Mid Century Italian Sofa Pair
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Mid-Century Sofa in Pierre Frey Chenille, Italy, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
, formerly owned by the renowned Marc Lagrange. This Italian sofa, with its striking angular shapes and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chenille, Wood
Mid-Century Brown Leather Two-seater Sofa, Italy 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Title: Vintage Brown Leather 2-Seater Sofa - Classic Italian Design
Indulge in timeless elegance
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
I.S.A. Sofa Set in Original Condition, Italy, 1950s
By I.S.A. Italy
Located in Wolfurt, AT
armchair pair: Height 90, width 76, depth 91
Dimension of the sofa: Height 90, width 181, depth 91.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Sofa Set by Gigi Radice, Mid-20th Century
By Gigi Radice
Located in Roma, IT
Sofa Set is a design item realized by Gigi Radice in the half of 20th century
Pair of armchairs
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Sofas
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat Sofa Bed by Saporiti, 1970s
By Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Prato, IT
one identical but not convertible to bed as shown in the photo.. Quotation for the pair (one sofa bed
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Federico Munari Mid-Century Modern Italian Curved Sofa and Two Armchairs, 1950s
By Federico Munari
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful pair of armchairs and curved sofa designed by Federico Munari in the early 1950s. The
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
H 33.86 in W 31.89 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Fontana Arte Mid-Century Sofa or Coffe Table by Max Ingrand
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
A Pair of Rare Extraordinary Mid-Century modern Italian sofa table made of hand blown beveled
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
Materials
Cut Glass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Three-Seat "Coronado" Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian three-seat flamingo pink velvet "Coronado" sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
H 29.93 in W 84.65 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Italian Armchairs, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Italian Armchairs, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
H 33.86 in W 36.62 in D 35.04 in
Pair of Sofas Barocchetto Naples, Italy First Half '700
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Barocchetto Neapolitan sofas, supported by eight curved and carved legs, the under-the-top
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Guglielmo Ulrich, Mid-Century Modern, Three Seat Sofa, White Boucle, Wood, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa by Guglielmo Ulrich, Art Deco Style, Boucle, 1940s
Italian organic
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Textile, Wood
H 30 in W 84.5 in D 37 in
Pair of Soriana Sofas, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofas, Cassina, Italy, 1970s.
Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (1935-) Scarpa
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Midcentury Italian Leather Sofas, Pair
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Countryside, IL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina midcentury italian leather sofas - pair.
Each sofa measures
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Italian 1950s Velvet Suite Comprising of a Sofa & a Pair of Armchairs
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1950s suite comprising of a sofa and a pair of armchairs, buttoned upholstered in light
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Sofas
Materials
Velvet
H 32.29 in W 57.09 in D 25.2 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Sofa for Maxalto, Italy, 1975, a Pair Available
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' sofa for Maxalto, Italy, 1975 - A pair available.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Sofa Cassina Mario Bellini Black Skin Italian Design Minimal Razional
By Cassina
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of sofa Cassina Mario Bellini 1970s black skin Italian design minimal Razional.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Animal Skin
H 24.81 in W 47.25 in D 24.41 in
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Stendig, New Luxurious Boucle, Switzerland, 1950s
By Stendig Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Sofa by Stendig, Switzerland, New Sheepskin Boucle, Mid Century Modern, Labeled.
A rare Mid
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Gradual Sofa with Brown Base by Cini Boeri for Knoll
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Amazing pair of Gradual sofas/ loveseats in black leather by Cini Boeri for Knoll, Italy 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Plastic
H 27.56 in W 51.19 in D 35.44 in
Amanta Modular Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Lucija, SI
Mid Century Amanta modular sofa, made in the 70s in Italy.
Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italy
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass, Foam
H 26.78 in W 32.68 in D 32.68 in
Finn Juhl Attributed Grey Wool Felt Pair of Two Seat Sofas, Italy, 1950
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of two seat sofas styled after Finn Juhl made in Italy in the 50's.
Made of solid wood
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Wood
H 33.86 in W 59.06 in D 36.62 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Black Leather & Wood by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1970
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
black leather (images 10-12 are closeups of the stitching)
This sofa is so awesome that we’ve paired
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
H 28.3 in W 88.6 in D 33.1 in
Amanta Modular Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Lucija, SI
A pair of 'Amanta' leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
H 27.56 in W 32.29 in D 29.53 in
Bamboo + Cane Sofa in White Boucle, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s Italian sofa featuring a bamboo frame with a double arch back and cane detailing. This sofa
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Bamboo, Cane
Rare Pair of Marble Coffee or Sofa Tables by Gae Aulenti for Knoll, Italy, 1970s
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two coffee or sofa tables by Gae Aulenti for Knoll from the 1970s. Rare version with white
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
Materials
Marble
H 16.54 in W 33.86 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Derk Jan De Vries Domus Sofas
By Domus Italia
Located in Dronten, NL
Comfortable pair of two-seater sofas designed by Derk Jan de Vries for Domus.
Ash plywood frame
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Bastiano Sofa, by Gavina, Italy 1960
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
A classic and chic three-seat sofa from the Bastiano series, designed by the iconic Italian
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood
Vintage Italian Sofa Camel-Colored Leather Three-Seat, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Italian-made three-seat sofa from the 1970s. The sofa is made of camel colored leather. The
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Rare Henry P Glass Sofa in Green Boucle and brass legs mid century modern
By Chase and Co., Henry Glass, Henry P. Glass
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
. American made with Italian styling and exaggerated splayed legs. This sofa would work well with designs
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
Italian Midcentury Tufted Sofa by Ico Parisi in Grey Flannel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Impeccably restored Italian midcentury tufted sofa by Ico Parisi in new Grey Flannel.
