Skip to main content

Mid Century 2 Seat Sofa

9
1,863
135
88
to
176
1,317
728
2,077
1,964
1,997
1,691
120
42
15
12
6
5
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
6
42
1,815
223
4
966
785
1
4
17
156
362
557
105
74
941
837
812
786
459
1,588
490
437
387
346
163
144
109
95
77
Sort By
Mid Century 2-Seat Sofa by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern 2-seat sofa, designed by Theo Ruth for Artifort in the 50s. This
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century 2-Seater Sofa by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1960s
By Kho Liang Ie, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Comfortabele 2-seater sofa designed by Kho Liang Ie. Manufactured by Artifort in the 60's. In
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Midcentury 2-Seat Sofa by A.R. Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1960s
By Gispen, Dick Cordemeijer
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice 2 seat sofa designed by A.R. Cordemeyer. Manufactured by Gispen in the 1960s. Simple
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Midcentury 2-Seat Sofa by Kho Liang Ie for Artifort, 1960s
By Kho Liang Ie, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning and comfortabele 2 seat sofa designed by Kho Liang Ie. Manufactured by Artifort in the
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century 2-Seat Sofa, Minerva Series by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in München, Bavaria
Danish Designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France and Daverkosen. The Mid-Century couch
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Lounge Sofa or Couch by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, German Design, 1960s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in München, Bavaria
parts that can be used to create sofas and easy chairs alike. This Mid-Century 2-seat-sofa comes with a
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Fiberglass

Mid Century Danish 2 Seater Sofa, Original Wool Fabric
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Brussels , BE
Mid century Danish 2 seater sofa - original wool fabric.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Danish Brown Leather 2 Seat Mid-Century Modern Sofa Armchairs Available
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely small Mid-Century Modern Danish brown leather two
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Mid Century 2-Seater Leather Sofa by Hans Olsen, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans Olsen
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Mid Century 2-Seater Leather Sofa by Hans Olsen was made in Denmark in the 1960s. A
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Maralunga Black Leather 2 Seater Sofa Vico Magistretti Cassina Mid Century
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Maralunga Black Leather 2 Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Originally
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Dust Sofa 2-Seat
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Dust sofa is a tribute to comfort and discreet elegance. With a comfy structure and available in
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Dust Sofa 2-Seat
Dust Sofa 2-Seat
H 27.96 in W 63 in D 33.86 in
Mid Century ABCD 2-Seater Sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing sculptural two-seater ABCD sofa, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1968. The
Category

1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Gia Sofa 2-Seat
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Round, smooth lines, with a combination of smooth and sculpted fabric, with its upholstered back texture carefully sewed and brass base, Gia’s delicate balance is unmistakable. A spi...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Gia Sofa 2-Seat
Gia Sofa 2-Seat
H 34.26 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
Set of Mid Century Purple Leather 3 Seat Sofa & 2 Seat Loveseat, Denmark 1960-70
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-century modern three-seat sofa and two-seat loveseat set with hard wood birch legs. Upholstered
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Birch

2-Seater Vintage Chesterfield Sofa
Located in WARNETON, FR
This sofa is very comfortable To report some traces of wear which contribute to its patina (see
Category

Mid-20th Century Sofas

Materials

Leather

2-Seater Vintage Chesterfield Sofa
2-Seater Vintage Chesterfield Sofa
H 27.56 in W 57.49 in D 32.68 in
Italian 2-Seat Sofa, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Stunning and comfortabele 2 seat sofa, manufactured in Italy in the 1980s. Very solid black
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian 2-Seat Sofa, 1980s
Italian 2-Seat Sofa, 1980s
H 29.14 in W 56.3 in D 32.29 in
Erik Jørgensen EJ202 2 Seater Sofa Jørgen Gammelgaard Black Leather Mid Century
By Erik Jørgensen
Located in Cambridge, GB
mid century set, with its clean lined silhouette softened by the unusual curved arm profile, was
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Agnes L Couch 2-Seat
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Agnes L Couch 2-Seat
Agnes L Couch 2-Seat
H 43.31 in W 47.25 in D 28.35 in
Agnes M Couch 2-Seat
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Agnes M Couch 2-Seat
Agnes M Couch 2-Seat
H 38.98 in W 47.25 in D 28.35 in
Agnes S Couch 2-Seat
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Agnes may be our most customizable piece by being completely modular. Choose from different sizes, with the option of two arms, one arm or none and a great range of materials to choo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Agnes S Couch 2-Seat
Agnes S Couch 2-Seat
H 31.5 in W 47.25 in D 28.35 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Two Part Four Seat Sectional Sofa, 2 Pieces
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut two part four seat sectional sofa - 2 pieces. Item
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Style 2 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Extra Long Mid Century Modular 6-Seat Sofa
By Lewittes Furniture Enterprises
Located in New York, NY
x arm H 28 x seat H 17 inches. Arm rests are removable if you want to use this as a bench. 2 vinyl
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Mid-Century Norwegian Modern 2-Seater Sofa Stressless Pegasus Low Back Loveseat
By Ekorness
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modern two-seater sofa Pegasus Low Back Loveseat model, was manufactured by the Norwegian
Category

