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.
Gianfranco Frattini Cassina Italian Midcentury Black & White Coffee Tables 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design modular and stackable coffee table set model “780”, designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina Meda from 1966 with walnut solid wood fra...
Laminate, Wood
Three-Tier Swivel Chrome and Glass Coffee Table in the Manner of Milo Baughman
Located in Torquay, GB
A stylish three-tier swivel coffee table in polished chrome with inset glass tops. Inspired by the clean architectural lines of Milo Baughman's celebrated 1970s designs. The rotati...
Steel, Chrome
Contemporary Landscape Marble Nesting Coffee Table Set of 2, Handmade Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Landscape Coffee Tables, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Landscape nesting coffee table draws inspiration from the or...
Onyx, Travertine, Granite, Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Gilded Wood Florentine Hollywood Regency Style Tole Set of Three Nesting Tables
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This set of three Florentine-style nesting tables was made in Italy, circa 1960. They feature cabriole legs and intricate hand painted details on the tabletops with scalloped edges. ...
Metal
Mid Century Nesting Tables Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Meblo, Italy 70s
Located in Lucija, SI
A set of three coffee nesting tables made in the former Meblo furniture factory in the former Yugoslavia. The tables are designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Gianfranco Frat...
Glass, Wood
1960s Czechoslovak Mid-Century Solid Oak Nesting Tables, Set of Three
Located in Praha, CZ
A sculptural set of three Mid-Century Modern nesting tables, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s and crafted entirely from solid oak. Each table features a distinctive softly...
Oak
Set of 3 Nesting Tables in Lucite Faux Tortoiseshell Christian Dior, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing set of three nesting tables in lucite faux tortoiseshell effect in the style of Christian Dior. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Dimensions: Biggest table: 39.5 H x...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Nesting Table in Faux Tortoiseshell Curved Lucite attributable to Dior Home, 70s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a rare set of 1970s faux tortoiseshell Lucite nesting tables, attributed to Dior Home. Dating from the 1970s to the early 1980s, this elegant and hig...
Lucite, Acrylic
Midcentury Italian Chromed Metal, Aluminum, Smoked Glass Nesting Tables, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful set of three midcentury nesting coffee tables in chromed metal with aluminum legs and smoked glass top. These cool and slick tables were made in Italy during the 1970s. ...
Steel, Chrome, Aluminum
Gianfranco Frattini Large Version Nesting Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Gianfranco Frattini large version nesting tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966. Wood nesting tables with black and white interchangeable tops Original Cassina labels.
Formica, Wood
Midcentury Solid Brass and Smoked Glass France Interlocking Side Tables, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing set of three interlocking tables in brass and smoked glass. This beautiful set was produced in France during 1970s. These items of three nesting table are very adaptable a...
Crystal, Brass
Modern Travertine Nesting Coffee Table, Arbel, Set of 3, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Arbel Nesting Coffee Table, Set of 3, Contemporary Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. ***DESCRIÇÃO DE INSPIRAÇÃO*** Designed by Rute Martins, Greena...
Travertine, Brass
Pierre Chapo Style Brutalist Oak Rectangular Nesting Tables
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three nesting tables in solid oak imported from the Netherlands, inspired by Pierre Chapo's sculptural French designs. Each table features thick rounded-edge tops and four stu...
Oak
Set of Three Vintage Rosewood Nesting Tables in the Manner of Severin Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Set of Three Vintage Rosewood Nesting Tables in the Manner of Severin Hansen, Denmark, c. 1960s. Fabricated in a rich rosewood, these tables are slender and sleek with an attracti...
Rosewood
Set of Three Hans Wegner Teak Nesting Tables AT-40, 1960
Located in Belmont, MA
A refined set of three Danish modern nesting tables, model AT-40, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck, one of the most celebrated collaborations in Scandinavian furniture de...
Teak
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Set of Four Nesting Tables in Satin Black Metal & Smokey Gray
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, 1970s Set of four (4) Nesting Tables Satin Black Metal Iron frame with Smokey Gray Lucite Plexiglass. Made in the USA 1970s. No label. Style of Charles Hollis...