Matching
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Sofas
Materials
Wool
Attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Bouclé Sofa, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A large Italian sculptural sofa attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich, very comfortable. Recently
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Vintage Sofa Set by Silvio Cavatorta - Italy 1950s
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Sofa Set realized by Silvio Cavatorta in the Mid-20th century.
Top rare an impressive
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Rosewood
Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa in Leather, Italy, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Utrecht, NL
products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Simon Gavina Black Lacquer Sofa Sette Pink Velvet, Italy, 1970s
By Dino Gavina
Located in New York, NY
Simon Gavina black lacquer sofa sette pink velvet, Italy, 1970s
Gorgeous chic black and pink
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Maralunga sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage maralunga sofa, set of 2, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973.
This iconic
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Original Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in London, GB
A superb 3 seat original Soriana sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
H 24.81 in W 99.61 in D 38.59 in
Elegant and Large Italian Three-Seat Curved Sofa, New Velvet Upholstery. 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant and wide Italian three-seat curved sofa. Circa 1950/60.
Soft and comfortable seat. Light
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech, Fabric
H 28.35 in W 93.71 in D 37.01 in
Marco Zanuso, Pair of Sofas Model Baronet for Arflex, 1964
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely Pair of "Baronet" lounge sofas designed by Marco Zanuso and edited by Arflex in Italy, 1964
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
Angelo Mangiarotti Three Seat Sofa, La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Italy, 1970s
By La Sorgente Dei Mobili, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare three seat sofa was designed by Angelo Mangiarotti and produced by the Italian
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Sapele Wood
H 32.68 in W 74.02 in D 33.47 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Two-Seater Sofa in Velour, Italy, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Utrecht, NL
the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 26.38 in W 66.15 in D 39.38 in
Giulia Veronisi for ISA Bergamo 'Perla' Sofa in Ivory Velvet, Italy, 1950s
By Giulia Veronesi, ISA Bergamo
Located in New York, NY
Giulia Veronisi for ISA Bergamo elegant and sculptural ivory velvet Perla sofa with slightly curved
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Maralunga sofas design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 2seater - 3seater
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Maralunga sofas designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 2-seater and 3-seater.
Pair of
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofas for Cassina, 2 seatings, cognac leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in BELFORT, FR
Original pair of Soriana sofas designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in 1969. These are vintage ones
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
H 27.56 in W 66.93 in D 39.38 in
Loveseat Sofa by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani Italy, c 1970, Signed
By Claudio Salocchi, Sormani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
pair two-seater couch is an amazing opportunity.
This Cassina LC2 / LC3 loveseat sofa by Sormani
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Tobia Scarpa Coronado Leather Sofas for B&B Italia, 1975
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 'Coronado' two seat sofas in beautiful cognac leather, designed by Tobia Scarpa and
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Space Age Vintage White Sofa Table Vico Magistretti Demetrio 70, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Vienna, AT
contemporary, mid century modern, traditional or rustic, this sofa table could perfectly paired with all types
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Sofa Tables
Materials
Plastic
H 11.82 in W 27.68 in D 27.68 in
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofas, a Pair From B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of 1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas, B&B Italia
An icon newly restored. This pair
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
1950s Set featuring a Sofa and a pair of Armchairs by Melchirorre Bega
By Melchiorre Bega
Located in Paris, FR
Novecento were among the fiercely debated new design theories in Italy in the decade following the First
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
H 27.56 in W 67.33 in D 34.26 in
Italian Mid-Century Space Age Swivel Chrome Cocktail Side Tables from the 1970´s
By Morex, Milo Baughman
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Space Age-style 1970's, Convertible' circular cocktail
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 16.15 in Dm 30.71 in
Sofa by Giuseppe Rossi 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very nice pair of armchairs by Giuseppe Rossi, founder with Maria Saporiti in 1935 of the
Rossi di
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Stylish Three Seat Sofa by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A stylish Italian sofa by Paolo Buffa. In walnut and blondwood and newly upholstered in dusty pink
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Fabric Sofas in Arabian Style
Located in Milano, IT
Amazing pair of sofas designed in the 1970s, fine Italian manufacture.
The sofas are very special
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Velvet Lauriana Sofa
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
Lauriana 2-seater sofa designed in 1978 by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia.
Eggplant removable
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Eisler and Hauner 'Costela' Sofa, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern design from the 1960s. This particular piece is executed with a black coated steel
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Contemporary and comfortable lines for this sofa that was
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 27.96 in W 68.12 in D 30.71 in
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Contemporary and comfortable lines for this sofa that was
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 27.96 in W 68.12 in D 30.71 in
Soriana Sofa design Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in bari, IT
Soriana two-seater sofa, upholstered in black velvet, was designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Space Age Leather and Steel Sofa att. to Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, IT
Two-seat leather sofa attributed to the magnificent designer Gae Aulenti, of fine Italian
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Contemporary and comfortable lines for this sofa that
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
H 27.96 in W 68.12 in D 30.71 in
De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi Ciuingam Sofa BBB Bonacina, 1967
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, BBB Bonacchina
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
signed at the bottom BBB Bonacina and the sofa is published in many different Italian design books and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
"Confidential" Leather Sofa & Lounge Chair by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Hanover, MA
sofa has been sold).
Price shown is for the sofa and the chair together.
An important pair of leather
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
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Mid Century Italian Sofa Pair For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century Italian sofa pair you’re looking for. Frequently made of fabric, metal and animal skin, every mid century Italian sofa pair was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century Italian sofa pair — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century Italian sofa pair, those designed in Mid-Century Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century Italian sofa pair over the years, but those crafted by Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa and Tobia Scarpa are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Century Italian Sofa Pair?
Prices for a mid century Italian sofa pair start at $478 and top out at $38,000 with the average selling for $7,450.
A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
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