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Mid Century Stacking Stools

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Mid-Century Modern Leather Nesting Stackable Ottoman Stools, 3 Pcs
Mid-Century Modern Leather Nesting Stackable Ottoman Stools, 3 Pcs

Mid-Century Modern Leather Nesting Stackable Ottoman Stools, 3 Pcs

Located in Plainview, NY

A captivating ensemble of three Mid-Century Modern nesting stackable ottoman stools. Each stool is

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid-20th Century, Set of 4 Vintage Stackable Pine Stools, Danish Design
Mid-20th Century, Set of 4 Vintage Stackable Pine Stools, Danish Design

Mid-20th Century, Set of 4 Vintage Stackable Pine Stools, Danish Design

Located in Odense, DK

A set of four mid century vintage solid pine stools. These stools are designed to be stackable

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of 3 mid century danish teak stacking stools or tables
Set of 3 mid century danish teak stacking stools or tables

Set of 3 mid century danish teak stacking stools or tables

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of 3 mid century danish teak stacking stools or tables. Each table has 3 legs. Flat head screws

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Bentwood, Teak

Wood and Iron Stacking Tables / stools
Wood and Iron Stacking Tables / stools

Wood and Iron Stacking Tables / stools

By Luther Conover

Located in Denton, TX

Set of four iron tripod legged stools / tables with ebonized wood tops. There is a nice patina of

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and St...

Materials

Iron

Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Japan Mid-Century Modern Stacking Stool
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Japan Mid-Century Modern Stacking Stool

Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Japan Mid-Century Modern Stacking Stool

By Isamu Kenmochi

Located in St. Louis, MO

Single bentwood stool by Isamu Kenmochi (1912-1971) for Akita Mokko. Original condition, minor

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Austrian Mid Century Beech and grey Leather Stacking Stool by Franz Schuster
Austrian Mid Century Beech and grey Leather Stacking Stool by Franz Schuster

Austrian Mid Century Beech and grey Leather Stacking Stool by Franz Schuster

By Franz Schuster, Wiesner-Hager

Located in Vienna, AT

This Austrian mid century vintage beechwood and renewed grey leather stool was designed by Franz

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Restored Mid-century Rattan Stacked Bar Swivel Stools w/ Red Seat , Set of 4
Restored Mid-century Rattan Stacked Bar Swivel Stools w/ Red Seat , Set of 4

Restored Mid-century Rattan Stacked Bar Swivel Stools w/ Red Seat , Set of 4

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Restored set of 4 mid-century era rattan barstools with stacked rattan backs with red Naugahyde

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Naugahyde, Rattan

Mid Century Raffia  Mushroom Coffee Tables or Stools
Mid Century Raffia  Mushroom Coffee Tables or Stools

Mid Century Raffia Mushroom Coffee Tables or Stools

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Three mid-century raffia or linen wrapped mushroom coffee tables or stools in graduating height of

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Raffia

Arne Jacobsen Stacking Dot Stools
Arne Jacobsen Stacking Dot Stools

Arne Jacobsen Stacking Dot Stools

By Arne Jacobsen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

has nice patina, with clean edges all around. Stools may be stacked neatly when not in use. Stamped

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Stacking Stools after Alvar Aalto
Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Stacking Stools after Alvar Aalto

Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Stacking Stools after Alvar Aalto

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A complete set of four teak stools in the style of Alvar Aalto. Well made in great shape.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Stacking Stool for Marble Imperial Furniture
Stacking Stool for Marble Imperial Furniture

Stacking Stool for Marble Imperial Furniture

By Marble Imperial

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stacking stool for Marble Imperial Furniture, 1960's, USA. The stool features new leather

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Set 3 Italian Etched Lucite Waterfall Nesting Tables Stacking Tables Stools 1970
Set 3 Italian Etched Lucite Waterfall Nesting Tables Stacking Tables Stools 1970

Set 3 Italian Etched Lucite Waterfall Nesting Tables Stacking Tables Stools 1970

By Lion in Frost

Located in Miami, FL

Set of 3 Italian Mid-Century Modern handcrafted and etched waterfall Nesting Tables, Stacking

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Lucite Waterfall Nesting Tables / Stacking Tables, Stools, Set of 3
Pair of Lucite Waterfall Nesting Tables / Stacking Tables, Stools, Set of 3

Pair of Lucite Waterfall Nesting Tables / Stacking Tables, Stools, Set of 3

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of Mid-Century Modern handcrafted waterfall Nesting Tables, Stacking Tables, Stools. Set of 3

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Ta...