Early 2000s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

2 Seater Sofa by Danish designer
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A 2-seater sofa in striped 'Savak' wool in grey and white colours with legs of stained beech. By an
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

2 Seater Sofa by Danish designer
2 Seater Sofa by Danish designer
H 27.56 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in
2-Seat Sofa by Unknown Architect
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered 2-seat sofa in new fabric (Colline 568) with legs of beech. Unknown maker.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

2-Seat Sofa by Unknown Architect
2-Seat Sofa by Unknown Architect
H 29.14 in W 61.03 in D 29.53 in
Mid Century Modern 2 Seat sofa table Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll
By Knoll, Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid Century Modern 2 Seat armchair sofa with middle white laminate table by Bruce Hannah and Andrew
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

1970s Danish Leather 2 Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor sign of use - Sturdy and stable.
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

1970s Danish Leather 2 Seater Sofa
1970s Danish Leather 2 Seater Sofa
H 31.5 in W 55.12 in D 31.11 in
Mid-Century Brown Leather Two-seater Sofa, Italy 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Title: Vintage Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa - Classic Italian Design Indulge in timeless elegance
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Børge Mogensen No. 1 Sofa – 2-Seater
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Mogensen designed the Børge Mogensen 2-seater sofa of the No.1 series in 1955. He united a sharply
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Børge Mogensen No. 1 Sofa – 2-Seater
Børge Mogensen No. 1 Sofa – 2-Seater
H 32.68 in W 56.3 in D 33.86 in
2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1970's
By Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Magnificent 2-seat sofa, designed by the Artifort Design Group in the 70's. This extremely rare
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1970's
2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1970's
H 26.38 in W 77.56 in D 41.74 in
De Sede 2-Seat Sofa Black Leather Sofa, 1970
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede black leather 2-seat sofa from 1970. Both seats are extendable for much more lounge seat
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

De Sede 2-Seat Sofa Black Leather Sofa, 1970
De Sede 2-Seat Sofa Black Leather Sofa, 1970
H 26.38 in W 65.75 in D 37.41 in
Stunning Signed Dunbar Three Seater Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Dunbar 3 seater sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1970s Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa, Denmark
By Svend Skipper
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

1970s Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa, Denmark
1970s Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa, Denmark
H 29.14 in W 71.66 in D 32.68 in
Danish Dark Brown Leather Large 2 Seater Sofa
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Danish dark brown leather large 2 seater sofa, this would make a stylish addition to
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Danish Dark Brown Leather Large 2 Seater Sofa
Danish Dark Brown Leather Large 2 Seater Sofa
H 33.08 in W 70.87 in D 28.75 in
Marc Held 2 Seater Sofa for Airborne, 70s
By Marc Held
Located in Brussels , BE
Marc Held 2 seater sofa for Airborne, 70s.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Marc Held 2 Seater Sofa for Airborne, 70s
Marc Held 2 Seater Sofa for Airborne, 70s
H 29.53 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
MCM Steelcase 3 Seat & 2 Seat Sofa Set Upholstered in “Cobalt Blue” - Set of 2
By Steelcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Steelcase 3 Seat & 2 Seat Sofa Set Newly Upholstered in “Cobalt Blue” Mohair
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

1970s Danish Cognac Leather 2 Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use.
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

1970s Danish Cognac Leather 2 Seater Sofa
1970s Danish Cognac Leather 2 Seater Sofa
H 27.96 in W 70.87 in D 27.96 in
1970s Danish Brown Leather 2 Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

1970s Danish Brown Leather 2 Seater Sofa
1970s Danish Brown Leather 2 Seater Sofa
H 26.38 in W 55.12 in D 32.68 in
1960s Italian 2-Seater Sofa in Bouclé
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered in white Boucle fabric - carefully refurbished
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Wood

1960s Italian 2-Seater Sofa in Bouclé
1960s Italian 2-Seater Sofa in Bouclé
H 32.68 in W 46.07 in D 31.11 in
Zeno 2 Seater Sofa By Brian Sironi
By D3co
Located in Milan, IT
Contemporary and compact, this playful sofa by Brian Sironi adds style to any room. Featuring a mid
Category

