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Vintage Modernist Chrome & Lucite Eyeball Desk Library Table Lamp 23"
Vintage Modernist Chrome & Lucite Eyeball Desk Library Table Lamp 23"

Vintage Modernist Chrome & Lucite Eyeball Desk Library Table Lamp 23"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century mid century modern style / atomic / modernist desk / table lamp featuring a cubic

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

1950s French Roger Feraud "Clé de Sol" Treble Clef Iron Hat & Coat Stand
1950s French Roger Feraud "Clé de Sol" Treble Clef Iron Hat & Coat Stand

1950s French Roger Feraud "Clé de Sol" Treble Clef Iron Hat & Coat Stand

By Roger Ferraud, Roger Feraud

Located in London, England

and object designer, celebrated especially for his imaginative midcentury coat racks with their atomic

Category

Mid-20th Century French Space Age Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Atomic Table Lamps, a Pair
Mid Century Atomic Table Lamps, a Pair

Mid Century Atomic Table Lamps, a Pair

Located in Bradenton, FL

A pair of mid century atomic style ceramic lamps in white, black and gold. Round lamps that taper

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Style Atomic Age Chandelier
Mid-Century Style Atomic Age Chandelier

Mid-Century Style Atomic Age Chandelier

Located in Peekskill, NY

dome reflector. The look is very Mid-Century and elegant.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Curtis Jere Style Mid-Century Modern Atomic Sputnik Sculpture
Curtis Jere Style Mid-Century Modern Atomic Sputnik Sculpture

Curtis Jere Style Mid-Century Modern Atomic Sputnik Sculpture

By Curtis Jeré

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Iconic Mid-Century Modern metal Sputnik sculpture in the style of Curtis Jere. This atomic

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Atomic Era Arthur Umanoff Style Iron Fireplace Log Holder
Vintage Mid Century Atomic Era Arthur Umanoff Style Iron Fireplace Log Holder

Vintage Mid Century Atomic Era Arthur Umanoff Style Iron Fireplace Log Holder

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage mid century Atomic Era Arthur Umanoff style iron mesh fireplace log holder. Item features

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Small Atomic Hanging Saucer Bubble Lamp
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Small Atomic Hanging Saucer Bubble Lamp

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Small Atomic Hanging Saucer Bubble Lamp

By George Nelson

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Small Atomic Hanging Saucer Bubble Lamp George Nelson

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Atomic Salterini Style Outdoor Circle Hoop Chairs
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Atomic Salterini Style Outdoor Circle Hoop Chairs

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Atomic Salterini Style Outdoor Circle Hoop Chairs

By Joseph Cicchelli

Located in Wilmington, DE

What a find. Offered is a set of 4 vintage Mid-Century Modern outdoor circle chairs. Includes four

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Atomic Style Iron Bar Stools
Atomic Style Iron Bar Stools

Atomic Style Iron Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of three mid-century swivel stools with hairpin style legs and iron footrest. (Please

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Stools

Emerald Green Atomic Style Table Lamp
Emerald Green Atomic Style Table Lamp

Emerald Green Atomic Style Table Lamp

Located in Bradenton, FL

An emerald green, atomic style ceramic table lamp. Shaped like a cactus, with a reeded vase and a

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid-Century Modern Amorphic Tapered Atomic Black Resin Mirror
Italian Mid-Century Modern Amorphic Tapered Atomic Black Resin Mirror

Italian Mid-Century Modern Amorphic Tapered Atomic Black Resin Mirror

Located in New York, NY

with any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent vintage condition

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Resin

Modern Atomic Style Sofa after Adrian Pearsall
Modern Atomic Style Sofa after Adrian Pearsall

Modern Atomic Style Sofa after Adrian Pearsall

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Brooklyn, NY

. Wonderful mix of mid-century atomic design and tieless comfort. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ).

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs

By Salterini

Located in Wilmington, DE

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Atomic Orange Salterini Style Outdoor Metal Curved Back Chairs Offered

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Large 1960s Stilnovo Style Atomic Age Chandelier
Large 1960s Stilnovo Style Atomic Age Chandelier

Large 1960s Stilnovo Style Atomic Age Chandelier

By Stilnovo

Located in Peekskill, NY

was 1960s. Some simply call this style of lighting a Sputnik lamp... but it goes far beyond that. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Large 1960s Stilnovo Style Atomic Age Chandelier
Large 1960s Stilnovo Style Atomic Age Chandelier

