Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tallboy Dresser with Sculpted Front
Located in Seattle, WA
A vintage mid-century modern tallboy dresser featuring bold sculptural drawer fronts and clean
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tallboy Dresser with Sculpted Front
Located in Seattle, WA
A vintage mid-century modern tallboy dresser featuring bold sculptural drawer fronts and clean
Wood
$1,595
H 44.5 in W 38 in D 19 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser Walnut Tone with Original metal pulls
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage mid century modern tallboy dresser with six spacious drawers and original round metal pulls
Walnut
Vintage Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser With Dovetail Drawers
Located in Seattle, WA
Drawers Have Bowed out Curve Detailing Consistent with Mid Century Design Along with Tapered Legs. Vintage
Wood
$4,595
H 43.25 in W 36 in D 17.75 in
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser by Nils Jonsson
Located in Seattle, WA
the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century modern design. Crafted in Denmark, the piece
Teak
$1,820Sale Price|30% Off
H 52.5 in W 42.5 in D 19 in
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
1960s American of Martinsville MCM Chest of Drawers. Features a walnut frame with bifold doors that open to three dovetailed drawers over two larger lower drawers. Drawers open via...
Brass
$2,662 / item
H 45 in W 33.5 in D 18.25 in
Vintage Dresser, Danish Mid Century, Teak, MCM, Tallboy, Five Drawers, Bedroom
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vintage Dresser, Danish Mid Century, Teak, MCM, Tallboy, Five Drawers, Bedroom, MidCentury Modern
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Laminate Tallboy Dresser, Colormates, 1970s
By Morris of California
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant Mid-Century Modern tallboy dresser crafted in bright yellow laminate, featuring clean
Laminate, Wood
$4,950
H 47.5 in W 33.5 in D 19.5 in
Mid-Century Modern D-Scan Captain Line Tallboy Dresser in Teak with Brass Pulls
By D-Scan
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
This sculptural mid-century modern tallboy dresser by D-Scan, from the coveted Captain Line
Teak
Mid-Century Burlwood Tallboy Dresser Lenoir Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
A classic Mid Century Modern walnut tallboy dresser with burled walnut center doors by a division
Brass
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.5 in W 18 in D 36 in
Mid-Century Modern Lane Furniture Brutalist 1970s Tallboy Dresser Storage
Located in Madison, WI
Very nice looking and functional high quality Brutalist Lane dresser. The drawers catch on rollers. In very good condition throughout. **We have two of these gorgeous dressers avail...
Walnut
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Lane Furniture 1960s Tallboy HighboyDresser Storage
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Madison, WI
Very nice looking and functional high quality Brutalist Lane dresser. The drawers catch on rollers. In very good condition throughout. Very nice drawer pulls, beautiful minimalist p...
Walnut
$1,680Sale Price|30% Off
H 62 in W 39 in D 19 in
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Ash Burl Armoire Tallboy Dresser 62"
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American of Martinsville MCM Ash Burl Armoire, circa 1960s. A fun blend of Mid Century and
Brass
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Lane Furniture Walnut Brutalist 1970s Tallboy Dresser Storage
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Madison, WI
Very nice looking and functional high quality Brutalist Lane dresser. The drawers catch on rollers. In very good condition throughout. **We have two of these gorgeous dressers avail...
Walnut
$1,473
H 42.52 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Tall Danish chest of drawers from the 1960s, crafted from warm teak. It features six generously sized drawers with integrated recessed handles, contributing to its sleek and understa...
