Large circular wooden sofa, Italian Mid-Century Style
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Argelato, BO
The circular sofa features an elegant design in the Italian mid-century style, featuring an oval
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In
Fabric
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 27 in W 148 in D 104 in
Stunning 4-Piece Erwin Lambeth Circular Curved Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 4-piece circular Erwin Lambeth sectional sofa. This vintage sectional sofa is quality
Upholstery, Wood
$13,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 164 in D 86 in
Wonderful Milo Baughman Circular Sofa Sectional Plinth
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin circular 2 piece sofa. Of course this will need to be
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,639
H 16.15 in Dm 31.89 in
Organic Riviera Style Vintage Rattan Mirror Circular Sofa Table, 1950s, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Vienna, AT
Organic Riviera style vintage circular like sofa table or coffee table from rattan and mirror glass
Rattan, Mirror
$12,400
H 24.5 in W 172 in D 34 in
Milo Baughman Ivory Cream Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There can hardly be a more emblematic Mid-Century Modern sofa than the Milo Baughman semi-circular
Upholstery
$15,995 / set
H 26 in W 165 in D 84.5 in
Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa, Cream Upholstery, 1970
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous two piece circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. The original cream
Upholstery, Wood
$3,950 / set
H 31 in W 50 in D 28 in
Vintage Custom Channel Back Modular Wedge Circular Sectional Lounge Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Custom Channel Back Modular Wedge Circular Sectional Lounge Sofa Vintage unique custom
Fabric, Wood
$18,750
H 28 in W 129 in D 106 in
Vintage Chrome Circular Sectional Sofa in the Style of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
rare piece among collectors. This sectional sofa is made up of three pieces, which form a circular
Chrome
$11,750Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 31 in W 190 in D 32 in
1970s Adrian Pearsall Circular Three Piece Sectional
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
any environment. Showcasing some of the best designs of the Mid Century Modern era from one of the
Upholstery, Wood
$16,450 / set
H 33.47 in W 33.47 in D 26.38 in
Vladimir Kagan - Inspired - Sofa - Circular - Modular - 1960s - France
By B&B Italia, Milo Baughman, COR, Rolf Benz
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A sculptural ring of upholstery — social architecture for the living room. This dramatic circular
Fabric
Table Adjustable Centre Dining Sofa Low Coffee Circular Rosewood Chrome
By Merrow Associates, Richard Young
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Striking, Mid-Century Modern, multi-function circular rosewood and chrome table The adjustable
Chrome
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 38.59 in D 102.37 in
Semi-Circular 1950s Xl Sofa, Professionally Reupholstered
Located in Karlsruhe, DE
Beautiful couch from the 1950s in rare, large and semi-circular format. The original barrel-arbour
Fabric
Unavailable
H 56 in Dm 90 in
Arne Jacobsen, Circular Coffee Table in Teak Produced by Fritz Hansen, 1974
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Vejle, DK
Arne Jacobsen. Circular coffee table with veneered teak top, aluminum frame finished on single cast
Teak
Mid-Century Coffee Table in Burr Walnut, Swedish Design 1940’s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful circular mid-century coffee table / sofa table in burr walnut by a Swedish cabinetmaker
Walnut
Sold
H 29.14 in Dm 165.36 in
Italian Mid-Century Circular Selectional Sofa, Newly Upholstered Velvet, 1950s
Located in Florence, IT
Italian Mid-Century Circolar Selectional sofa, Newly Upholstered with Kirkby Velvet shaded gray
Velvet, Wood
Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Circular Sectional Sofa, USA
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Milo Baughman attributed circular three-piece sectional sofa. Upholstered maybe 20 years ago in a
Upholstery
Sold
H 32 in W 152 in D 66 in
Mid-Century Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa Style of Milo Baughman by Carsons
By Carson's Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive semi circular sofa designed in the style of Milo Baugman and produced by
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Curved Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive semi circular sofa produced by Bernhardt in the 1970s. It features 4 angular
Fabric
Sold
H 28.5 in W 118 in D 35 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Curved or Circular Sectional Sofas
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome matching pair of mid century sofas from the 1970's. These sofas consist of 4 sections
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 144 in D 34 in
Fantastic Signed Milo Baughman Two-Piece Circular Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic signed Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin two-piece circular sofa. We love the smaller size
Rosewood, Upholstery
Sold
H 29 in W 164 in D 83 in
Gorgeous Pair of Circular Milo Baughman Sectional Sofas Mid-century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous set of two curved Milo Baughman sofas made by Thayer Coggin. This sectional can be
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 142 in L 30 in
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa Semi-Circular
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in West Hartford, CT
