previous unknown and possible unique sofa by gastone rinaldi
Located in Munich, DE
unique gastone rinaldi sofa by rima. possibly a prototype. according to giuseppe and jacopo drago writers off the book about rima and gastoni rinaldi and longtime collectors of rima...
Metal
Porto Venere sofa's by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of exquisite yellow suede portovenere wingback chairs designed by Vico Magsitretti for Cassina. Very comfortable armchairs with wingback headrests. This design is less know th...
Suede
Sofa Model DS-61 Produced by De Sede in Switzerland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model DS-61. Produced by De Sede in Switzerland.
Leather
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Irving Harper, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$3,812Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Midcentury Modern Italian Design Leather 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design Leather 3 Seat Sofa. Made in Italy, 1960's / 70's period. Cognac leather three seat sofa with straps and buckles on the side rests. Bulbous s...
Leather
Baxter ‘Arcon’ Sofa Large in Buffalo Leather by Marco Milisich – Italy, 1970’s
By Baxter
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
The Baxter Arcon Sofa by Marco Milisich – A Masterclass in Vintage Italian Luxury Elevate your living space with the unmistakable presence of the Baxter Arcon, a true icon of 1970s a...
Leather
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines fo...
Metal
Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC5 Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1934. Relaunched by Cassina in 2014. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Contemporary and comfortable lines for ...
Metal
Cognac Leather 2-Seater Sofa by MarCo Milisich for Baxter, Italy, 1970
By Baxter
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing the exquisite cognac leather 2-seater sofa 1970 by Marco Milisich for Baxter Arcon - a true masterpiece of mid-century design. This stunning piece of furniture boasts a r...
Leather
Ava Settee 3-Seat Smooth Orange Seat and Textured Orange Backrest Wooden Feet
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Comfortable and elegant, Ava settee is a versatile piece where creativity meets no boundaries, fabrics, solid woods, lacquers and brass fittings are chosen and combined in many ways ...
Brass
Ava Settee 2-Seat Orange Seat and Textured Orange Fabric Backrest Wooden Feet
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Comfortable and elegant, Ava settee is a versatile piece where creativity meets no boundaries: fabrics, solid woods, lacquers and brass fittings are chosen and combined in many ways ...
Brass
Wonderful No. 26 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Rare no.26 by florence knoll in showroom condition. Hardly used only re-upholstered and used one time for a photo shooting and very exclusive model redone with very cosy fabric in wa...
Metal
Modular DS-600 Sofa by Berger, Peduzzi, Vogt & Ulrich for De Sede, 1970s
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular Sofa by De Sede in leather and fabric composed of 11 elements, Model: DS-600, Modular sofa. Seat height 40 cm Wear due to time and age of the sofa. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US F...
Leather, Fabric
DOOQ Organic Modern Sofa with Rich Weaved Copper Texture Malibu, w=200 cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Like a warm embrace, Malibu Sofa welcomes you to stay within and relax. An elevated homage to the golden age of midcentury design and organic architecture, it radiates through its un...
Bouclé, Velvet
$7,147Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 seater modular sofa Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova Nuvolone, Italy 70s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Set of 4 "Nuvolone" Lounge Chairs by Rino Maturi for Mimo Leone & Co., Italy, 1970s This stunning set of four "Nuvolone" modular lounge chairs, designed by Rino Maturi for Mimo Leon...
Fabric
Italian Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini le Bambole for B&B Italia 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early editions, and still 100% original, r...
Leather
Rare Bull Sofa in Terra Alcantara by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy, 1987
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Elegant two-seat loveseat designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1987 and is covered in beautiful terracotta alcantara. The integrated headrests curve around to envelop the s...
Ultrasuede
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa in Chic Mango Fabric with Peach Tube Steel, Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Timelessly iconic Le Corbusier LC2 three-seater sofa in peach tube steel and herringbone-patterned mango fabric. Made in Italy by Cassina. Signed with serial number. The LC2 was des...
Steel
Maralunga 3-seater in burnt orange velvet by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in amstelveen, NL
Maralunga three-seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s. Introduced in 1973, the Maralunga became one of the most celebrated Italian sofa designs, renowned f...
Cotton, Velvet
$5,630Sale Price / set|20% Off
De Sede DS46 Cognac Buffalo Leather Sectional Sofa, Switzerland - 1976
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
De Sede DS-46 sofa in thick Buffalo leather. Good condition with signs of age, use and fading. Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: De Sede Country: Switzerland Model: DS-46 sofa Design ...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B I...
