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Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units

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Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley
Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley

Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit by Stanley

By Stanley Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A modular wall unit by Stanley featuring walnut veneer cabinets and drawer fronts supported by

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley
Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley

By Stanley Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic pair of modular wall units by Stanley featuring walnut veneer cabinets and drawer

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960
Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960

Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A classic mid-century wall unit with four wall mounted upright rails where four short and two long

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Franklin Park, IL

George Nelson for Herman Miller mid-century walnut omni wall unit - 4 bay This wall unit

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson
Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson

Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century modern Omni wall unit shelving system designed by George Nelson is circa

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut

By Vito Latis

Located in Waalwijk, NL

definitely adds to the charm of this Italian wall unit. For example, the slender base, the brass detailing

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Italian Modular Shelving Wall Unit with Cabinets in Walnut Stainless Steel
Italian Modular Shelving Wall Unit with Cabinets in Walnut Stainless Steel

Italian Modular Shelving Wall Unit with Cabinets in Walnut Stainless Steel

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Modular shelving wall unit, walnut, stainless steel, smoked glass, Italy, 1970s Designed and made

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a four bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Ca...

Materials

Aluminum

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Large Czechoslovakian Modernist Oak and Walnut Freestanding Wall Unit by Jitona
Large Czechoslovakian Modernist Oak and Walnut Freestanding Wall Unit by Jitona

Large Czechoslovakian Modernist Oak and Walnut Freestanding Wall Unit by Jitona

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Versatile freestanding wall-unit/bookcase in oak, walnut, and pine with aluminum, steel, and brass

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Wonderful 3 Bay Freestanding Walnut Wall Unit Stanley Mid-Century Modern
Wonderful 3 Bay Freestanding Walnut Wall Unit Stanley Mid-Century Modern

Wonderful 3 Bay Freestanding Walnut Wall Unit Stanley Mid-Century Modern

By Stanley

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Wonderful 3-bay freestanding walnut wall unit by Stanley. This set is rare in its original form

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents
Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents

Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Wall unit or library, walnut, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s A striking wall unit crafted in Italy

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Wall Unit Etagere Walnut Brass Base
Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Wall Unit Etagere Walnut Brass Base

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Wall Unit Etagere Walnut Brass Base

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stunning Mid century American designer Paul McCobb Wall unit with lower credenza in walnut

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Grand Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents
Mid-Century Italian Grand Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents

Mid-Century Italian Grand Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Large wall unit or library, walnut, fabric, glass, Italy, 1950s A striking and monumental wall

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Freestanding Bookshelf with Cabinet
Mid-Century Modern Freestanding Bookshelf with Cabinet

Mid-Century Modern Freestanding Bookshelf with Cabinet

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage freestanding unit makes a wonderful addition to any home or office. Dual cabinets

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

3 Bay Mid-Mentury Modern Walnut Glass Doors Bookcase Wall Unit Curio Cabinet
3 Bay Mid-Mentury Modern Walnut Glass Doors Bookcase Wall Unit Curio Cabinet

3 Bay Mid-Mentury Modern Walnut Glass Doors Bookcase Wall Unit Curio Cabinet

By Dux of Sweden, Durland

Located in Rockaway, NJ

3 Bay Mid-Century Modern walnut glass doors bookcase wall shelves unit Curio cabinet MINT!. Each

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Mid Century Lane 2 Bay Free Standing Wall Unit Room Divider, Walnut & Chrome
Mid Century Lane 2 Bay Free Standing Wall Unit Room Divider, Walnut & Chrome

Mid Century Lane 2 Bay Free Standing Wall Unit Room Divider, Walnut & Chrome

By Lane Furniture

Located in Lutz, FL

Century Modern 2 Bay Free Standing Lane Walnut, Chrome and Glass Wall Unit/Room Divider c.1970’s. Etagere

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Chrome

German Mid-Century Wall Unit by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz in Walnut, 1960
German Mid-Century Wall Unit by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz in Walnut, 1960

German Mid-Century Wall Unit by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz in Walnut, 1960