Pearsall semi-circular sectional sofa by Craft Associates, circa 1970s. Iconic Pearsall design gives a
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 72 in D 34 in
Mid-Century Modern Circular Sectional Sofa on Plinth by Lambeth Lenor Larsen
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a marvellous, four piece, circular sectional sofa, with a vibrant Jack
Fabric
Sold
H 28 in W 72 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Circular Five-Piece Sectional Sofa John Stuart Erwin Lambeth
By John Stuart, Erwin-Lambeth
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a rare magnificent, five-piece circular curved sectional sofa, on a
1970s Vintage Semi Circular Sectional Sofa
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1970s Mid-Century
Cotton
Vintage Circular Sofa, 1980s
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Vintage circular sofa upholstered with its original orange velvet, composed by 8 separable parts
Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 136.5 in D 56 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Curved Semi Circular Sectional Sofa in White Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic 4-piece sectional, circa 1980s. Can be used many ways as shown. Good original condition.
Fabric
Sold
H 26 in W 91 in L 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Large Lane 5 Pc Sofa Sectional 1970s Hexagon Circular Shaped
By Lane Furniture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a large and luxurious, hexagonal sofa sectional, by Contemporary a
Fabric
Milo Baughman Semi Circular Sofa Boucle, 1968
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in San Diego, CA
any room a Mid Century classic statement piece. Sofa sits on original wood legs and original
Bouclé
Italian Midcentury Circular Velvet Sofa, 1950's
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Italian 20th century vintage curved four-seater sofa composed of six splayed polished
Brass
Milo Baughman Circular Sofa with Rosewood Console Tables
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Large semi-circular sofa by Milo Baughman on rosewood base. Sofa is in 3 sections. Pair of
Metal
Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by: Thayer Coggin, USA / 1971 Material: upholstery, lacquered wood Size: 174 W × 82 D × 26.5 H in seat height 16.5 inches Description: Upholstery manufacturer's label t...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Curved Semi Circular Sofas by Henrendon
By Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super cool pair of curved Henrendon sofas. Can be used separately or pushed together to form a semi
Vintage Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pasadena, TX
Super chic circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman. The sofa is in three sections.
Fabric
Vintage Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pasadena, TX
Super chic circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman. Consists of 3 sections with upholstered feet.
Fabric
Vintage Danish MId Century Sofa in Green Velour
Located in Dallas, TX
Stylish Vintage circular Danish Mid Century Sofa, enveloped in luxurious green velour. This piece
Upholstery, Wood
Semi Circular Corner Sofa in Pink and Green Velvet
By Midcentury Italian school
Located in Milano, IT
Important semicircular corner sofa in beautiful pink and green velvet of the '50s. The particular
Velvet, Wood
Milo Baughman Semi Circular Three-Piece Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Denton, TX
Three-Piece modular Milo Baughman circular sofa with rosewood platform base Can also be used in a
Upholstery, Wood
Large 4 seater semi circular wingback sofa in lush orange velvet
Located in London, GB
An exceptional large 4 seater semi circular wingback sofa newly upholstered in lush coral orange
Velvet, Wood
1970s Tufted Leather A. Rudin Circular Sectional Sofa
By A. Rudin
Located in Culver City, CA
sofa is incredibly well-made and is so chic it can effortlessly fit into any modern or even mid century
Leather
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Circular Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Hanover, MA
Does it get anymore 70's glam than this three pieces circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for
1980s Mid-Century Modern Circular 5 Piece Sectional
By Milo Baughman
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
the 1980s. Showcasing clean Mid-Century lines and unequaled comfort, this large sofa is perfect for
Fabric
Sold
H 27 in W 170 in D 84 in
Monumental Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 1975 Curved Circular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, Maurice Villency
Located in Hudson, NY
Incredible all original 1975 Thayer Coggin Sofa purchased in 1975 from Maurice Villency. Labels are
Upholstery
Sold
H 25.5 in W 230 in D 33.75 in
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Velvet Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid Century Modern semi-circular sectional sofa designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, circa
Velvet, Rosewood
Sold
H 27 in W 75 in D 35 in
Monumental Circular Curved Midcentury Sofa Sectional by Selig Monroe White
By Selig, Milo Baughman
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning circular sectional by Selig Monroe. Consists of four independent pieces. Each piece
Naugahyde, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 150 in L 25 in
Adrian Pearsall Semi-Circular Ivory Crushed Velvet Curved Sectional Sofa
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in West Hartford, CT
Pearsall semi-circular sectional sofa by Craft Associates, circa 1970s. Inset base gives a futuristic