Leather
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Orange Togo, Set of Five
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This five-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be confi...
Fabric
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Orange Togo, Set of Three
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic. This three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be conf...
Fabric
Pair of Florence Knoll Settees with Green Geometric Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century two-seat armless Settees with a green geometric upholstered seat and back cushions supported on black powder coated metal frames. (FLORENCE KNOLL / KNOLL...
Metal
$27,400 / set
Living room Sofa and two armchairs from the 1970s, designed by Ennio Chiggio Habitat IDS
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and sculptural seating set designed by Ennio Chiggio for haBITAT iDS, comprising a sofa and matching armchairs. The structure is crafted in molded polyurethane with lower ba...
Leather
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are available in our parallel listings herr o...
Leather, Foam
Beautiful Mid century Danish Modern tan Leather loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid century Danish Scandinavian modern light tan leather loveseat sofa with Square dark stained wood legs. Nice thick light tan leather is soft and shows signs of use and patin...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Jacques Charpentier, France
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa from the 1970s in original condition Leather cushions over a brushed steel base Designer Jacques Charpentier Sofa is convertible in a bed , mattress missing.
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern yellow divano, designed most likely by Paolo Buffa in good condition. The seat backrest has a floating back with gently outstretched arms. The large Ital...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Olivier Mourgue Iconic Djinn Sofa Airborne 1963 Reupholstered orange Kvadrat
By Olivier Mourgue
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Designed by French industrial designer Olivier Mourgue in 1964–65 for Airborne, the Djinn sofa is an icon of Space Age design. Defined by its flowing, sculptural silhouette and low-s...
Steel
$2,688Sale Price|20% Off
Restored Mid-century Child Size Three-Strand "Horse Shoe Arm" Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired rare child-sized rattan sectional sofa is crafted with Frankl style 3-strand "Horse Shoe" arms, featuring smooth curves and a sturdy de...
Rattan
Vintage 1970s Bamboo Rattan Demilune Mid-Century Modern Console Sofa Table Mint
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Vintage 1970s bamboo Rattan Demi Lune Mid-Century Modern console sofa table mint.
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Amanta 24 armchair modular sofa Mario Bellini B&B Italia 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-Century Modern Amanta 24 Armchair Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s This exceptional set of 10 Amanta 24 lounge chairs, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Itali...
Fabric, Plastic
3-Piece Lounge Suite 3-seat settee Sofa Armchair Pair Vintage 1970 Orange Boucle
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, vintage 1970's, 3-piece lounge suite comprising a 3 seater, settee or sofa and a pair of armchairs all with original, orange boucle upholstery in fabulous original condition in...
Wool
Pair of Large Oversize 4x4 Orange Upholstery Square Benches by Steelcase Sofa
By Knoll, Steelcase
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of oversize mid century modern benches by Steelcase.
Upholstery
Torso Chaise Sofa by Paolo Deganello
By Paolo Deganello
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This incredible "Torso" chaise sofa by Paolo Deganello pairs black leather with yellow upholstery in a striking design in what is sure to be a unique addition to any interior. Please...
Metal
1960s Spanish Handmade Bamboo Sofa
Located in Marbella, ES
1960s Spanish handmade bamboo sofa.
Bamboo
Gerard Van Den Berg (1947-) 2-Seater Sofa
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking 1970s “The Rock” 2-seater sofa by Gerard van den Berg for Montis is a true statement piece of Dutch design. Its sculptural silhouette and low-slung form make it both co...
Leather
Vintage Scandinavian Sofa/Bench/Vintage Coffee Table
Located in London, Lambeth
Unusual sofa bench / coffee table in steel and Perpex construction Number of options layout.
Metal
Olivier Mourgue Iconic Djinn Sofa Airborne 1963 Reupholstered in vibrant Kvadrat
By Olivier Mourgue
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Designed by French industrial designer Olivier Mourgue in 1964–65 for Airborne, the Djinn sofa is an icon of Space Age design. Defined by its flowing, sculptural silhouette and low-s...
Steel
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Vintage Midcentury Cabin Modern Porch Sunroom Wicker Rattan Settee Sofa
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice midcentury Settee with a wonderful modern influenced form similiar to the Eero Aarnio designs. Ready for your interior matching cushions. Does not come with upholstery. W 48 ...
Wicker
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Sofa with Ebonized Base and Sunburst Fabric
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century sofa with orange, yellow, and gold sunburst patterned upholstery, resting on an ebonized wooden sled base.
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Ebony
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.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
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