Skip to main content

Midcentury Modern Divider

to
110
605
431
1,037
14
11
1,015
20
7
1
1
2
1,034
25
5
763
192
1
8
23
187
259
147
10
8
758
315
205
137
131
534
337
313
106
102
1,060
1,047
1,051
77
36
35
19
17
Sort By
Mid Century Divided Wood Tray by Gladmark
Mid Century Divided Wood Tray by Gladmark

Mid Century Divided Wood Tray by Gladmark

Located in Fairfield, CA

A mid century divided wood tray. Nice minimalist design in a rounded square shape. Made in Sun

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Folding Four-Panel Geometric Room Divider in Teak
Mid-Century Modern Folding Four-Panel Geometric Room Divider in Teak

Mid-Century Modern Folding Four-Panel Geometric Room Divider in Teak

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A mid-century modern four-panel geometric room divider crafted in warm teak, offering both style

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Teak

French Mid-Century Modern Folding Room Divider (Paravent), 1970s
French Mid-Century Modern Folding Room Divider (Paravent), 1970s

French Mid-Century Modern Folding Room Divider (Paravent), 1970s

Located in amstelveen, NL

A striking and sculptural French mid-century modern folding room divider, also known as paravent

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Bentwood

Mid-Century Modern Red Lacquered Room Divider, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Red Lacquered Room Divider, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Red Lacquered Room Divider, Italy, 1960s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Red Lacquered Room Divider, Italy, 1960s Per panel D: 3 cm ( 1.18") H

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Style Room Divider
Mid-Century Style Room Divider

Mid-Century Style Room Divider

Located in Pomona, CA

A Mid-Century style Two-panel Room Divider. All individual arms can be moved to different positions

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Birchwood Room Divider - Vintage Screen
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Birchwood Room Divider - Vintage Screen

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Birchwood Room Divider - Vintage Screen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A sculptural, vintage Mid-Century modern Danish room divider made of hand crafted polished

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Large Painted Screen Room Divider
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Large Painted Screen Room Divider

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Large Painted Screen Room Divider

Located in Kensington, MD

Interesting tri-fold screen that has been painted in an abstract manner in yellow, orange, black and white. The image has quite a bit of movement to it and will add excitement to you...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Beautiful Vintage Mid-Century Folding Geometric Room Divider
Beautiful Vintage Mid-Century Folding Geometric Room Divider

Beautiful Vintage Mid-Century Folding Geometric Room Divider

Located in Brooklyn, NY

elegance and versatility of mid-century modern design while adding function and sculptural presence to any

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Four Panel Painted Room Divider, C 1950
Mid-Century Modern Four Panel Painted Room Divider, C 1950

Mid-Century Modern Four Panel Painted Room Divider, C 1950

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A Mid-Century Modern four panel painted and gilt wood fantasy room divider. C 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood

Classic Mid Century Modern Architectural Room Divider's with planter boxes
Classic Mid Century Modern Architectural Room Divider's with planter boxes

Classic Mid Century Modern Architectural Room Divider's with planter boxes

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Mid Century Modern Architectural Room Divider's with planter boxes.. Salvaged from an

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Geometric Metal Single Panel Screen or Room Divider
Mid Century Modern Geometric Metal Single Panel Screen or Room Divider

Mid Century Modern Geometric Metal Single Panel Screen or Room Divider

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Beautiful mid century modern architectural single panel room divider. This sturdy and well made

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Rattan Arthur Umanoff Design Étagère Room Divider
Mid-Century Modern Rattan Arthur Umanoff Design Étagère Room Divider

Mid-Century Modern Rattan Arthur Umanoff Design Étagère Room Divider

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Las Vegas, NV

RARE and Unique iron, wood and woven faux grass étagère designed by Arthur Umanoff for the Mayan collection by Shaver Howard Furniture CO. and produced in the 1960's. This piece look...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern 3 Panel Folding Screen or Room Divider
Mid-Century Modern 3 Panel Folding Screen or Room Divider

Mid-Century Modern 3 Panel Folding Screen or Room Divider

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Decorative folding screen divider of 3 panels, nlaid with solid brass lines

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Brass

Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Three-Panel Room Divider - Screen
Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Three-Panel Room Divider - Screen

Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Three-Panel Room Divider - Screen

Located in London, GB

A mid-century Spanish room divider-screen crafted in wrought iron and metal, circa 1950s. This

Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Three-Panel Room Divider with Bamboo Detailing
Mid-Century Three-Panel Room Divider with Bamboo Detailing

Mid-Century Three-Panel Room Divider with Bamboo Detailing

Located in Brooklyn, NY

aesthetic, perfect for adding texture and subtle separation to any mid-century or modern interior. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood, Fiberglass

1960’s Mid-Century Modern room divider / wall unit by Schrieber
1960’s Mid-Century Modern room divider / wall unit by Schrieber

1960’s Mid-Century Modern room divider / wall unit by Schrieber

Located in London, GB

176cm Condition: Very good Mid-Century condition, only minor signs of wear reflecting age and use. Any

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Formica, Beech

Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Room Divider
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Room Divider

Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Room Divider

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Room Divider This room divider measures: 54 wide x 17 deep x

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Purple Wood Gold Brass Italian Screen Divider
Mid-Century Modern Purple Wood Gold Brass Italian Screen Divider

Mid-Century Modern Purple Wood Gold Brass Italian Screen Divider

Located in Madrid, ES

Italian floor screen composed of four bodies made of lacquered solid wood, with applications in gold brass and clear glass. Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of 10 ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Folding Screen, Room Divider
Mid-Century Folding Screen, Room Divider

Mid-Century Folding Screen, Room Divider

By Dumais Made

Located in Bantam, CT

Finish -Walnut: Mahogany -Cane -Brass -Minimum wear to cane at the edges -Good vintage condition ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff

Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

interiors, from Traditional to Modernist, Transitional, Organic Modern, Collected, or Contemporary.

Category

Mid-20th Century Haitian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Reed, Wood

1970s Mid Century Modern Fully Mirrored 4 Panel Large Room Dividing Screen
1970s Mid Century Modern Fully Mirrored 4 Panel Large Room Dividing Screen

1970s Mid Century Modern Fully Mirrored 4 Panel Large Room Dividing Screen

Located in Opa Locka, FL

1970's Mid Century Modern Fully Mirrored Large Room Dividing Screen. 4 panels, decorative mirror on

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Mirrors and Full-Length ...

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern German Plant Stand Rattan Bamboo Room Divider, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern German Plant Stand Rattan Bamboo Room Divider, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern German Plant Stand Rattan Bamboo Room Divider, 1950s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

An amazing Mid-Century Modern plant stand, flower pot holder or room divider. made in Germany

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Mexican Room Divider with Shelves in Mahogany and Brass
Mid-Century Modern Mexican Room Divider with Shelves in Mahogany and Brass

Mid-Century Modern Mexican Room Divider with Shelves in Mahogany and Brass

By Eugenio Escudero

Located in Mexico, DF

Amazing Mid-Century Modern Mexican room divider formed with two structures in mahogany and polished

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Rattan French Riviera Room Screen Paravent Divider, France
Mid-Century Modern Rattan French Riviera Room Screen Paravent Divider, France

Mid-Century Modern Rattan French Riviera Room Screen Paravent Divider, France

By Louis Sognot

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

Authentic rattan screen from the 60s. Very nice work of rattan with its curls and crosses patterns. 3 panels. This screen has been carefully cleaned in the workshop for imme...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Rattan

Conant Ball Mid Century Maple Room Divider
Conant Ball Mid Century Maple Room Divider

Conant Ball Mid Century Maple Room Divider

By Conant Ball

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Conant ball mid century maple room divider This room divider measures: 52 wide x 21.5 deep x

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Tall Solid Bamboo Wood Room Divider Screen Partition Italy
Mid-Century Modern Tall Solid Bamboo Wood Room Divider Screen Partition Italy

Mid-Century Modern Tall Solid Bamboo Wood Room Divider Screen Partition Italy

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-Century Modern tall three double wall-panel solid bamboo wood room divider in dark brown finish

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

One Mid-Century Modern Tall Solid Bamboo Wood Room Divider Screen Partition
One Mid-Century Modern Tall Solid Bamboo Wood Room Divider Screen Partition

One Mid-Century Modern Tall Solid Bamboo Wood Room Divider Screen Partition

Located in Miami, FL

One Mid-Century Modern tall three wall-panel solid bamboo wood room divider, screen or partition in

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Black Metal Room Divider Planter, 1970s
Mid Century Black Metal Room Divider Planter, 1970s

