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1970s Mid Century Modern Chrome Sofa
1970s Mid Century Modern Chrome Sofa

1970s Mid Century Modern Chrome Sofa

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century chrome & leather sofa designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s. This

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern
George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern

George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern

By George Nelson

Located in Astoria, NY

George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) and Associates "Sling" Sofa, Model 6381, with black leather

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern
George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern

George Nelson Sling Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Mid-Century Modern

By George Nelson

Located in Astoria, NY

George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) and Associates "Sling" Sofa, Model 6381, with black leather

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Black Leather and Chrome Sofa Designed by Hans Eichenberger
Mid-Century Modern Black Leather and Chrome Sofa Designed by Hans Eichenberger

Mid-Century Modern Black Leather and Chrome Sofa Designed by Hans Eichenberger

By Hans Eichenberger, Girsberger

Located in Antwerp, BE

Rare large sofa three seater in stainless steel frame designed by Hans Eichenberger for Girsberger

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Arne Norell Leather and Chrome Sofa Danish Modern
Arne Norell Leather and Chrome Sofa Danish Modern

Arne Norell Leather and Chrome Sofa Danish Modern

By Arne Norell

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rare Arne Norell Leather and Chrome Sofa. Original leather. 77w 33d 30h 15s

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Camel Yellow Leather and Steel
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Camel Yellow Leather and Steel

Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Camel Yellow Leather and Steel

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Sofa, leather, chrome-plated steel, Germany, 1960s This streamlined sofa has a simple look, yet

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Scandinavian Mid Century Modern Black Leather Sofa
Scandinavian Mid Century Modern Black Leather Sofa

Scandinavian Mid Century Modern Black Leather Sofa

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

MID CENTURY BLACK LEATHER SOFA This Scandinavian Mid Century Modern Black Leather Sofa is a

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Vintage black leather and chrome sofa, 1970s
Vintage black leather and chrome sofa, 1970s

Vintage black leather and chrome sofa, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage two seater sofa made from a chromed steel frame and black leather seats and armrests. Very

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Custom Italian Leather & Alligator Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
Custom Italian Leather & Alligator Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s

Custom Italian Leather & Alligator Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s

Located in Lake Worth, FL

exceptional and very comfortable, Italian custom-made real leather and Alligator sofa Featuring real Alligator

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid Century Faux Black Leather Jack Cartwright Tufted Even Arm Sofa
Mid Century Faux Black Leather Jack Cartwright Tufted Even Arm Sofa

Mid Century Faux Black Leather Jack Cartwright Tufted Even Arm Sofa

Located in Pasadena, TX

A gorgeous and large mid century modern sofa. This beautifully tufted Black faux leather sofa with

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Cognac Leather and Chrome Sofa by Robert Haussmann for De Sede
Cognac Leather and Chrome Sofa by Robert Haussmann for De Sede

Cognac Leather and Chrome Sofa by Robert Haussmann for De Sede

By De Sede, Stendig Co., Robert and Trix Haussmann

Located in Atlanta, GA

Cognac Leather and Chrome Architectural Sofa, designed by Robert and Trix Hausmann for De Sede

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Large Danish Leather Sofa with Chrome Legs and Teak Ends
Large Danish Leather Sofa with Chrome Legs and Teak Ends

Large Danish Leather Sofa with Chrome Legs and Teak Ends

Located in Handewitt, DE

Wonderful large danish sofa in black fine leather. With chromed frame and teak ends. In good

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Italian “Stringa” Chrome and Leather Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1969
Italian “Stringa” Chrome and Leather Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1969

Italian “Stringa” Chrome and Leather Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1969

By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Italian “Stringa” Chrome and Leather Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1969 Italian Mid-Century

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Barcelona Sofa by Knoll, White Faux Leather, 1990
Mid Century Barcelona Sofa by Knoll, White Faux Leather, 1990

Mid Century Barcelona Sofa by Knoll, White Faux Leather, 1990

By Knoll

Located in Buxton, GB

The Mid Century Style Barcelona sofa is a sleek and stylish addition to any living room. This two

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Leather and Chrome Three Seat LC2 Sofa by Le Corbusier for Cassina
Leather and Chrome Three Seat LC2 Sofa by Le Corbusier for Cassina

Leather and Chrome Three Seat LC2 Sofa by Le Corbusier for Cassina

By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina

Located in Brooklyn, NY

produced by Cassina, 1970s features black leather upholstery with a tubular chrome frame.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Girsberger “Eurochair” Sofa by Hans Eichenberger, Black Leather and Chrome, 1970
Girsberger “Eurochair” Sofa by Hans Eichenberger, Black Leather and Chrome, 1970

