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.
Jens Risom Solid Walnut Occasional Chair with New Cognac Leather Upholstery
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom Solid Walnut Occasional Chair with New Cognac Leather Upholstery An elegant Jens Risom occasional chair, embodying the understated sophistication and impeccable craftsman...
Leather, Walnut, Black Walnut
2 John Risley 1960s Sculptural Welded Steel Mr. & Mrs Figural Peoples Chairs MCM
By John Risley
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of Iconic John Risley anthropomorphic chairs, part of a series created by John Risley in the 1960s, known as the People chairs. These brutalist style chairs are constructed fr...
Iron
Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Four Mid Century Bumerang Chairs, Tiger Speaking Velvet - Dedar, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The “Bumerang Chair” is a characteristic piece of furniture from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era. Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the backrest, resembling a boome...
Leather, Textile, Wool, Beech
Set of 4 Pcs. Mid-Century Italian Brass Bar Stools/Chairs
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pcs. vintage Italian bar stools. The base is made of brass and steel with brown natural leather upholstery. Leather is in very good condition, no cracks or other defects. Fl...
Metal, Brass
Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...
Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
$6,800 / set
Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs by Mobel Italia
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...
Steel, Chrome
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
1970's Rohr Mini Camp Folding Chair with Sunshade – Vintage Outdoor Design
Located in Bern, CH
1970's Rohr Mini Camp Folding Chair with Sunshade & Carry Bag– Vintage Outdoor Design A rare and highly collectible Rohr Mini Camp folding chair featuring its original integrate...
Metal
The Zet Dining Chair in Tiger Mountain Velvet Jacquard by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Four Dining Chairs, Leopard Velvet by Edmond Petit, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Italy 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Italy 1970s
Chrome
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
Set of 12 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 12 original and signed "Plia" pink lucite folding chairs. NOS (new old Stock) This fantastic set was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. PLIA, the symbol of a...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, white / brown pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on t...
Chrome
Pair of Vintage Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage LC1 chairs designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, brown-white pony skin upholstery. Marked/engrav...
Chrome
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on the frame: Cass...
Chrome
Pair of Vintage Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage LC1 chairs designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, black pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on ...
Chrome
Vintage Verner Panton Cone Chair in Original Pastel Blue Upholstery
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Designed in 1958 by the visionary Danish designer Verner Panton, the Cone Chair stands as one of the most iconic expressions of mid-century modern design. Defined by its bold geometr...
Wood
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 412 Chairs in Burgundy Leather, Set of 4, 1970s–80s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in bari, IT
Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1976–77, the Cab 412 was the first chair in design history to feature a freestanding leather structure with no internal wooden or plastic she...
Steel
Pair of Mid-century Giorgetti Progetti Leather Wing Armchairs
By Umberto Asnago, Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage Progetti armchairs. Manufacture date circa 1980s by Centro Ricerche Giorgetti, Italy. Labeled and stamped on the bottom. In black leather removable upholstery and wo...
Leather, Wood
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair with Wood Legs - All Original - Blue
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Decatur, GA
All-Original Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair in Blue Upholstery with Wood Legs, for Knoll circa 1960s A timeless mid-century modern executive armchair designed by Eero Saarinen for...
Fabric, Bentwood
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Set of 5 "Brno" Chairs, Italy, 1970s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Naples, IT
A stunning and exceptionally elegant set of "Brno" cantilever chairs, a timeless icon of 20th-century design created by Bauhaus master Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930 for Villa Tuge...
Steel
Nest Dining Chair, Yellow Nouvelles Vagues Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stable dining seating. A contemporary chair inspired by the spirit of 1960s design, reinterpreted through a softer, more embracing form. With its integr...
