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Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Wishbone Dining Table
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid-century wishbone dining table.
Table measures: 58 wide x 40 deep x 29
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Wishbone Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century wishbone dining table with 2 leaves
This table measures: 27.5 wide
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
Heywood Wakefield Midcentury Wishbone Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Heywood Wakefield midcentury wishbone expanding dining table with 2 leaves.
This table measures
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
H 28.75 in W 94 in D 40 in
Midcentury Wishbone Side Table in Walnut (4 available)
By George Nakashima, Wendell Castle Collection, Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful wishbone circular table designed by Dean Santner featuring black walnut construction
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Wishbone Chair in the Style of Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
of Mid-Century Modern style and is sure to brighten up any space. Please confirm item location with
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Paint
Heywood Wakefield Mid Century Maple Wishbone Expanding Dining Table
By Heywood Brothers & Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Heywood Wakefield mid century maple wishbone expanding dining table
This table measures 58 wide
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Maple
Gerald Thurston Mid-Century Modern Wishbone Lamp with Original Shade
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Thurston Wishbone lamp has become an iconic lamp of the Mid-Century Modern movement. The American made lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Blowing Rock Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer Wishbone Dining Chairs, Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Blowing rock Mid-Century Modern black lacquer wishbone dining chairs - Set of 6. Set includes (2
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
H 32 in W 23 in D 20 in
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Maple Wishbone Dining Table, Refinished
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous and very versatile Mid-Century Modern solid maple "wishbone" drop-leaf extension dining
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Maple
H 29 in W 94.63 in D 40 in
Wishbone
Located in Deddington, GB
was developed in the mid 19th century for reproducing text and drawings as blueprints. The term
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Still-life Prints
Materials
Digital
Wishbone
By Gina Phillips
Located in New Orleans, LA
, Phillips' work was featured in a mid-career retrospective at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Teak Wishbone Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Countryside, IL
Folke Ohlsson for Dux Mid Century Teak Wishbone Dining Chairs - Set of 4
These chairs measure: 19
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Pair of Mid Century Modern Wishbone Floor Lamps by Gerald Thurston for Laurel
By Gerald Thurston, Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Wishbone Floor Lamps by Gerald Thurston for the Laurel Lamp Co. C1960. Beautiful
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
6 Vintage "Wishbone" Style Chairs by Blowing Rock Furniture
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home the best of both worlds with this wonderful set of 6 mid-century vintage dining chairs
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Arthur Espenet Carpenter 'Sedua Wishbone' Armchair
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 'Sedua Wishbone' armchair by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, in walnut with leather straps, circa 1972
Category
Mid-20th Century Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Set of Four Hans Wegner Wishbone Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern set by Hans Wegner refinished in black. Paper cord seats, sculpted frames
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Wood
Pair of Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner
Located in bari, IT
Nordic style chairs by Hans Wegner for Frans & Sons
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Rope, Wood
Hans Wegner, Wishbone CH24 Pour Carl Hansen, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
and those produced in 1973. This iconic model also known as the "Wishbone chair" has been recognized
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Hans Wegner Wishbone Chairs by Carl Hansen and Son
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage pair of the iconic Hans J. Wegner Wishbone chairs by Carl Hansen & Son.
