Mid-20th Century Plywood Living Room Sets
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Restored Dining Chairs by Antonin Suman, 1960s, Set of 4
By Antonín Šuman
Located in Żory, PL
A set of four chairs, designed in the 1960s by Antonin Suman. The chairs are made of beech wood
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Oak, Plywood
J.D. Moveis E Decoraçoes Sofa Set: Sofa and Armchairs, Brazil, 1960s
By J.D. Moveis e Decoracoes
Located in Whitstable, GB
armchair & sofa designs produced in mid 20th century Brazil. They are really stunning.
They rarely become
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
H 29.53 in W 102.01 in D 32.01 in
Living Room Rattan Set by Janine Abraham & Dirk Jan Rol - Chairs, Pouf, Mirror
By Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Mid-Century French Riviera complete living room set designed by Janine Abraham & Dirk
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 29.93 in W 29.14 in D 31.11 in
Black Room Divider Wall Unit by Ludvik Volak for Drevopodnik Holesov, 1960s
By Ludvik Volak, Drevopodnik Holesov
Located in Horomerice, CZ
their laminated wood workmanship.
More about Mid-century Modern:
Elements of Mid-century Modern (MCM
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Plywood, Lacquer
H 88.98 in W 35.44 in D 6.11 in
Set of 6 Molded Bent Plywood Bar Stools by Davis MINT!
By Knoll, Norman Cherner, Davis Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 6 Molded Bent Plywood Bar Stools by Davis MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Plywood
Set of Four Mid Century Stacking Side Tables by Thonet after Aalto
By Thonet, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of four stacking side tables by Thonet, in the manner of Alvar Aalto. The
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood
Set of Two 1950s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Italian Wall Mirrors
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An amazing set of two mid-century modern, well-shaped, solid brass wall mirrors handcrafted in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Brass
H 34.26 in W 23.63 in D 1.19 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Birch Rush Papercord Bar Stools, Italy
By Vico Magistretti
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern bar stools style of Vico Magistretti. Circular Birch framed and rush
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Rush, Birch
20th Century Black American Plycraft Set of Four Dining Chairs by Norman Cherner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, vintage Mid-Century Modern America set of four Pretzel dining chairs made of hand crafted
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Corner Chairs
Materials
Foam, Wood
No Reserve
H 32 in W 25 in D 21 in
Mid 20th MCM Mr. Chair Lounge Chair & Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Topeka, KS
, versatility, impeccable style, and the set is going to be stunning in any room that needs a splash of mid
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 37.5 in W 32.5 in D 28 in
Italian Mid-Century 1970s Occasional Square Laquered Table
Located in Encinitas, CA
One of a beautiful set of two Italian design contemporary occasional tables 1970s. A square
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Pair of 'N' Lounge Chairs, by Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "N" armchairs by Zanine Caldas stand as quintessential artifacts of mid-20th century modern
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plywood, Leather
H 20.48 in W 22.45 in D 25.2 in
Mid-Century Modern White Grey Orbis Sofa by Luigi Colani, Germany, 1970s
By Luigi Colani
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern White Grey Orbis Sofa by Luigi Colani, Germany 1970s.
Hip three-part lounge
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Plywood
H 27.56 in W 30.71 in D 32.29 in
Jose Zanine Caldas Pair of Mid-century modern BrazilianArmchairs Model "H"
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Barcelona, ES
Z.
Brazil, 1949.
Marine plywood, fabric upholstery.
Measuremenents
58 cm x 50 cm x 80 H cm
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plywood, Velvet
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
20th Century Danish Hansen Side Armchair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish wooden side armchair, designed by Peter Hvidt
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Mahogany, Teak, Plywood
No Reserve
H 30 in W 24 in D 29 in
Mid century PT10 serving cart by Cees Brakeman for Pastoe, Netherlands 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid century serving cart. Model PT10 designed by Cees Brakeman for Pastoe in the 1950s. It has two
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Plywood
H 23.63 in W 25.6 in D 19.69 in
Ultra Rare Set of 6 "Party Set" Stools by Verner Panton, 1965
By Verner Panton
Located in Skokie, IL
present.
Additional Information:
Materials: Plywood, original vinyl upholstery
Dimensions: 20 1/2" H
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Vintage Handmade Wood Hat Stands - Set of 3
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of three vintage mid-century handmade hat stands. Constructed from plywood to resemble a
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plywood
Alvar Aalto Rare Set of Early Armchairs, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Exceptionally rare set of early Alvar Aalto armchairs for O.Y Wilhelm Schauman A.B Jyväskylä
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Set of Four Original Midcentury Chairs, Jitona Sobeslav, Beech, Czechia, 1950s
By Jitona
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Set of Four Original Mid-Century Chairs.
