut
$1,847
H 22.25 in W 47.5 in D 36.25 in
Kipp Stewart American Design Foundation MCM Solid Cherry Corner Desk
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart American Design Foundation Mid Century solid cherry corner desk This desk measures: 47.5 wide x 36.25 deep x 22.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Cherry
$12,500
H 85.625 in W 72 in D 25.625 in
MCM Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Calvin Credenza Sideboard Leather Brass Walnut
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Portland, OR
section walnut brass & leather cabinet designed by Paul Mc Cobb, the top having brass dividers/supports
Brass
$3,295
H 29.5 in W 48 in D 24 in
MCM Maple Student Desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage MCM (Mid-Century Modern) maple student desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon
Brass
$2,400
H 31.25 in W 43.5 in D 20 in
Vintage Mid Century Desk, Singer 600 Sewing Machine, MCM, Retro, Unique, Walnut
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vintage Mid Century Desk, Singer 600 Sewing Machine, MCM, Retro, Unique, Walnut, 1960s, Office
Wood
$10,395
H 40.75 in W 34.5 in D 20 in
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb MCM Bleached Mahogany Cane Brass Highboy Dresser
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Mid Century Bleached Mahogany, Cane and Brass Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 34.5 wide x 20 deep x 40.75 inches high All pieces of furniture...
Mahogany
$7,347
H 28.5 in W 59.25 in D 35 in
Peter Løvig Nielsen for Hedensted Møbelfabrik MCM Danish Teak Boomerang Desk
By Hedensted Møbelfabrik, Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Løvig Nielsen for Hedensted Møbelfabrik Mid Century Danish Teak Boomerang Desk This desk measures: 59.25 wide x 35 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.5 inches All...
Teak
$5,447
H 31.25 in W 79.75 in D 19 in
Svend Aage Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik MCM Danish Teak Tambour Door Credenza
By Svend Aage Larsen, Faarup Møbelfabrik
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Svend Aage Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik Mid Century Danish Teak Tambour Door Credenza This credenza measures: 79.75 wide x 19 deep x 31.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...
Teak
$10,347
H 35 in W 74.5 in D 28 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches We take ...
Brass
$4,347
H 29 in W 54.5 in D 26 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk This desk measures: 54.5 wide x 26 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.5 inches W...
Brass
$6,350 / set
H 36 in W 36 in D 20 in
1970s Rattan Wicker MCM Waterfall Chest Dresser Nightstand, Set of 3
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, woven rattan wood design dresser set you could hope to find. In original and unfinished condition. Outstanding design ...
Rattan, Wood
$3,695 / set
H 30.5 in W 108.25 in D 19 in
John Widdicomb MCM Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set
By John Widdicomb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
cabinets in this set is 36 wide x 19 deep x 30.5 inches high, and the middle drawer is 36.25 wide; making
Brass
$3,347
H 49.5 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM Walnut and Chrome Highboy Dresser
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38 wide x 18.5 deep x 49.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Chrome
$4,687
H 30.5 in W 72 in D 20 in
Vintage 1970s Rosewood & Oak Dresser w/ Chrome Accents - Made in Canada, MCM
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
spacious drawers provide ample storage and operate smoothly, reflecting the high quality of its
Oak
$11,595
H 79.5 in W 62 in D 15.25 in
Paul M Jones MCM Bronze, Brass and Glass Double Illuminated Étagère Shelf
By Paul M. Jones
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul M Jones Mid Century Bronze, Brass and Glass Double Illuminated Étagère Shelf This etagere measures: 62 wide x 15.25 deep x 79.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Brass, Bronze
$6,800 / set
H 29 in W 72 in D 36.5 in
1960s MCM Edward Wormley for Dunbar Large Executive Desk & Return - Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern 1960s Edward Wormley for Dunbar executive desk, ensuite return. Dark finish over mahogany, to be refinished prior to shipping. Rosewood drawer pulls, brass sabot ...
Brass
$2,200 / set
H 25 in W 17 in D 16 in
Rare MCM Danish Modern Mahogany Chest of 4 Side Table Stands by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Henningsen. Th cabinet and tables are crafted in rich, warm mahogany with brass pulls. This piece epitomizes
Brass
$2,295
H 34 in W 36 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear MCM Walnut and Aluminum 4 Drawer Highboy Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38 wide x 18 deep x 45 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting ...
Aluminum
$4,995
H 32.25 in W 66 in D 16 in
Vintage MCM to Modern Rosewood Buffet Credenza Lucite Legs Attr Bernhardt Flair
By Bernhardt, Flair, Milo Baughman
Located in Topeka, KS
nice open storage space below while the center doors have a shelf behind them. This beauty is
Metal, Chrome
$3,495
H 29.25 in W 45.5 in D 23 in
Vintage MCM Art Deco Maple Colored Desk Black Accents American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Topeka, KS
charm. There is a darkened area in the center of the back of the drawer cabinet which looks to be a
Wood, Paint
$3,500
H 42.25 in W 54.38 in D 18.63 in
1950's MCM John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Pyramidal Bookshelf in Walnut
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern freestanding sculptural pyramid form bookshelf or room divider designed by John Van Koert for Drexel and manufactured in 1956. The walnut frame and shelves, retai...
