1960s Mid Century Walnut & Vinyl Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut & vinyl sofa designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s.This sofa boasts a beautiful black vinyl upholstery that sits atop a sleek and stylish waln...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Unique Mid-Century Vinyl Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This two-piece corner sofa makes an excellent seating option perfect for waiting or living room. Simple and unique Mid-Century design set this piece apart from similar items. Please ...
PVC
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa with Leopard Print Vinyl
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs.
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom, Teak Base, Avocado Vinyl
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century sofa with avocado green vinyl upholstery with a single line of button tufted detail across the backrest, resting on a teak wood base with stretchers and tapered sq...
Teak
$2,895
H 29 in W 82 in D 29 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Sofa with Fabric and Vinyl Upholstery German Import
Located in Seattle, WA
This mid-century modern sofa, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, showcases a minimalist silhouette with clean, straight lines, a low backrest, and narrow, angled arms capped with woode...
Fabric
Italian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Vinyl, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and orange vinyl sofa likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Upholstery shows some distress. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.0"H ...
Faux Leather, Wood
Marzio Cecchi Serpente Sofa Black Vinyl, 1972
By Marzio Cecchi
Located in Padova, IT
"Serpente - Snake" sofa designed by Marzio Cecchi in the seventies and produced by the brand of the architect own brand "Studio Most". 18 elements with wooden frame covered in glos...
Plastic, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Wood, Vinyl, Steel, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, green floral vinyl and steel sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina and distress to frame and fabric consistent with age and use. Overall Dimension...
Steel
$1,195
H 28 in W 72 in D 27 in
Universal of High Point Midcentury Black Vinyl Faux Leather Convertible Sofa
By Universal Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern settee or loveseat sofa in black vinyl faux leather by Universal of High Point.
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960's Overman Pod
Located in Dallas, TX
Overman Sweden mid-century modern white vinyl couch, "Pod Sofa" approx. 30" tall, 78" wide, & 25" deep.
Leather
Chesterfield Sofa in White Vinyl Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish tufted white vinyl Chesterfield loveseat sofa on wood bun feet. Overall excellent condition, showing only light wear to fronts of armrests, as pictured. Clean, origi...
Faux Leather
Mid-Century Dutch Sofa in Black Vinyl
By Gijs Van Der Sluis
Located in Lijnden, Noord-Holland
Metal frame with wooden armrests and new black vinyl upholstery. In the style of Gijs van der Sluis / Martin Visser.
Metal
Retro Black Vinyl Chaise Sofa G Plan, Mid-Century
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Greater Manchester, GB
The 1960s saw G Plan enter their heyday and its not Gard to see why when they were producing furniture as stunning as this black vinyl chaise Sofa with it’s intricate button backed h...
Mid-Century Black Vinyl Modular Sofa, 1950s
Located in View Park, CA
A black vinyl modular sofa sectional on brass casters, 1950s.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vinyl Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin is upholstered in a pale gray vinyl with birch legs.
Vinyl, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Vinyl and Chrome Airport Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This comfortable and stylish sofa features a unique modern design, complete with sturdy chrome legs. Perfect addition to any seating arrangement, please confirm item location (NY or ...
Mid Century Danish Modern Ekornes Teak and Vinyl Sofa
By Ekornes Stressless
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Ekornes Teak and Vinyl Sofa Above average vintage condition and structurally sound.
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Vinyl Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Wilmington, DE
This piece was designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. It has white vinyl upholstery and wood legs. The sofa is signed by Thayer Coggin. Dimensions: 102" W x 33" D x 27.25"...
Modern Vinyl Couch
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
9' two-piece modern couch in a vibrant red-orange vinyl, featuring retro steel stud detail.
Pair Mid Century Sofas With Original Vinyl and Ash Frames
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of mid century two seater sofas with ash frames, slatted backs and original mustard gold vinyl.
Ash, PVC, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Vinyl Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern vinyl sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid Century Black Faux Leather Vinyl Tufted Long Low Sofa by Patrician
By Patrician Furniture Co, Patrician
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Unique Mid-Century Modern black faux leather vinyl tufted sofa with a Chrome base and soft Black Vinyl by Patrician.