2010s Italian Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Zeno 2 Seater Sofa By Brian Sironi
Zeno 2 Seater Sofa By Brian Sironi
H 29.93 in W 77.96 in D 38.59 in
Colonial 2-Seat Sofa, Model OW149-2, by Ole Wanscher, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
Exquisite Colonial 2-Seat Sofa, Model OW149-2, a timeless creation by the revered designer Ole
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in East Hampton, NY
This very Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa in original fabric shows the wonderful Classic
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Brass

Model 691 2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable 2-seat sofa, designed by the Artifort Design Group in 1987. It is a very solid
Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Model 691 2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1980s
Model 691 2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1980s
H 27.56 in W 60.63 in D 34.65 in
Model 691 2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1980s
By Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice 2-seat sofa, designed by the Artifort Design Group in 1987. It is a very solid sofa
Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Model 691 2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1980s
Model 691 2-Seat Sofa by Artifort, 1980s
H 27.56 in W 60.63 in D 34.65 in
1970s Saporiti 2-Seater Sofa in Velvet, Italy
By Saporiti
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Professionally cleaned - Labeled by manufacturer
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

1970s Saporiti 2-Seater Sofa in Velvet, Italy
1970s Saporiti 2-Seater Sofa in Velvet, Italy
H 30.32 in W 59.06 in D 36.23 in
1970s Scandinavian Leather and Pine 2-Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
comfortable - height of seat 40 cm
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Geraldo de Barros, 2-seater Tubular sofa, c. 1970
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in the 1970s, this three-seater sofa in tubular metal and white fabric by Geraldo de
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Pair MidCentury Brown Vintage Leather 3 Seat Sofa & 2 Seat Loveseat Denmark 1960
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-century modern three-seat sofa and two-seat loveseat set with hard wood birch legs. Upholstered
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Birch

1970s, German design, 2 seater sofa, leather, chrome steel.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, German design. Original 2 seater sofa in black leather. Chrome steel legs. Original very
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

De Sede DS-47 Neck Leather 2-Seater Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Toronto, CA
workshop - this sturdy and comfortable sofa is made with 5mm thick NECK leather, giving it characteristic
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 80 – 2-Seater – Wood Base
By Fredericia
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 80 – 2-seater – Wood base is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 2-Seater, Wood Base
By Fredericia
Located in Berkeley, CA
Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 2-seater – wood base is simple and serene in this expansive 3-seater
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 2-Seater, Wood Base
Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95, 2-Seater, Wood Base
H 29.72 in W 78.74 in D 35.43 in
Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 95 – 2-seater – Metal Base
By Fredericia
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 95 – 2-seater – Metal sofa offers a roomy sense of cosiness, where
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Hugo Passos Calmo Sofa 80 – 2-seater – Metal Base
By Fredericia
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Hugo Passos Calmo sofa 80 – 2-seater – Metal base sofa offers a roomy sense of cosiness, where
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

PJ 149/2 - 2-seater 'Colonial' sofa in cherry by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PJ 149/2 - 2-seater 'Colonial' sofa in cherry, seat bottom in cane and original blue wool cushions
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Cherry

Rosenthal Hombre 2 seater leather sofa by Burkhard Vogtherr
By Rosenthal, Burkhard Vogtherr
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather sofa, in an exceptional blue/gray leather tone, with a taupe-colored, gray-fading
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Saporiti Italia 2 seater leather sofa by Giovanni Offredi
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
hardly any signs of wear. There are 2 dents in the leather on the back of the sofa, but there is no
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Mid century 1960’s armless sofa (consists 2 armchairs) by Schreiber
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
The price listed is for 1 sofa (2 armchairs). Happy to sell individually. Price on request. Pair
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Italian 1950's 2 Seater Sofa, Reupholstered in White Velvet with Boucle Seat
Located in London, GB
Italian two seat sofa, 1950s, reupholstered in white velvet and off white boucle for the seat
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Mid Century 2 Seat Sofa", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Mid Century 2 Seat Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century 2 seat sofa you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each mid century 2 seat sofa for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and animal skin. Find 1517 options for an antique or vintage mid century 2 seat sofa now, or shop our selection of 87 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer mid century 2 seat sofa, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century 2 seat sofa, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. De Sede, Hans J. Wegner and GETAMA each produced at least one beautiful mid century 2 seat sofa that is worth considering.

How Much is a Mid Century 2 Seat Sofa?

Prices for a mid century 2 seat sofa can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $315 and can go as high as $68,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,579.

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.

Finding the Right Seating for You

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.