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Mid Century Retro Vintage Chest Of Drawers

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Very Rare Mid Century Retro Vintage Teak Tallboy/Chest of Drawers by Alfred Cox
By Alfred Cox
Located in London, GB
Very rare Mid Century modern teak and walnut tall chest of drawers. Designed in 1960s by the
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak, Walnut

1960 Retro Oak Chest of Drawers Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Wooden veneered two-door chest of drawers - Oak veneer in its original well-preserved condition.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

1960 Retro Oak Chest of Drawers Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Wooden veneered chest of drawers-veneer bub with sliding doors - original very well preserved
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

1960 Jiří Jiroutek Retro Chest of Drawers, Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
veneered construction - light beech veneer, drawers hardened plastic, drawer frames painted original.
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Painted Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dive into the retro allure of our mid-century modern chest of drawers, a masterful creation from
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Formica, Paint, Lacquer, Walnut, Wood

Designer Vintage Retro 1950s John & Sylvia Reid Oak Chest of Drawers
By John & Sylvia Reid
Located in Markington, GB
Designer John & Sylvia Reid chest of drawers. Measures: Height 75cm, depth 46cm, width 76cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

1960s Henredon Walnut Chest of Drawers: Mid-Century Modern Design with Mobility
By Heritage-Henredon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dive into the 1960s with our authentic Mid-Century Modern Henredon chest of drawers. Meticulously
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Plywood, Walnut

Mid 20th Century Vintage Heywood Wakefield Chest Air Drawers - a Pair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage MCM chests of drawers. Made by the iconic Heywood Wakefield group and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Maple

1960s Italian Design Chest of Drawers
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Tourcoing, FR
1960s Italian design black wooden and raspberry color nubuck chest of drawers composed of black
Category

1960s European Space Age Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage 1960s Italian Design Chest of Drawers
1960s Italian Design Chest of Drawers
H 25.2 in W 38.19 in D 18.51 in
Chest of Drawers Made In Teak With Four Drawers From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak chest of drawers with four drawers is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Royal Blue MCM Chests of Drawers, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
Exquisite Mid-Century Modern chests of drawers or bedside tables, a perfect blend of timeless
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Teak Chest of Drawers with 4 Drawers of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak chest of drawers with four drawers is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Retro Chest of Drawer /Tatra Pravenec, 1960's
By Tatra Pravenec
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood - Semi-gloss - Maker: Tatra Pravenec - Good original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Retro Chest of Drawer /Tatra Pravenec, 1960's
Retro Chest of Drawer /Tatra Pravenec, 1960's
H 30.71 in W 41.74 in D 18.51 in
Retro Drawer Chest, 1960s, Jiří Jiroutka
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
Retro wooden drawer chest, veneer in the style of stained oak, made in 1963 by the design of Jiri
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Retro Drawer Chest, 1960s, Jiří Jiroutka
Retro Drawer Chest, 1960s, Jiří Jiroutka
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Italian Design 1950s Exotic Wood Chest of Drawers with Contemporary Flair
Located in Rome, IT
Discover a timeless piece of Italian craftsmanship with this exquisite 1950s chest of drawers
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell Mod. 4963 Chest of Drawers, I§taly 1970s
By Kartell, Olaf von Bohr
Located in Naples, IT
rounded corners is made of glossy plastic in a beautiful cream shade that adds a touch of retro elegance
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Plastic

Retro Commode Designed by Jiří Jiroutek, 1960s
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
drawers - Drawers lacquered in high gloss - Completely restored.
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Plastic, Oak

Retro Commode Designed by Jiří Jiroutek, 1960s
Retro Commode Designed by Jiří Jiroutek, 1960s
H 30.32 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Architect Meyer H Loomstein White Lacquered Chests with Greek Key Frames
By Grosfeld House
Located in St. Louis, MO
& photos of his architecture : These chests were made around the same time as his commission to retro fit
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Lucite, Lacquer

1950s Italian Modern Commode with Brass Details and Glass
Located in Rome, IT
corners, this chest of drawers showcases the exceptional Italian craftsmanship and attention to detail of
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Dresser with mirror Years 50-60
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Comò con specchio, legno impiallacciato noce, piano in vetro retro trattato. Buone condizioni.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Stained Glass, Nutwood

Dresser with mirror Years 50-60
Dresser with mirror Years 50-60
H 70.08 in W 62.6 in D 18.71 in
Dresser with mirror Years 50-60
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
retro trattato, maniglie e puntali in ottone.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Dresser with mirror Years 50-60
Dresser with mirror Years 50-60
H 71.07 in W 67.33 in D 20.67 in
Comò anni 50-60, in teak impiallacciato e vetro, marrone
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Comò, Legno impiallacciato Teak, piano in vetro retro trattato.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Glass, Teak