Metal
$700Sale Price / set|28% Off
Set Russell Woodard Wrought Iron Nesting Stacking Side Tables Mid-Century Modern
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vintage Russell woodard stackable wrought iron table set of 3. The large measures 16.38" high, 19.63" deep and 19.63" wide. The medium measures 15.13" high, 16" wide, 16" deep. The s...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Carved Oak Tree Trunk Nesting Tables, 1965
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Vintage set of tree trunk Oak nesting tables. Set of Three. Natural organic shaped.
Oak
Mid Century Brass Nesting Tables in Maison Jansen Style
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Set of Three Mid Century French Maison Jansen Style Brass Nesting Tables. They are a timeless ensemble that bring Parisian elegance and understated glamour to any setting. Ta...
Brass
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Side Table or Fruit Bowl Attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard for DUX of Sweden
By Dux of Sweden, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Side table / fruit bowl attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard dor DUX of Sweden, circa 1960s. The table has a removable concaved top that can be used as a try and is in very good vint...
Teak
Vintage Set of 3 Danish Oak Stacking Tables, 1970s, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A set of three Danish oak nesting tables from the 1970s, designed to slide neatly beneath one another when not in use. Crafted from solid oak, each table features decorative ceramic ...
Ceramic, Oak
$1,500 / set
Set of G Plan Astro Nesting Tables in Teak #2
By Victor Wilkins, G Plan Furniture
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: England Designer: Victor B. Wilkins Manufacturer: G Plan Era: 1966 Materials: Teak, Afromosia Measurements: 19.5" wide x 19.5" deep x 20" tall
Teak
Contemporary Dornes Nesting Coffee Table Set/2, Walnut Root, Handmade Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Dornes Nesting Coffee Table, Set/2, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Dornes nesting coffee table is a tribute to Portu...
Onyx, Travertine, Granite, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Poul Hundevad Teak Folding Side Table, Danish Modern Design, 1970
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A mid-century Poul Hundevad teak folding table is a refined example of Danish modern design, combining elegance, practicality, and superb craftsmanship. Crafted from solid teak, the...
Teak
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Tables, Set/3, Walnut, Brass, by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Table, Set/3, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Landscape nesting coffee table draws inspiration from the ...
Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Set of Three Hand-Crafted Nesting Tables in Travertine, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Set of Three Hand-Crafted Nesting Tables in Travertine, 1970s Beautiful set of three elegant nesting tables of three different sizes in order to be put one below the other. Hand-Cra...
Travertine
Mid-Century Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Table Oro Marble Handmade Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Table, Set of 2, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Landscape nesting coffee table draws inspiration from the organic beauty of natural landscapes. Its flowing form evokes the gentle contours of rolling hills and shifting sands, capturing the movement of nature in a sculptural design. Created to bring depth and artistic expression to contemporary interiors, the Landscape nesting coffee table adds a sense of balance and tranquility to any space. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Landscape Nesting Coffee Table can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. The Landscape coffee table features semicircular legs in brushed and burnished antique brass with a matte varnish A polished Calacatta Oro marble top in cream and golden tones adds contrast to the design. Set of 2 Landscape Coffee Tables...
Marble, Brass
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Large Nesting / Stacking Tables, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Gianfranco Frattini stacking nest of three tables for Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Rare white version in larger, wider size. Wooden frames in original white paint with reversible laminat...
Laminate, Walnut
Poul Hundevad Teak Folding Side Table, Danish Modern Design, 1970
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A mid-century Poul Hundevad teak folding table is a refined example of Danish modern design, combining elegance, practicality, and superb craftsmanship. Crafted from solid teak, the...
Teak
Unusual Wrought Iron Nesting Tables Mid Century American in the French Style
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Unusual set of three wrought iron and glass nesting tables, having curlicue scroll legs, wrought iron frames with glass tops. The three graduated tables nest into the larger table. We believe these are American made Mid 20th C. The tables are currently in later black paint finish, clean ready to use condition. Please view our extensive collection of garden, patio, sunroom, and poolside furniture...