Materials

Lucite

Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking  Vintage Stool
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking  Vintage Stool

Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking Vintage Stool

By Akita Mokko, Isamu Kenmochi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Designed by Isamu Kenmochi and produced by Akita Mokko, this stool is considered one of the icons

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Stools

Materials

Wood

Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking  Vintage Stool
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking  Vintage Stool

Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking Vintage Stool

By Akita Mokko, Isamu Kenmochi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Designed by Isamu Kenmochi and produced by Akita Mokko, this stool is considered one of the icons

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Stools

Materials

Wood

Early 2000s Interlock/Stacked Wooden Block Round Pedestal Stool
Early 2000s Interlock/Stacked Wooden Block Round Pedestal Stool

Early 2000s Interlock/Stacked Wooden Block Round Pedestal Stool

By George Nakashima

Located in Tarrytown, NY

Early 2000s Interlock/Stacked Wooden Block Round Pedestal Stool Chuck of interlock wood missing

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Swedish Modern, Set of 14 Stackable Stools in Birch & Hessian, 1980s
Swedish Modern, Set of 14 Stackable Stools in Birch & Hessian, 1980s

Swedish Modern, Set of 14 Stackable Stools in Birch & Hessian, 1980s

By Alvar Aalto, Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen

Located in Odense, DK

A striking set of 14 stackable stools crafted in the 1980s by Form & Miljø, Sweden, exuding

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Stool Dot Stacking Teak Chrome 3 Legs Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 1955 Vintage
Stool Dot Stacking Teak Chrome 3 Legs Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 1955 Vintage

Stool Dot Stacking Teak Chrome 3 Legs Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 1955 Vintage

By Arne Jacobsen

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

- Exceptional set of four, Mid-Century Modern Dot stools in original condition with teak seats on

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Stool Dot Stacking Teak Chrome 3 legs Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 1955 Vintage
Stool Dot Stacking Teak Chrome 3 legs Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 1955 Vintage

Stool Dot Stacking Teak Chrome 3 legs Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 1955 Vintage

By Arne Jacobsen

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

- Exceptional set of four, Mid-Century Modern Dot stools in original condition with teak seats on

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Nesting Coffee Table With Removable Octagonal Stools
Vintage Nesting Coffee Table With Removable Octagonal Stools

Vintage Nesting Coffee Table With Removable Octagonal Stools

By Midcentury Italian school

Located in Milano, IT

four closed wooden stools, which elegantly open through ingenious mechanisms. The coffee table has a

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Wood

A set of 3 Italian bentwood stools by Alvar Aalto for Armtek, circa 2017
A set of 3 Italian bentwood stools by Alvar Aalto for Armtek, circa 2017

A set of 3 Italian bentwood stools by Alvar Aalto for Armtek, circa 2017

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Houston, TX

A set of 3 Italian bentwood stools by Alvar Aalto for Armtek, circa 2017. The “E60” model is

Category

2010s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Hi-Lo Convertible Reed Coffee Dinette Game Table w/ Nesting Benches Stools Chair
Hi-Lo Convertible Reed Coffee Dinette Game Table w/ Nesting Benches Stools Chair

Hi-Lo Convertible Reed Coffee Dinette Game Table w/ Nesting Benches Stools Chair

By Ficks Reed, Paul Frankl

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern round reed coffee - dinette dining or game table w/ nesting benches stools

