Mid Century Orange Glass

Orange Tray

Orange Ceramics

Orange 1960s Italian Glass Vase

Orange Murano Glass Bowl

Orange And White Glass Vase

Vintage 1960s Ceramics

Poland Glass

Ashtray Orange

Mid Century Orange Glass and Fabric Shade Table Lamp, 1960s

$2,045

Mid Century Orange Glass and Fabric Shade Table Lamp, 1960s

By Luxus of Sweden

Located in Hagenbach, DE

A beautiful large table lamp made in the 1960s. The base is made of heavy orange colored glass. The

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Fabric, Glass

Higgins Art Glass Orange Tray

$675

Higgins Art Glass Orange Tray

By Higgins Glass

Located in New York, NY

Pop Art influenced vibrant orange art glass tray by Higgins.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Orange Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$84

Mid Century Orange Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in good condition. Original stamp - as shown on pictures. Only one unique piece.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Murano Art Glass Egg, Orange & Transparent, Italy

$541

Mid-Century Modern Murano Art Glass Egg, Orange & Transparent, Italy

Located in Roma, Lazio

Egg with orange and transparent internal decorations. A sculpture of the highest quality, one of a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Murano Orange Art Glass Egg, Italy, 1980

$541

Mid-Century Modern Murano Orange Art Glass Egg, Italy, 1980

Located in Roma, Lazio

Egg with orange and transparent internal decorations. A sculpture of the highest quality, one of a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Orange Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

$156

Mid Century Vintage Orange Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 17cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Orange Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

$156

Mid Century Vintage Orange Artistic Glass Vase, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 24cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Orange Crystal Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$144

Mid Century Vintage Orange Crystal Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage crystal glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Murano Orange Cased Glass Vase, Italy 1970s

$505

Mid-Century Murano Orange Cased Glass Vase, Italy 1970s

By VeArt

Located in Roma, IT

Amazing midcentury Murano glass vase in a vibrant orange encased glass. This lovely piece was

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Murano Orange Glass Bowl Ashtray, Italy, 1970s

$220

Mid Century Murano Orange Glass Bowl Ashtray, Italy, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

This original vintage glass ash tray bowl element was designed and produced in the 1970s in

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Fenton Art Glass Hobnail Orb, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1970s

$230

Fenton Art Glass Hobnail Orb, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1970s

By Fenton Art Glass Company 1

Located in Warrenton, OR

Fenton Art Glass Hobnail Orb, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1970s. Open Ball-Shaped Ashtray / Bowl

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange and White Vase, Europe, 1970s

$216

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange and White Vase, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 28cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Crystal Orange Artistic Glass Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s

$108

Mid Century Crystal Orange Artistic Glass Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

This original vintage glass element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Vintage Slim High Orange Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

$421

Mid Century Vintage Slim High Orange Decorative Glass Vase, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Artistic Glass Big Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Sulczan, Europe, 1970s

$384

Mid Century Artistic Glass Big Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Sulczan, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 40 cm Very good

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Slim Orange and Blue Decorative Glass Vases, Europe, 1960s

$180 / set

Mid Century Vintage Slim Orange and Blue Decorative Glass Vases, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box. No

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Mid-century Orange Vase with Black Rim c.1960

$75

Mid-century Orange Vase with Black Rim c.1960

By Murano 5

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Small cylindrical vibrant orange glass vase with black rim. Possibly Murano. CREATOR

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Artistic Glass Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Sulczan, Europe, 1970s

$276

Mid Century Artistic Glass Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Sulczan, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 37 cm Very good

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

$216

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 14 cm Very good

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

$216

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 12 cm round 12cm Good

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Light Orange Big Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 2000s

$421

Mid Century Vintage Light Orange Big Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 2000s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

of Murano since the 13th century. Today Murano is known for its art glass, but it has a long history

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Beige Orange Artistic Glass Vase, Candlestick, Europe, 1970s

$179

Mid Century Vintage Beige Orange Artistic Glass Vase, Candlestick, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

: 2nd half 20th century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange and White Vase, Europe, 1970s

$96

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Orange and White Vase, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 18cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

White glass table lamp with black metal base in mid-century 1960s style

$3,248

White glass table lamp with black metal base in mid-century 1960s style

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Glass and metal table lamp, 1960s Condition: Very good - restored Materials: Painted metal, Opal glass

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Six Vintage Federal Glassware Tumblers with Concentric Squares in Orange Enamel