Wrought Iron
Design Institute of America Revolving Brass & Tinted Glass Coffee Table
Located in Wilton, CT
Stunning piece of art & design by the Design Institute of America. A dynamically kinetic piece that transforms with the touch of your hand. In a closed position this piece is a m...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Yugoslavia 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
This listing features a mid century modern set of 3 nesting tables, done in solid beech wood with smoked glass tops. Tables can function as 3 separate pieces, or they can get stacked...
Beech
Set of Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Mahogany Nesting Tables Circa 1980s
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of three nesting tables in mahogany with elegantly curved legs, designed by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture, circa 1980s. Largest table measures 24" high, 20.5" wide, 11.75" d...
Mahogany
Plexiglas Stands from Braun Electric by Dieter Rams, 1960s Germany
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The buyer of this set gets the four alarm clocks for free. Most go, but are just free of charge and not to complain :). Thanks.
Acrylic
$3,044 / item
Mid Century Style Nest of Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern style nest of tables. The side tables are sculpted from American walnut with a hand-rubbed lacquer finish and brass ferrules. Hardware is acid dipped and hand-ru...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Design Institute of America Chrome and Glass Nesting Tables
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A set of 3 chrome and glass nesting tables by Design Institute of America. Clean and flowing design that looks good stacked together or spread out. Would make a great multi tiered coffee table...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 3 Mid-Century Danish Modern Nesting Tables Rosewood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 3 Mid-Century Danish Modern rosewood nesting tables. They all nest stacking downward. 3 tables total. The dimensions are for all the tables nested into one. Good vintage condi...
Rosewood
Contemporary Landscape Marble Nesting Coffee Table Set of 2, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Landscape Coffee Tables, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Landscape nesting coff...
Onyx, Travertine, Granite, Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
$1,024Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fine Set of Mosaic and Black Iron Nesting Tables France 1950
Located in Brussels, BE
Fine set of three mosaic nesting tables. French fifties.
Iron
Mid-Century Kai Kristiansen Style Minimalist Side Table, Teak, Inset Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Side table attributed to the style of Kai Kristiansen showcases minimalist Scandinavian design through its geometric cube frame. Constructed from teak-toned wood with clean lines and...
Glass, Teak
Custom Set of 2 Parchment Nesting Tables with Bronze Banding in the JMF Manner
Located in New York, NY
A set of 2 custom parchment nesting tables with bronze banding in the Jean Michel Frank manner, can be custom made with a lead time of 8-10 weeks. The taller table measures: H 19.5"...
Bronze
$746Sale Price / set|25% Off
Mid-Century Mersman Furniture Mahogany Nesting Tables
By Mersman
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of 3 Mid-Century Mersman Furniture Mahogany Nesting Tables Measures 23" in width, 15" in depth and 24" in height for the largest table.
Mahogany
$3,314 / set
Aldo Tura Nesting Table Brown Goatskin 1960
By Aldo Tura
Located in Munich, DE
Nesting tables made by Aldo Tura in brown lacquered goatskin and executed circa 1960s with stained beech wood legs, in excellent vintage condition. The lacquered surface is new polis...
Goatskin, Beech
Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, set of Four in cream wood, 1960 Italy
Located in London, GB
Minimalist set of four nesting tables in descending heights. They are made of beech wood painted cream. Tables can function as four separate pieces, or they can get stacked one into ...
Beech, Plywood
2 Sets of 2 Wrought Iron Patio Garden Nesting Tables Attributed to Salterini
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Offered are a total of 4 tables, comprised of 2 sets of 2 nesting tables. The tables are structurally sound and sturdy, both show cosmetic wear to the paint finish, see images. Price...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Danish Oak Nesting Tables with Ceramic Tile Tops, 1970s Set of Three
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A set of three Danish nesting tables crafted in solid oak with decorative ceramic tile tops, produced during the 1970s. Their compact design allows the tables to slide neatly beneath...