Large 1960s Stilnovo Style Atomic Age Chandelier

Located in Peekskill, NY

was 1960s. Some simply call this style of lighting a Sputnik lamp... but it goes far beyond that. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Icelandic Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Six Vintage Old Fashioned Glasses in the Atomic Style
Six Vintage Old Fashioned Glasses in the Atomic Style

Six Vintage Old Fashioned Glasses in the Atomic Style

Located in Nantucket, MA

Set of 6 Atomic period old fashioned glasses with split black, orange and gold ellipses among a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

1950s Heywood Wakefield Encore Line Atomic Style Accent Table
1950s Heywood Wakefield Encore Line Atomic Style Accent Table

1950s Heywood Wakefield Encore Line Atomic Style Accent Table

By Heywood-Wakefield Co.

Located in Waxahachie, TX

1950s sculptural atomic style. Champagne finish. From the Heywood Wakefield Encore line. Solid

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Birch

Vintage Libbey Glassware Marine Life Cocktail Glasses in the Atomic Style
Vintage Libbey Glassware Marine Life Cocktail Glasses in the Atomic Style

Vintage Libbey Glassware Marine Life Cocktail Glasses in the Atomic Style

By Libbey Glass Co.

Located in Nantucket, MA

Mid-Century Modern highball glasses in the Atomic style by Libbey Glassware in the Marine Life

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Large Atomic Era Jack / Jax Bookend, Doorstop in the Style of Bill Curry
Large Atomic Era Jack / Jax Bookend, Doorstop in the Style of Bill Curry

Large Atomic Era Jack / Jax Bookend, Doorstop in the Style of Bill Curry

By Bill Curry

Located in San Diego, CA

A very cool vintage atomic era / MCM iron jack / jax in the style of Bill Curry, circa 1970s. The

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Rug & Kilim's Midcentury Style Rug in Gray/Multi-Color Atomic Age Pattern
Rug & Kilim's Midcentury Style Rug in Gray/Multi-Color Atomic Age Pattern

Rug & Kilim's Midcentury Style Rug in Gray/Multi-Color Atomic Age Pattern

By Rug & Kilim

Located in Long Island City, NY

rug hails from the latest prized additions to their acclaimed Mid-Century Modern rug collection by Rug

Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern More Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk, Yarn

1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, Five Cups
1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, Five Cups

1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, Five Cups

By Stilnovo

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Vintage chandelier made in Italy. Brass body with five metal shades in different colors (green, yellow, orange, white and light blue). Period: 1950s Dimensions: 31.50 inches (80 cm...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, 6 Cups
1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, 6 Cups

1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, 6 Cups

By Stilnovo

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Vintage chandelier made in Italy. Brass body with five metal shades in different colors Period: 1960s Dimensions: 31.50 inches (80 cm) height; 29.50 inches (75 cm) diameter. Dimen...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Iron

1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, 6 Cups
1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, 6 Cups

1950s Italian Atomic Chandelier in the Style of Angelo Lelli, 6 Cups

By Stilnovo

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Vintage chandelier made in Italy. Brass body with five metal shades in different colors Period: 1960s Dimensions: 31.50 inches (80 cm) height, 29.50 inches (75 cm) diameter. Dimen...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Iron

Atomic Brass Chandelier, White Glass Globes, in the style of E. R. Nele by Temde
Atomic Brass Chandelier, White Glass Globes, in the style of E. R. Nele by Temde

Atomic Brass Chandelier, White Glass Globes, in the style of E. R. Nele by Temde

By E. R. Nele, Temde Leuchten

Located in Vienna, AT

A stylish 1960s Space Age Atomic Sputnik-style chandelier. In the style of E. R. Nele, executed by

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Federal Glass Atomic Period Highball Glasses in 22k Gold on Black Enamel
Federal Glass Atomic Period Highball Glasses in 22k Gold on Black Enamel

Federal Glass Atomic Period Highball Glasses in 22k Gold on Black Enamel

By Federal Glass

Located in Nantucket, MA

Eight mid-century highball glasses in the Atomic style by Federal Glass with three panels of black

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

1950s Low Rider Cool Atomic Wood Toy Car in Fabulous Mint Green & Black
1950s Low Rider Cool Atomic Wood Toy Car in Fabulous Mint Green & Black

1950s Low Rider Cool Atomic Wood Toy Car in Fabulous Mint Green & Black

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Cool vintage toy car screams mid century fifties Fabulous Atomic Jetson style Low rider Wood Toy

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid-Century Brass and Smokey Chrome Chandelier
Mid-Century Brass and Smokey Chrome Chandelier

Mid-Century Brass and Smokey Chrome Chandelier

Located in Astoria, NY

A Mid-Century Modern atomic style chandelier in brass and smokey chrome. Produced in Italy during

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vintage Mid Century Modern Sculpted Cone Table Lamps Arthur Jacobs for Modeline
Vintage Mid Century Modern Sculpted Cone Table Lamps Arthur Jacobs for Modeline

Vintage Mid Century Modern Sculpted Cone Table Lamps Arthur Jacobs for Modeline

By Arthur Jacobs, Modeline Lamp Co.