Maker: Jitona Sobeslav
Source: Czechia
Period: 1950
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Plywood
H 32.29 in W 15.36 in D 20.87 in
Set of Six Chic Ebonized Modernist Chroom Bauhaus Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of six chroom Bauhaus chairs with plywood seat and backrest, 1930s
The set has two armchairs
Category
Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Paulistana Armchair with Ottoman by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
mid-century sophistication.
Jorge Zalszupin was a Brazilian architect and furniture designer who was
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
H 38.6 in W 30.3 in D 32 in
Set of Four Giuseppe Munari Modular Lounge Chairs Upholstered in Cognac Leather
Located in Madrid, ES
Poltrona Munari, circa 1970. Structure in black curved plywood and padding covered in red/cognac color
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Plywood
H 26.78 in W 33.47 in D 35.44 in
Set of Three Rare "Yoga" Chairs by Erik Magnussen, Kevi Denmark, Ca. 1972
By Kevi, Erik Magnussen
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Set of three "Yoga" lounge chairs designed by Erik Magnussen and produced by Kevi, Denmark. Chrome
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
H 27.56 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Mid Century White Boucle Armchairs and Table, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
comfortable model! We can prepare this armchair also in a set with foot stool. You can choose other wood and
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
H 31.5 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Vintage Model 403 Hallway Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Set of 2
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Cape Town, WC
The Model 403, or Hallway Chair, is a stackable chair originally designed for a Finnish medical centre in 1932. Finnish modernism finds its structural motif in the form of the Model ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Set of Four Adjustable Stools by Jørgen Rasmussen for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Jørgen Rasmussen
Located in New York, NY
38 - 32.5 x Seat H 24 - 18 inches. The stools were designed in the mid 20th C, these are circa 1999
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 2 Medea Armchairs by Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue, Italy, 1955
By Vittorio Nobili
Located in Amsterdam, NL
iconic designs in the 20th century. We also have 4 available without armrest in case you need 6.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
H 31.11 in W 24.02 in D 22.84 in
Eames 670 Lounge Chair & 671 Ottoman in Beata Heuman Linen Cotton
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
the juxtaposition of this mid-century icon and the more traditional toile. The set is from the early
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Rocket Table Lamps from Pokrok Zilina, 1970s, Set of 2
By Pokrok Žílina
Located in Żory, PL
These rocket table lamps were produced in the 1970s in Czechoslovakia by Pokrok Zilina.
Lamps are fully functional, require E14 bulbs.
Category
Mid-20th Century Space Age Table Lamps
Materials
Plywood
Mario Bellini Tentazione Armchair in Maharam Leather, Set of Four
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
; the polyurethane foam seat has feather padding.
Perfect for office spaces, dining, living room or
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Swedish Painted Rococo Style Nightstands, Circa 1930's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
first half of the 20th Century. These Scandinavian have a charming patina have each one door with
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Plywood, Pine
MCM Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group High Back Chairs Set 3
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage MCM (a.k.a. mid-century modern) Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 34.5 in W 24 in D 26 in
Set of Green Armchairs by E. Homa and Chess Table, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
wood and veneer plywood, it was refreshed. Very good original vintage condition. Table size: 60cm
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Set of James Mont Bent Beech Armchairs and Table, Dark Green Velvet, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Italian Dark Green Velvet. We can prepare this set also in another velvet color.
Beautiful antique
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
H 29.93 in W 22.84 in D 20.48 in
Set of James Mont Bent Beech Armchairs and Table, Yellow Ochra Boucle, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Italian Yellow Ochra Boucle. We can prepare this set also in another boucle color.
Beautiful antique
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
H 29.93 in W 22.84 in D 20.48 in
Vintage Sofa Set by Silvio Cavatorta - Italy 1950s
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Sofa Set realized by Silvio Cavatorta in the Mid-20th century.
Top rare an impressive
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Rosewood
Rare lounge chair with ottoman & coffee table, 1970
Located in Amstelveen, NL
coffee table as well!
The form language of this set is just stunning: the flowing lines of the base are
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Plywood
Modernist Vintage Brown Four Dining Chairs Arne Jacobsen 3107 circa 1955 Denmark
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist Mid Century Modern vintage authentic dining chairs model set of four ( 4 ) Model Number
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 28.75 in W 20.08 in D 19.69 in
Vintage Antique Industrial Haberdashery Glass Display Cabinet Chest of Drawers
Located in Sale, GB
example of early 20th century shop cabinet furniture, perfect for all kinds of storage and ideal for those
Category
Mid-20th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Plywood
H 78.15 in W 20.08 in D 19.69 in
Eastern Bloc Vintage armchairs, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Jitona
Located in Prague 8, CZ
These armchairs on wheels were a part of a living room set made in the 1970´s.
