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Mid-Century Brushed Aluminum and Blue Enamel Box, 1970s
By Midcentury Italian school
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful 1970s decorative lidded box was crafted in Italy. This piece features a rectangular
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Copper, Aluminum
Vintage Enameled Metal / Wood Drawer Piero Fornasetti Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage enameled metal box with a slide out wooden drawer. The box was designed by Piero
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Spanish Mid-Century Wood and Multicolor Enamel Box by J. Capo Esmaltes, 1960s
By Capo Esmaltes
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful Spanish Mid-Century-Modern decorative lidded box was hand-crafted by J. Capo
Category
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Copper, Enamel
H 2 in W 8.5 in D 3.57 in
Midcentury Box in Enameled Metal and Wood Att. Piero Fornasetti, Italy 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular decorative box attributed to Piero Fornasetti.
It has a enameled
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
H 1.19 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in
Vintage Medium Size Enameled Metal Hefty Utility Bins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium sized multi-color enameled metal stacking utility bins in original condition with visible
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Paolo De Poli Wood and Enamel Box, Italy 1950s
By Paolo De Poli, Gio Ponti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paolo De Poli, Italy, crafted this beautiful Mid-Century decorative lidded box in the 1950s. This
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Copper, Enamel
1960s German Modernist Teak Jewelry Box Abstract Enamel Schibensky Bunge
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s German Modernist Teak Wood Jewelry Box Abstract Enamel Metal Plate
attributed Schibensky
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Materials
Enamel, Metal
Table Box Sailing Boats miniature handpainted enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
handpainted fired enamels miniature.
Table Box Sailing Boats miniature is squared.
Table Box Sailing Boats
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Free Shipping
H 1.3 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Table Box Fired Enamel on Guillochè Arab-Style Ornament Sterling Silver Salimben
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
enamelling have been the main processes for more than a century and are found in almost all products.
In the
Category
1990s Italian Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Free Shipping
H 0.6 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Midcentury Cloisonné Lidded Box, Käthe Ruckenbrod
Located in London, GB
century.
The box is rounded, smooth and tactile to top and bottom; the enamel is golden brown with pale
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Pair of Italian 1950s Enamel Containers with engravings.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Italian enamel on metal boxes.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Enamel, Metal
Snuff Box Sterling Silver Green and Sky Stripes Guilloche Enamel Box Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
direct contact with the metal of certain colors, interposing a layer of transparent enamel.
Another very
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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H 1.19 in W 2.84 in D 2.37 in
Fornasetti "Tartaglia" Box from the Estate of Jose Ferrer
By Fornasetti
Located in Westport, CT
Fonasetti Metal enameled box sliding wood compartment
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Boxes
Materials
Metal
Unique Danish 1960s Enamel Lidded Teak Canister, Manner of Alfred Klitgaard
By Alfred Klitgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
enameled metal.
Maker/designer: Anonymous Danish maker.
Period: 1960s.
Markings: None.
Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Snuff Box Parrotlets on Flowering Branches. Art Nouveau Style Sterling Silver En
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
production, guilloché engraving and enamelling have been the main processes for more than a century and are
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Free Shipping
H 0.71 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
Piero Fornasetti, Set di due scatole da fumo
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Piero Fornasetti, Set di due scatole da fumo
Scatole in metallo smaltato e legno disegnate da Piero Fornasetti
Anni 50
Il set è composto da una scatola porta sigari e una scatola ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Metal
Kaj Franck, Arabia Finland, enamel bowl & original box, 1960s mid-century, super
By Kaj Franck, Arabia
Located in London, GB
metal with flower pattern decoration.
Original box.
Very good condition with only a few minor marks
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls
Materials
Metal, Enamel
H 5.52 in Dm 8.27 in
Enameled Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stand w. Hand Painted Boogy Woogie Patterns
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and stunning 1950s umbrella & stick Stand.
If you are decorating a Mid-Century Modern (or an
Category
Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
Materials
Metal, Enamel
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H 19.1 in Dm 9.25 in
Rare Rembrandt Mid Century Modern Table Lamp! Atomic Ranch Decor! MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
RARE MARVELOUS MODERNISM!
REMBRANDT
MID CENTURY MODERN
TABLE LAMP!
ATOMIC AWESOME!
DIMENSIONS
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Mid Century Modern Orange Dome Pendant Hanging Light Fixture by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Mid-Century Modern orange dome or pendant hanging light fixture by Lightolier
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Wire
Rare Rembrandt Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Modern Atomic Blender Design! MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
RARE MARVELOUS MODERNISM!
REMBRANDT
"ATOMIC BLENDER"
MID CENTURY MODERN
TABLE LAMP!
