Skip to main content

Mid Century Blenko

to
104
740
751
8
716
8
1
3
748
8
565
95
4
108
205
49
17
2
672
277
175
27
21
671
657
16
14
6
754
754
754
578
126
39
27
22
Sort By
Vintage Triangular Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
Vintage Triangular Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko

Vintage Triangular Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

An awesome pair of heavy mid-century modern cast glass triangle shaped bookends by Blenko. Two

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Pair of Crystal Penguins by Blenko
Pair of Crystal Penguins by Blenko

Pair of Crystal Penguins by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Pair of crystal penguins by Blenko. They measure about 13.5" high and 5" diameter.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Crystal

1960s Blenko Glass Bottle with Stopper
1960s Blenko Glass Bottle with Stopper

1960s Blenko Glass Bottle with Stopper

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

1960s handblown bottle with stopper designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Wayne Husted Mid Century Modern 5815 Jonquil Lemon Glass Table Lamp 32"
Blenko Wayne Husted Mid Century Modern 5815 Jonquil Lemon Glass Table Lamp 32"

Blenko Wayne Husted Mid Century Modern 5815 Jonquil Lemon Glass Table Lamp 32"

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid 20th century Blenko glass genie bottle Jonquil table lamp in Lemon (pale yellow) with round

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko

Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko, textured edge.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Pair of Blenko Green Glass Decanters
Pair of Blenko Green Glass Decanters

Pair of Blenko Green Glass Decanters

By Blenko Glass

Located in Astoria, NY

Pair of 1970s Blenko green glass decanters with elaborate decoration. Hand blown with elaborate

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Blue Glass Fish Sculpture by Blenko
Blue Glass Fish Sculpture by Blenko

Blue Glass Fish Sculpture by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Blue glass fish sculpture by Blenko. This example is in excellent original condition.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Pair of Blenko Glass Table Lamps
Pair of Blenko Glass Table Lamps

Pair of Blenko Glass Table Lamps

By Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of Blenko Glass table lamps, each of baluster form, with a green ground, raised on a circular

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

John Nickerson For Blenko Mid-Century Modern Amberina Glass Bowl
John Nickerson For Blenko Mid-Century Modern Amberina Glass Bowl

John Nickerson For Blenko Mid-Century Modern Amberina Glass Bowl

By Blenko Glass, John Nickerson

Located in Astoria, NY

Mid-Century Modern large Blenko centerpiece bowl in amberina glass in red and gold, designed by

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass

Large Blenko Crackle Pitcher by Wayne Husted
Large Blenko Crackle Pitcher by Wayne Husted

Large Blenko Crackle Pitcher by Wayne Husted

By Blenko Glass

Located in Cincinnati, OH

produced under the Blenko Glass company designed by Wayne Husted.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Hand Blown Tulip Fluted Vase by Blenko
Hand Blown Tulip Fluted Vase by Blenko

Hand Blown Tulip Fluted Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Delray Beach, FL

. Masterfully made with clear and blue glass. Beautiful accent to any mid century modern, contemporary, boho or

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Ribbed Blenko Table Lamp, circa 1967
Ribbed Blenko Table Lamp, circa 1967

Ribbed Blenko Table Lamp, circa 1967

By Blenko Glass

Located in South Charleston, WV

An uncommon model produced by Blenko circa 1965 in a brown with lighter honey shade to the art

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Art Glass "Rocket" Vase, Wayne Husted
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Art Glass "Rocket" Vase, Wayne Husted

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Art Glass "Rocket" Vase, Wayne Husted

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Buffalo, NY

Husted in the lovely teal green color that Blenko called "aqua .The bottom retains the original

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

1960s Blenko Style Tangerine Art Glass Vase
1960s Blenko Style Tangerine Art Glass Vase

1960s Blenko Style Tangerine Art Glass Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in London, England

A small 1960s Blenko style hand blown tangerine or amberina glass vase. I am sure it's Blenko but

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Green Water Pitcher with Applied Handle
Blenko Green Water Pitcher with Applied Handle

Blenko Green Water Pitcher with Applied Handle

By Blenko Glass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Nice size, nearly 20" high. Mid-1960s green Blenko pitcher in excellent condition!