Mid Century Black Metal Room Divider Planter, 1970s

Located in Praha, CZ

A rare and highly decorative Mid Century room divider produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Very Fine Mid Century Modern Teak 4 Panel Decorative Screen Room Divider MINT
Very Fine Mid Century Modern Teak 4 Panel Decorative Screen Room Divider MINT

Very Fine Mid Century Modern Teak 4 Panel Decorative Screen Room Divider MINT

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very Fine Mid Century Modern Carved Teak or Walnut 4 Panel Decorative Screen Room Divider MINT

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Walnut, Teak

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Burl Wood Room Divider
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Burl Wood Room Divider

Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Burl Wood Room Divider

By Milo Baughman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman style Mid Century burl wood room divider Room divider with 3 sections; each measures

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Burl

Percival Lafer Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Room Divider
Percival Lafer Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Room Divider

Percival Lafer Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Room Divider

By Percival Lafer

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Percival Lafer mid century Brazilian rosewood and leather room divider This room divider

Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid Century French Pine Room Divider with Sunburst Accents, 1960s
Mid Century French Pine Room Divider with Sunburst Accents, 1960s

Mid Century French Pine Room Divider with Sunburst Accents, 1960s

Located in Almelo, NL

French Pine Room Divider with Sunburst Accents, 1960s This striking mid-century room divider

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Pine

Custom Mid-Century Style Geometric Wood Room Divider by Adesso Imports
Custom Mid-Century Style Geometric Wood Room Divider by Adesso Imports

Custom Mid-Century Style Geometric Wood Room Divider by Adesso Imports

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-century geometric wood room divider. Made in Los Angeles by Adesso Imports. Custom sizing and

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Panelling

Materials

Mahogany

Rattan Room Divider, Starburst Design, Mid Century, MCM, Boho Chic, Backdrop
Rattan Room Divider, Starburst Design, Mid Century, MCM, Boho Chic, Backdrop

Rattan Room Divider, Starburst Design, Mid Century, MCM, Boho Chic, Backdrop

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

-century modern (MCM) and boho chic style to any bedroom or living room. Use it as a backdrop to divide a

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Rattan

Rookwood Mid Century 1949 XLIX Divided Compote Bowl Dish 7024 6.5"
Rookwood Mid Century 1949 XLIX Divided Compote Bowl Dish 7024 6.5"

Rookwood Mid Century 1949 XLIX Divided Compote Bowl Dish 7024 6.5"

By Rookwood Pottery Co.

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare mid century Rookwood bowl or compote featuring a divided turquoise interior with grey brown

Category

Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Silver Leaf and Glass Three Panel Room Divider Screen
Mid-Century Silver Leaf and Glass Three Panel Room Divider Screen

Mid-Century Silver Leaf and Glass Three Panel Room Divider Screen

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-century architectural 3-panel room divider screen with silver leafed wooden frames and beveled

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings and Screens

Materials

Silver

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider
Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in New York, NY

Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Exceptional 1960s Modern Vinyl Cord Room Divider
Exceptional 1960s Modern Vinyl Cord Room Divider

Exceptional 1960s Modern Vinyl Cord Room Divider

Located in Glendale, CA

1960s modern vinyl cord room divider. This 3 paneled room divider is made of durable vinyl cord and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Bamboo Wicker Rattan Screen Room Divider, Three-Panel Folder, 1960s
Mid-Century Bamboo Wicker Rattan Screen Room Divider, Three-Panel Folder, 1960s

Mid-Century Bamboo Wicker Rattan Screen Room Divider, Three-Panel Folder, 1960s

By Travail Francais

Located in Atlanta, GA

boasts a typical Mid-century filigree decoration. This rattan screen features mid-century and chinoiserie

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Three Panel Faux Bronze Finish Screen or Room Divider, 1970s
Mid-Century Three Panel Faux Bronze Finish Screen or Room Divider, 1970s

Mid-Century Three Panel Faux Bronze Finish Screen or Room Divider, 1970s

Located in Miami, FL

Faux patinated bronze finished metal three panel screen or room divider.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Lane 2 Bay Free Standing Wall Unit Room Divider, Walnut & Chrome
Mid Century Lane 2 Bay Free Standing Wall Unit Room Divider, Walnut & Chrome