$325 / set

Six Vintage Federal Glassware Tumblers with Concentric Squares in Orange Enamel

By Federal Glass

Located in Nantucket, MA

Six Mid-Century Modern tumblers by Federal Glass with blocks of concentric squares in orange enamel

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Brown Yellow Orange Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s

$108

Mid Century Vintage Brown Yellow Orange Glass Sugar Bowl, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in good condition. The sugar bowl looks very good on every style table. Very good

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Red Orange Vase Big Pot, Europe, 1970s

$276

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Red Orange Vase Big Pot, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

century Information: laminated glass, hand-formed, mass decoration with a crack motif. height: 33cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Big Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

$300

Mid Century Vintage Artistic Glass Big Orange Vase, Tarnowiec, Europe, 1970s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

glass, mass-colored, hand-formed. Vintage product from 1970s Dimensions: height 36 cm round 16 cm

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Livio Seguso Murano “Scavo” Orange Glass Vase, Italy, Late 20th Century

$7,000

Livio Seguso Murano “Scavo” Orange Glass Vase, Italy, Late 20th Century

By Livio Seguso

Located in CABA, AR

archaeological glass through controlled chemical erosion. The rich orange coloration, combined with the textured

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Small Orange Crystal Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s

$96

Mid Century Vintage Small Orange Crystal Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Swedish Mid Century Modern Flygsfors Orange Bubblegum Centerpiece

$544Sale Price|29% Off

Swedish Mid Century Modern Flygsfors Orange Bubblegum Centerpiece

By Flygsfors, Paul Kedelv

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid Century Modern Flygfors orange bubblegum centerpiece from the range coquille by Paul Kedelv.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Majolica Orange Oyster Plate Vallauris

$280

Mid-Century Majolica Orange Oyster Plate Vallauris

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Mid-Century Ceramic Orange Oyster Plate Vallauris circa 1950. 9 colors available. pink,navy blue

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Colony Crown Topaz Amber Glasses, Set of 8

$255 / set

Colony Crown Topaz Amber Glasses, Set of 8

By Colony Glass

Located in Bradenton, FL

A set of eight amber glasses made by Colony for their Crown Topaz collection. Glasses are pressed

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Indiana Glass Kings Crown Amber Coupe Glasses - Set of 4

$75 / set

Indiana Glass Kings Crown Amber Coupe Glasses - Set of 4

By Indiana Glass Company

Located in Fairfield, CA

A set of 4 gorgeous coupe glasses with a lovely ornate design in amber glass. Made in the King's

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Space Age Orange Plastic Tray, 1960s

$821

Mid-Century Space Age Orange Plastic Tray, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Space Age Orange Plastic Tray, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Vintage Orange Crystal Vase, Italy, 1960s

$192

Mid-Century Vintage Orange Crystal Vase, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in good original condition. One defect on the bottom of the vase. Some sketches - all

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Vintage Orange Crystal Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s

$144

Mid Century Vintage Orange Crystal Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Glass

Cappellin Murano Round Orange Color Glass Plate, 1920

$1,564

Cappellin Murano Round Orange Color Glass Plate, 1920

By Cappellin

Located in Roma, Lazio

orange background, handcrafted in the Murano furnaces. The plate is made of glass paste with a

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Mikasa Pastelle Orange and White Mugs - Set of 7

$75 / set

Mid Century Mikasa Pastelle Orange and White Mugs - Set of 7

Located in Fairfield, CA

A set of 7 mid century ceramic mugs from the "Pastelle" line by Mikasa. Orange exteriors with white

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Decorative Goblet in Amber and Clear glass

$1,924

Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Decorative Goblet in Amber and Clear glass

Located in Villaverla, IT

This exquisite decorative goblet is a premier example of Italian glass artistry from the 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Circa 1950s Amber to Green Murano Glass Amporphous Form Cigar Ashtray

$295

Circa 1950s Amber to Green Murano Glass Amporphous Form Cigar Ashtray

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Amber to green Murano glass amorphous form cigar ashtray, circa 1950s. Sommerso technique - multi

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Mid Century Centerpiece in Art Glass 1970s

$2,376

Large Mid Century Centerpiece in Art Glass 1970s

Located in Tilburg, NL

Large Mid Century Centerpiece in Art Glass 1970s. Very large mid century centerpiece or decorative

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Art Glass

Cappellin Murano Round Orange Color Glass Plate, 1920

$1,251Sale Price|20% Off

Cappellin Murano Round Orange Color Glass Plate, 1920

By Cappellin

Located in Roma, Lazio

orange background, handcrafted in the Murano furnaces. The plate is made of glass paste with a

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Pair Couroc Trays & Orange Vintage Plastic Salad Serving Set

$1,195 / set

Mid-Century Modern Pair Couroc Trays & Orange Vintage Plastic Salad Serving Set

By The Couroc Company, Culver Ltd.

