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.
Wood and Glass Set of Three Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful set of three nesting tables in wood and smoked glass attributed to Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Smoked Glass, Wood
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
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
Pierre Chapo Style Brutalist Oak Triangular Nesting Tables, Set of 3
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three graduated nesting tables in solid oak, each featuring a softly rounded triangular top and three cylindrical legs. The forms are organic and direct — thick, tactile surfa...
Oak
Pierre Chapo Inspired Oak Nesting Tables, Set of 3
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three graduated oak nesting tables in the manner of Pierre Chapo. Each table features a thick solid oak top with softly rounded edges and four chunky, slightly splayed legs. T...
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 attrac...
Rosewood
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
Gianfranco Frattini Large Version Nesting Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Modern Arbel Travertine Nesting Coffee Table, 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
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
Bar set attributed to Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in bruxelles, BE
The set includes a cabinet with three illuminated shelves made of suede and metal. It also includes a suede and metal countertop with a mirrored top, a refrigerator, and a glass disp...
Metal
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
$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 Nesting Tables with Smoked Glass, Slovenia, 1970
Located in Ljubljana, SI
The tables are designed to fit seamlessly one under another, offering flexible use in any space – from the living room to a stylish lounge corner. The minimalist form, warmth of woo...
Smoked Glass, Hardwood
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Tables, Set/3, Walnut, Brass, by Greenapple
By GF Contemporary, 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 ...
Marble, Travertine, Quartz, Onyx, Brass, Stainless Steel
$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
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
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
Italian mid century modern goatskin nesting tables by Aldo Tura 1960´s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Original Aldo Tura nesting tables. An outlier in the world of Italian mid-century furniture. The beautifully crafted tables lacquered goatskin tables are each a unique piece of atten...
Goatskin
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
$6,000 / set
David Wurster Nest of Tables for Raymor
By David Wurster, Raymor
Located in New York, NY
Nest of three tables with birch tops and blackened tubular steel legs. Designed by David Wurster and produced for Richards-Morgentau (Raymor) circa 1952. Wurster's lighting was a reg...
Steel
Model 780 side tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sculptural set of four Model 780 side tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in the 1960s. This iconic Italian design perfectly captures the balanc...
Laminate, Wood
Model 780 Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 Wooden nesting tables. Reversible black and white top. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age of the tables. Measures: Height Small: 24 cm Height Medium 1: 29 cm Height M...
Wood
Set of Two Black Wrought Iron Nesting Tables Attributed to Salterini
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage set of two black wrought iron nesting tables attributed to Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Graduated in size, they fit nicely within each other and maneuver easily. An ico...
Wrought Iron
Three Block Nanda Vigo, Acerbis 1979 table coffee
By Acerbis, Nanda Vigo
Located in Palermo, IT
Italian modernist sculptural coffee table Nanda Vigo, dating from the '79s The piece features a thick rectangular glass top resting on three geometric cubic bases of brushed steel a...
Crystal
1970s Jens Quistgaard Cube Nesting Tables for Richard Nissen- A Pair
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An iconic and desirable pair of tables designed by Jens Quistgaard for Richard Nissen. Wonderful exposed joinery on the sides of the tables, playful circular openings, and tables tha...
Teak
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
Onyx and Stainless Steel Nesting Tables by Brueton, 1980s
By Brueton
Located in Hamburg, PA
A gorgeous set of three stainless steel and onyx nesting tables by Brueton. This aesthetically pleasing set of side tables is very functional. This set came out of a high-end executi...
Onyx, Stainless Steel
Set of Nesting Table in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Three nesting tables featuring a wooden structure with brass corners and glass shelves in decreasing sizes. Dimensions: Biggest: 47cm height x 56 width x 47cm depth Middle: 4...
Metal, Brass
$1,048Sale Price / set|27% Off
1970s Vintage Italian Nesting Tables with Red Iron Frame & Smoked Glass
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Nesting Tables with Red Iron Frame & Smoked Glass - Italy, 1970s A colorfull yet unsual set of vintage nesting tables from the 1970s that feature a bold red-colored iron fra...
Iron
Italian Midcentury Gianfranco Frattini Black Nesting Tables for Cassina, 1960s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Set of three black high gloss stacking tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s. The wood has been completely re-lacquered due to the worn surface and is now in perfect condition....
Glass, Wood
Chrome and Brass Nesting Italian Coffee Tables with Smoked Glass Top, 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Midcentury chrome and brass set of three nesting coffee tables with smoked glass top. This wonderful item was made in Italy during the 1970...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Set of Three Glass & Chromed Steel Nesting Tables By Design Institute America
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This simple yet elegant trio was made by prestigious manufacturer Design Institute America, known simply as DIA. Designed after the mannerisms made popular by Milo Baughman in the 19...
Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Side Nesting Tables Walnut Wood, France, circa 1955
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of 3 brutalist nesting tables in solid wood, France, circa 1950. Great set of tables that can either be used as a nest or a cluster. The have a particularly nice wood grain ...
Walnut
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
Mid-Century Danish Oak Nesting Tables with Tile Tops
Located in Praha, CZ
This refined set of mid-century modern nesting tables was produced in Denmark during the 1960s. Constructed from solid oak, the tables feature decorative ceramic tile tops with expre...