Located in Topeka, KS

in creating and designing distinctive sculptural mid-century modern, atomic, space age, Scandinavian

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

SEASONAL DEAL-Danish Modern Mid-Century Headboard Kent Coffey
SEASONAL DEAL-Danish Modern Mid-Century Headboard Kent Coffey

SEASONAL DEAL-Danish Modern Mid-Century Headboard Kent Coffey

By Kent-Coffey

Located in Los Angeles, CA

. Labeled with the Kent Coffey maker's mark. Tapered dresser legs in the atomic, Mid-Century Modern style

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Walnut

German Mid-Century Floral Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Honsel, 1950s
German Mid-Century Floral Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Honsel, 1950s

German Mid-Century Floral Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Honsel, 1950s

Located in Antwerp, BE

-century lighting, 1950s ceiling fixture, atomic style light, mid-century design lighting

Category

Mid-20th Century German Hollywood Regency Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Space Age Extending Chrome Tripod Floor Lamp
Mid-Century Modern Space Age Extending Chrome Tripod Floor Lamp

Mid-Century Modern Space Age Extending Chrome Tripod Floor Lamp

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern Space Age Extending Chrome Tripod Floor Lamp A mid century modern adjustable

Category

Vintage 1960s American Space Age Floor Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Hollywood Regency Style Culver 22-Karat Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers
Hollywood Regency Style Culver 22-Karat Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers

Hollywood Regency Style Culver 22-Karat Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers

By Culver Ltd.

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Culver LTD Mid-Century Modern, atomic style glass salt and pepper shakers featuring 22-karat gold

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Tableware

Materials

Gold

Hollywood Regency Style Culver 22-Karat Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers
Hollywood Regency Style Culver 22-Karat Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers

Hollywood Regency Style Culver 22-Karat Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers

By Culver Ltd.

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Culver Ltd Mid-Century Modern, atomic style glass salt and pepper shakers featuring 22-karat gold

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Tableware

Materials

Gold

Pair of Italian Fornasetti Musical Instrument Themed Plates
Pair of Italian Fornasetti Musical Instrument Themed Plates

Pair of Italian Fornasetti Musical Instrument Themed Plates

By Fornasetti

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Bamboo Dining Chairs Imperial Glass Bamboo Rocks Glasses Mid Century Modern Samuel Marx Style Atomic

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Dinner Plates

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Atomic Style Table Lamp
Mid-Century Atomic Style Table Lamp

Mid-Century Atomic Style Table Lamp

Located in New York, NY

Pierced Shades

Category

20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Style Scales
Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Style Scales

Vintage Mid Century Modern Atomic Style Scales

Located in Hudson, NY

This unique Fairbanks-Morse health scale was designed and patented in 1961 as a "combination scale and valet stand" by famed industrial designer, Henry Lauve, Head of Color and Inter...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Atomic Style Fireplace Tools, circa 1970
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Style Fireplace Tools, circa 1970

Mid-Century Modern Atomic Style Fireplace Tools, circa 1970

Located in New York, NY

AFP0527, a set of three modern fireplace tools (poker, shovel, and brush) with matching holder in brass and blackened steel. Dimensions: Overall: 27" H x 12" W x 7" D. Base: 12...

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Materials

Brass, Steel

Atomic Style Rembrandt Lamp
Atomic Style Rembrandt Lamp

Atomic Style Rembrandt Lamp

By Rembrandt Lamp Company

Located in Northbrook, IL

Unique Sculptural Atomic Style Lamp by Rembrandt. Polished Brass Inverted Cone, Graduated Spheres

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Modern Atomic Walnut Dresser / Wall Mirror
Mid 20th Century Modern Atomic Walnut Dresser / Wall Mirror

Mid 20th Century Modern Atomic Walnut Dresser / Wall Mirror

Located in Charlotte, NC

A large Mid-20th Century Modern atomic style dresser or wall mirror, unbranded. Mirror glass in a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Set of Four Bentwood and Steel Atomic Dining Chairs, Refinished
Set of Four Bentwood and Steel Atomic Dining Chairs, Refinished