They represent a
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Plywood
Lounge Chairs or Sectional Sofa in Re-upholstered Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
lounge chairs - lounge sofas would make an eye-catching addition to any interior, such as a living room
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Plywood
H 27.56 in W 118.12 in D 35.04 in
De Sede DS 76 Buffalo Leather & Glass Square Coffee Table, 1970s, Switzerland
By Karl Springer, De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
with Buffalo leather with very thick insert smoked glass top. Easy combinable with many living room
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Smoked Glass, Plywood, Leather
H 16.15 in W 31.11 in D 31.11 in
Four "Tre" Bar Stools by Davis Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of bentwood stools by David Furniture. Features molded plywood, connecting three separate and
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Bentwood
Special Pedestal Occasional Coffee Table No. 5452, George Nelson, Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
under the tabletop suggests that the side table came with an action office set. it has been lovingly
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Metal
H 16.54 in Dm 27.96 in
Drexel Declaration Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
By Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
is exactly what you need in front of the television in your mid-century modern style living room
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Plywood
H 36 in W 34 in D 38 in
Four Industrial Stools
Located in Faversham, GB
A set of four Industrial workshop stools with painted ply tops on tubular steel frames.
Beneath
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Stools
Materials
Steel, Iron
Arne Jacobsen Swan Lounge Chair #4325 in Teak & Black leather, Fritz Hansen 60s
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
, p. 438
A. Karlsen, Danish Furniture Design: in the 20th Century, Volume 2, Copenhagen, 2007, pp. 214
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass, Plywood
H 29.93 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
Ico Parisi Italian Wood and Leather Armchairs for MIM Roma, 1960s
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma
Located in Rovereta, SM
Italian Mid-Century Modern design set of two armchairs designed by Ico Parisi fo Mim Roma with
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Miroslav Navratil Butterfly Chairs in Original Red Fabric, 1960
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Almelo, NL
interior, such as a living room, family room, screening room, or office. It also perfectly fits in a
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
Miroslav Navratil Easy Chairs in Original Red and Green Fabric, 1960.
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Almelo, NL
interior, such as a living room, family room, screening room, or office. It also perfectly fits in a
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
H 30.32 in W 26.78 in D 27.56 in
Miroslav Navratil Easy Chairs in Original Green & Red Fabric, 1960
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Almelo, NL
addition to any interior, such as a living room, family room, screening room, or office. It also perfectly
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
Poul cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Grenoble, FR
Poul cadovius
Very nice set of Cadovius teak stoves from the Cado series from 1958 in very good
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Miroslav Navratil Easy Chairs in Original Green Fabric, 1960
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Almelo, NL
interior, such as a living room, family room, screening room, or office. It also perfectly fits in a
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
Midcentury Armchair in Wood & Green Faux Leather Jose Zanine Caldas c1950 Brazil
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this gorgeous and super comfortable Mid-century Armchair in Wood & Green Faux
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Free Shipping
H 33.5 in W 22.8 in D 29.5 in
Miroslav Navratil Basket Chairs in Original Red Fabric, 1960
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Almelo, NL
addition to any interior, such as a living room, family room, screening room, or office. It also perfectly
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
Pair of Italian Bedside Table Nightstands in Bamboo, Rattan and Cane, 1960s
By Bonacina
Located in Roma, IT
skill by Italian craftsmen, these mid century nightstands have rounded tops thanks to the curvature of
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
H 26.78 in W 18.9 in D 13.39 in
Brazilian Modern Armchairs in hardwood & floral upholstery by Jose Zanine Caldas
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in New York, NY
definitely add mid century swagger to any collection but a set like this can look great in a contemporary
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Free Shipping
H 26.5 in W 14 in D 16 in
Mr. Chair
By George Mulhauser
Located in Malibu, CA
Iconic "Mr." Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. Constructed of bent walnut plywood and
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Brazilian Modern Armchair in Wood & Mint Faux Leather, Jose Zanine Caldas, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in New York, NY
frame can blend into almost any type of contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, boho chic, or modern
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Hardwood
Free Shipping
H 29.5 in W 25.6 in D 23.6 in
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Mid-20th Century Plywood Living Room Sets For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of mid-20th century plywood living room sets for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct mid-20th century plywood living room sets — often made from plywood, wood and metal — can elevate any home. Mid-20th century plywood living room sets have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of mid-20th century plywood living room sets to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Industrial mid-20th century plywood living room sets are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made mid-20th century plywood living room sets over the years, but those made by Ludvik Volak, Thonet and Marcel Breuer are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Mid-20th Century Plywood Living Room Sets?
The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,100, while they’re typically $325 on the low end and $20,195 highest priced.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
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