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pitchers

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Amber / Red Vase by Joel Meyer
Blenko Amber / Red Vase by Joel Meyer

Blenko Amber / Red Vase by Joel Meyer

By Blenko Glass

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A smaller hand blown glass vase in amber with upper red highlights manufactured by the Blenko Glass

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Green Blenko Vase with Air Bubbles, 1950s
Green Blenko Vase with Air Bubbles, 1950s

Green Blenko Vase with Air Bubbles, 1950s

By Blenko Glass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Green Blenko Vase with Air Bubbles. circa 1950s. Great green color.  

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Midcentury Clear Glass Fish Vase by Blenko
Midcentury Clear Glass Fish Vase by Blenko

Midcentury Clear Glass Fish Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Fun midcentury glass fish vase by Blenko, circa 1970s. The vase is 12" long and 8.5" tall. Stylish

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko
Vintage Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko

Vintage Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic pair of heavy mid-century modern cast glass ice cube shaped bookends by Blenko. Front

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Collection of Five Blenko Blown Glass Pieces
Collection of Five Blenko Blown Glass Pieces

Collection of Five Blenko Blown Glass Pieces

By Blenko Glass

Located in Astoria, NY

A group of five blown glass pieces by Blenko. Produced in Milton, West Virginia by Wayne Husted and

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Green Pinch Glass Decanter, Model No. 49
Blenko Green Pinch Glass Decanter, Model No. 49

Blenko Green Pinch Glass Decanter, Model No. 49

By Blenko Glass

Located in Fairfield, CA

A mid century pinch glass decanter produced by Blenko, model number 49. Beautiful dark green color

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko

Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful pair of midcentury glass owl bookends by Blenko from the 1960s with original signature

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Crackle Vase with Stopper by Joel Meyer
Blenko Crackle Vase with Stopper by Joel Meyer

Blenko Crackle Vase with Stopper by Joel Meyer

By Blenko Glass

Located in Cincinnati, OH

this piece a fragile shocking appearance handcrafted by Joel Meyer for the Blenko glass company.              

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Blenko Gray Pinch Glass Vase by Winslow Anderson
Blenko Gray Pinch Glass Vase by Winslow Anderson

Blenko Gray Pinch Glass Vase by Winslow Anderson

By Blenko Glass

Located in Fairfield, CA

A mid century pinch glass vase produced by Blenko, designed by Winslow Anderson. Beautiful dark

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Small Table Lamp by Blenko in Teal
Small Table Lamp by Blenko in Teal

Small Table Lamp by Blenko in Teal

By Blenko Glass

Located in South Charleston, WV

This shape of Blenko has been in the catalog for some time and was reproduced at various times

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Art Glass

Orange Blenko (?) Art Glass Vase and Decanter
Orange Blenko (?) Art Glass Vase and Decanter

Orange Blenko (?) Art Glass Vase and Decanter

By Blenko Glass

Located in Kansas City, MO

Orange art glass vase and canister / jar with lid attributed to Blenko. Priced each. Free shipping

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Monumental Blenko Smoky Blue Grey Glass Lamp
Monumental Blenko Smoky Blue Grey Glass Lamp

Monumental Blenko Smoky Blue Grey Glass Lamp

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Large Blenko glass lamp in a beautiful blue / grey color. The lamp sits on a thick beveled lucite

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Blenko Glass Ruby Red Ruffled Edge Vase
Blenko Glass Ruby Red Ruffled Edge Vase

Blenko Glass Ruby Red Ruffled Edge Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in New Windsor, NY

Vintage ruby red ruffled edge Blenko vase, shape 404. A beautiful deep, saturated red with a wavy

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Blenko Glass Ruby Red Ruffled Edge Vase
Blenko Glass Ruby Red Ruffled Edge Vase

Blenko Glass Ruby Red Ruffled Edge Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in New Windsor, NY

Vintage ruby red ruffled edge Blenko vase, shape 404. A beautiful deep, saturated red with a wavy

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Vintage Blenko Table Lamp 1951 LP-12
Vintage Blenko Table Lamp 1951 LP-12

Vintage Blenko Table Lamp 1951 LP-12

By Blenko Glass

Located in South Charleston, WV

Produced by Blenko Glass, Milton WV in 1951, this model LP-12 is hard to come by. 32" tall and

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Art Glass, Maple

Tall Swirled Sunset Orange Vase by Blenko Glass
Tall Swirled Sunset Orange Vase by Blenko Glass

Tall Swirled Sunset Orange Vase by Blenko Glass

By Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tall, impressive, brilliant sunset orange, swirled glass vase by Blenko Glass.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