Chrome
Sold
H 28 in W 56 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Original Florence Knoll Loveseat 2-Seat Black Vinyl Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern original early 1960s #67 Florence Knoll loveseat 2 seat black vinyl faux leather sofa.
Steel
Sold
H 24 in W 88 in D 37 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Sofa White Vinyl Evans Era, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, Brutalist sofa, with white vinyl upholstery and Brutalist sides by Adrian Pearsall, circa 1960s. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 88" ...
Sold
H 26 in W 74 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Walnut and Black Vinyl Curved Back Sofa Retro, 1960s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fabulous, black vinyl and walnut, curved back sofa, made in Denmark circa the 1960s. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 74" W x 25" D x 26" B.H. x...
Midcentury Banana Yellow Vinyl Sofa Couch
By Burris Industries
Located in West Hartford, CT
Vintage banana yellow three-seat sofa by Burris Industries. Rests on steel legs.
Steel
Vintage Vinyl and Chrome Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful sofa has a sturdy chrome frame, and wonderful white vinyl. Comfortable and stylish, this makes a wonderful seating solution for home or business. Please confirm item l...
Midcentury Grid Tufted Vinyl Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic midcentury black vinyl sofa featuring a grid tufted pattern across the seats and arms. Oak trim compliments the base with tapered wood legs in front and sculptural legs in t...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Classic Overman Black Vinyl Mod Sofa
By Overman
Located in New York, NY
Nice Overman Of Sweden Mod Pod Sofa, in original black vinyl upholstery. I have also separately listed the matching Pod Chairs, if you're looking for a set.
PVC
Vintage Ribbed Vinyl and Walnut Frame Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Classic designed Mid Century black vinyl sofa features a linear ribbed texture across the seat and back.
Faux Leather, Walnut
Custom Designer Vinyl Abstract Tuxedo Sofa, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A bold custom abstract Tuxedo sofa upholstered in an abstract Mid-Century Modern designed vinyl.
Upholstery
Sold
H 28 in W 87 in D 31 in
Black Vinyl Convertible Harvey Probber Style Sofa Sleeper Couch Made in Japan
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Linear, rolled heated pleats adorn nearly the entire sofa. The ribbed pattern evokes a look that gives the pieces a Hollywood Regency flare while maintaining a classic, mid-century m...
George Nelson for Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa. Red vinyl
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Designed by Irving Harper for the Nelson office, this is a recent production red vinyl George Nelson Marshmallow sofa in excellent condition.
Aluminum, Steel
Rare Black Vinyl Sofa by Milo Baughman for James Inc
By Milo Baughman, James Inc.
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare black vinyl sofa by Milo Baughman for James Inc. Tufted seat and back with chrome legs. original black vinyl, circa 1960s. Dimensions: 77" x 30" x 30" seat height 16".
Chrome
Sold
H 30 in W 82 in D 32 in
Midcentury Thonet Sofa Three-Seat Solid Walnut Base Black Vinyl Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Thonet
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful vintage circa 1950 midcentury Thonet sofa three-seat sofa in the style of Florence Knoll for Thonet USA Manufacturer. Solid walnut frame has original Black Vinyl upholstery...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Italian Blue Vinyl Sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni
By Giovannetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
"Anfibio" sofa bed designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni in 1970 in original Faux Leather . The sofa can be unfolded or opened flat revealing its luxuriously soft ...
Sheepskin, Faux Leather
Midcentury Black Faux Leather Vinyl Tufted Long low Sofa by Patrician
By Patrician Furniture Co, Patrician
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful unique Mid-Century Modern black faux leather vinyl tufted sofa with walnut wood base and leather by Patrician.
Hardwood, Faux Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 88.75 in D 28 in
Four-Seat Sofa in Vinyl Attributed to H.W. Klein for Bramin, Denmark, c. 1960s
By H.W. Klein
Located in Deland, FL
Jørgensen, was a Danish furniture manufacturer founded in Bramming, producing mid-century modern pieces throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s.
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Tufted Vinyl Daybed Sofa, 1950s
Located in Raymondville, TX
This sleek low profile vintage mid-century modern daybed style lounge sofa flaunts a minimalist design featuring walnut wood framing with a partial back rail and one side arm with ve...