Ceramic, Oak
Set of 3 Nesting Tables T61E by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1957
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Set of 3 Nesting Tables T61E by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1957
Metal
Chrome and Glass Nesting End Side Tables, Midcentury Modern, ca, Mid-20th C
Located in New York, NY
A set of chrome and glass nesting end or side tables, Mid‑Century Modern design, circa mid‑20th century. A set of rectangular chrome and glass nesting tables, each with a polished c...
Chrome
$1,950 / set
Italian Set of Three Nesting Brass Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid century set of three nesting tables. Antique brass base with the fume glass top. Brass is not polish but shows original condition. We can polished on request. Medium table dimen...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Stacking Nesting Tables by Vladimir Kagan Signed
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic set of stcking/nesting tables by Vladimir Kagan in solid wanut. Sculptural legs all in hand selected solid walnut that come up the tops which have a solid central panel and...
Walnut
Nest of 3 Art Deco Mid Century Wrought Iron Patio Garden Tables by Salterini
By Woodard Furniture Co., Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of three graduated size nesting tables in wrought iron, attributed to Salterini. The tables feature a decorative flowing wave like repeat as vertical supports, which support...
Wrought Iron
Set of 4 Modular Triangular Wooden Tables, 1970s: Worldwide Free Shipping
Located in Lisse, NL
Set of 4 Modular Triangular Tables, 1970s I’m kind of obsessed with this set. Four little triangular tables from the 1970s, all solid wood with a gorgeous warm tone and that perfect...
Wood
Set of Five Poul Hundevad Hanging Circular Nest Teak Tables, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of 5 Danish Modern Poul Hundevad Denmark for Novy Domov Walnut finish Nesting Tables. Featuring a rectangular trolley on four casters, 4 individual, (1/2H) round, drop leaf foldi...
Walnut
$3,360Sale Price / set|49% Off
Toqapu Studio Nest of Stacking Tables , circa 1985
By Toqapu Studio
Located in Camden, ME
Toqapu Studio handcrafted nest of three side tables stamped probably from the mid 1980s. Their design references the sloped Incan pyramids. Toqapu refers to woven square designs f...
Pearwood
Restored Midcentury Nesting Tables, Chrome-Plated Steel, Glass, Czechia, 1960s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Midcentury Nesting Tables. Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Opaxit Glass Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1960-1969 The chrome parts have been cleaned and professiona...
Steel, Chrome
Guillerme & Chambron, Set of 3 Tile-Topped Nesting Tables, France, Midcentury
Located in Vienna, AT
French side tables or nesting tables by Guillerme et Chambron, circa 1960 Dimensions are: 13" x 23.6" x 20"/ 13" x 18.9" x 18.1"/ 13" x 15.7" x 17.32" Introducing a stunning and ve...
Oak, Ceramic
Set of Mid Century Nesting Tables in Solid Oak
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set of Mid Century Nesting Tables in Solid Oak, Europe, mid 20th century. This is a lovely set of nesting tables in solid oak, made in Europe in the middle of the 20th century. Time...
Oak
$1,500 / set
G Plan Astro Tile Top Nesting Tables in Teak #3
By G Plan Furniture, Victor Wilkins
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: England Designer: Victor B. Wilkins Manufacturer: G Plan Era: 1966 Materials: Teak, Afromosia, Tile Measurements: 19.5″ wide x 19.5″ deep x 20″ tall
Teak
Set of Teak Nesting Tables by Johannes Andersen for Silkeborg Møbelfabrik, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant set of 1960s teak nesting tables designed by Johannes Andersen and produced by Silkeborg Møbelfabrik. Each table features beautiful ceramic tiles in rich green and blue tones...
Ceramic, Teak
$1,421Sale Price / set|25% Off
Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Nesting Tables By Bodil Kjaer Pedersen & Son
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of three mid-century Danish modern nesting / stacking tables designed by Bodil Kjaer for Pedersen & Son. The rosewood frames have clean lines, and the faux leather ...
Faux Leather, Rosewood