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27 in W 164 in D 144 in
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Large Circular Sofa in Mohair and Rosewood
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with the Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Large
Mohair, Rosewood
Sold
H 26 in W 156 in L 26 in
Monumental Semi-Circular Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, Rosewood Base
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Monumental semi circular sofa by Milo Baughman. An iconic and desirable design by one of the best
Rosewood
Custom Semi-Circular Sectional by Carson's of North Carolina
By Carsons, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This large semi-circular sofa was made by Carson's of Highpoint North Carolina in the 1970s. Milo
Fabric, Walnut
Thayer Coggin Mid Century Circular Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Thayer Coggin mid century circular sectional sofa This sofa is 13 feet (156 inches) wide x 6
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Curved Circular Sectional Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This sofa has incredible design lines from the 1980's. The fabric is dated and needs recovering
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Curved Circular Pit Sectional Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed and well made vintage sofa, circa 1970s. The sofa consists of four two-seat
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Curved Circular Serpentine Sectional Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A solid well made sofa from the early 1960s. It features clean modern design lines, low backrest
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Serpentine Sofa by Milo Baughman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning beauty design by Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer Coggin, circa 1980s. The sofa has
Velvet
Sold
H 30 in W 157 in D 85 in
Mid-Century Modern Circular Sectional Sofa by Milo Baughman for Bernhardt
By Bernhardt, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive semi circular sofa designed by Milo Baugman and produced by Bernhardt in the
Fabric
Sold
H 24 in W 162 in D 101 in
Wonderful 3 Piece Milo Baughman Circular Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 3 Piece Milo Baughman circular sectional sofa. We love these large circular sofas by Milo
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 175 in D 91 in
Fabulous Two-Piece Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa, Mid-Century Curved
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous two-piece signed Milo Baughman circular sofa with two arms each. These sofas can be used
Upholstery
Large Milo Baughman 3 Piece Circular Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This is a highly coveted XL Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin 3-piece sectional sofa. The sofa is
Upholstery, Wood
Circular Sofa by Milo Baughman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Littleton, CO
A gorgeous semi-circular, three-piece sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Expert
Upholstery
Curved or Circular Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa with Chrome Base
By Herman Miller, Milo Baughman, Don Chadwick
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage five piece modular sofa, circa 1970s. It features chrome plinth bases with original burnt
Chrome
Sold
H 27 in W 144 in D 72 in
Signed Erwin Lambeth Mid Century Circular Sectional Sofa for John Stuart
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning, large scale curved sectional sofa by esteemed Erwin Lambeth. Signatures on interior of
Fabric, Textile, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 148 in D 104 in
Fabulous 4-Piece Erwin Lambeth Circular Curved Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Erwin Lambeth
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous 4-piece circular Erwin Lambeth sectional sofa. This vintage sectional sofa is quality
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 150 in D 102 in
Stunning 4-Piece Erwin Lambeth Circular Curved Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 4-piece circular Erwin Lambeth sectional sofa. This vintage sectional sofa is quality
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 162 in D 34 in
Fabulous Milo Baughman Semi-Circular Two-Piece Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous set of two curved Milo Baughman sofas made by Thayer Coggin. This sectional can be
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury Semi Circular 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 2-piece circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin. These circular sofas are
Fabric
Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautifully designed and crafted two piece semi-circular sectional sofa designed by Milo Baughman
Fabric, Wood
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Semi Circular Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Semi Circular Sofa
Upholstery, Wood, Zebra Wood
Milo Baughman Semi-Circular Sofa by Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Highland, IN
This big, sexy Baughman sofa is a two-piece, which when used together, form a semi-circular shape
Upholstery, Wood
$12,004
H 27.56 in W 96.46 in D 37.41 in
Fabric sofa bed Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970s
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in MIlano, IT
Fabric sofa bed Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970s Sofa bed model Anfibio with padded seat and backrest upholstered in fabric. The front features decorat...