Located in Topeka, KS

Wonderful vintage mid-century modern 6 gold embossed owl Tom Collins Culver glasses (2 with

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

Orange Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany

$312

Orange Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Life-size glass head in a unique orange color. Produced in a German glassworks in the 1970s

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Orange Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany

$421

Orange Vintage Decorative Mannequin Glass Head Sculpture, 1970s, Germany

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Life-size glass head in a unique orange color. Produced in a German steelworks in the 1970s

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid Century Vintage Small Orange Red Crystal Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s

$72

Mid Century Vintage Small Orange Red Crystal Vase, 20th Century, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in very good condition. The vase looks like it has just been taken out of the box

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Georgian Amber Cordial Glasses - Set of 6

$70 / set

Mid Century Georgian Amber Cordial Glasses - Set of 6

Located in Fairfield, CA

A set of 6 vintage amber cordial glasses. Made in the "Georgian" pattern. Nice faceted bases with a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Vintage Descoware Mid Century Modern Cast Iron Orange Enamel Lidded Dutch Oven

$89

Vintage Descoware Mid Century Modern Cast Iron Orange Enamel Lidded Dutch Oven

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Descoware Mid Century Modern Cast Iron Orange Enamel Lidded Dutch Oven. Circa Late 20th

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Iron

Orange Mid-Century Metal Serving Tray with Handles, Powder Coated

$225

Orange Mid-Century Metal Serving Tray with Handles, Powder Coated

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large MCM Orange Metal Serving Bar Tray with Handles This large and very sturdy Hermes color

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Vintage Transparent and Orange Crystal Vase, Italy, 1960s

$156

Mid-Century Vintage Transparent and Orange Crystal Vase, Italy, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Vintage glass in good original condition. Very nice color. Only one unique piece. Crystal glass.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Crystal

Mid-Century Orange Metal Champagne Wine Ice Bucket

$275

Mid-Century Orange Metal Champagne Wine Ice Bucket

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Fantastic sturdy bottle holder powder coated in a color we like to call Hermes orange. These

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal, Pewter

Alfredo Barbini Murano Squirrel Figure in Amber and Orange Glass

$1,918

Alfredo Barbini Murano Squirrel Figure in Amber and Orange Glass

By Alfredo Barbini

Located in Barcelona, ES

One of a kind large hand blown Sommerso and Lattimo amber, orange, white and clear glass squirrel

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Mid-Century Orange Colored Coupe by Viking Glass

$450

Mid-Century Orange Colored Coupe by Viking Glass

By Viking Glass Company

Located in Buchanan, NY

This American glass dish from the 1960s is a beautiful blend of design and craftsmanship. With a

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Fåglavik Glasbruk, Sweden. Six salt cellars in pink/orange glass.

$200 / set

Fåglavik Glasbruk, Sweden. Six salt cellars in pink/orange glass.

Located in København, Copenhagen

glass. Private Swedish collection. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Largest: Diameter 6.5 cm x

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Glass

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase, Amber & Opal, Italy, 1960s

$682Sale Price|31% Off

Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase, Amber & Opal, Italy, 1960s

Located in Valencia, VC

Large Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase/Centerpiece, Italy, 1960s Elegant and sculptural, this

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass

Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Centerpiece by Cenedese, Circa 1970s

$3,007

Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Centerpiece by Cenedese, Circa 1970s

By Cenedese

Located in Villaverla, IT

amber glass, providing a luminous, sun-kissed core. This brilliance is dramatically contained by a

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Lighting Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Lighting

Mid-Century Modern Lighting

20th Century Lighting

Glass Lighting

Lighting on Sale

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Mid Century Orange Glass For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of mid century orange glass on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using glass, metal and murano glass. Find 1857 options for an antique or vintage piece of mid century orange glass now, or shop our selection of 47 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without an item from our selection of mid century orange glass — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each choice in our collection of mid century orange glass bearing Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco or Hollywood Regency hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one object in our assortment of mid century orange glass that is appealing in its simplicity, but Venini, Alfredo Barbini and J.T. Kalmar produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Orange Glass?

Prices for a piece of mid century orange glass start at $36 and top out at $49,129 with the average selling for $1,275.

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.