Mid Century Lane 2 Bay Free Standing Wall Unit Room Divider, Walnut & Chrome

By Lane Furniture

Located in Lutz, FL

Century Modern 2 Bay Free Standing Lane Walnut, Chrome and Glass Wall Unit/Room Divider c.1970’s. Etagere

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Organic Modern Woven Rattan Sunburst Three Panel Folding Screen Room Divider
Organic Modern Woven Rattan Sunburst Three Panel Folding Screen Room Divider

Organic Modern Woven Rattan Sunburst Three Panel Folding Screen Room Divider

Located in West Chester, PA

Fantastic vintage rattan folding screen featuring the coveted sunburst design in a tall and simple frame. Perfect fit with so many different styles. A real chameleon. Acquired from a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Organic Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Room divider / Screen, rattan, Scandinavian Modern, Swedish mid-1900s
Room divider / Screen, rattan, Scandinavian Modern, Swedish mid-1900s

Room divider / Screen, rattan, Scandinavian Modern, Swedish mid-1900s

Located in Stockholm, SE

A beautiful rare room divider in rattan, in the style of Larsson Korgmakare (maker of Josef Frank

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Rattan

Curved Wood Divided Vide Poche
Curved Wood Divided Vide Poche

Curved Wood Divided Vide Poche

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carved wood catch all divided into three sections and features two pointed sides and curves all

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

Materials

Wood

Wrought Iron and Wood Mediterranean Modern Folding Screen or Divider
Wrought Iron and Wood Mediterranean Modern Folding Screen or Divider

Wrought Iron and Wood Mediterranean Modern Folding Screen or Divider

Located in Buffalo, NY

Wrought iron and wood (balls) Mediterranean Modern folding screen or divider. Wonderful bronzed

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

1960s Modern Sunburst Custom Room Divider Screen Wood Door Panel
1960s Modern Sunburst Custom Room Divider Screen Wood Door Panel

1960s Modern Sunburst Custom Room Divider Screen Wood Door Panel

By Luis Barragan

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a radiant sunburst door panel or room divider screen. Mexican modernism

Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Plexiglass, Plywood

Midcentury Modern Woven Pine Wood Folding Screen, 3-Panel Room Divider
Midcentury Modern Woven Pine Wood Folding Screen, 3-Panel Room Divider

Midcentury Modern Woven Pine Wood Folding Screen, 3-Panel Room Divider

Located in Round Top, TX

Handsome pine woven wood Midcentury folding screen 3-panel room divider. It is in wonderful vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Metal

Vintage Rattan Folding Screen Room Divider with Brass Hardware, Organic Modern
Vintage Rattan Folding Screen Room Divider with Brass Hardware, Organic Modern

Vintage Rattan Folding Screen Room Divider with Brass Hardware, Organic Modern

Located in Los Angeles, CA

patina and natural variations reflect classic bohemian, organic modern, and mid-century–inspired design

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Vittorio Dassi Midcentury Italian Modern Walnut Room Divider/ Buffet / Credenza
Vittorio Dassi Midcentury Italian Modern Walnut Room Divider/ Buffet / Credenza

Vittorio Dassi Midcentury Italian Modern Walnut Room Divider/ Buffet / Credenza

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Queens, NY

Midcentury Italian Modern buffet / room divider / credenza with a walnut case featuring three upper

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Italian Chinoiserie Room Divider Screen
Vintage Italian Chinoiserie Room Divider Screen

Vintage Italian Chinoiserie Room Divider Screen

Located in Chicago, IL

Beautiful vintage Italian chinoiserie or oriental room divider screen with stitched panels of

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood

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

Midcentury Modern Divider For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal midcentury modern divider for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and plywood, every midcentury modern divider was constructed with great care. There are 61 variations of the antique or vintage midcentury modern divider you’re looking for, while we also have 2 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer midcentury modern divider, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right midcentury modern divider, those designed in Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. A well-made midcentury modern divider has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ludvik Volak, Drevopodnik Holesov and Thonet are consistently popular.

How Much is a Midcentury Modern Divider?

The average selling price for a midcentury modern divider at 1stDibs is $2,200, while they’re typically $957 on the low end and $18,424 for the highest priced.

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.

Questions About Midcentury Modern Divider
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Organic shapes, clean lines and elegant simplicity describe mid-century modern American furniture well. The style, which emerged primarily in the post-World War II era, is characterized by furniture that was crafted by creators who believed that good design was key to good living.Today, mid-century modern is by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.