Jacquard, Beech, Velvet, Linen
Set of Eight Nest Dining Chairs by Vintola Studio, Yellow Velvet Dedar, 2026
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stable set of eight dining seats. A contemporary chairs inspired by the spirit of 1960s design, reinterpreted through a softer, more embracing form. Wit...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
High stool by Bruno Rey, circa 1971
By Bruno Rey
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of high stools with backrest, model Rey Chair by Bruno Rey for Dietiker. The solid beech structure is lacquered white, and the seat covered with white imitation leather. The se...
Beech
Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Leather Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus , 1960s, Switzerland Measurements : Height: 84 cm Width: 59 cm Depth: 55 cm Seating height: 37 cm Please do not he...
Leather, Wood
$2,096Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 vintage 1950s wood and leather chairs Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Set of four chairs with wooden frame and curved back, leather seat, Italian design, 1950s. CONDITION: In good condition, showing signs of wear given by time and stains on the leathe...
Leather, Wood
Franco Albini Pair of Rattan and Bamboo Armchairs, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of mid-century armchairs entirely made of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These charming organic modern chairs were produced in Italy during the 1960s and ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Executive Conference Chair Armless
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Eero Saarinen in the early 1950s, the Executive Conference Chair reflects the designer’s innovative approach to modern furniture. Its softly curved silhouette and invitin...
Fabric, Beads
Armonia Walnut Dining Chair, Ebonized finish, Silvio Piattelli design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Crafted in Italy from solid walnut, the Armonia Chair reflects a careful balance of material integrity and refined proportion. The frame presents a mid-century inspired silhouette, r...
Walnut
Pair of Mid Century Klismos Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Sardis
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is an elegant set of Klismos Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, an iconic interpretation of the classical Klismos form. The sculptural frames feature gracef...
Leather, Walnut
French Rustic Dining Chairs in Solid Wood with Seats in Patterned Multicolor Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, fabric, France, 1960s Crafted in France in the 1960s, this lovely and cheerful set of rustic chairs is a fresh add to an interior. The frame is made from solid...
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Vintage Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1 by Cassina, early 1960's
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage LC1 chairs designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, black pony skin upholstery. Production from ear...
Chrome
Pierre Chapo S34 Dining /Side Chair in Solid Elm, Chapo Creation, France, 2024
By Chapo Creation, Pierre Chapo
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking four-legged chair is the model S34 designed by Pierre Chapo in 1973. This iconic design is marked by its four bundled legs, polygonal shaped seat and asymmetrical back...
Elm
Up5 La Mamma Chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Italy Reupholstered in furrish brown fabric.
Fabric
$2,938 / item
Lime Tufted Chair by Vintola Studio, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Lime Tufted Chair by Ola Szewczul A striking statement piece that merges contemporary design with artisanal craftsmanship. Hand-tufted in vibrant lime wool, this chair showcases a r...
Wool
Green Leather Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Green Leather Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll 4 Pieces Available Measurements : Height: 78 cm Width: 70 cm Depth: 70 cm Seat Height : 45 cm Please do not he...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Farmer Series Chair by Gerd Lange for Bofinger, 1960s
By Gerd Lange, Bofinger
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Farmer Series Chair by Gerd Lange for Bofinger. - Special design classics from the Bofinger Farmer Program - Designed by Gerd Lange from the 1960s - Dismantleable furnit...
Canvas, Wood
6 Karl Springer 1986 JMF Lizard Print Leather Dining Chairs Minimalis Modern MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of six iconic J.M.F. Chairs signed by Karl Springer, circa 1986. Features a minimalist design with embossed lizard print frame. The chair features a curved back and contoured s...
Leather, Hardwood
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN "Tonneau" CHAIR by PIERRE GUARICHE, STEINER, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A single and real iconic chair : the Modernist, Free Form, Mid-Century-Modern, Reconstruction, "Tonneau" chair in its finest aluminium version : 4 legs in black lacquered tubular met...