Walnut
$2,500
H 45.5 in W 29.5 in D 21 in
MCM Cork and Wood Tall Dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Cork and Wood Tall Dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture This amazing Cork and Wood Tall Dresser is a great piece to bring together any type of mid centur...
Wood, Cork
$2,795
H 29.5 in W 54 in D 30 in
MCM Desk by Robert John Co. Walnut & White Painted Steel Frame & Laminate Top
By Knoll
Located in Topeka, KS
, Pennsylvania featuring walnut cabinet with white painted steel frame and white laminate top. This is from their
Metal
$5,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30 in W 36 in D 18 in
1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Madison, WI
other sliding doors on the cabinet. Both also contain the stunning book-matched wood grain in walnut
Iron
$5,195 / set
H 61.75 in W 54 in D 20.25 in
T H Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Modern MCM Maple and Brass Credenza with Hutch
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Franklin Park, IL
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Modern Mid Century Maple and Brass Credenza with Hutch The credenza measures: 54 wide x 20.25 deep x 32.75 inches high The hutch measures: 51 wi...
Brass
$3,995 / set
H 32.5 in W 76 in D 21 in
MCM Cork and Wood Sideboard with Mirror by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Cork and Wood Credenza/Sideboard with Mirror by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture This amazing cork and wood credenza/sideboard is a great piece to bring togethe...
Wood, Cork
$30,447
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 20 in
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 MCM Walnut, Cane and Brass Crednza
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Brass
$4,795
H 45.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Westnofa MCM Danish Rosewood 14 Drawer Armoire Gentleman's Chest Highboy Dresser
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Westnofa Mid Century Danish Rosewood 14 Drawer Armoire Gentleman's Chest Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 48 wide x 18 deep x 45.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ...
Rosewood
$1,595
H 70.25 in W 40.5 in D 12.25 in
MCM Bow Shape Chrome Étagère 5 Smoked Glass Shelves Style of James David or DIA
By James David Furniture, Design Institute America
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern étagère comprised of a bow shape chrome frame and 5 bowed smoked glass shelves. Done in the style of James David or Design Institute of America aka DIA. B...
Chrome
$2,595
H 62 in W 45 in D 19 in
Witco Style Pulaski Oceanic Brutalist MCM 6 Drawer Gentlemans Chest Highboy
By Witco
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Witco Style Pulaski Mid Century Oceanic Brutalist Pedestal Base 6 Drawer Gentlemans Chest Highboy This highboy measures: 45 wide x 19 deep x 62 inches high All pieces of furniture ...
Wood
MCM Driftwood Chest by Sligh Furniture - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Driftwood Nightstand by Sligh Cross Country Collection - Pair This classic Mid Century Modern driftwood finish matching pair of f2 drawer nightstands are ...
Driftwood
MCM Painted White Chest of Drawers
Located in Sheffield, MA
This Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers by John Stuart Inc of New York and Grand Rapids has been newly painted and restored. This piece features lacquered white paint with three pul...
Wood
1960s Broyhill Saga MCM Walnut Dresser Drawers Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
star pattern, with sleek Minimalist mid-century lines. It offers ample room for storage, with nine deep
Wood
Vintage MCM Rosewood Lingerie Chest by Glenn of California
By Glenn of California
Located in Topeka, KS
lovely cabinet to use in a study, office, hall, or entry for linens, books, office supplies, or anything
Aluminum
$1,279Sale Price|48% Off
H 53 in W 42 in D 19 in
American of Martinsville MCM Highboy / Dresser with Diamond Pattern Front
By American of Martinsville
Located in East Freetown, MA
Classic American of Martinsville diamond pattern front highboy. Dresser has three drawers in top section with doors and two drawers on bottom section. Stands tall on wooden legs.
Wood
$9,750 / set
H 33 in W 26 in D 20.25 in
Vintage MCM Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Chest of Drawers - a Pair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your home with this stunning pair of American-style Vintage Mid-Century Modern Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Chest of Drawers. Exemplifying Robsjohn-Gibbings' signature cle...
Metal
$4,295 / set
H 48 in W 30 in D 18 in
1950-1960 MCM Hardwood Chest of Drawers Made in Brazil by Singer a Pair
By Singer
Located in Topeka, KS
cabinets have been repaired. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are
Hardwood
$2,500
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, Winchendon
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers with solid brass cone pulls on angled tapered legs. The chest is shown sold, but have another in a mor...
Maple
$5,500 / set
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Pair of MCM Paul McCobb for Planner Group Blond Maple Three-Drawer Chests
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
All original pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers, brass cone pulls on tapered legs. Touched up original finish. Can be ebonized for addit...
Maple
$2,750
H 42.5 in W 35.5 in D 18 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Tallboy Dresser 6 Drawer Chest Vintage 1960s
Located in Emeryville, CA
for both modern and MCM-inspired interiors.
Teak
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.