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Mid Century Organic Modernism

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Eero Saarinen for Knoll Boucle Womb Chair, 2019
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
organic modernism. By applying foam molded over a fiberglass shell, Saarinen created a single-piece form
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge C...

Materials

Bouclé

Clyde Dining Table By Organic Modernism NY
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Table for dining or use as a Center Table. The delicate tracery styling of the base is actually tough Gilt Iron. A round table with gilt iron hexagonal base with openwork geom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Iron

1950s Sculptural Modernism Organic Horn Bowl Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sculptural Bull Horn Bowl 1950s Austria Unmarked 4.5 h x 9 d x 9.5 w Unrestored Vintage preowned condition Wear use & patina present. Not perfect, it is vintage. Refer to images pro...
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Horn

1970s Organic Modernism Patinated Pine Wood Stool Mexico
By Charlotte Perriand, George Nakashima
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury Organic Modern Low Stool Solid Pine Wood Painted White 1970s Mexican Modernism No label
Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

Claude Terrell Magnum Opus Dining Set 1970s Organic Studio Crafted Modernism
Located in Dallas, TX
of New York. The set includes ten organically sculpted Reimerschmid style chairs and a phenomenal
Category

Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Cherry

Set of Four Mixed Wood Side Chairs by Organic Modernism
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A set of four solid wood midcentury style side chairs by Organic Moderism, Brooklyn NY. The chairs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Mid Century Modern Organic Grape Vine Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid Century Modern Organic Grape Vine Coffee Table USA, Circa 1960s Experience the timeless
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Italian Modernism, Organic Midcentury Sofa, Grey Brown Velvet Oak, Brass, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic / biomorphic and asymmetric sofa. Designed by an unknown Italian designer. Oak legs bear
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Georges Jouve Attributed Ceramic Pipe Ashtray Organic Dish Bowl French Modernism
By Georges Jouve
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Brown high gloss freeform slip-cast dish set in a suede leather bottom. Mfg. by Longchamp, France. Design attributed to Georges Jouve, this in not documented. Some staining to suede ...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Organic Rustic Modern Tree Root Lamp
By George Nakashima
Located in St. Louis, MO
. In the style of Nakashima and organic modernism. 26" to top of shade, 24" to top of harp extension
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Stone

Rare Cocobolo Don Shoemaker Fountain, Organic Mexican Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
craftsmanship. This piece is a beautiful example of organic Mexican modernism and would be a statement in any
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Fountains

Materials

Cocobolo

Mid-20 C. Modern Glazed Ceramic Organic Design Bowl by French Brand Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20 century Modern glazed ceramic sinuous organic design bowl by french luxury brand Hermès
Category

Mid-20th Century French Organic Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Enamel

Scandinavian modernism sofa table
Located in Brescia, IT
mid-century Nordic design. Good condition. A conservative restoration has been done. It may show
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian modernism sofa table
Scandinavian modernism sofa table
H 20.87 in W 24.81 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Artisanal Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a profound representation of mid-century modern European studio artistry
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Outsider and Self Taught Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Artisanal Crucifix
Mid-Century Artisanal Crucifix
H 11.5 in W 6 in D 0.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking mid-century modern wall cross, handcrafted by a European studio pottery artist, is a
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

 Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
 Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
H 5.63 in W 4.63 in D 0.25 in
Curvilineal Four-Seater Sofa in Veneered Tropical Hardwood, Brazilian Modernism
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
a visual lightness. This design choice echoes the mid-century modern aesthetic, where form was
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
-toned glaze, characteristic of the organic color palette favored in the mid-century period. The glaze's
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
H 10 in W 5.5 in D 0.63 in
Abstract Mid-Century Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern ceramic cross is an exemplary piece of European studio pottery that
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Abstract Mid-Century Ceramic Cross
Abstract Mid-Century Ceramic Cross
H 5.38 in W 4.5 in D 0.38 in
Mid-Century European Studio Pottery Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
solemnity of religious art with the aesthetic principles of mid-century modernism. The form is traditional
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Mid-Century European Studio Pottery Cross
Mid-Century European Studio Pottery Cross
H 11.38 in W 5.63 in D 1.13 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern wall cross is a quintessential example of European studio pottery from the
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Cross
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Cross
H 6.88 in W 4.63 in D 0.75 in
Verdant Mid-Century Ceramic Maltese Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
, bearing the minimalist yet bold statement of mid-century artistry. Each arm of the cross is accented with
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of DUX Swedish Mid-Century Bamboo End Tables or Nightstands
By Dux of Sweden
Located in Norwalk, CT
nightstands, meticulously crafted by the iconic DUX of Sweden. Rooted in the ethos of mid-century modernism
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern End Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Mid-Century Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Mid-Century Geometric Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic cross epitomizes the geometric abstraction that was prevalent in mid-century modern
Category

Vintage 1950s European Space Age Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Geometric Ceramic Cross
Mid-Century Geometric Ceramic Cross
H 3.5 in W 3.5 in D 0.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross with Abstract Motif
Located in Chicago, IL
during the mid-20th century. Our European cross collection (Tradition & Modernism) is composed of one-of
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Madonna and Child Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
abstracted forms and organic lines characteristic of mid-century modern aesthetics. The Virgin Mary is
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Studio Art Pottery Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern wall crucifix exemplifies the innovative spirit of European studio art
Category

Late 20th Century European Brutalist Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Studio Art Pottery Crucifix
Mid-Century Studio Art Pottery Crucifix
H 11.38 in W 5.63 in D 0.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Studio Crafted Ceramic Wall Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic wall cross is a distinguished piece of mid-century modern religious art, meticulously
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Organic Modern Neutral Moroccan Rug, Wabi-Sabi Meets Subtle Sophistication
By Berber Tribes of Morocco, Yayoi Kusama
Located in Dallas, TX
, Artisan, International, Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, Urban, and Loft. Iconic in its styling and austere
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Organic Modern Moroccan and North...