Metal, Aluminum
Paco Muñoz 'Riaza' Hunting Children's Chairs in Patinated Leather
By Paco Muñoz, Darro
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paco Muñoz for Darro, 'Riaza' chairs for children, samara, leather, metal, Spain, 1960s This robust and resilient low lounge chair, a creation of Paco Muñoz from the 1960s, epitomiz...
Metal
Armonia Walnut Dining Chair, Dark Coffee finish, Silvio Piattelli design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Crafted in Italy from solid walnut, the Armonia Chair reflects a careful balance of material integrity and refined proportion. The frame presents a mid-century inspired silhouette, r...
Walnut
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Four Dining Chairs in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of four dining chairs model 330, leather, walnut, Italy, 1960s. This magnificent set of dining chairs by the renowned Italian designer Silvio Coppola...
Leather, Beech
French Armchair with Red Wooden Frame and Straw Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair, beech, straw, France, 1960s. Stunning French armchair with red beech frame and classic organic straw seat. This chair features a solid wooden frame, consisting of cylindri...
Straw, Beech
Sculptural Italian Dining Chair in Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chair, fabric, coated steel, wood, Italy, 1960s This Italian-designed armchair is characterized by their striking sculptural silhouette, featuring sculpted lines and sharply ...
Steel
Mid-Century Italian Space Age Plia Folding Chair by Giancarlo Piretti, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Plia folding chair by Castelli based on a design by Giancarlo Piretti from the 60s. Here in a rare and early version in transparent yellow. This design classic is still in productio...
Metal
$1,004Sale Price / set|28% Off
Set of Four Vintage Chromed Dining Chairs, Faux Leather, Italy, 1970
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Set of Four Vintage Chromed Dining Chairs, Faux Leather, Italy, 1970 Four vintage dining chairs with a refined industrial touch manufactured in Italy in the 1970s. Minimilast yet r...
Chrome
Giancarlo Piretti Green "Alky" Italian Armchairs by Anonima Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid-century green fabric "Alky" armchairs, designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy. These lovely Alky armchairs are fully original in brand...
Aluminum
Set of Six Shell Dining Chairs, Linen Schwarzwald by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Danish Safari Chair from Farstrup, 1960s
By Danish Deluxe
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid Century Safari Chair from the Danish manufacturer Farstrup. A minimalist design. The backrest and seat are made of a light canvas material. The solid wood frame can be dismantle...
Cotton
$1,777Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set 4 sedie vintage anni 70 in legno e pelle design Pietro Costantini per Ello
By Pietro Costantini, Ello Furniture
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Set of four chairs with black lacquered wood frame and black leather seat, designed by Pietro Costantini for Ello, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, presenta segni di usura dov...
Leather, Wood
Dal Vera 'Les Arcs' Chairs in Black Leather and Chromed Metal
By Dal Vera
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dal Vera, 'Les Arcs' chairs, selected by Charlotte Perriand, black leather, chrome-plated metal, circa 1970 This well-constructed pair of chairs were manufactured by Dal Vera and s...
Metal, Chrome
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair For THONET 1978
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair for THONET 1978
Chrome
Set of 4 Mid-Century Danish Pine Chairs by Niels Koefoed for Glostrup, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Solid wooden chairs from the Danish manufacturer Glostrup based on a design by Niels Koefoed from the 1960s. A rustic design. For a traditional Danish interior or as a contrast in a...
Pine
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC1 Villa Church Chair
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Relaunched in 2012. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Armchair with structure in polished trivalent ...
Steel
Shell Dining Chair, Brown Fire Retardant Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile club seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vint...
Velvet, Beech
Mid Century Iron Hoop Chair, Reilly-Wolff
Located in Riverdale, NY
Iconic Mid Century Iron Hoop Chair circa 1950's. Patinaed Wrought Iron in hoop form with foam wedge cushions and sunny orange bias cut cotton/silk textile. Cool aesthetic piece as we...
Iron
Shell Dining Chair, Light Beige Fire Retardant Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile club seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vint...
Velvet, Beech
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
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