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Set of 3 California Design Wrought Iron & Birch Stacking Stools
Set of 3 California Design Wrought Iron & Birch Stacking Stools

Set of 3 California Design Wrought Iron & Birch Stacking Stools

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 3 Mid-Century American stacking stools with a circular birch seat on a three legged wrought

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

Restored Art Deco Frankl Style Stacked Rattan Vanity w/ Round Mirror & Stool
Restored Art Deco Frankl Style Stacked Rattan Vanity w/ Round Mirror & Stool

Restored Art Deco Frankl Style Stacked Rattan Vanity w/ Round Mirror & Stool

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This beautifully restored horizontal-stacked rattan vanity blends vintage style charm with modern

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vanities

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

Five Bentwood Stacking Tables or Stools in the Manner of Alvar Aalto
Five Bentwood Stacking Tables or Stools in the Manner of Alvar Aalto

Five Bentwood Stacking Tables or Stools in the Manner of Alvar Aalto

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Atlanta, GA

Five Bentwood Stacking tables or stools in the manner of Alvar Aalto, circa 1950s. These tables are

Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Studio Organic Modern Stacked Laminated Mixed Woods Lounge Chairs Stool
Pair of Studio Organic Modern Stacked Laminated Mixed Woods Lounge Chairs Stool

Pair of Studio Organic Modern Stacked Laminated Mixed Woods Lounge Chairs Stool

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Matching pair of laminated wood chairs as a sculpted work of art. It consists of layered mixed woods. It has a satin sheen and is in great condition.

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Teak

Set of Four Stackable Children's Chair Stools by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, 1966s
Set of Four Stackable Children's Chair Stools by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, 1966s

Set of Four Stackable Children's Chair Stools by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, 1966s

By Artemide, Stacy Dukes

Located in Antwerp, BE

black molded plastic child stools, even for adults, very strong.Stamped label Artemide,Italy

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture

Materials

Plastic

1970s Postmodern Pair Bruno Rey Dietiker Stacking Stools in Light Oak, Set of 2
1970s Postmodern Pair Bruno Rey Dietiker Stacking Stools in Light Oak, Set of 2

1970s Postmodern Pair Bruno Rey Dietiker Stacking Stools in Light Oak, Set of 2

By Dietiker, Bruno Rey

Located in Basel, BS

stools in light oak! Stunning wood grain, and cream colored seats. The stools are stackable. They are

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Midcentury Pelle Stacking Stools by ICF (5 Available)
Midcentury Pelle Stacking Stools by ICF (5 Available)

Midcentury Pelle Stacking Stools by ICF (5 Available)

By ICF Group, Toyoda Hiroyuki

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful and sleek set of 9 stackable stools designed by Toyoda Hiroyuki for ICF. Thick black

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Stacking Counter Stool, Wire Stool in White
Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Stacking Counter Stool, Wire Stool in White

Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Stacking Counter Stool, Wire Stool in White

By Bend Goods

Located in Ontario, CA

Bend Goods wire furniture Another twist on the Lucy chair by Bend Goods, the Stacking Lucy Counter

Category

2010s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Iron

Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Stacking Counter Stool, Wire Stool in Black
Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Stacking Counter Stool, Wire Stool in Black

Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Stacking Counter Stool, Wire Stool in Black

By Bend Goods

Located in Ontario, CA

Bend Goods wire furniture Another twist on the Lucy chair by Bend Goods, the Stacking Lucy Counter

Category

2010s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Iron

Mid-20th Century Set of Six Stacking Wooden Stools
Mid-20th Century Set of Six Stacking Wooden Stools

Mid-20th Century Set of Six Stacking Wooden Stools

By Artek

Located in New York, NY

These three-legged, wooden stools, feature unique "donut-hole," painted seats. All paint and finish

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Franz Schuster Stacking Stools Pair, Austria, 1950s
Franz Schuster Stacking Stools Pair, Austria, 1950s

Franz Schuster Stacking Stools Pair, Austria, 1950s

Located in Vienna, AT

Franz Schuster Stacking Stools Pair, Austria, 1950s. Could be used as a petite side table or