American Midcentury Clear Glass Fish Vase by Blenko
American Midcentury Clear Glass Fish Vase by Blenko

American Midcentury Clear Glass Fish Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Fun midcentury clear glass collectible fish vase by Blenko, circa the 1970s. Stylish and chic piece

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Fan Base Signed and Dated Model 872
Blenko Fan Base Signed and Dated Model 872

Blenko Fan Base Signed and Dated Model 872

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant and colorful fan vase with fanned out top and contrasting colored foot by Walter J. Blenko

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Collection of Three Olive Glass Pieces by Blenko
Collection of Three Olive Glass Pieces by Blenko

Collection of Three Olive Glass Pieces by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Astoria, NY

A collection of olive green glass pieces produced by the Blenko Glass Co. of Milton, West Virginia

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Blue Art Glass "Water Bottle", circa 1970
Blenko Blue Art Glass "Water Bottle", circa 1970

Blenko Blue Art Glass "Water Bottle", circa 1970

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Blenko blue Art glass "Water Bottle", circa. 1970.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

American Midcentury Rare Blenko Amberina Crackle Glass Vase
American Midcentury Rare Blenko Amberina Crackle Glass Vase

American Midcentury Rare Blenko Amberina Crackle Glass Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Striking handkerchief Blenko amberina glass Vase bowl, excellent condition no chips or cracks.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Blown Glass

Large Cobalt Blue Blown Glass Decanter Manner of Blenko
Large Cobalt Blue Blown Glass Decanter Manner of Blenko

Large Cobalt Blue Blown Glass Decanter Manner of Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in Fulton, CA

Colbalt blue blown glass decanter with stopper. Made in the manner of Blenko Glass. Circa. 1960's

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Tall Glass Glass Blown Cylinder Vase by Blenko
Tall Glass Glass Blown Cylinder Vase by Blenko

Tall Glass Glass Blown Cylinder Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful elegant American classic glass blown tall cylinder vase , by Blenko circa 1970's nice

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Majestic Cobalt Blue Blenko Mouthblown Modernist Glass Vase
Majestic Cobalt Blue Blenko Mouthblown Modernist Glass Vase

Majestic Cobalt Blue Blenko Mouthblown Modernist Glass Vase

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Blenko retains label but its worn pontile mark.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Blenko Red Tall Vase designed by Don Shepherd
Blenko Red Tall Vase designed by Don Shepherd

Blenko Red Tall Vase designed by Don Shepherd

By Blenko Glass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Blenko large Red Glass Vase. Impressive 25" tall! In nice original shape! designed by Don

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Blenko Glass "Genie" Bottle
Blenko Glass "Genie" Bottle

Blenko Glass "Genie" Bottle

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Chicago, IL

Large scale, smokey blue "Genie" bottle with clear stopper designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

Six Blenko Bottles
Six Blenko Bottles

Six Blenko Bottles

Sold|$3,900 / set

Six Blenko Bottles

By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Six monumental Blenko bottles, 2 of which have caps. Designed by Wayne Husted. They measure from 28

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Glass

Pair of Vintage Blenko Glass Vases, circa 1960's
Pair of Vintage Blenko Glass Vases, circa 1960's

Pair of Vintage Blenko Glass Vases, circa 1960's

By Blenko Glass

Located in Chappaqua, NY

Pair of vintage Blenko glass vases, circa 1960's. Hand-blown aquamarine glass. Distinctive shape

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Lime Blenko Glass Lamps with Matching Finials
Pair of Lime Blenko Glass Lamps with Matching Finials

Pair of Lime Blenko Glass Lamps with Matching Finials

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Francisco, CA

Pair of Mid-Century Modern lime Blenko Glass lamps with matching finials and original harp.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Midcentury Blown Glass Fish Lamps by Blenko
Pair of Midcentury Blown Glass Fish Lamps by Blenko

Pair of Midcentury Blown Glass Fish Lamps by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Pair of midcentury glass fish lamps by Blenko, circa 1960s. The lamps are handblown clear glass

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Large Glass Blenko 847S Daisy Bowl in Tangerine
Vintage Large Glass Blenko 847S Daisy Bowl in Tangerine

Vintage Large Glass Blenko 847S Daisy Bowl in Tangerine

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

and 6” deep. A sculptural and joyful piece that adds style to your décor. Mid-Century, Hollywood

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Rare Blenko Decanter Chess Piece Design by Wayne Husted
Rare Blenko Decanter Chess Piece Design by Wayne Husted

