Mid Century Mobile Light
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Studio-Made Modernist Mobile, Small
Located in Dallas, TX
A studio-made modernist mobile; mustard yellow, blue, opium red. This innovative art form, rooted
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Helen Gilbert Contemporary Modern Op Art Kinetic Light Box Sculpture 1984
Located in Troy, MI
Licomos kinetic polarized light box sculpture by Helen Gilbert 1984
Titled Square Dance 1/1
An
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Metal
H 17.25 in W 17.25 in D 5.5 in
Vintage Black and Chrome Schwinn Phantom Replica
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, Schwinn fender lights and an automatic brake light, an integrated lock, kickstand, and a luggage rack
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Zahava Odes-Stern Kinetic Iron Two Dancers Sculpture Israeli ca. 1972
By Alexander Stern
Located in Munroe Falls, OH
where the two dancers are placed have very light rust/discoloration from years of life. There are three
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Iron
H 26.5 in W 20 in D 12 in
Laurent Martin Lo, Bamboo "Kinetic" Sculpture, France, circa 2000
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Material, fishing lines and metal and ceramic weights. Like Calder’s mobiles, the sculptures follow strict
Category
Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Rotating transparent acrylic sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, Argentina 1969
By Rogelio Polesello
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
piece plays with optical illusion due to transparency and light bounces.
A little about Polesello
Category
20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
H 5.12 in W 5.12 in D 1.58 in
Kinetic Sculpture of a Goldfish in Resin by Abraham Palatinik, 1960s
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in New York, NY
technological art in Brazil for his early use of mechanical systems and light. He exhibited some of his works in
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Free Shipping
H 5.1 in W 3 in D 0.8 in
Meloniski da Villacidro Kinetic Sculpture in Wood and Brass
Located in Milano, IT
. This has an elongated shape, reminiscent of a leaf, the base of which is made of a light-coloured, very
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
Albert Chubac, Important Geometric Sculpture, France, circa 1960
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Aspremont in a very Spartan house, attracted by the light, the sun and the colors of nature.
The year 1967
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Albert Chubac, Sculpture, "TOTEM", Painted Iron, circa 1980, France
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
very Spartan house, attracted by the light, the sun and the colors of nature.
The year 1967 is the year
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Albert Chubac, Cinetic Sculpture, "Cage", Painted Iron, circa 1980, France
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
very Spartan house, attracted by the light, the sun and the colors of nature.
The year 1967 is the year
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Iron
H 14.57 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Paul A. Lobel Sterling Fisherman Kinetic Sculpture
By Paul Lobel
Located in St. Louis, MO
St.Louis. Very nice condition, light tarnish.
Lobel had one-man show in Paris in 1925, won two awards at
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mobile Chandelier by Le Lampade
By Stilnovo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Inspired by Italian midcentury lighting design this mobile like chandelier features a brass piping
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Brass
Albert Chubac, Mobile, circa 1980, France
By Albert Chubac
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Albert Chubac, Mobile,
Collage and cutout, gouache,
Signed,
circa 1980, France.
Measures
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST SPACE-AGE Ceiling Light by STILNOVO, Italy 1960
By Gino Sarfatti
Located in PARIS, FR
whole piece is a complex aerial construction wich could be described as a floating mobile, as all
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
H 31.5 in Dm 19.69 in
Vintage Mobile Field Operating Lamp from FAMED-1, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
standing operation light for mobile hospital.
-On wheels.
-Medical / army / industrial
-From the state
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Industrial Floor Lamps
Materials
Chrome, Iron
CINETICO Illuminated Sculpture Murano Glass Brass Mobile Chandelier, Cobalt
By Effetre International Company, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
requirement of G4 LED bulbs allows for the use of a quiet transformer, while still producing ample light.
This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 45.28 in W 53.15 in D 23.63 in
CINETICO Illuminated Sculpture Murano Glass Brass Mobile Chandelier, Cobalt
By Effetre International Company, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
requirement of G4 LED bulbs allows for the use of a quiet transformer, while still producing ample light.
This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 45.28 in W 53.15 in D 23.63 in
CINETICO Illuminated Sculpture Murano Glass Brass Mobile Chandelier, Ivory
By Effetre International Company, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
requirement of G4 LED bulbs allows for the use of a quiet transformer, while still producing ample light.
