Mid Century Aluminum Desk
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High Polished American Mid-Century Aluminum Folding Army Desk
Located in New York, NY
WWII Aluminium Military Campaign Desk-Collapsible
This desks was originally painted in a sea foam
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Vintage Aluminum Office Desk Chair Ray & Charles Eames 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage office chair or desk chair EA 124 by Charles & Ray Eames, which features
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 38.98 in W 25.01 in D 27.96 in
Large Walnut and Aluminum Executive Desk
Located in San Mateo, CA
This desk is likely a custom-made piece. The architectural aluminum legs have black anodized
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
1970s Aluminum "Sawhorse" Table or Desk
Located in Highland, IN
An ingenious and attractive design. Two Campaign-style aluminum sawhorse forms support a glass top
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
John Mascheroni Polished Aluminum and Glass Desk
By John Mascheroni
Located in New York, NY
John Mascheroni polished aluminum and glass desk. Desk has a tubular frame with a 1/2 inch thick
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Executive Desk in Pecan
By Poul Karljons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome, Mid-Century, most likely custom made Executive desk with flat faced drawers and uniquely
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Rosewood and Aluminum Desk/Dining Table
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 1970s Brazilian Rosewood with aluminum stretcher desk with glass top, it can also be use as
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Aluminium Desk by Alexis Yermakov for Stow Davis
By Alexis Yermakov, Stow Davis
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Aluminium Desk by Alexis Yermakov for Stow Davis
1970s
Clean lines
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
H 29 in W 72 in D 36 in
Oak Writing Desk with Aluminum Details Attributed to Kai Kristiansen
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Madrid, ES
Freestanding desk, model EP 401, with veneered oak frame and table top. Front with six drawers with
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 28.35 in W 61.03 in D 29.53 in
Burlwood Mid-Century Modern Floating Desk, Console, 1960s, France
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare Burl-wood minimalist desk with a solid wooden top and aluminium base. The top of the desk
Category
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Maple Desk By Paul McCobb For Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, model #1567, natural maple desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Artist Made Aluminum Desk / Side Chair by Jose Pascual
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Stunning late 20th century Modern Craftsman artist made desk / side chair in aluminum relying on
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Handsome Mid-Century Modern Walnut Jens Risom Desk Table Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Risom
Located in Pemberton, NJ
If you are looking for an icon of Mid-Century Modern – Scandinavian Modern design, look no further
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 28 in W 74.25 in D 36 in
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Thomasville
By Thomasville
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic sleek vintage writing desk with a two drawer case featuring an unusual mahogany oyster veneer
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Maple + Aluminum Desk by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare Italian desk unit designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti in the 1970s. This desk has one
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Documented Ico and Luisa Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Executive Desk
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Mid-Century Modern executive desk was the result of a collaboration between the
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 28.5 in W 54 in D 38.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Black Management Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
A timeless design
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Brown Leather Management Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
A timeless design
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum
H 34 in W 23 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Gray Leather Management Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
A timeless design
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Vico Magistretti Cherrywood and Aluminium Writing Desk for De Padova, Italy
By C.R.S. De Padova, Vico Magistretti
Located in Renens, CH
Italian design cherrywood and aluminium writing desk by Vico Magistretti, De Padova Italy.
This
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Leather Management Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern Eames aluminum group management chair.
A timeless design
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 33 in W 23 in D 23 in
Little Desk in Aluminum, Walnut Veneer and Laminated Top, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Little desk in aluminum, walnut veneer and laminated top, circa 1960.
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 26.78 in W 35.83 in D 16.54 in
Pace Collection Mid Century Italian Modern Thick Black Marble Granite Top Desk
By Knoll, Pace Collection
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality mid century modern black granite desk with shelf or bookcase in the back.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite, Aluminum
H 30 in W 54 in D 24 in
Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Aluminum Leather Desk Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome and elegant Eames soft pad desk/office chair from the Eames Aluminum Group series by
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brescia, IT
George Nelson by Hermann Miller
1950s
Laminated wood, aluminum base
Rare model.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 33.86 in W 59.06 in D 27.56 in
2-Piece Mid Century Walnut and Formica Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This authentic mid century original is the perfect multitasking furniture piece where space is
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Black Mesh Executive Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning Authentic Mid-Century Modern eames aluminum group executive chair.
A timeless design
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 41.5 in W 23 in D 23 in
Midcentury Eames for Herman Miller Mid-Century High Back Aluminum Group Chairs
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
chairs in premium plush black leather with high-backs. An icon of Mid Century Modern design that
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
H 38 in W 24 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut "Mainline" Desk by Hooker
By Hooker Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern walnut “Mainline” desk by Hooker Furniture in the United States, circa
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Black Leather Aluminum Group Office Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
The Aluminum Group Management office chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 34 in W 23 in D 23 in
Kirsch Hamilton, American Mid-Century Modern Prisma Aluminum Aurora Clock, 1970s
By Kirsch/Hamilton
Located in Stamford, CT
American Mid-Century Modern Prisma aluminum aurora clock, Kirsch Hamilton, 1970s.