Metal
Brazilian Style Tufted Black Vinyl Vintage Sofa and Armchair Set
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Overman
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern overman pod style molded frame sofa and chair with unique chorded buttons.
Faux Leather
George Nelson for Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa in Yellow Vinyl
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Designed by Irving Harper for the Nelson office, this is a recent production George Nelson Marshmallow settee/loveseat/sofa.
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 32 in W 48 in D 26 in
Art Deco Machine Age Streamline Moderne Royal Metal Chrome and Vinyl Bench Sofa
By Royal Metal Co., Donald Deskey, Royal Chrome
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous, circa 1930s streamline modern machine age Art Deco chrome and vinyl bench style love seat length sofa with its original blue-gray upholstery. This piece is in excellent con...
Chrome
Mid-Century Two Seat Airport Sofa by Arne Jacobsen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful mid-century vinyl sofa by designer Arne Jacobsen makes a truly unique addition to any mid-century space.
Mid Century Black Faux Leather Vinyl Tufted Long Low Sofa by Patrician
By Patrician Furniture Co, Patrician
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful unique Mid-Century Modern black faux leather vinyl tufted sofa with walnut wood base and soft Black Vinyl by Patrician.
Chrome
Sold
H 33 in W 72 in D 26 in
Mid Century Arthur Umanoff Sofa, Black Vinyl on Walnut & Aluminum Frame, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very cool Arthur Umanoff sofa manufactured by Madison Furniture Co. Three seats mounted on a walnut frame with aluminium accent strips. Black vinyl is in very good condition with no ...
Aluminum
Chic Vinyl Box Sofa by Simmons
By Simmons Company Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Vinyl upholstery box sofa with sculpted Kagan style wood legs. Extra clean, original condition, well built couch, ready to use.
Upholstery
Vintage Black Vinyl Chesterfield Sofa by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage sofa by Baker Furniture features tufted black upholstery with brass nail heads, and scrolled arms. Sleek and stylish design in dark fabric makes this a unique ...
Sold
H 31 in W 52 in D 26 in
Authentic purple vinyl George Nelson Marshmallow sofa in excellent condition.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson for Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa. Purple vinyl. These are often confused with leather. Virtually impossible to tell from leather without a leather one next to it. ...
Aluminum, Steel
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Black Vinyl Sofa, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Hamburg, PA
Original black vinyl upholstered Mid-Century Modern sofa designed Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the Danish style.
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 81.75 in D 32 in
Brandt Ranch Oak Style Turquoise Vinyl Convertible Sofa Daybed by Economy Furn
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous convertible sofa or daybed comprised of oak and original turquoise vinyl faux leather by Economy Furniture style of A. Brandt Ranch Oak. Age-appropriate condition, keeping i...
Faux Leather, Oak
Sold
H 34.5 in W 97 in D 28.75 in
Three Seat Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in Cognac Vinyl
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic three-seat Soriana sofa by the Italian design couple Afra & Tobia Scarpa in a Cognac vinyl. This is the largest style available in the ‘Soriana’ series.
Faux Leather, Upholstery
Sold
H 26 in W 70 in D 35 in
Mid-Century Modern Seemay Large Loveseat Baughman Style Vinyl with Top Stich
By Milo Baughman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an extraordinary, large loveseat with front casters, upholstered in textured vinyl with a yellow top stitch, by Seemay Inc, in the style of Milo Baughman, c...
Faux Leather
Sold
H 28.5 in W 72 in D 24 in
MCM White Vinyl Faux Silk Look Daybeds or Convertible Sofas or Sectional, a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern white daybeds or convertible sofa sectional.
Metal
Mid-Century Orange Vinyl Loveseat with a Chrome Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Mid-Century sofa features tufted vinyl upholstery and chrome legs.
Chrome
Sold
H 30 in W 67 in D 25 in
Pair of J.A. Casillas Modern White Vinyl Chrome Brushed Metal Chaise Lounge Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Unique pair of right and left white vinyl and brushed metal chaise lounges or sofas by J.A. Casillas. Items feature a sleek contemporary modern design raised on brushed metal bases. ...
