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.
Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair Black & White with Black Fabric Cushion
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exceptional early Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair, featuring the distinctive two-tone black and white lacquered frame with its original black upholstered seat. Designed by Harry Berto...
Metal
Vintage Verner Panton Heart Cone Chair in Original Orange Upholstery
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Designed in 1958 by visionary Danish designer Verner Panton, the Heart Cone Chair is one of the most recognizable icons of mid-century modern design. Characterized by its bold heart-...
Wood
$1,890 / item
Mid-Century Swivel Lounge Chair – Cafe Noir Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This mid-century modern swivel chair combines iconic retro styling with irresistible comfort. Wrapped in a linen fabric, it offers a soft, cozy texture that invites you to sink in an...
Linen
French Mid-Century Brutalist Fireside Chair, Christian Durupt Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid wood fireside chair in the style of Christian Durupt, France, circa 1950. The hexagonal seat, faceted at its perimeter, sits atop four outward-splaying tapered legs. A tall pla...
Wood
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
Set of Eight Mid Century Modern Bumerang Chairs, Rust Velvet, 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
$31,951 / set
Set of 8 dining chairs
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Pierre Jolliet in the 1970s, this chair reflects the functional and minimalist spirit of post-war European design. Combining clean lines, honest materials, and carefully ...
Metal
Set of Four 1950s Italian Dark Stained Exotic Wood Dining Chairs
By Carlo Ratti
Located in Rome, IT
This set of four dining chairs was produced in Italy during the 1950s and reflects the clean, sculptural lines typical of Italian mid-century design. The chairs are crafted from dark...
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintola Dining Chair, Ginger FR Velvet, 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, Velvet, Beech
$4,851 / set
Set of 2 "Carimate" chairs
Located in Forest, BE
An icon of Italian design, the Carimate chair combines a lacquered solid wood frame with a handwoven straw seat. Designed in 1959 by Vico Magistretti for the Carimate Golf Club in Co...
Straw, Wood
Vintola Dining Chair, Tiger Mountain 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
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
$2,845 / item
Verner Panton Panton Chair — Limited Edition in Gold
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking collector’s edition of Verner Panton’s iconic Panton Chair, presented in a sophisticated gold lacquer finish. Designed in 1959 and celebrated as one of the defining works ...
Polyester
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) Pair of Cadeira Curva Chairs 1962
Located in CA, CA
Designed and produced in Brazil by Tenreiro Móveis & Decorações 1961-62, the Cadeira Curva chair by Joequin Tenreiro is regarded as a masterpiece of Brazilian Modernism. Renowned...
Rosewood
Dining Chair, LE CHANT DES DUNES Pierre Frey, 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
$1,250 / set
1960s Molded Scoop Chairs by Sam Avedon set of 8
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, George Nelson
Located in Bensalem, PA
Set of eight original chairs by Sam Avedon for Aladdin Plastics around 1962. please look at pictures and video for overall detail and condition. Feel free to reach out with any quest...
Plastic
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
Six Dining Chairs, Drawing Velvet by 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
Vintage Set of Knoll Wassily Chairs by Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Las Vegas, NV
All original, Vintage pair of Wassily chairs by Marcel Breuer for Knoll. Originally designed in 1925, this is a truly Classic and timeless design. One chair retains its original Knol...
Chrome
$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
MidCentury Modern Bumerang Chair, Yellow Spiriti Jacquard - 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
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
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
Rare Set of Jens Risom Oak Chairs with Leather Webbing, France 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare set of eight French dining chairs from the 1950s, composed of six side chairs and two chairs with armrests. The solid wooden frames show a clear architectural structure, wit...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Valenti Leather Lounge Chairs, Spain, Mid-20th Century
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant pair of lounge chairs by Valenti, one of Spain's most renowned furniture manufacturers of the 20th century. These chairs feature their original brown leather upholstery with ...
Leather, Hardwood
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
Set of 4 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 4 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 n...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 12 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
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
Pair Adrian Pearsall Barrel Form Swivel Chairs, Fresh Wool Blend & Tulip Bases
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of sapce-age chairs is one of Adrian Pearsall's most iconic and rare designs, and these are great examples. These chairs are elegant and striking with their circular design...
Aluminum
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair For THONET 1978
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair for THONET 1978
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 4 folding chairs made of wood and Vienna straw Italia70s Mid-Century
Located in Palermo, IT
Set of 4 vintage beechwood and Vienna straw folding chairs, made in Italy during the 1970s. This specific design, which combines the lightness of a folding frame with a classic woven...
Rattan, Wood
Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is absolutely breathtaking, the gorgeous two tone mohair upholstery contrasts the beautiful wa...
Mohair, Walnut
1970's Swivelling Bamboo & Rattan Lounge Chair
Located in Bern, BE
Mid-Century Modern swivelling bamboo & rattan lounge chair. In clean, original condition (no cushion included). Design: 1970 - 1979. Measurements: Depth: 65cm Width: 65cm Heig...
Bamboo, Rattan
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 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
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
$2,111Sale 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
Rare Set of 4 Dining Chairs design by Augusto Savini for Pozzi, Italy, 1968
Located in leucate, FR
An exceptional opportunity for collectors and lovers of fine Italian Mid-Century design: a sublime and rare set of four dining chairs designed by the Italian architect and designer A...
Wood
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
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
Set of 4 Charles & Ray Eames x Vitra DSR Rusty Orange Eiffel Tower Base Chairs
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 4 Charles & Ray Eames x Vitra DSR chairs. DSR (Dining Height Side Chair Rod Base). This is a lovely contemporary set of classic mid century modern chairs by Eames, reproduced by Vitra, originally designed back in 1950. This set features a bold, bright rusty orange plastic chair...
Chrome
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
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967
Located in Milano, IT
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967 Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967 for Cassina, this set of six Model 122 chairs is a refined example of Ita...
Faux Leather, Walnut
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
Set of Six Mixed Colors Kangaroo Chairs Designed by Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1968
By Ernst Moeckl
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This model is called Z-chair. Designed in 1968 in the GDR by Ernst Moeckl and Siegfried Mehl, German Version of the Panton chair. Also called kangaroo chair or variopur chair. Produc...
Fiberglass
Armonia Walnut Dining Chair, Light chestnut finish, Silvio Piattelli design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The Armonia Chair is crafted in Italy from solid walnut, selected for its strength and natural character. The frame features a mid-century inspired silhouette, re-proportioned by Sil...
Walnut
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
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
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
Green Leather Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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 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
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
Set of David Rowland 40/4 Chairs for HOWE – Chrome & Beech – Numbered Examples
By Howe, David Rowland
Located in Dronten, NL
An iconic set of 40/4 stacking chairs designed by David Rowland and manufactured by HOWE. Celebrated for their timeless modern design and exceptional stacking capability, the 40/4 ch...
Steel, Chrome
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 Italy 1970s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Italy 1970s
Chrome
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
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
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 Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Cassina
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 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
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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