Teak
$8,295
H 28.25 in W 71 in D 17.75 in
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Dresser and Tallboy Set by Nils Jonsson
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern dresser and tallboy set, designed by Nils Jonsson for
Teak
$3,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47.5 in W 18 in D 36 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lane Furniture Brutalist 70s Tallboy Dresser Storage
By Lane Furniture
Located in Madison, WI
Incredible PAIR of two Mid Century, Brutalist, 1970s Dressers. Very nice looking and functional
Walnut
Mid Century Six Drawer Tallboy Dresser by Meredew of Letchworth
By Meredew
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage six drawer tallboy dresser was designed and manufactured by Meredew of Letchworth
Wood
$1,365
H 46.46 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Mid Century French Walnut Tallboy Chest of Drawers from Younger, 1950s
Located in South Shields, GB
tapered legs. The design features clean mid-century lines, figured drawer fronts and a recessed detail
Wood
Mid Century Tola and Black Tallboy Chest from G Plan, 1950s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century Tola and Black tallboy chest from G Plan (E Gomme) Featuring a pull down compartment
Teak, Walnut
$4,443
H 44.69 in W 33.67 in D 18.31 in
Blonde Mid Century Chest Of Drawers Tallboy Highboy Walnut Alfred Cox Heals 1960
By Alfred Cox, Heal's
Located in London, GB
A very impressive, rare and strikingly attractive Mid Century blonde walnut chest of drawers in
Satinwood, Teak, Walnut
Teak Tallboy Dresser
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Pre-Restored Dimensions: 31.25” L x 15.75” D x 42.5” H Description: A vintage teak highboy dresser. Freshly imported from Denmark. Comes with key, lock works. Price inc...
Teak
Midcentury Tallboy Chest of Drawers from G Plan, 1950s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid-century G Plan Tola tallboy chest of drawers, dating to the 1950s. Featuring seven drawers
Wood
Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers from S M Quality, 1960s
Located in South Shields, GB
A Danish tallboy chest of drawers by SM Quality, made in Denmark and dating to the 1970s
Teak
$2,666
H 51.19 in W 29.93 in D 16.54 in
EXTRA LARGE CONSORZIO MOBILI TALLBOY DRAWERs IN CHERRY WOOD, HUGE STORAGE
By Consorzio Mobili
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super utilitarian Italian Consorzio Mobili Cherrywood Tall boy chest of drawers offering huge amount so...
Cherry
$4,033
H 60.63 in W 41.15 in D 20.48 in
LARGE ROBERT IDOL DESIGN FOR LANE HOME FURNiSHINGS TALLBOY CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Idol Designed for Lane Home Furnishings, Walnut & Rosewood tallboy chest of drawers with Chrome and
Walnut, Pine
$1,305
H 41.74 in W 16.93 in D 24.02 in
Vintage Rare Early 1960s Stag Fineline Tallboy Chest of Drawers by John & Sylvia
By Stag Furniture 1
Located in Seaford, GB
1960s, making it a short-run design and a special find for mid-century enthusiasts. Crafted in a
Teak
$1,572
H 41.34 in W 17.33 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Rattan Highboy / Tallboy Chest of Drawers by Angraves, England, 1970s
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Midcentury rattan / bamboo highboy / tallboy, chest of drawers by Angraves, England, 1970s This is
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
$4,950 / item
H 47 in W 30 in D 18 in
Peach Mother of Pearl Inlay Tallboy Dresser – Floral Elegance by House of Jaipur
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite tallboy dresser showcases the timeless beauty of handcrafted inlay artistry
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl
Mid Century Brutalist Gentleman's Chest Dresser by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Lane Tallboy Gentleman’s chest dresser. Walnut case with chrome pulls
Wood, Walnut
Mid Century Teak Tallboy Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hull, GB
CHEST OF DRAWERS Midcentury teak tallboy chest of drawers made by Austinsuite circa 1960 . The
Teak
Unavailable
H 41.34 in W 25.6 in D 16.54 in
Mid 20th Century Easifit Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers - 1960s
By France & Søn
Located in Tonbridge, Kent
Mid 20th Century Easifit Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers - 1960s British Mid-Century Design Elevate
Brass
Midcentury Danish Linen Cabinet or Tallboy
Located in South Shields, Tyne and Wear
- Mid-Century Modern linen cabinet / cupboard or tallboy - Made in Denmark - Made from solid wood
Wood
Handsome Teak Tallboy by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Bristol, GB
A very handsome Danish teak tallboy with 6 spacious drawers which display some beautiful grain
Teak
Austinsuite Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers Storage
By Austinsuite
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
Austinsuite of London soon emerged as a leader in quality Mid-Century furniture produced in the UK
Teak
Unavailable
H 46.07 in W 48.04 in D 17.92 in
George Nakashima Walnut Tallboy for Widdicombe, USA, 1964
By George Nakashima
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Twelve drawer tallboy finished in American Walnut. Designed by George Nakashima for the 'Origins