1950s dresser, brown stained beech, and mirror
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
cassetti in legno impiallacciato bois de rose, maniglie in ottone e bellissimo piano verde in vetro retro
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1950s dresser, brown stained beech, and mirror
1950s dresser, brown stained beech, and mirror
H 70.87 in W 65.75 in D 19.1 in
Cassettiera in Piuma Di Mogano, Anni '50
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Felino, IT
sovralzo leggermente sbeccato in alcuni punti (vedi foto) i piedi sul retro sono stati riparati perche
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Cassettiera in Piuma Di Mogano, Anni '50
Cassettiera in Piuma Di Mogano, Anni '50
H 33.47 in W 60.24 in D 19.3 in
Mahogany chest of drawers with metal handles
Located in Brescia, IT
stile mid-century, questa cassettiera dal gusto retrò è perfetta per essere utilizzata come comodino in
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Mahogany chest of drawers with metal handles
Mahogany chest of drawers with metal handles
H 22.84 in W 18.51 in D 11.82 in
Beautiful Mid Century Retro Teak Chest of Drawers by Schreiber
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Mid Century teak chest of drawers by Schreiber. It offers plenty of storage with five
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Walnut Chrome Lane HighBoy Wardrobe Chest of Drawers
By Lane Furniture
Located in Baltimore, MD
Extraordinary Mid-Century Modern gentleman’s chest of drawers or high boy dresser by Lane Furniture
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Chrome

Italian Mid-Century Chest of Drawers with Mirror Gio Ponti Style, 1950's
By Gio Ponti
Located in Traversetolo, IT
drawers and finished with brass feet. Both two top glass are retro-treated with marble effect emerald
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Walnut Chest of Drawers with Inlays and Mirror, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
made of lacquered walnut and is equipped with six drawers, finished with brass feet and decorated on
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Curved 'Aiace' Chest of Drawers by Benatti, Italy 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Curved 'Aiace' Chest of Drawers by Benatti, Italy 1960s This Aiace chest of drawers by the Italian
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Mid Century Teak Bedside Tables Drawers, JS Salko G Plan Style, 1970s Set of 2
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
pair of chest of drawers was designed and manufactured during the mid-twentieth century in England
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Dresser with Mirror Made In Teak, Danish design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
drawers is a timeless piece of furniture that fits perfectly into any modern or retro decor. Measurements
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Sorø Laminate Chest of Drawers Vintage, 1960s Retro
By Sorø Møbelfabrik
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Fantastic chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Scandinavian design, minimalistic form
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Laminate

Teak Chest of Drawers Retro 1970s Danish Design
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Wonderful chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s. Danish design, Minimalist form. Furniture finished
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Teak Chest of Drawers Retro 1970s Danish Design
Teak Chest of Drawers Retro 1970s Danish Design
H 24.41 in W 39.38 in D 15.75 in
Chest of Drawers Retro 1960s-1970s Danish Design
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Superb chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s. Scandinavian design, minimalist form. The surface of
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Chest of Drawers Retro 1960s-1970s Danish Design
Chest of Drawers Retro 1960s-1970s Danish Design
H 40.56 in W 26.38 in D 15.75 in
Chest of Drawers Retro Scandinavian Design Rosewood, 1970s
By Ulferts Swedish
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Scandinavian design. Manufactured by Ulferts of Tibro
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Retro Chest of Drawers Teak Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Classic chest of drawers from 1960s-1970s. Danish design, phenomenal quality of workmanship
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Retro Chest of Drawers Teak Danish Design, 1960s
Retro Chest of Drawers Teak Danish Design, 1960s
H 40.16 in W 26.38 in D 14.97 in
Retro Teak Chest of Drawers Danish Design Vintage, 1960s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Phenomenal chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, minimalistic form, Danish design. The furniture
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Retro Teak Chest of Drawers Danish Design Vintage, 1960s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Retro chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Danish design. Surface veneered with a teak, has four
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Vintage Chest of Drawers Teak Danish Design Retro, 1970s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Fantastic chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Scandinavian precision and attention to detail
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Vintage Teak Brown Chest of Drawers Danish Design 1960s Retro
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Fantastic chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Minimalist form - Danish design. Surface covered
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

1960s Danish Design Brown Chest of Drawers Retro Teak Vintage
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Classic chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Minimalist form - Danish design. Six capacious
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Ash Bookcase Vintage, 1960s Retro
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Classic bookcase or library from the 1960s-1970s, Scandinavian design, minimalistic form. Surface finished with ash veneer. Furniture has two shelves with adjustable height. Maintain...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Ash