A vintage 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
H 7.5 in W 7 in D 5.75 in
Mid Century Walnut Desk by Vista of California in the style of George Nelson
By Vista of California
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut desk with three full sized side drawers and a smaller drawer in front of the chair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 30.25 in W 56.25 in D 18.5 in
MCM Bruce Fox Gold Anodized Aluminum 3D "Excellence" Motivation Desk Accessory
By Bruce Fox
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Bruce Fox motivational desk accessory 3D Font " Excellence " in
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Aluminum
H 0.88 in W 7.5 in D 1.13 in
Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with brass cone
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Mid Century Brown Leather Desk Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
Aluminum Group Collection was manufactured in the 2000s. This classic mid century modern office chair was
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the United
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Desk in Solid Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This side desk is a mid-20th century Brazilian furniture piece designed by Sergio Rodrigues, made
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
H 18.12 in W 68.9 in D 31.11 in
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair
By Emeco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair. Item features an
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Hidden File Drawer Glenn California Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Table Desk
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice low profile writing table with a hidden file drawer.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 29 in W 50 in D 24 in
Original Aluminum and Perforated Vinyl Emeco "Navy" Desk or Armchair, 1965
By Emeco
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage navy chair rendered in aluminum frame and original perforated vinyl upholstery by Emeco
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Black Leather Desk Chair by Eames for Herman Miller, 2001
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
the Aluminum Group Collection was manufactured in the 2001. This classic mid century modern office
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mid Century Black Leather Desk Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller, 2001
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
the Aluminum Group Collection were manufactured in the 2001. This classic mid century modern office
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Pair of Vintage German Fabric & Aluminium Desk Chair from Fröscher Sitform
By Fröscher Sitform
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
the 1970s. The frame is made of solid aluminum. The armchairs are upholstered with thick fabric in an
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 30.71 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut & Black Vinyl Executive Swivel Desk Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
of the most striking office chair designs to come out of the mid-century era! With its fantastic
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 31 in W 30.5 in D 29.5 in
Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Base Swivel Desk Office Chair in Blue Fiberglass
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Eames design, hard to find form, fiberglass shell in blue, on cast aluminum base. This chair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 32 in W 17.5 in D 17 in
Mid Century Modern Model T333 desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Tecno
Located in London, GB
Model T333 desk produced in 1975 from a design by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Geri and manufctured
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Soft Pad Aluminum Leather Desk Chair, 1990
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Naples, IT
Beautiful and elegant Mod. "Soft Pad" Eames desk/office executive chair with soft padding from the
Category
1990s Central American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 32.68 in W 25.99 in D 24.81 in
Dice Aluminum Metal Sculpture or Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A german vintage aluminum paperweight or sculpture featuring a dice balanced on one corner. Art
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Metal, Brass, Copper
H 3.75 in W 4.75 in D 4.63 in
Mid-Century Modern School Desk by James W. Leonard For Knoll Associates
By Knoll, James Leonard, Esavian
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare, mid-Century Modern, birch veneer and cast aluminum school desk designed by English designer
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Rosewood and Polished Aluminum Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Restored.
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Brazilian rosewood and aluminum floating top desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Three shallow
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 29.5 in W 84 in D 38 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll New Executive Swivel Desk Arm Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Saarinen executive arm chair features a height-adjustable
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Aluminum
H 32 in W 26 in D 24.75 in
Vintage Fabric Aluminum EA 108 Desk Chair by Charles&Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Industrial Designers of America awarded the Eames the title of Most Influential Designer of 20th century
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 32.68 in W 22.45 in D 21.26 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Walnut Push-Button Executive Desk by SLS Environetics
By Lehigh Leopold
Located in Lafayette, IN
-aluminum legs with rosewood inlay. The contrasting woods, aluminum accents and minimalist, mid-century
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in
Mid Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Rosewood Square Desk Clock for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Troy, MI
Arthur Umanoff model 645 alarm clock for Howard Miller circa late 1960s
Rosewood case with aluminum
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Aluminum
H 4.5 in W 4.5 in D 3 in
Eames Aluminum Group Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Atlanta, GA
Eames Aluminum group chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, American, circa
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs ...
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Roll Top Action Office Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Lafayette, IN
space
Cast aluminum frame
Foot rest
White laminate writing surface
Power outlet
This iconic desk is
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
H 32 in W 65 in D 32 in
1970s Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller "Action Office" Rolltop Desk Exec.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Basel, BS
Aluminum Group desk chair which is height adjustable, pictured here with it, inquire if you are interested
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
H 34 in W 30 in D 54 in
Mid-Century Modern Industrial 3-Piece Office Set with Desk by Norman Bel Geddes
By Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Lafayette, IN
Three pieces of iconic mid-century industrial design combine to complete this fantastic home-office
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 30.25 in W 56 in D 21 in
Rosewood Executive Desk for Nipu
By Marius Byrialsen, Nipu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
features an aluminum frame with a rosewood desk top, six drawers and two narrow pencil drawers, flanking
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
H 79.5 in W 84 in D 108.5 in
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Mid Century Aluminum Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century aluminum desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, aluminum and animal skin, every mid century aluminum desk was constructed with great care. There are 1433 variations of the antique or vintage mid century aluminum desk you’re looking for, while we also have 20 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the mid century aluminum desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century aluminum desk bearing Mid-Century Modern, Industrial or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century aluminum desk over the years, but those crafted by Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames and Charles Eames are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Century Aluminum Desk?
A mid century aluminum desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,898, while the lowest priced sells for $75 and the highest can go for as much as $40,100.
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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home
The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.
Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.
Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
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