Materials

Wool

Oversized Neutral Moroccan Rug, Organic Modern Style Marries Subtle Shibui
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Dallas, TX
, Modern Mexican, Artisan, International, Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, Urban, and Loft. Iconic in its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Organic Modern Moroccan and North...

Materials

Wool

Rare Italian Organic Modern Curvilinear Sofa or Settee, Joe Colombo, 1970
By Joe Colombo
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Unique Italian Mid-Century Organic Modern sofa / love seat or large lounge chair in the
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Bar Cart in Wood & Glass
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
. The mid-century period, particularly the 1950s and 1960s, was defined by its clean lines, organic
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
than spectacular. A desk like this will honestly look great in any mid-century modern, rustic or
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
of mid-century modernism. It balances beauty and functionality, with an emphasis on clean lines
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

'Odilon' Lounge Chair, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
example of mid-century modern Brazilian design, with its combination of functionality, simplicity, and the
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Mid-Century Danish Lounge Chairs in Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Bench “Cíntia” by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
absolutely stunning. This piece can fit in any type of environment, from mid-century modern to contemporary
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Ceramic Mid-century Abstract Crucifixion, Studio Pottery, Handmade in Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking mid-century modern ceramic wall cross is a remarkable example of European studio
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chair and Foot Stool
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chair and Foot Stool by Illum Wikkelso, 1960’s. Black leather
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

1950s Gigi Radice Style Mid-Century Modern Wisteria Velvet Italian Sofa
By Gigi Radice
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sofa designed and manufactured in Italy in the Fifties, brass it's in
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

'Concha' Lounge Chair, by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
reflects the essence of mid-century modernism with its clean lines, integration with nature, and simplicity
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

European Mid-Century Upholstered Crescent Sofa, Europe, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Mid-Century Modernism is a recognized term around the world, standing for the characteristic style
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Small Slat Bench in Solid Brazilian Hardwood, Mid-Century Modern
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
rounded slats lend it an organic and fluid aesthetic, creating an intriguing visual appeal. This unique
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Mid Century Scandinavian Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Kofod-Larsen was a prominent figure in Danish Modernism. He designed for several leading midcentury
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century European Pine Wood Sofa, Europe ca 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
. This is especially true for the mid-century, during which natural wood was a staple material to enhance
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Pine

Mid-Century Modern Twisted Italian Floor Lamp, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
floor lamp represents Italian mid-century modernism in its purest form, both in terms of aesthetics and
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Small Sideboard in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
a chapter of design history where Brazilian craftsmanship met mid-century modernism’s most elegant
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Steel

Pair of 'N' Lounge Chairs, by Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "N" armchairs by Zanine Caldas stand as quintessential artifacts of mid-20th century modern
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plywood, Leather

Mid-Century Metal and Opal Glass Ceiling Lamp, Europe 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
and modern elements whilst staying true to the guiding principles of early mid-century modernism
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Metal

Mid Century Modern Credenza “Adolpho” in hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid Century Modern Credenza “Adolpho” in hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues is
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Hardwood

Glossy Red Mid-century European Ceramic Cross Vermillion with Black Edge
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern wall cross represents the confluence of spiritual symbolism and the era's
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf System, Italy, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
At the core of the design of this shelving system is Modernism that brought waves of innovative
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Solid Wood Side Table, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Mid-Century Design Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The side table designed by Jean Gillon, a prominent figure in Brazilian mid-century modern design
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Petite Disc Cabinet by Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, we offer this Mid-Century Modern petite disc cabinet by Michael Van Beuren, made in
Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

1970s Mid-Century Modern Polychrome Ceramic Italian Vase By Bertoncello
By Roberto Rigon, Bertoncello
Located in Aci Castello, IT
of the 1970s design sensibilities. The vase's form is a harmonious blend of organic and geometric
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Mid-Century Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-20th Century French Modernist Pine Low Table
Located in Chicago, IL
, and a harmonious blend of function and aesthetics, this piece encapsulates the essence of mid-century
Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Mid-century Modern “Sabara” Side Tables in Rosewood Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
design to it which allows it to fit in any mid-century, modern, contemporary or farmhouse environment
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Wood and Copper Desk with Drawers, Mid Century Brazilian Modern
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawer is a study upon Mid Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian
Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Vintage Afghani Kilim Rug, Organic Modern Meets Contemporary Santa Fe Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
09'09. Date: 1960s. Mid-20th Century.
Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Kilim Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

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Mid Century Organic Modernism For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century organic modernism you’re looking for. Each mid century organic modernism for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and metal. Find 315 options for an antique or vintage mid century organic modernism now, or shop our selection of 26 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century organic modernism — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century organic modernism made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. Michael van Beuren, Alvar Aalto and Stamford Modern each produced at least one beautiful mid century organic modernism that is worth considering.

How Much is a Mid Century Organic Modernism?

Prices for a mid century organic modernism start at $1 and top out at $163,109 with the average selling for $5,500.
Questions About Mid Century Organic Modernism
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    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. 

    Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Read More

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem

Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?

Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.

Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home

The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.

Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds

The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.

Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond

Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.

A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture

The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.