Ash Bookcase Vintage, 1960s Retro
Ash Bookcase Vintage, 1960s Retro
H 34.65 in W 35.83 in D 11.82 in
1960s Brown Cabinet Retro Danish Design Teak
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Retro chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, Danish design, surface veneered with teak, item has
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

1960s Brown Cabinet Retro Danish Design Teak
1960s Brown Cabinet Retro Danish Design Teak
H 19.69 in W 31.5 in D 11.82 in
Teak Vintage Cabinet Midcentury Retro, 1970s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Phenomenal commode from the 1960s-1970s, Minimalist form - Scandinavian design. Surface covered with teak veneer. Preserved in good condition (small bruises and scratches) - directly...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Teak Vintage Cabinet Midcentury Retro, 1970s
Teak Vintage Cabinet Midcentury Retro, 1970s
H 23.63 in W 35.04 in D 19.69 in
Rosewood Cabinet Danish Design Retro Rosewood, 1960s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Vintage cabinet from the 1960s-1970s, minimalistic, Danish design. Interior with an adjustable shelf. Surface veneered with rosewood. Preserved in good condition (minor scratches and...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Chest of Drawers 1960s-1970s Teak Danish Design Retro
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Brilliant chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s . Scandinavian design, Minimalist form. The surface
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Retro Oak Cabinet Vintage Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Original chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, minimalistic form, Scandinavian design. Surface
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Retro Oak Cabinet Vintage Danish Design, 1960s
Retro Oak Cabinet Vintage Danish Design, 1960s
H 23.63 in W 43.31 in D 18.9 in
Brown Retro Secretaire Teak Danish Design Vintage, 1960s
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Practical Secretaire - chest of drawers from the 1960s-1970s, finished with teak veneer with three
Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Burlwood, Butterfly Entertainment Wall Unit
Located in Whittier, CA
Mcm midmod mid Century vintage antique retro 50s 60s 70s teak walnut dresser drawer chest cabinet
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood, Oak, Burl

5-Bay Ladderax Teak Midcentury Shelving System by Robert Heal for Staples
By Robert Heal, Ladderax
Located in Glasgow, GB
doors, a cabinet with glass shelf and sliding doors, a chest of three drawers and a bureau cabinet with
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Formica Teak effect Chest Of Drawers, 1960s
By Schreiber
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
A retro teak three drawer chest of drawers / side table / bedside cabinet Mid century chest for
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Formica, Wood

Designer Retro 1950s John & Sylvia Reid Chest of Drawers
By John & Sylvia Reid
Located in Markington, GB
Designer John & Sylvia Reid chest of drawers. Measures: Height 75cm, depth 46cm, width 76cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Danish Teak Chest of Drawers Vintage 1960's Retro
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Danish Teak chest of drawers vintage 1960's retro Danish unique teak retro cabinet with 2
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Italian Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
An Italian modern chest of drawers from the 1950s, made of rosewood with retro-laquered glass
Category

1950s Italian Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Retro Chest of Drawers Designed by Jiří Jiroutek, 1960s
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, plastic - Re-polished - Good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Mid Century Scandinavian Chest of drawers Filing cabinet bedside table, 70s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
Great Mid Century Modern chest of drawers. Mid-century, Scandinavian chest of drawers or storage
Category

Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Retro Drawer Chest, 1960s, Jiří Jiroutka
By Jiri Jiroutek
Located in Praha, CZ
Retro wooden drawer chest, veneer in the style of stained oak, drawers have new coating polyurethan
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Retro Drawer Chest, 1960s, Jiří Jiroutka
Retro Drawer Chest, 1960s, Jiří Jiroutka
H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Teak Tallboy Chest of Drawers Harris Lebus, 1960s
By Harris Lebus
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
. These drawers would make a stunning addition to any retro inspired bedroom or home. The chest
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Green Velvet and Brass 1960s Italian Design Chest of Drawers
Located in Tourcoing, FR
front for the base. It is composed of handles, 2 storage spaces with opening flap and 2 drawers
Category

1960s European Space Age Mid Century Vintage Vintage Chest Of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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Mid Century Retro Vintage Chest Of Drawers For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century retro vintage chest of drawers available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct mid century retro vintage chest of drawers — often made from wood, hardwood and teak — can elevate any home. Mid century retro vintage chest of drawers have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Mid century retro vintage chest of drawers made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Mid century retro vintage chest of drawers have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Jiri Jiroutek, Interiér Praha and John & Sylvia Reid are consistently popular.

How Much are Mid Century Retro Vintage Chest Of Drawers?

Mid century retro vintage chest of drawers can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $715, while the lowest priced sells for $367 and the highest can go for as much as $1,639.

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

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 legendary 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.

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.

Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You

Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of storage case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.