Rare Blenko Decanter Chess Piece Design by Wayne Husted

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Rare Blenko Decanter Chess Piece design by Wayne Husted.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Pair of Blenko Handblown Glass and Chrome Fish Lamps

Pair of Blenko Handblown Glass and Chrome Fish Lamps

By Blenko Glass

Located in New York, NY

Wonderful pair of vintage Blenko glass and chrome lamps in the shape of a fish. Blenko Glass

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Original 1960s Blenko Lamps in Sea Green
Pair of Original 1960s Blenko Lamps in Sea Green

Pair of Original 1960s Blenko Lamps in Sea Green

By Blenko Glass

Located in South Charleston, WV

A delightful pair of Blenko glass table lamps from the early 1960s in crackled sea green

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Joel Myers for Blenko Mid Century Tall Blown Amberina Glass Floor Decanter, 1969
Joel Myers for Blenko Mid Century Tall Blown Amberina Glass Floor Decanter, 1969

Joel Myers for Blenko Mid Century Tall Blown Amberina Glass Floor Decanter, 1969

By Joel Myers, Blenko Glass

Located in Miami, FL

REDUCED FROM $650....Wonderful and large mid-century blown glass floor decanter by Joel Myers for

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Architectural Glass Blenko Lilac Vessel with Stopper by Wayne Husted
Architectural Glass Blenko Lilac Vessel with Stopper by Wayne Husted

Architectural Glass Blenko Lilac Vessel with Stopper by Wayne Husted

By Blenko Glass

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Architectural lilac glass bottle with stopper by Wayne Husted and manufactured by Blenko, USA

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Large Red Blenko Glass Decanter with Stopper, circa 1965
Large Red Blenko Glass Decanter with Stopper, circa 1965

Large Red Blenko Glass Decanter with Stopper, circa 1965

By Blenko Glass

Located in Toronto, ON

A rare and interesting shaped flaming red glass decanter with an elongated stopper.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

1960s Blenko Cat Ice Block Art Glass Paperweight Bookend WV
1960s Blenko Cat Ice Block Art Glass Paperweight Bookend WV

1960s Blenko Cat Ice Block Art Glass Paperweight Bookend WV

By Blenko Glass

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Blenko WV. Unmarked. 3.5 w x 3.25h x .88d inches Original unrestored preowned vintage condition. Refer to

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Blenko Art Glass Midcentury Blush Peach Walnut Table Lamp Scandinavian Modern
Blenko Art Glass Midcentury Blush Peach Walnut Table Lamp Scandinavian Modern

Blenko Art Glass Midcentury Blush Peach Walnut Table Lamp Scandinavian Modern

By Blenko Glass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Extremely rare blush / peach Blenko Glass Co. Mid-Century Modern table lamp with walnut base and

Category

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

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

American Midcentury Crackle Clear Glass Rare Large Fish Vase by Blenko
American Midcentury Crackle Clear Glass Rare Large Fish Vase by Blenko

American Midcentury Crackle Clear Glass Rare Large Fish Vase by Blenko

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Diego, CA

Fun midcentury crackle glass collectible fish vase by Blenko, circa the 1970s. The vase is 16" long

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Large American 1960s Hand-Blown Blue Glass Decanter by Blenko Glassworks
Large American 1960s Hand-Blown Blue Glass Decanter by Blenko Glassworks

Large American 1960s Hand-Blown Blue Glass Decanter by Blenko Glassworks

By Blenko Glass

Located in San Francisco, CA

A large and good quality American 1960s handblown glass decanter by Blenko Glassworks; the large

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Glass

BLENKO Art Glass Modern Half Moon Bookends Dark Amber 1970s USA
BLENKO Art Glass Modern Half Moon Bookends Dark Amber 1970s USA

BLENKO Art Glass Modern Half Moon Bookends Dark Amber 1970s USA

By Blenko Glass

Located in Chula Vista, CA

1970s Mid-Century Modern handcraft Set of 2 dark amber glass half moon book ends attributed to

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

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

Mid Century Blenko For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mid century blenko available at 1stDibs. A mid century blenko — often made from glass, blown glass and art glass — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the mid century blenko 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 blenko bearing mid-century modern, modern or Hollywood Regency hallmarks is very popular. A well-made mid century blenko has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Blenko, Wayne Husted and Winslow Anderson are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Blenko?

Prices for a mid century blenko start at $60 and top out at $9,000 with the average selling for $595.

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.