This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 45.28 in W 53.15 in D 23.63 in
Rare Italian Maple Midcentury Desk with Bookcase
By Associazione Artigiana Canturini del Mobile
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This Italian desk made of glossy lacquered maple wood with a light blue finish from the 1950s
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
CINETICO Murano Glass Brass Mobile Chandelier Red and Yellow Glass Elements
By Silvio Piattelli, Effetre International Company
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
requirement of G4 LED bulbs allows for the use of a quiet transformer, while still producing ample light.
This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 45.28 in W 53.15 in D 23.63 in
Coffee Table In Cherry Wood With Four Faux Mobile Poufs, Italy 1970's
Located in Hellouw, NL
Coffee table in cherry wood with four faux mobile poufs.
The Italian seventies feeling really
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Cherry, Faux Leather
H 15.75 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
CINETICO Murano Glass and Solid Brass Mobile Chandelier Sky Blue Glass Elements
By Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
requirement of G4 LED bulbs allows for the use of a quiet transformer, while still producing ample light.
This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 45.28 in W 53.15 in D 23.63 in
Mid Century Modern Pendant Lamp in Lucite, Wire and Brass
Located in London, GB
together they make a spectacular mobile light installation with dramatic shadows. When lit the reflection
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s
By Isao Hosoe, Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Hosoe Marinelli for Arflex, 1980s
Coffee table in
Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
H 15.75 in W 34.65 in D 34.65 in
Angelo Mangiarotti Mid-Century Modern Serie Eros Marble Italian Side Table
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Madrid, ES
" published in 1987, he wanted to en light the essential characteristics of every object, since only an
Category
Antique 1670s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Marble
H 15.36 in W 21.66 in D 17.33 in
Mid Century Modern Pendant Lamp in Clear Lucite, Wire and Brass
Located in London, GB
models together they make a spectacular mobile light installation with dramatic shadows. When lit the
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Pendant Lamp in Bronze Lucite, Wire and Brass
Located in London, GB
together they make a spectacular mobile light installation with dramatic shadows. When lit the reflection
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Mid Century Modern Pendant Lamp in Mauve Lucite, Wire and Brass
Located in London, GB
together they make a spectacular mobile light installation with dramatic shadows. When lit the reflection
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Purple Long Drink Glasses by Arnolfo di Cambio
By Arnolfo di Cambio
Located in Weesp, NL
Cambio in Italy. Depending on the light, the glasses are either purple or light blue as can be seen in
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass
Materials
Glass
Mid Century Modern small Pendant Lamp in Clear Lucite, Wire and Brass
Located in London, GB
models together they make a spectacular mobile light installation with dramatic shadows. When lit the
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Rug & Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern Style Rug in Green Multicolor Geometric Pattern
By Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
An 8 x 10 rug in green and multicolor geometric patterns, from Rug & Kilim’s Mid-Century Modern
Category
2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Indian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Silk
Italian mid-century modern lamp Handle De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi Stilnovo, 1970s
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Stilnovo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern lamp Maniglia De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi Stilnovo, 1970s
Wall lamp mod
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
H 21.66 in W 5.52 in D 63.78 in
Midcentury, Edgy Polished Nickel Six-Light Chandelier, Style of Yonel Lebovici
By Yonel Lebovici
Located in New York City, NY
A feathery light, yet piercingly poignant polished nickel clad bronze modernist French chandelier
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Bronze, Nickel
H 27.75 in W 19.75 in D 13 in
Danish Modern Limited Edition "Kassablanka" Pendant Light by Simon Henningsen
By Simon Poul Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern, limited-edition, "Kassablanka" pendant light by Simon Henningsen produced by Lyfa
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Steel
Carlo De Carli for Cassina Lounge Chair Model 802 in Light Blue Velvet
By Cassina, Carlo De Carli
Located in New York, NY
Carlo De Carli for Cassina sculptural lounge chair or armchair in light blue velvet upholstery with
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
H 29.75 in W 27.5 in D 31.5 in
Sofa Model 830 with Light Grey Velvet, Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, Italy, 1955
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
company Cassina. The body of the piece of furniture is newly covered with light grey velvet and rests on
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 31.5 in W 75.99 in D 33.47 in
Carlo De Carli for Cassina Pair of Armchairs Model 802 in Light Blue Velvet
By Cassina, Carlo De Carli
Located in New York, NY
Carlo De Carli for Cassina pair of sculptural lounge chairs or armchairs in light blue velvet
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
H 29.75 in W 27.5 in D 31.5 in
18th Century, Giltwood Pair of Italian Louis XV Candle Wall Sconce with Mirror
Located in IT
), Louis XV period, mid-18th century
The precious pair of sconce, made around the middle of the 18th
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Wall Mirrors
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror
H 20.87 in W 13 in D 1.19 in
19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini
By Luigi and Angelo Falcini
Located in IT
19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini
This valuable center
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century European Napoleon III Center Tables
Materials
Wood
H 30.71 in W 55.12 in D 29.14 in
Antique Print of Horse Riding: Piaffe Lesson Between Pillars
Located in Langweer, NL
joints in the hind legs. The front end of the horse is highly mobile, free, and light, with great flexion
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
English Midcentury Walnut, Faux Bamboo and Cane Low Side Tables on Casters, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
with a faux bamboo walnut frame, they showcase the enduring appeal of mid-20th-century design.