Girsberger “Eurochair” Sofa by Hans Eichenberger, Black Leather and Chrome, 1970

By Hans Eichenberger, Girsberger

Located in Rødding, DK

, architectural lines and functional elegance characteristic of the era. The sofa features supple black leather

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Cream Leather Love Seat Sofa With Chrome Base
Florence Knoll Cream Leather Love Seat Sofa With Chrome Base

Florence Knoll Cream Leather Love Seat Sofa With Chrome Base

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Bensalem, PA

Amazing condition, cream leather sofa by Florence Knoll please look at video and pictures for

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Cassina
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Cassina

Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Cassina

By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina

Located in Grand Cayman, KY

Timelessly iconic Le Corbusier LC2 two-seater sofa in chrome tube steel and black leather. Made in

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

MCM Milo Cruisin' Style Chrome Flat Bar Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Leather
MCM Milo Cruisin' Style Chrome Flat Bar Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Leather

MCM Milo Cruisin' Style Chrome Flat Bar Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Leather

By Milo Baughman

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern Milo Cruisin' Style Chrome Flat Bar 3 Seat Sofa Newly Upholstered in Distressed

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Italian Leather and Jute Pod Sofa
Vintage Italian Leather and Jute Pod Sofa

Vintage Italian Leather and Jute Pod Sofa

Located in Fall River, MA

Expertly crafted, the Lorenzo mid-century leather and rope sofa makes a stunning statement piece

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

1970s, German design, 2 seater sofa, leather, chrome steel.
1970s, German design, 2 seater sofa, leather, chrome steel.

1970s, German design, 2 seater sofa, leather, chrome steel.

Located in Tarm, 82

1970s, German design. Original 2 seater sofa in black leather. Chrome steel legs. Original very

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

3-Seater Sofa Made In Dark Green Leather With Chrome Legs From 1970s
3-Seater Sofa Made In Dark Green Leather With Chrome Legs From 1970s

3-Seater Sofa Made In Dark Green Leather With Chrome Legs From 1970s

Located in Lejre, DK

The 3-seater sofa in dark green leather with chrome legs from the early 1970s is a period and

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Button-Tufted Black Leather Armless 3-Seat Sofa
Mid-Century Button-Tufted Black Leather Armless 3-Seat Sofa

Mid-Century Button-Tufted Black Leather Armless 3-Seat Sofa

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-Century (Knoll style) armless black leather 3-seat sofa with chrome steel base and classic

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Sofa by Carl Straub, Germany, 1960s
Mid-Century Sofa by Carl Straub, Germany, 1960s

Mid-Century Sofa by Carl Straub, Germany, 1960s

By Carl Straub

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid-century three seater sofa designed by Carl Straub in black leather and teak. Beautifully

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967

Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967

By Percival Lafer

Located in New York, NY

Designed as the “MP-13” model, this sofa reflects the disciplined material dialogue characteristic

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame
1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame

1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' Cognac Leather Sofa, Chrome Frame

By Molteni & C, Gerard Van Den Berg

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1990s Gerard van den Berg 'High Noon' cognac colored leather Sofa with chrome frame. Designed by

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Sofa by Poul Kjærholm
Mid Century Sofa by Poul Kjærholm

Mid Century Sofa by Poul Kjærholm

By Poul Kjærholm

Located in Allerum, SE

Exceptional and rare 20th century three-part wall mounted sofa in brushed chrome plated steel

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Rare Leather sofa Designed by Tim Bates for Pieff, England, circa 1970s
Rare Leather sofa Designed by Tim Bates for Pieff, England, circa 1970s

Rare Leather sofa Designed by Tim Bates for Pieff, England, circa 1970s

By Tim Bates, Pieff and Co.