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Stackable Tripod Stools, Henry Massonnet for Stamp 70s
Stackable Tripod Stools, Henry Massonnet for Stamp 70s

Stackable Tripod Stools, Henry Massonnet for Stamp 70s

Located in New London, CT

Set of 4 stackable tripod stools made by Henry Massonnet for Stamp in the 70s. Stamped in the mass

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Set of Two Efebo Stackable Stools White ABS, Design by Stacy Dukes, 1960
Set of Two Efebo Stackable Stools White ABS, Design by Stacy Dukes, 1960

Set of Two Efebo Stackable Stools White ABS, Design by Stacy Dukes, 1960

By Stacy Dukes, Artemide

Located in 's Heer Arendskerke, NL

Set of two white stackable molded ABS resin stools. This is the larger version; a smaller

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Stools

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Stacked Stools, Ottomans
Mid-Century Modern Stacked Stools, Ottomans

Mid-Century Modern Stacked Stools, Ottomans

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Unusual and practical set of five stools/ottomans that stack on top of each other. In alternating

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Authentic Original Vintage Knoll Stacking Stool or Table
Authentic Original Vintage Knoll Stacking Stool or Table

Authentic Original Vintage Knoll Stacking Stool or Table

By Florence Knoll

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Original Florence Knoll model 75 stacking table (or Stool) in fine, unrestored vintage condition

Category

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

Set of Two Stacking Stools Franz Schuster, Duo-Colored, Austria, 1950s
Set of Two Stacking Stools Franz Schuster, Duo-Colored, Austria, 1950s

Set of Two Stacking Stools Franz Schuster, Duo-Colored, Austria, 1950s

By Franz Schuster

Located in Vienna, Vienna

Delightful set of two duo-colored stacking stools designed by Austrian architect Franz Schuster

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

Stacking Chairs Designed by Hans Bellmann, Horgen-Glarus Seat Stool, 1952
Stacking Chairs Designed by Hans Bellmann, Horgen-Glarus Seat Stool, 1952

Stacking Chairs Designed by Hans Bellmann, Horgen-Glarus Seat Stool, 1952

By Hans Bellmann

Located in Perchtoldsdorf, AT

Four GA stacking chairs designed by Hans Bellmann for Horgen-Glarus, Switzerland, 1952. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Nickel

Pair of stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, circa 1960
Pair of stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, circa 1960

Pair of stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, circa 1960

By Isamu Kenmochi

Located in Venezia, VENETO

The stacking stool designed by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko was exhibited in “Appartment Life

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech

Set of 4 stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, 1970's
Set of 4 stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, 1970's

Set of 4 stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, 1970's

By Isamu Kenmochi

Located in Venezia, VENETO

The stacking stool designed by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko was exhibited in “Appartment Life

Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech

Set of Mid-Century Stacking Stools
Set of Mid-Century Stacking Stools

Set of Mid-Century Stacking Stools

By Luther Conover

Located in San Francisco, CA

Smart set of three stacking stools or drink tables. Wrought iron legs support the maple wood seats

Category

Vintage 1950s American Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Stacking Stools
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Stacking Stools

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Stacking Stools

Located in Minneapolis, MN

These walnut stacking stools are good looking and functional. Seven available, please inquire about

Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Japanese Stacking Bentwood Architect Stool by Isamu Kenmochi for Aki
Mid-Century Japanese Stacking Bentwood Architect Stool by Isamu Kenmochi for Aki

Mid-Century Japanese Stacking Bentwood Architect Stool by Isamu Kenmochi for Aki

By Akita Mokko, Isamu Kenmochi

Located in Sacramento, CA

Mid-Century Isamu Kenmochi stacking bentwood Architect Stool, manufactured by Akita Mokko. This

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Bentwood

Mid Century Iron and Boucle Set of Stacking Stools, 1960
Mid Century Iron and Boucle Set of Stacking Stools, 1960