Walnut
G Plan Quadrille Wardrobe Tallboy Armoire by R Bennett
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
rare and highly sought after Tallboy Wardrobe unit rarely becomes available and is in wonderful
Teak
Unavailable
H 48.82 in W 25.79 in D 15.95 in
Danish Teak Tallboy Chest of 6 Drawers, Classic Midcentury Danish Design
Located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Danish teak tallboy chest of 6 drawers - Classic midcentury Danish design, 1960s Classic bank
Teak
Unavailable
H 41.34 in W 29.14 in D 16.15 in
Danish Tallboy Chest Drawers with Inset Rosewood Handles G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
There is no doubting the exceptional skills and design talent that Denmark produced in the mid-20th
Rosewood, Teak
Unavailable
H 48.04 in W 35.04 in D 18.31 in
G-Plan E Gomme Oak Tallboy / Small Wardrobe with Pop Up Mirror
By Ebenezer Gomme, G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
From the highly regarded and collectable G-plan E Gomme ‘Brandon’ range, this tallboy would have
Oak
Unavailable
H 36.03 in W 26.97 in D 16.54 in
Danish Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers with Turned Handles G Plan Eames Era
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
century making them the forefront of the Mid-Century design movement and providing the world with
Teak
Midcentury Tallboy Walnut Sideboard, 1950s
Located in South Shields, Tyne and Wear
- Midcentury sideboard - Manufactured in UK - Made from walnut and walnut veneer - Features 2 drawers and 2 cupboards.
Walnut
Sold
H 60.25 in W 34.25 in L 60.25 in
Striking American Mid-Century Modern Tallboy Dresser/Mini Bar Cabinet
By Lane Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully freshly restored tallboy dresser, in light walnut, finish with rosewood door panels
Rosewood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Maple Tallboy Chest of Drawers Secretary MCM
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-Century Modern tallboy dresser. Reminiscent of a secretary. Made from Maple with five
Maple
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Seven-Drawer Mahogany Tallboy Dresser, 1951
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and beautiful mahogany Mid-Century Modern tallboy dresser designed by Edward Wormley for
Mahogany
Mid Century Mahogany Tallboy Dresser, Brass Handles, c1950s
By Harmony House
Located in Chino Hills, CA
-century modern tallboy dresser, reminiscent of the iconic Harmony House Furniture of the 1950s. Crafted
Brass
Sold
H 47.5 in W 42 in D 20 in
Kipp Stewart Declaration Highboy Set for Drexel, Newly Restored, circa 1950
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall, Kipp Stewart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern tallboy designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart McDougall as part of
Porcelain, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Dixie Walnut Tallboy Dresser
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Lutz, FL
1960’s Mid Century Modern Walnut Tallboy Dresser. 6 drawers total with lovely walnut book matched
Brass
American Mid-Century Modern Multicolored Tallboy Dresser
By George Nelson, Vista of California
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool California design multicolored dresser tallboy, circa 1950s nice clean condition white
Metal
Sold
H 47 in W 44 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern United Furniture Sculptural Walnut Tallboy Dresser Chest
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern dresser by United Furniture Corporation. Made from walnut with a
Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Modern Six-Drawer Teak Tallboy Dresser 1960s
Located in Emeryville, CA
This beautiful Danish Modern Mid-Century Six-Drawer Teak Tallboy was made in Denmark in the 1960s
Teak
Mid Century Tallboy Teak Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handsome vintage dresser was designed and manufactured in England during the 1960s. A tall striking piece with plenty of storage, it is made from rich teak and has five drawers ...
Teak
Striking Mid Century Modern Danish Tallboy Chest Of Drawers
By Langkilde Møbler
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Manufactured by the Langkilde company of Copenhagen in Denmark this superb piece dates from circa 1960. We have had it professionally restored and as such it is presented in superb c...
Teak
Vintage Mid Century Walnut Tallboy Dresser
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Puslinch, ON
vintage walnut tallboy by United Furniture. In great vintage condition. Drawers slide nicely and stay
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Teak Tallboy Dresser
Located in Emeryville, CA
Crafted with meticulous artistry in 1960s Denmark, this stunning modern Danish mid-century Teak
Teak
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Teak Tallboy Dresser
Located in Emeryville, CA
Crafted with meticulous artistry in 1960s Denmark, this stunning modern Danish mid-century Teak
Teak
Swedish Modern Pine Tallboy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Swedish modern pine tallboy with six drawers and rounded handles.
