$2,800 / set
Pair of Dunbar Style Ottomans with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic midcentury ottomans or foot stools. Very heavy and thick brass legs, in the style of Dunbar.
Brass
$472Sale Price|24% Off
Mid Century Wicker Rattan Ottoman in Red with Wooden Legs
Located in Lomita, CA
Red wicker and a new upholstered red cushion make this ottoman ready to go into service for seating or as a footstool. This vintage piece started life out in a neutral color and was...
Wicker
Wonderful Pair Baughman style Semi Circle Ottoman Stool Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sleek and sculptural, this pair of modern curved stools adds a bold touch to any contemporary setting. Each stool features a semi-circular arched design with a sturdy black interior ...
Upholstery, Wood
$696Sale Price|62% Off
Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite Waterfall Ottoman Or Foot Stool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite waterfall stool.
Acrylic, Lucite
Mid Century Leather Day Bed Large Ottoman, Denmark circa 1980
Located in Round Top, TX
This fun mid-century find originally served as a daybed in Denmark.
Leather
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Leather Bulldog Ottoman by Abercrombie & Fitch
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous ottoman by Abercrombie and Fitch in the form of a bulldog. Unbelievably cute, such a face! In excellent vintage condition as this was recolored just recently. Designed by Di...
Leather
Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Charpentière Mid-Century Modern 1970 French stool, ottoman side tables in original tufted brown leather upholstery and polished chrome base.
Chrome
$585Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Mid-century Rattan Round Ottoman w/ Tufted Cushion
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored coastal rattan round ottoman featuring a sturdy hand-wrapped rattan frame and a comfortable tufted cushion top. The natural rattan has been refinished to hi...
Wicker, Rattan
$1,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Chic Pair of Mid Century Modern Pillow Top Upholstered Ottomans
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super chic custom pair of square upholstered pillow top ottomans having a stylish combo of grey flannel bases with grey, blue and cream patterned tops. The sensual fabric reminds us...
Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Leather Rhinoceros Ottoman by Abercrombie & Fitch
By Abercrombie & Fitch, Dimitri Omersa
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic and a large size (37 inches wide) leather Rhinoceros ottoman by Abercrombie and Fitch from the sixties. In very good condition and showing a few small signs of wear on the ...
Leather, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Black Faux Leather Ottoman with Aluminum Feet
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice ottoman or foot stool. Aluminum star shaped revolving feet comes with a brand new Black faux Leather upholstery. 1960s, Denmark.
Aluminum
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 19"W x 19"D x 11.5"H.
Rattan
Pair, McGuire Bamboo Wood Bouclé Fabric Upholstery Ottomans Mid-Century Modern
By Maitland Smith, McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Fully Restored McGuire Furniture Pair of rectangle upholstered Ottomans, known for blending natural materials with refined craftsmanship. The Ottomans, Stools feature lightly textur...
Bamboo, Wood, Leather, Bouclé
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H.
Rattan
French Mid-Century Modern Ottoman or Bench Attributed To Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Roche Bobois, Maison Jansen, Artifort, Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
French Mid-Century Modern Ottoman Or Bench Attributed To Pierre Paulin.
Bouclé, Walnut
Fun Pair of Mid Century Modern Round Wicker Ottomans
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fun and rare pair of white wicker vintage round ottomans with recessed seat cushions.
Wicker
Karl Springer Style Leopard Print Ottoman Pouf Stool Mid Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karl Springer style leopard print ottoman, pouf or stool, American, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in a plush leopard or cheetah print fabric. It has casters underneath so it ca...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool style of McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Only 1 available. Fabulous satin brass ottoman - footstool- bench. Reupholstered in a vintage style 1960s weave fabric with fabulous coloring that contrasts greatly with the brass. S...
Brass
Kros Pouf by Hermhaus, Upholstered Ottoman, Mid-Century Modern, Turkey
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Kros Pouf from the Khana Collection by Hermhaus is a modern and visually striking seating element that combines geometric forms with artisanal craftsmanship. Designed as a comple...
Upholstery
Sleek Pair of Mid Century Modern Chrome Ottomans with New Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Versatile pair of square mid century modern chrome and upholstered ottomans stools having handsome new tufted tops.
Chrome
1970s Mid Century Papa Bear Ottoman Styled After Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid Century papa bear ottoman designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s.
Leather, Walnut
Pair, Club Shaped Wool Bouclé Upholstery Ottoman Footstool Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Design made in the late 20th Century in Italy.
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman, White, Beige, Bouclé Handmade by Greenapple
By Lusitanus Home, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe A comfy ottoman with a luxurious touch.
Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Oak, Walnut, Velvet, Wood
c. 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by Hugo Frandsen for Spottrup
By Hugo Frandsen
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1960s Danish mid century modern ottoman by Hugo Frandsen for Spottrup.
Teak
Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf collection (6) Classic Mid Century
By Franco Albini, Mauro Bonacina 1
Located in Buffalo, NY
Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool ...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Pink Ombre Leather Ottomans on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Mid-Century Modern set of rolling ottomans. Featuring their original soft pink ombre leather upholstery outfitted on casters.
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Calheta Pouf, Ottoman, Holly Hunt Fabric, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple, Rute Martins, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Calheta Pouf Ottoman, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe The Calheta Pouf blends organic curves with understated elegance, inspired by the ...
Leather, Bouclé, Chenille, Jacquard, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Calheta Pouf Ottoman, Cream Jacquard, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe The Calheta Pouf blends organic curves with understated elegance, inspired by the soft lin...