Located in Praha, CZ

- UK, circa 1970s - marked by manufacturer - good original condition with patina - renovated and repaired pillows, down parts completely changed,see the pictures - one rubber part no...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Tetrad Modular Leather Sofa
Vintage Tetrad Modular Leather Sofa

Vintage Tetrad Modular Leather Sofa

By Tetrad

Located in London, GB

This versatile sofa comprises three 71cm-wide sections that can be arranged as a three-seater, a

Category

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Leather sofa by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll, 1960
Leather sofa by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll, 1960

Leather sofa by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll, 1960

By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Walter Knoll

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Mid century sofa by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll, 1960s. Beautiful

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's
Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's

Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's

By Percival Lafer

Located in Uccle, BE

Sofa Mod. MP-13, 1960's Made by Lafer S. e Co, Sao Paulo Rosewood, chrome and faux leather H 70 x

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa
Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa

Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa

By Percival Lafer

Located in Weesp, NL

mid-century modern design. This stunning sofa, designed in 1967, features a gorgeous Jatoba wooden

Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Rodney Kinsman for Omk Three Seat Black Leather Sofa
Rodney Kinsman for Omk Three Seat Black Leather Sofa

Rodney Kinsman for Omk Three Seat Black Leather Sofa

By Rodney Kinsman, OMK

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Origin: Italy Date of Manufacture: 1970s In style: Mid Century Modern Materials & Techniques: Leather

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Italian Modern Brown Leather Sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s
Italian Modern Brown Leather Sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s

Italian Modern Brown Leather Sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s

By Poltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Brown leather sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s Two seater sofa mod

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina

Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa and Ottoman in Light Tobacco Leather by Cassina

By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa

Located in Berlin, DE

Prices vary dependent on the material/color/model of the product. Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana sofa

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Sofa in Black Leather
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Sofa in Black Leather

Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Sofa in Black Leather

By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or settee, leather, chromed steel, Austria, 1960s This subtle

Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

LC2 Style Inspired Sofa in Distressed Suede Leather
LC2 Style Inspired Sofa in Distressed Suede Leather

LC2 Style Inspired Sofa in Distressed Suede Leather

By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina

Located in Saint Louis, US

the bulk of a boulder and chrome a frame, this sofa was made to offer comfort for those crisp winter

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa in Leather, Italy, 1969
Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa in Leather, Italy, 1969

Afra and Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa in Leather, Italy, 1969

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Utrecht, NL

leisurely comfort to any home. This post-modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s
Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s

Very Rare Cognac-Colored Leather Sofa by Jacques Brule, 1963s

By Hans Kaufeld

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

a remarkable example of mid-century modern design. The sofa features a distinctive curved frame

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

De Sede DS-31 Three Seat Sofa in Deep Green Leather
De Sede DS-31 Three Seat Sofa in Deep Green Leather

De Sede DS-31 Three Seat Sofa in Deep Green Leather

By De Sede

Located in Waalwijk, NL

De Sede, three-seat sofa model ‘DS-31’, leather, chrome-plated aluminum, Switzerland, design 1967

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Hydra Caster Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau, 1990s
Hydra Caster Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau, 1990s

Hydra Caster Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau, 1990s

By Poltrona Frau, Luca Scacchetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian furniture company. It features a striking combination of red leather and chrome, with a sleek

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa
Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa

Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Munich, Bavaria

. The frame is made of chrome steel and black steel. It consist a 3-seat sofa and a 2-seat sofa. The 2

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s.
Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s.

Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s.

By Durlet

Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp

Modular leather sofa, manufactured by Durlet, Belgium, 1970s. The sofa consists of four seating

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994

Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994

By Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Cassina

Located in Detroit, MI

This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Sofa with Ottoman in Cognac Leather

By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 'Soriana' sofa with ottoman, leather, chrome-plated steel, Italy

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Ateljee Sofa in Black Leather 1960s by Yrjo Kukkapuro, Made in Finland
Ateljee Sofa in Black Leather 1960s by Yrjo Kukkapuro, Made in Finland

Ateljee Sofa in Black Leather 1960s by Yrjo Kukkapuro, Made in Finland

By Yrjö Kukkapuro

Located in London, GB

This is a fabulous black vintage Ateljee leather sofa, this piece was designed by Yrjo Kukkapuro

Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969

Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969

By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

LC 2 - Pair of sofas in black leather by Le Corbusier
LC 2 - Pair of sofas in black leather by Le Corbusier

LC 2 - Pair of sofas in black leather by Le Corbusier

By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina

Located in Copenhagen, DK

LC 2 - 2 seater sofa in patinated black leather with frame in chrome steel. Marked from

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

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Mid Century Modern Chrome And Leather Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mid century modern chrome and leather sofa available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, animal skin and chrome, every mid century modern chrome and leather sofa was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century modern chrome and leather sofa — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A mid century modern chrome and leather sofa is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern chrome and leather sofa over the years, but those crafted by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina and De Sede are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Chrome And Leather Sofa?

Prices for a mid century modern chrome and leather sofa can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1,850 and can go as high as $28,000, while the average can fetch as much as $6,500.

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.

Finding the Right Seating for You

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.