Ceramic, Oak
$3,371 / 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
Two Piece Garden Patio Poolside Nesting Tables by Salterini 2 Sets Available
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of two nesting tables by Salterini. Constructed of wrought iron, and metal mesh, these tables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, they are structurally sound and sturdy, all show some cosmetic wear to the paint finish, normal and consistent with age. Please note the tables are offered and priced as a set of two, not all four, tables. Measures: Larger table 18.5 W x 14.5 D x 19 H Smaller table 17 W x 15 D x 18 H inches. Please view our extensive collection of vintage garden, patio, and poolside furniture...
Wrought Iron
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
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Table, Set/3, Nilo Onyx, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Landscape Nesting Coffee Table, Set of 3, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Landscape nesting coffee table draws inspiration from t...
Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage Retro Italian Chrome Toned Pair of Tripod Nesting Tables by Saporiti
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of circular Nesting Tables has removable glass trays. They sit on rectangular hairpin legs with tabs at the top. Made In Italy. Circa 1970. They rest on top of each other ...
Glass
Aldo Tura Goatskin Nesting Tables in Ivory Crème, Italy, 1950s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Den Haag, NL
Aldo Tura goatskin nesting tables in Ivory crème, Italy, 1950s.
Brass
Poul Thorsbjerg Jensen triangle nesting tables 1950s
By Poul Thorsbjerg Jensen, Selig
Located in Den Haag, NL
Fantastic Danish nesting table set. Mark the refined styling details such as curving lines of the trays and the thin drumstick legs. This table set evokes a warm atmosphere to any...
Teak
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
Modern Landscape Travertine Nesting Coffee Table Set/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
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
$1,950 / set
Mid-Century Modern Set of Three Nesting Tables
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Mid-Century Modern set of three nesting tables with inlay along the tops and on the two sides. The larger table measures 24.25"w x 15.50"d x 17.25"h; the middle one measures 22.25...
Wood
Set of Three Danish Modern Teak Nesting Tables by Vi-Ma Mobler
By VM Mobler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Set of Three Danish Modern Teak Nesting Tables by Vi-Ma Mobler - the perfect addition to your living room or office space. Crafted with high-quality teak wood, these ...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Nesting Tables, France 1960's
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Mid-Century Modern oak nesting tables, France 1960's. Solid Oak with lovely curved sides. Sizes: Largest: 63cmx24cmx45cm Middle: 49cmx24cmx40cm Smallest: 35cmx24cmx36cm.
Oak
Set of Three Nesting Tables Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three nesting tables attributed to Jean Royère dimensions: 1) 17 inches L, 12 inches W, 15 inches H 2) 19 inches L, 12 inches W, 17 inches H 3) 21 inches L, 12 inches W, 18 in...
Iron
$1,445 / set
Set of 3 Danish Modern Teak Nesting Tables
Located in Kensington, MD
Set of 3 Danish Modern Teak Nesting Tables Additional information: Material: Teak Featured at DC: Set of 3 graduated nesting tables in teak. Each has lighter edge band definin...
Teak
British Midcentury Nesting Tables in Teak by McIntosh
Located in Leicester, GB
This is a beautiful mid-century set of three coffee tables by A.H McIntosh & Co Ltd, Kirkcaldy, Scotland. This solid teak nesting table set is...
Teak
Unusual Circular Nest of Library Tables This is a very unusual set of tables
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Unusual Circular Nest of Library Tables This is a very unusual set of tables, the largest table is circular in shape and the others are quarter wedge shaped and fit underneath. The ...
Leather
Midcentury Nesting Brass and Briar Coffee Tables, Italy, 1970s
Located in Lucija, SI
Set of 3 brass, glass and briar root nesting coffee or end tables. Made in Italy in the 1970s. In very good vintage condition with minor signs of wear on the glass. Dimensions : ...
Brass
Set of Three Nesting Tables French Bauhaus Style Metal and Glass circa 1970
By Bauhaus
Located in Labrit, Landes
Three nesting vintage tables , French, circa 1970 This table series was manufactured with a Bauhaus influence. Refined style thanks to the use of simple materials such as glass and m...
Metal
Palecek Coconut & Chrome Nesting Tables / Stacking Tables Handcrafted, Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
Asian modern chrome & handcrafted fossilized coconut top set of 3 nesting tables or stacking tables made by Palecek Furniture in the Philippines. Restored condition and ready for...
Chrome
Poul Kjaerholm model "PK 71" nesting tables for by E. Kold Christensen Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Skokie, IL
Poul Kjaerholm model "PK 71" nesting cube side tables produced by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1957 Dimensions: largest table measures 11 3/8" h x 11" w x 11" d Materials: matte...
Steel
Danish Severin Hansen Set Oblong Nesting Tables of teak by Haslev Furniture 60s
By Severin Hansen Jr., Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Severin Hansen Jr. set of oblong nesting tables from the 1960s The set is made of teak with oil treatment Manufacturer: Haslev Møbelfabrik/Møbelsnedkeri Measures large tabl...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Bordeira Nesting Coffee Table, Onyx Brass, by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Bordeira Nesting Coffee Table, Set/2, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Bordeira nesting coffee table was designed to b...
Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Amethyst, Quartz, Brass, Stainless Steel
Nesting Tables in Rosewood with Tiles by Johannes Andersen for CFC, 1960s
By CFC Silkeborg, Johannes Andersen
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
legant and versatile set of nesting tables designed by Johannes Andersen and produced by CFC Silkeborg in the 1960s. Crafted from richly grained rosewood and featuring distinctive ce...
Ceramic, Rosewood