MONUMENTAL
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel
H 29 in W 18 in D 18 in
Rare Rembrandt Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Modern "Twilight Zone" Lamp MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
iconic "Bewitched" television show.
This mid century icon will ship in two boxes for safe transport.
An
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel
H 38.5 in W 19 in D 19 in
Rare Mutual Sunset 4-Light Mid Century Modern Italian Marble Table Lamp 1950s
By Mutual Sunset Lamp Co.
Located in Peoria, AZ
FABULOUS MODERNISM!
MUTUAL SUNSET
4-LIGHT
MID CENTURY MODERN
TABLE LAMP!
ITALIAN MARBLE AND
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Enamel
H 29 in W 18 in D 18 in
3-Tiered White Metal Box "Selectra" Pendant Light by Hans-Agne Jakobsson
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
attractive 3 tier box pendant lamp with white enameled metal shade and black plastic canopy was a very
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
H 10.875 in W 9.625 in D 9.625 in
Helen Gilbert Contemporary Modern Op Art Kinetic Light Box Sculpture 1984
Located in Troy, MI
in a kaleidoscope type manner within a white enameled metal box frame
Back lighting that alternates
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
Carl Auböck Striped Enameled Pan with Lid by Riess, Unused, Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A very beautiful enameled pan with lid,
designed by Carl Auböck Vienna.
Executed by Riess/Austria
Category
Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Mid Century Vintage Dalmatian White and Violet Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 2000s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Only one unique piece.
Venetian glass (Italian: vetro
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Glass, Murano Glass
H 12.6 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Mid Century Vintage White and Blue Big Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 2000s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
taken out of the box. No jags, defects etc. Really amazing shape of this vase. Only one unique piece
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Glass, Murano Glass
H 14.97 in W 11.03 in D 11.03 in
1 of 2 RAAK Amsterdam Metal & Frosted Textured Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light
By RAAK
Located in Miami, FL
One of two Mid-Century Modern RAAK Amsterdam metal & frosted textured glass flush mount ceiling
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Original Art Deco Matching Gents Geometric Enamel Cufflinks, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
style consider these original matching pair of Art Deco gents cufflinks. Gold toned metal with beige
Category
Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Cufflinks
Materials
Mixed Metal, Silver Plate
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H 0.4 in Dm 0.79 in
LUDO Wall Sconce in Brass & Enamel, Classic Italian Design, Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in New York, NY
select from any of our 36 enamel colors and 6 metal finishes (shown in final images)
This piece may be
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Chrome, Nickel
H 11 in W 6 in D 8.5 in
Art Deco Men's Geometric Enamel Cufflinks, circa 1930s
Located in Westward ho, GB
metal with red enamel decoration and dating to the 1930's make this links very distinctive and stylish
Category
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Cufflinks
French Perforated Metal Table Lamp by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
furniture designs.
We are specialized in Italian mid-century modern design and take immense pride in
Category
Vintage 1950s French Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Rare Pair of Midcentury Modern French Holophane Flush Mounts 'emaille au four'
By Holophane
Located in Lisse, NL
modern era. The sockets of these Holophane ceiling lamps were not even screwed onto the galleries yet
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Free Shipping
H 4.7 in Dm 11.4 in
MCM White Dome Swag Pendant Hanging Light Fixture or Lamp Style of Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Mid Century Modern white enameled metal dome swag pendant hanging light
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Isamu Noguchi Akari 7A Table Lamp
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Dronten, NL
Ozeki & co in Japan.