Set of Four Bentwood and Steel Atomic Dining Chairs, Refinished

By Chrome Craft

Located in Alhambra, CA

Delightful set of Cal-style atomic dining chairs, circa early 1970s. Features bucket shaped seats

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Rembrandt Brass Atomic Style Lamp
Rembrandt Brass Atomic Style Lamp

Rembrandt Brass Atomic Style Lamp

By Rembrandt Lamp Company

Located in Houston, TX

Unusual atomic sputnik brass and enamel steel lamp from the 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Danish Modern Teak Atomic Style Bow-Front Bar
Danish Modern Teak Atomic Style Bow-Front Bar

Danish Modern Teak Atomic Style Bow-Front Bar

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

damaged formica, so we replaced it with new vintage Atomic Boomerang formica which is totally period

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Formica, Glass, Teak

Massive Lighted Atomic Style Wall Clock
Massive Lighted Atomic Style Wall Clock

Massive Lighted Atomic Style Wall Clock

By Spartus Clocks

Located in North Hollywood, CA

seven foot diameter, it certainly makes a timely statement! The clock was made by Spartus, a mid-century

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Adrian Pearsall Style Atomic Coffee Table by Lane
Adrian Pearsall Style Atomic Coffee Table by Lane

Adrian Pearsall Style Atomic Coffee Table by Lane

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Atomic style walnut and oak coffee table by Lane. Adrian Pearsall sold his company, Craft

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Retro MCM 50s Atomic Style Display Mirror Shelf
Retro MCM 50s Atomic Style Display Mirror Shelf

Retro MCM 50s Atomic Style Display Mirror Shelf

Located in Pasadena, CA

This Retro Mid-Century Modern 50s Atomic Style display mirror shelf with side lights is a stunning

Category

20th Century American Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1950's Atomic Style Table Lamp With Laminated Shade
Vintage 1950's Atomic Style Table Lamp With Laminated Shade

Vintage 1950's Atomic Style Table Lamp With Laminated Shade

Located in Papaikou, HI

Very spare and lean, but making a real design statement.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Steel, Brass

Atomic Style 1950's Table Lamp With "Double Decker" Lampshade
Atomic Style 1950's Table Lamp With "Double Decker" Lampshade

Atomic Style 1950's Table Lamp With "Double Decker" Lampshade

Located in Papaikou, HI

The title line just about says it all. It's a good one.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Spelter

Danish Teak Atomic Style Side Table with Segmented Drawer and Basket
Danish Teak Atomic Style Side Table with Segmented Drawer and Basket

Danish Teak Atomic Style Side Table with Segmented Drawer and Basket

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

This fun Danish modern teak side table has awesome style and design. Featuring a drawer with

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Cane, Teak

Danish Modern Teak Credenza with Louver Drawers and Oak Atomic Era Style Base
Danish Modern Teak Credenza with Louver Drawers and Oak Atomic Era Style Base

Danish Modern Teak Credenza with Louver Drawers and Oak Atomic Era Style Base

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

construction with dovetail joints and have angled, louver style drawer fronts that give a dramatic look to the

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Oak, Teak

1970s Black and Brass Lamp in the Style of Tommi Parzinger
1970s Black and Brass Lamp in the Style of Tommi Parzinger

1970s Black and Brass Lamp in the Style of Tommi Parzinger

By Tommi Parzinger

Located in Stamford, CT

Midcentury black and brass Atomic style lamp in the style of Tommi Parzinger. Square base. New

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Italian Armchairs by Veronesi, 1960s
Pair of Vintage Italian Armchairs by Veronesi, 1960s

Pair of Vintage Italian Armchairs by Veronesi, 1960s

Located in Austin, TX

A swanky vintage pair of Veronesi armchairs in midcentury atomic era style, Italy, circa 1960

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Danish Leather Armchair
Danish Leather Armchair

Danish Leather Armchair

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Danish Modern Atomic Era Style Loungechair. Scandinavian Design

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

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Mid Century Atomic Style For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century atomic style for your home. Frequently made of metal, brass and wood, every mid century atomic style was constructed with great care. Find 50 options for an antique or vintage mid century atomic style now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the mid century atomic style you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century atomic style, those designed in Mid-Century Modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one mid century atomic style that is appealing in its simplicity, but Temde Leuchten, Broyhill and Kalmar Lighting produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Atomic Style?

Prices for a mid century atomic style start at $245 and top out at $9,500 with the average selling for $1,688.

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 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.