Chenille, Oak, Leather, Bouclé, Jacquard
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Parsons Post Modern Milo Baughman Style Ottomans, Mid-20th Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Basel, BS
Perfect for use as a pull up stool or seat, ottoman, foot rest or even a magazine/book end table for your mid century, modern, Hollywood Regency or Post Modern decor.
Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Chrome w White Faux Patent Leather Swiveling Ottomans
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Swiveling Ottomans from Italy C1970. Large spacious square seat area of 22x 22 with a Height of 17 sitting on a heavy weighed round chrome base. Very sturdy. Will p...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Zebra Hide Ottoman / Coffee Table with Brushed Bronze Legs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning mid-century modern authentic zebra hides ottoman, bench, or coffee table with brushed bronze legs.
Metal, Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Platinum Velvet Upholstery & Wrapped Brass Base
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This striking Mid-Century Modern Ottoman was realized in the United States, circa 1970.
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Pink Painted Fruitwood French Louis XVI Style Ottoman Stool
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a charming Italian ottoman with a newly upholstered seat in pink linen. The fruitwood frame is a vintage pink and green paint. The piece itself has French Louis XVI 18th cent...
Linen, Fruitwood
Mid-Century Modern Italian ivory skai & Wood Ottomans, 1950s, Set of 2
By Ico Parisi
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Pair of bedroom stools also usable as ottomans. Stained wood structure with cushioned seats upholstered in white ivory skai with fake leather relief. The wooden structures have been ...
Wood, Faux Leather
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottomans, Pair
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottomans, footstools, or side tables Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Each measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H.
Rattan
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 23"W x 23"D x 13.75"H.
Rattan
Mid Century Modern Ottoman Foot Stool by Westnofa - Vintage Teak Footstool
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage mid century Scandinavian modern ottoman or footstool by Westnofa Furniture circa 1960s.
Fabric, Teak
Round Mid Century Modern Blue Upholstery Ottoman Foot Stool Bench Pouf MINT!
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round Mid Century Modern Blue Upholstery Ottoman Foot Stool Bench Pouf MINT!
Bamboo
Pair Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Stools / Ottomans Attr Tomaso Buzzi
By Tomaso Buzzi
Located in New York, NY
Rare and stylish pair of Italian early mid-century Italian modern neoclassical stools / poofs or benches from the 'Novecento' period with red ball feet attributed to Tomaso Buzzi.
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern c1970s Round White Naugahyde Tufted Pouf Ottoman Bench Mint!
By Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern c1970s round white Naugahyde tufted pouf ottoman bench mint!
Naugahyde
A mid Victorian mahogany framed ottoman
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A mid Victorian mahogany framed ottoman, the sides and deep buttoned lifting seat re-covered in distressed blue leather. The hinges being stamped HOBBS patent. The “Hobbs” in Hobbs ...
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage Black Leather Pouf / Ottoman with Slouchy Form, French Mid 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A leather pouf featuring a soft, slouchy silhouette and relaxed sculptural form. The pouf is upholstered in supple leather in a deep black tone with subtle nuances of dark brown, giv...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Porthos Pouf, Ottoman, Beige-Gold, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Porthos Pouf, Ottoman, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Porthos Pouf, Ottoman, Beige Wool, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Porthos Pouf Ottoman, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Brass
Pair 1970 Club Shaped Teddy Wool Bouclé Upholstery Ottoman Footstool Mid-Century
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Design made in the late 20th Century in Italy.
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
Mushroom Ottoman in Mid Century Vintage Fabric - Brown and Yellow Circles
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in vintage mid century fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Saddle Seat Foot Stool / Ottoman - Leather Upholstery - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
Mid Century saddle seat foot stool or ottoman - featuring taupe leather upholstery - stained tapered beechwood legs - circa 1980's.
Leather, Beech
DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman, Burnt Orange, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge.
Silk, Velvet
Pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Italian Ottomans with Tripod Legs C1960
By Gio Ponti
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Italian Ottomans in the style of Gio Ponti. Three legged and recently recovered, 3 yrs ago, in black & white cotton velvet. Minor dime size stain on one. Otherwi...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This ottoman is a stunning testament to that quote- understated, elegant and versatile, blending perfectly with any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary.
Upholstery, Walnut
Tito Agnoli Mid-Century Pouf, Ottoman in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli, Bonacina
Located in Roma, IT
This incredible rare piece and versatile objects can be used either as stools or ottomans. This unique pouf will make a great addition to a Mid-Century organic porch or French Rivie...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Mid Century Modern Cast Iron with Brown Naughahyde Ottomans
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of cast iron ottoman / footrests with tan brown Naughahyde. Curved X form with dimples in the iron that are currently painted black which can easily be repainted. In e...
Iron
Mid-Century French Louis XVI Style Pink And Gilt Venetian Ottomans / Stools - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Venetian Louis XV style ottomans. They are painted pink with gilt floral accents and trim.
Upholstery, Poplar
Mid-Century Modern Brass Soufflé Pouf Rolling Stool Ottoman, Karl Springer Style
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist soufflé pouf is in the manner of Karl Springer, it features a lustrous heavy square solid brass base with rounded edges and casters wheels to...
Brass
Mid-Century French Carved Giltwood and Painted Ottoman In Pink Silk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely ottoman! It is a French carved giltwood and painted ottoman in vintage pink Napoleonic bee fabric. It is a versatile size and show some age wear to the finish.
Upholstery, Giltwood
DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Rich Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge.
Silk, Velvet
DOOQ Mid-Century Modern Pouf Ottoman with Wine Velvet, Silk Fringes La Folie
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
With voluptuous curves and perfect poise, the Mid-Century Modern inspired La Folie Pouf Ottoman exalts passion and fantasy as if you were in a burlesque show at Moulin Rouge.
Silk, Velvet
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.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.