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 72.05 in D 29.14 in
Norwegian Orange Yellow Wool and Vinyl Three-Seat Sofa, Midcentury, 1960s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Norwegian yellow wool and vinyl three-seat sofa, this would make a stylish addition to any living or work area. The sofa has wide cushions and padded armrests for enhance...
Wool
Sold
H 29 in W 85 in D 34 in
Milo Baughman Sofa with Rosewood Case and Black Vinyl Upholstery circa 1970-1979
By Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Milo Baughman sofa with rosewood case and black vinyl upholstery, circa 1970-1979. Excellent condition. Produced by Thayer Coggin.
Rosewood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 66.93 in D 28.75 in
Mid Century Matching Tan Vinyl Sofa + 2 Swivel Egg Chairs, 1970s
Located in Ely, GB
Wonderfully Retro sofa set, Consisting of a 2-seater sofa and 2 matching swivel egg chairs on chrome legs. The set is made from a light tan vinyl material and in good vintage con...
Faux Leather
Mid Century Modern Sofa
Located in Madison, WI
Mid century white vinyl sofa with walnut trim. Clean and sleek, simple lines.
PVC, Walnut
$9,500 / item
H 14 in W 42 in D 42 in
Zebra Ottoman / Coffee Table, Large Square, Two Zebra Hides, Custom Made In USA
By Area ID
Located in New York, NY
Large zebra ottoman, measures: 42 inches by 42 inches and 14 inches high. Great as a coffee table or ottoman. Built in our NJ factory. Made of beautiful zebra hides from South Africa...
Zebra Hide
$5,036 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
$6,972 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
$350 / item
H 19 in W 13 in D 7 in
Animal Print le Tiger Lumbar Pillow with Down Fill Custom Variations Available
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Animal motif Tiger Print lumbar pillow. Multiple available. Front features gorgeous thick velvet animalia print. Back features a crisp cream. Down filled. Knife edge with zipper. In ...
Cotton, Velvet, Down
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
Capiz Shell Table Lamp, Model Cornelia
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cornelia Table Lamp is a lamp that is made from capiz shells which gives the material an irregular structure. This makes each lamp unique, something that adds to its character and pe...
Brass
$14,950 / item
H 33.08 in W 115.36 in D 61.82 in
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Velvet, Walnut
$3,290 / item
H 35 in W 86 in D 40 in
Modern English Sofa in a Heavy Weight Stone Washed Natural Hemp & Down Cushion
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Modern English Arm Sofa Introducing the English Arm Sofa, crafted with heavy weight hemp boasting a soft hand feel for added luxury. This sofa features a down feather wrapped seat cu...
Linen, Wood, Down
$2,461Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 77.56 in D 34.65 in
Very rare and early Richard Stein Sofa / Daybed for Knoll
By Richard Stein, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
All original. can be converted to a bed.
Fabric
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Danish Rosewood Case Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Danish Rosewood Case Sofa This sofa measures: 81.5 wide x 32.5 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 26 inches All piece...
Chrome
$944Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 14.97 in Dm 35.44 in
Boo Bed • Hand-Carved Dog Bed in Teak with Sheepskin Upholstery, by Odditi
By Odditi
Located in CAROOL, NSW, AU
The Boo Bed is a contemporary architectural throne for your doggo. Upholstered in luxurious long haired sheepskin for your fur baby’s comfort. Featuring hand-carved details and made ...
Sheepskin, Teak
1950s Swedish Velvet Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Leopard Upholstered Pair of French Fauteuils a La Reine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Fauteuils a la Reine in newly upholstered cut velvet leopard with a black ribbon gimp and nailheads. Extremely large and very comfortable. The photos show the gimp with nail...
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery
$37,500
H 29.34 in W 177.17 in D 137.8 in
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte Castell Sectional Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa, leather, Austria, design 1972 Stunning and sizable modular sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte. This grand ...
Leather
$8,895
H 32.5 in W 108 in D 33 in
Adrian Pearsall Sofa with Travertine Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Original Travertines, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitur...
Travertine
$1,750Sale Price|67% Off
H 33.75 in W 70.5 in D 35 in
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model 1676 by Widdicomb Attributed Sofa
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish Mid-Century Modern three-seat sofa, attributed to model 1676 by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb featuring a blonde wood frame and velvet upholstery. This sofa was ...
Fabric, Wood
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.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
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.