Fabric
$1,250 / set
H 51.19 in W 36.62 in D 12.6 in
Cool Dutch 1970's Space Age Vanity Dressing Table & Matching Wallmounted Mirror
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Fantastic 1970's Space Age Bedroom Vanity / Dressing Table The Vanity has an adjustable mirror and a drawer unit for storing your make up goodies A cute wall mounted mirror in yel...
Brass
Brass and Murano Glass Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Petite sconces from Murano, Italy made with smoked glass stamped into a lovely curved shape with texture. The brass structure has been newly wired to fit US standards. This is a sp...
Brass
Sold|$4,400 / set
H 16.5 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Brutalist "Sculptura" Cube Tables / Pedestals by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brutalist side tables or display pedestals by designer Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1970's. The frames are comprised of solid wood adorned with sculpted resin ...
Resin
19th Century French Neoclassical Style Painted Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Imposing 19th century French library bookcase or cabinet featuring a weathered, painted finish. The two-part case is crafted in the Greco-Roman style with decorative pilaster columns...
Brass
$22,400 / set
H 29.73 in W 20.28 in D 17.72 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Monk" Chairs for Molteni, Cognac Leather, 1974, Set of 8
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Monk" dining chairs for Molteni, patinated cognac leather and beech, Italy, 1974, set of eight. The particular feature of this model is the support structur...
Leather, Beech
$176,192
H 45.28 in W 56.3 in D 17.33 in
Italian Art Deco Bar Cabinet in Parchment with Inlays Signed by Anzani, 1930s
By Giuseppe Anzani
Located in Meda, MB
This bar cabinet was produced in Italy, in the late 1930s and is a really unique and special piece. Its tremendous historical and artistic value is what makes this item a real piece...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Maple, Walnut, Parchment Paper
$4,880 / set
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 30.71 in
A Pair of Swedish Art Deco Lounge Chairs with Curved Armrests, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
An exquisite pair of Swedish lounge chairs from the Art Deco period, likely dating to the 1930s–1940s, characterized by their bold, sculptural bentwood arms that elegantly flow into ...
Fabric, Bentwood, Birch, Walnut
Scandinavian Functionalist Ceiling Light, 1950s, UL-ready
Located in Oslo, NO
This wonderful and rare flush mount ceiling light exemplifies Scandinavian mid-century design from the 1950s, a movement that aimed to blend exquisite craftsmanship with industrial p...
Chrome
Vintage Dry Bar attr. to Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage dry bar designed in the 1970s and attributed to Willy Rizzo. Orange suede, chromed metal bars. The set includes: illuminated shelves, a counter with a mirrored gla...
Steel
$18,800 / set
H 34.26 in W 14.97 in D 19.69 in
Pierre Chapo “S28” Dining Chairs for Atelier Pierre Chapo, 1972, Set of 8
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Pierre Chapo “S28” dining chairs for Atelier Pierre Chapo, elm, France, 1972, set of eight. The "S28" dining chairs, designed by Pierre Chapo in 1972, represent a clear transition f...
Elm
$34,063
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...
Bone
Swedish Grace Dining Chairs in Birch & Velvet 1920s
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful set of 4 dining chairs from the 1920s in the style of Axel Einar Hjort.
Velvet, Birch
Set of 2 Alabaster and Bronze Sconces
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of wall lights in polished brass and enlightened alabaster cups. France, 2026.
Alabaster, Bronze
$6,950 / item
H 47.25 in Dm 21.66 in
Florian Schulz Double Onos 55-Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double Onos 55-pendant lamp with one E27 / model for each lamp 100 Watt bulbs. Also available in US wired.
Brass
$690 / item
H 20.48 in W 15.56 in D 1.78 in
Hand-Crafted Rattan Pencil Reed Wall Mirror, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Oxford, GB
This beautifully crafted wall mounted mirror is made of pencil reed rattan, providing a unique and elegant texture. Its durable design adds a touch of sophistication to any room whil...
Glass, Rattan
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.
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.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.