These
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Brass
H 14.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
Shiro Kuramata Revolving Cabinet for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
like a mobile sculpture: light and innovative, it is the perfect emblem of the projects designed by
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Straw and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
, perfect to enhcance a Mid-century Modern project.
Dimensions (cm):
Depth - 51
Width - 51
Height - 76
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Set of 4 Cane and Chrome "Plia" Italian Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
mounted over a light beech wood frame. The end result is an incredibly charming and stylish chair. The
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Vintage Wood and Brass T3 Cavalletto Table by Caccia Dominioni for Azucena 1950s
By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Varese, Lombardia
intact. There are some signs of normal wear such as light scratches, small gaps and other small defects
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Brass
H 29.93 in W 70.87 in D 51.19 in
Set Italian of ‘Panchetto’ Reclining Chairs by Rito Valla for IPE, Italy 1960s
By Rito Valla, IPE Brevettato
Located in Echt, NL
rest.
The mobile structure is made from lacquered metal.
They are reupholstered in a beautiful light
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 24.81 in W 25.6 in D 26.38 in
Signed Cavalletto Oval T3 Table by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena
By Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in East Hampton, NY
normal wear such as light scratches, minor dent to edge. THIS ITEM IS LOCATED AND WILL SHIP FROM OUR
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Brass
'Strumenti Musicali' Drinks / Side Tables by Piero Fornasetti, c 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
table would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Brass
Rare Taichiro Nakay Coffee Table in Organic Shape
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Japanese aesthetics with Italian influences. Three round legs lift up the top and emphasise the light, airy
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Reed, Wood, Teak
1 od 3 Vintage 'Plia' Chair by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 60s Italy
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Zagreb, HR
the Fiera del Mobile in Milan. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, Italy.
Made from a
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 29.53 in W 18.51 in D 17.72 in
Sandu Darie Laver Cuban Pen Ink Graphite Drawing, COA, circa 1955
By Sandu Darie
Located in Miami, FL
predominated in combination with vertical and horizontal lines. He also used interchangeable mobile panels. He
Category
Mid-20th Century Cuban Drawings
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Bar Cabinet 1963 in Black for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
side table and mobile storage unit in one. Barboy consists of three round-shaped drawers, which can be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Wood
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Bar Cabinet 1963 in Orange for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
side table and mobile storage unit in one. Barboy consists of three round-shaped drawers, which can be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Wood
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Bar Cabinet 1963 in Mushroom for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
side table and mobile storage unit in one. Barboy consists of three round-shaped drawers, which can be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Wood
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Bar Cabinet 1963 in Lilac Grey for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
side table and mobile storage unit in one. Barboy consists of three round-shaped drawers, which can be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Wood
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Bar Cabinet 1963 in White for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
side table and mobile storage unit in one. Barboy consists of three round-shaped drawers, which can be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Wood
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Bar Cabinet 1963 in Blue for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
side table and mobile storage unit in one. Barboy consists of three round-shaped drawers, which can be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Wood
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Large Square Glass Flush Mount Model 1990
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte large square glass flush mount ceiling light model 1990 consisting of
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal, Brass
'Cammei' Silver Cameos Motif Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
table would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Brass
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Mid Century Mobile Light For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic mid century mobile light available at 1stDibs. A mid century mobile light — often made from metal, brass and wood — can elevate any home. Find 203 options for an antique or vintage mid century mobile light now, or shop our selection of 58 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer mid century mobile light, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century mobile light is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, Art Deco and modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made mid century mobile light has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Albert Chubac, Gubi and Louis Weisdorf are consistently popular.
How Much is a Mid Century Mobile Light?
Prices for a mid century mobile light start at $350 and top out at $95,000 with the average selling for $4,927.
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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home
The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.
Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.
Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
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