Mid Century Iron and Boucle Set of Stacking Stools, 1960

By Fritz Hansen

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Iron and Boucle set of Stacking Stools, 1960. Set of 3 newly upholstered in a nubby

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Round Teak Stacking Stool End Table
Mid-Century Modern Round Teak Stacking Stool End Table

Mid-Century Modern Round Teak Stacking Stool End Table

By Arne Jacobsen

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage round stool or end table circa 1960s. Features a curved teak tabletop and a three legged

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

set of 4 Danish Stacking Stools
set of 4 Danish Stacking Stools

set of 4 Danish Stacking Stools

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Bainbridge, NY

4 Mid Century Modern Stackable Tables with Mahogany Top on bent Birch legs. Great for use as

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Birch

Pair of Austrian Mid-Century Beech Stacking Stools by Franz Schuster
Pair of Austrian Mid-Century Beech Stacking Stools by Franz Schuster

Pair of Austrian Mid-Century Beech Stacking Stools by Franz Schuster

By Franz Schuster, Wiesner-Hager

Located in Vienna, AT

This Pair of Austrian mid century vintage beechwood and renewed grey leather stools were designed

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech, Leather

Pair of Austrian Mid-Century Beech Stacking Stools Attr. Roland Rainer
Pair of Austrian Mid-Century Beech Stacking Stools Attr. Roland Rainer

Pair of Austrian Mid-Century Beech Stacking Stools Attr. Roland Rainer

By Roland Rainer, Roland Rainer Emil & Alfred Pollack

Located in Vienna, AT

This Pair of Austrian mid-century vintage beechwood and faux leather stools seem to be designed by

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech, Faux Leather

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Mid Century Stacking Stools For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century stacking stools available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct mid century stacking stools — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. We have 276 antique and vintage mid century stacking stools in-stock, while there are 14 modern editions to choose from as well. Mid century stacking stools have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century stacking stools are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Mid century stacking stools have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Alvar Aalto, Artek and Fritz Hansen are consistently popular.

How Much are Mid Century Stacking Stools?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,331, while they’re typically $69 on the low end and $12,000 highest priced.

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 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.

Finding the Right Stools for You

Stools are versatile and a necessary addition to any living room, kitchen area or elsewhere in your home. A sofa or reliable lounge chair might nab all the credit, comfort-wise, but don’t discount the roles that good antique, new and vintage stools can play.

“Stools are jewels and statements in a space, and they can also be investment pieces,” says New York City designer Amy Lau, who adds that these seats provide an excellent choice for setting an interior’s general tone. 

Stools, which are among the oldest forms of wooden furnishings, may also serve as decorative pieces, even if we’re talking about a stool that is far less sculptural than the gracefully curving molded plywood shells that make up Sōri Yanagi’s provocative Butterfly stool

Fawn Galli, a New York interior designer, uses her stools in the same way you would use a throw pillow. “I normally buy several styles and move them around the home where needed,” she says.

Stools are smaller pieces of seating as compared to armchairs or dining chairs and can add depth as well as functionality to a space that you’ve set aside for entertaining. For a splash of color, consider the Stool 60, a pioneering work of bentwood by Finnish architect and furniture maker Alvar Aalto. It’s manufactured by Artek and comes in a variety of colored seats and finishes.

Barstools that date back to the 1970s are now more ubiquitous in kitchens. Vintage barstools have seen renewed interest, be they a meld of chrome and leather or transparent plastic, such as the Lucite and stainless-steel counter stool variety from Indiana-born furniture designer Charles Hollis Jones, who is renowned for his acrylic works. A cluster of barstools — perhaps a set of four brushed-aluminum counter stools by Emeco or Tubby Tube stools by Faye Toogood — can encourage merriment in the kitchen. If you’ve got the room for family and friends to congregate and enjoy cocktails where the cooking is done, consider matching your stools with a tall table.

Whether you need counter stools, drafting stools or another kind, explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage stools on 1stDibs.