Pine
Sold
H 42 in W 40.5 in D 18 in
American Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tallboy Chest of Drawers Brass Pulls
By Bassett Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful freshly refinished 1950s American walnut tallboy chest of drawers, five-drawer with
Brass
Mid Century, Oak Tallboy from Meredew, 1950s
By Meredew
Located in South Shields, GB
An oak tallboy from Meredew - circa 1950s Featuring three drawers and a cupboard The matching
Oak
Sold
H 51 in W 24 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Egomme G Plan Librenza Tallboy Dresser Danish Vintage Style
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Mid-Century Italian style Tola Librenza tallboy dresser of 7 drawers by E Gomme (G Plan
Teak
Mid Century Teak Tallboy Dressing Chest, 1960s
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak dressing chest in the Danish style - circa 1960s Standing on slightly tapered
Teak
1960s Vintage Danish Mid-Century Teak Tallboy Dresser
Located in Emeryville, CA
A handsome 1960s vintage Danish mid-century six-drawer teak tallboy dresser stands as an emblem of
Teak
Sold
H 45 in W 20 in D 42 in
Kent Coffey Mid Century Modern Eloquence Sculptural Walnut Tallboy Chest Dresser
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage scuptural shaped dersser by Kent Coffee. Made from continiental walnut with dovetailed drawers and tapered legs. Circa 1960s. #6900.
Walnut
Sold
H 48.82 in W 29.93 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Stylish tall chest of drawers from Denmark, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from warm teak wood and featuring six spacious drawers. The subtly shaped wooden handles add an elegant and...
Teak
Mid Century Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers, 1960s
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak tallboy chest of drawers in the Danish style - circa 1960s Standing on slightly
Teak
1960s Vintage Danish Mid-Century Teak Tallboy Dresser
Located in Emeryville, CA
This beautifully crafted vintage Danish mid-century Teak Tallboy was made in Denmark in the 1960s
Teak
Sold
H 37.01 in W 27.17 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Elegant tallboy chest of drawers from Denmark, dating to the 1960s. Crafted in warm teak, this
Teak
Sold
H 46.46 in W 29.14 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Seven Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This beautifully restored mid-century chest of drawers from Denmark features seven spacious drawers
Teak
Sold
H 44.1 in W 29.53 in L 44.1 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This Mid-Century Modern period Danish design chest of 6 drawers- tallboy was made in Denmark, 1960s
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Teak Tallboy Dresser
Located in Emeryville, CA
A stunning 1960s vintage Danish mid-century six-drawer teak tallboy dresser stands as an emblem of
Teak
Sold
H 32.68 in W 31.5 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of 4 Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 4 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 47.25 in W 29.93 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Eight Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 8 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 35.04 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of 5 Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 5 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 41.34 in W 30.71 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 43.71 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 41.74 in W 30.32 in D 16.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Mid-Century Tallboy Cupboard Chest from G Plan, 1960s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
- Mid-Century Modern cupboard chest tallboy. - Manufactured by G Plan. - Features 2 drawers and a
Wood
Sold
H 40.95 in W 30.71 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 39.38 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Six Drawer Teak Tallboy 1960s
Located in Emeryville, CA
A stunning 1960s vintage Danish mid-century six-drawer teak tallboy dresser stands as an emblem of
Teak
Sold
H 40.16 in W 30.32 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Tall Danish chest of drawers from the 1960s, crafted from warm teak. It features six generously sized drawers with integrated recessed handles, contributing to its sleek and understa...
Teak
Sold
H 32.68 in W 31.5 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of 4 Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 4 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 41.74 in W 30.32 in D 16.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 37.01 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of 5 Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 5 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Teak Six Drawer Tallboy Dresser
Located in Emeryville, CA
This mid-century modern Danish tallboy chest of drawers embodies the essence of Mid-Century design
Teak
Sold
H 41.74 in W 30.32 in D 16.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Chest of Six Drawers, Tallboy in Teak, Denmark, 1960
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern period chest of 6 drawers or tallboy cabinet made in 1960's Denmark. Made of
Teak
Sold
H 50.25 in W 36 in D 19 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut Tallboy Dresser By John Keal for Brown Saltman, c1960s
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Introducing a distinguished piece of mid-century modern artistry, this vintage tallboy dresser by
Walnut
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.