By Walter Wirz, Wilhelm Renz

Located in München, Bavaria

architectural clarity of German mid-century modern design. Thanks to its rear-mounted spacers, the shelf appears

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit
50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit

50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit

By Barzilay

Located in Los Angeles, CA

We have over 50 pieces of this amazing Barzilay walnut wall unit with aluminum accents. Please

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage ‘Omni System’ Tension Pole Unit by George Nelson
Vintage ‘Omni System’ Tension Pole Unit by George Nelson

Vintage ‘Omni System’ Tension Pole Unit by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century tension single bay wall unit. The ‘Omni System’ unit was designed by George Nelson

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Danish Modern Wall Unit by Sven Ellekaer
Danish Modern Wall Unit by Sven Ellekaer

Danish Modern Wall Unit by Sven Ellekaer

By Sven Ellekaer

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Danish Modern 2-Bay Wall Unit by Sven Ellekaer. 80.5w 16.5d 72h. Cabinets and shelves can be re

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s
Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s

Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Stylish wall unit bookcase in a pleasant walnut wood with warm tones, great executive quality and

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Iron

Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf

Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf

By HG Furniture

Located in Kensington, MD

Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf Additional information: Material

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Kipp Stewart Wall Unit
Kipp Stewart Wall Unit

Kipp Stewart Wall Unit

By Kipp Stewart

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Mid-Century Modern wall unit designed by Kipp Stewart. One piece unit with cabinet

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons
Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons

Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons

By Gio Ponti

Located in Las Vegas, NV

: Singer & Sons Material: Italian walnut Configuration: two-piece wall unit with upper display + lower

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

STANLEY WALNUT & Iron Hutch / DIVIDER / WALL UNIT. Spade HAND  Pulls
STANLEY WALNUT & Iron Hutch / DIVIDER / WALL UNIT. Spade HAND  Pulls

STANLEY WALNUT & Iron Hutch / DIVIDER / WALL UNIT. Spade HAND Pulls

By Distinctive Furniture By Stanley

Located in Buffalo, NY

Epic and rare two-tier Hutch credenza/ wall unit / bar cabinet from the Heritage Collection for

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass, Iron

CLARA I Shelving unit - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon et la Mortaise
CLARA I Shelving unit - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon et la Mortaise

CLARA I Shelving unit - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon et la Mortaise

By Le Tenon & la Mortaise

Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA

CLARA wall shelf embodies the elegance of modern Scandinavian design. Meticulously made from premium

Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Architectural Library in Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Architectural Library in Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Architectural Library in Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Library wall-unit, walnut, Italy, 1960s Rooted in Italy’s mid-century design tradition, this

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Rare Kurt Olsen Wall Unit / Tall Walnut Sideboard With Tambour Doors
Rare Kurt Olsen Wall Unit / Tall Walnut Sideboard With Tambour Doors

Rare Kurt Olsen Wall Unit / Tall Walnut Sideboard With Tambour Doors

By Kurt Olsen, A. Andersen and Bohm

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Kurt Olsen Manufacturer: Andersen & Bohm Era: 1951 Materials: Walnut

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights
Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights

Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights

By Pace Collection, John Widdicomb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice two part Mid-Century Modern wall unit display or curio cabinets.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Chrome

Unique Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi 1960s Large Wall Unit in Walnut
Unique Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi 1960s Large Wall Unit in Walnut

Unique Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi 1960s Large Wall Unit in Walnut

By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for Home, bespoke wall unit, walnut, lacquered wood, Italy, 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit

Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

walnut feet. The top, the shelf unit, is really where the Brasilia design language shines. It consists of

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Modular Wall Unit in Walnut & Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Modular Wall Unit in Walnut & Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Modular Wall Unit in Walnut & Aluminum

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Waalwijk, NL

George Nelson for Herman Miller, modular wall unit model 'CSS', walnut, aluminium, glass, United

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for  Poul Cadovius
Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for  Poul Cadovius

Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius

By Royal System, Poul Cadovius

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Midcentury Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius, 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces
1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces

1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Madison, WI

This very unique modular 5 Piece Mid Century wall unit set has it ALL, and leaves plenty of room

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Pair of Italian Free-Standing Wall Units in Walnut on Ebonized Plinth Bases
Pair of Italian Free-Standing Wall Units in Walnut on Ebonized Plinth Bases

Pair of Italian Free-Standing Wall Units in Walnut on Ebonized Plinth Bases

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stylish freestanding wall units boasting bookmatched walnut veneer (ca. early 1970s, Italy). Each

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut, Plywood, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Italian Home Bar With Cabinet and Stools in Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Home Bar With Cabinet and Stools in Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Italian Home Bar With Cabinet and Stools in Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Bar set including wall-mounted cabinet, counter element, and set of three barstools, walnut, metal

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Metal

Walnut Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf
Walnut Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf

Walnut Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf

By Alabama Sawyer

Located in Birmingham, AL

This Floating Shelving Unit offers a new and modern take on Mid-century wall storage. Defined by

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

1950s Lane Altavista Copenhagen Mid Century Modern Two Tier Walnut End Table
1950s Lane Altavista Copenhagen Mid Century Modern Two Tier Walnut End Table

1950s Lane Altavista Copenhagen Mid Century Modern Two Tier Walnut End Table

By Lane Furniture

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

1957 Lane Altavista Copenhagen Mid Century Modern Tiered Walnut End Table, Nightstand. This is an

Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

3 Bay Burl Walnut Smoked Glass Doors Cabinets Adjustable Shelves Wall Unit Mint
3 Bay Burl Walnut Smoked Glass Doors Cabinets Adjustable Shelves Wall Unit Mint

3 Bay Burl Walnut Smoked Glass Doors Cabinets Adjustable Shelves Wall Unit Mint

By Milo Baughman, Pace Collection

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Burl walnut smoked glass doors cabinets adjustable shelves 3 bay wall unit credenza mint.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Smoked Glass, Burl

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza
Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, two piece, walnut and brass, wall unit hutch credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Chicago, IL

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950’s. Unit is Walnut and made in Zeeland

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Delineator Wall Unit by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture, 1960s
Delineator Wall Unit by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture, 1960s

Delineator Wall Unit by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture, 1960s

By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This 5 foot wide standing unit was designed by Paul McCobb for his "Delineator" collection with

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Vintage MCM  Free Standing Room Divider Wall Unit Cabinet with 3-Drawers
Vintage MCM  Free Standing Room Divider Wall Unit Cabinet with 3-Drawers

Vintage MCM Free Standing Room Divider Wall Unit Cabinet with 3-Drawers

Located in Seattle, WA

A remarkable Mid Century Modern walnut wood, upright, vertical, single bay freestanding unit. Wall

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Walnut

Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950
Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950

Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950

By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Vittorio Dassi

Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland

Monumental and very rare desk wall unit by Vittorio Dassi for Mobili Cantù – Italy, circa 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Large Colonial Two Drawer Compartment Double Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit Lights
Large Colonial Two Drawer Compartment Double Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit Lights

Large Colonial Two Drawer Compartment Double Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit Lights

By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Colonial two drawer compartment double bookcase shelf wall unit lights burl wood.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Vintage Italian Three-Section Wall Unit with Hand Painted Art
Vintage Italian Three-Section Wall Unit with Hand Painted Art

Vintage Italian Three-Section Wall Unit with Hand Painted Art

Located in North Miami, FL

Signed Cesena - decorative painting of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. Storage cabinet to right side. Glass shelves shown are a few but can take more (glass shelves are included) as well...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of mid century modern walnut wall units is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, walnut and metal, all mid century modern walnut wall units available were constructed with great care. Mid century modern walnut wall units have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century modern walnut wall units bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Mid century modern walnut wall units have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Nils Nisse Strinning, String Design AB and George Nelson are consistently popular.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units?

Mid century modern walnut wall units can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,800, while the lowest priced sells for $450 and the highest can go for as much as $22,900.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces for You

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.