Rice paper, enameled metal. Retains manufacturer's original stamp, original box
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Steel
Charlotte Perriand "CP-1" Wall Lights, 1960
By Charlotte Perriand, Steph Simon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic black and white enameled wall lights by Charlotte Perriand, adjustable reflectors, can be
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Suspension Light by Arteluce
By Arteluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Arteluce. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1970s. Enameled metal. Rewired for U.S
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Pair of Symfoni Flush Mount Ceiling Lights by Preben Dahl for Hans Følsgaard
By Preben Dahl, Hans Folsgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
manufactured in Denmark, circa 1960s. Enameled metal. Rewired for US junction boxes. Each light takes one E27
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
Brass & Bronze Bed with pair of matching nightstands by Luciano Frigerio, 1970
By Luciano Frigerio
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
classical style frame. The side and foot frame elements are in an enameled finish, we can have the side and
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Bronze, Brass
H 40.95 in W 70.48 in D 80.52 in
M4 Suspension Light by Michel Mortier for Disderot
By Michel Mortier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
France by Disderot. Enameled metal and aluminum. Wired for U.S. junction boxes. Takes one E27 100w
Category
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Snail Ceiling Light by Serge Mouille
By Serge Mouille
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Enameled aluminum, brass fittings. Spiralized shade with a simplistic stem suspension, allowing for full
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass, Aluminum
Model 1954 Pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Enameled metal armature with original paint, brass hardware and brushed satin glass diffuser. Rewired for
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
1950s Giuseppe Ostuni Model #109-1 'Tubetto 2 Snodi Piccoli' Wall Lamp for Oluce
By Giuseppe Ostuni, Oluce, O-Luce
Located in Glendale, CA
wall lamp executed in painted perforated aluminum and metal by one of the most refined Italian
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
H 6 in W 3.5 in D 8.5 in
Two Midcentury Charlotte Perriand Table Wall Lamps for Philips Red Lights Sconce
By Charlotte Perriand, Philips
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
original box ) designed by renowned French designer Charlotte Perriand for Philips in the 1950s or 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
H 9.45 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
Wall or Ceiling Lights Attributed to Gaetano Sciolari
By Arredoluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
enameled metal. Rewired for US junction boxes. Takes eight E14 European candelabra 15w maximum bulbs
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Aluminum
Charlotte Perriand Table Wall Lamps for Philips Set of Three Red Spaceage Lights
By Charlotte Perriand, Philips
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
design, adjustable light position in a red anodized aluminum metal ring on an ivory or off-white color
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
H 9.45 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
Pair of Sconces Pivot Shade Stilnovo Style, Twin Bulb, Jbox, Solid Brass Patina
By Gino Sarfatti, Stilnovo, Arredoluce
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
line of small holes. Enameled with the colors of the 1950s palette. Ivory white, Black. For other
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Metal
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 13.39 in
MAGARI Wall Lamp
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
strongly influenced by both French and Italian Mid-Century Modernism and features a distinctive beveled
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Torno Adjustable Wall Lamp
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
strongly influenced by both French and Italian Mid-Century Modernism.
You may choose from any of our 36
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...
Materials
Enamel, Brass
MAGARI Wall Lamp in Nickel
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
strongly influenced by both French and Italian Mid-Century Modernism and features a distinctive beveled
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Materials
Enamel, Nickel
1959 American HAR Hargo Creations Cobra Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings Jewellery
By Hargo Creations
Located in London, GB
. The clasp is situated behind. The enamelled metal has fine detail and is in excellent condition with
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Metal, Metallic Thread
Torno Adjustable Wall Lamp in Black, White and Brass Made by Blueprint Lighting
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
rotation. This design is strongly influenced by both French and Italian Mid-Century Modernism.
Enamel
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
H 20 in W 6 in D 20 in
Magari Adjustable Wall Lamp in Bronze, White and Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in New York, NY
rotation. This design is strongly influenced by both French and Italian Mid-Century Modernism and features
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Nickel, Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Rare Parachute Suspension Light by Erik Gunnar Asplund
By Erik Gunnar Asplund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
mid-1920s to mid-1930s. Enameled metal armature and chain, brushed satin glass diffuser. Rewired for
Category
Vintage 1920s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Pair of 1950s Giuseppe Ostuni Perforated Red Wall Lamps for O-Luce
By O-Luce, Oluce, Giuseppe Ostuni
Located in Glendale, CA
executed in brass and perforated red painted metal by one of the most refined Italian designers of the
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Stemlite Opaque White Glass Ball Shade Table Lamp by Bill Curry for Design Line
By Bill Curry, Design Line
Located in Topeka, KS
splendid example of mid-century modern design at its best. It’s going to look fabulous when you use it in
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
LUDO Articulated Wall Sconce or Lamp inEnamel & Brass, Blueprint Lighting
By Stilnovo, Arteluce, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
adjustment. You may select from any of our 36 enamel colors and 6 metal finishes (shown in final images
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome, Nickel, Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Wall Sconce Model 2059 by Pierre Disderot
By Disderot, Pierre Disderot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
metal and chrome. Wired for U.S. junction boxes. In the mid-1950s, Pierre Disderot designed an elegant
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Wall Sconce Model 2059 in Brass by Pierre Disderot
By Disderot, Pierre Disderot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
metal and brass. Wired for U.S. junction boxes. In the mid-1950s, Pierre Disderot designed an elegant
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
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Mid Century Modern Enameled Metal Box For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic mid century modern enameled metal box available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, brass and glass, every mid century modern enameled metal box was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a mid century modern enameled metal box, we have 193 options in-stock, while there are 51 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century modern enameled metal box — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century modern enameled metal box, designed in the mid-century modern, modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern enameled metal box over the years, but those crafted by Stilnovo, Pierre Guariche and Oluce are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Enameled Metal Box?
The average selling price for a mid century modern enameled metal box at 1stDibs is $2,836, while they’re typically $35 on the low end and $60,000 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
- 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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Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
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Desert Modern Designer Arthur Elrod Finally Gets His Day in the Sun
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
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The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
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