We aren't
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Rush, Teak
'8' Hans Wegner-Style Oak Wishbone Dining Chairs
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Norwalk, CT
Scandinavian mid-century twist, offering refinement and modernization to a familiar design. A testament to
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, "Wishbone” Chair circa 1970s, Stamped
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, California, USA, circa early 1970s "Wishbone" chair of African Hyedua and
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Hans Wegner, Wishbone CH 24 pour Carl Hansen, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
produced ones. This iconic model created in 1950 by Hans Wegner is also known as the "Wishbone chair" and
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Teak Oil Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Oak Oil Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Walnut Oil Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Walnut Lacquer Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Oak Soap Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Mahogany Oil Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Set of Six Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
CH 24 - set of 6 'Wishbone' chairs in beech and woven paper yarn. Hans J. Wegner / Carl Hansen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Beech
Seldom seen Laurel Lighting Wishbone Floor Lamp, Gerald Thurston
By Gerald Thurston, Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic 1950's Wishbone floor lamp for Laurel Lighting Company. Nice original condition, solid
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Collection of 6 Hans Wegner Chairs, Wishbone, Heart, CH33
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oakland, CA
Collection of six Hans Wegner dining chairs consisting of two wishbone, two heart, and two CH33
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Oak, Teak
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Oak Smoked Oil Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Oak White Oil Finish with Natural Papercord *Quickship*
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
(6) Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son "Wishbone" Chairs
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Norwalk, CT
Simply referred to as "The Chair" by connoisseurs of Danish mid-century design for its iconic
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech
Organic Driftwood Mid Century Modern Sculptural Bench Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Organic Driftwood Mid Century Modern Sculptural Bench Coffee Table. Item features a double pedestal
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Driftwood
Sculptural 1960s Wishbone Rocking Chair In Oak By Robin Williams
By Robin Williams, Sam Maloof, Yngve Ekström
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A rare 1960s "Wishbone" rocking chair in steam-bent oak by British designer Robin Williams
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Hans Wegner Wishbone Danish Dining Chairs CH 24
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of authentic Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH24 wishbone dining chairs in white oak with paper
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Set of Six “Wishbone” Chairs in Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner “The Wishbone Chair”. Set of six armchairs of oak. Seat with woven papercord. CH 24
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Beech Wood with Soft Blue Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Beech Wood with Soft White Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Beech Wood with Soft Black Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
Wishbone Chair, has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1950.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Beech Wood with Soft Seaweed Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
, designer Ilse Crawford reinterprets the CH24 Wishbone Chair in a palette of nine soft yet complex colours.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Wood with Soft North Sea Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
, designer Ilse Crawford reinterprets the CH24 Wishbone Chair in a palette of nine soft yet complex colours.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Beech Wood with Soft Clay Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
, designer Ilse Crawford reinterprets the CH24 Wishbone Chair in a palette of nine soft yet complex colours.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
CH24 Wishbone Chair in Beech Wood with Soft Barley Finish and Natural Papercord
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burlington, NJ
, designer Ilse Crawford reinterprets the CH24 Wishbone Chair in a palette of nine soft yet complex colours.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Heywood Wakefield Round Edge Wishbone MCM Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
Heywood Wakefield round edge wishbone mid century dining table with 2 leaves
This table measures
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
Rare "Wishbone" Vanity Mirror in Brass by Charles Hollis Jones
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage and rare "Wishbone" vanity mirror designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones in the
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors
Materials
Brass
Hans J. Wegner "Wishbone" Ebonized Arm Chairs for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wegner chair, this timeless design continues to reign in popularity amongst collectors of mid-century
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Patinated Oak “Wishbone” Arm Chairs by Hans Wegner circa 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF PATINATED OAK "WISHBONE" ARM CHAIRS
Designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Classic Hans J. Wegner "Wishbone" Oak Armchair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rush, Wood, Oak
Iconic Hans J. Wegner “Wishbone” Oak Arm Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rush, Wood, Oak
Set of Six Oak "Wishbone" Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of six oak and paper cord "Wishbone" chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son.
CH24
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Soap for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak & soap for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak, Wood
Pair of Ebonized Oak Wishbone Dining Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, ca. 1955
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Beautiful pair of vintage Hans J. Wegner CH24 "Wishbone" chairs in ebonized oak and woven
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Black Paint for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak & black paint for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Papercord, Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Mahogany and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in mahogany and oil for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Papercord, Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Teak and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in teak and oil for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Teak, Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak and oil for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Mahogany, Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & White Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak & white oil for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak, Wood
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Vintage Bean Beater, Natural Wood Branch, Japanese, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Bean Beater, natural wood branch, Japanese, mid-20th century
A natural branch shaped like
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
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Mid Century Wishbone For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic mid century wishbone available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, oak and natural fiber, every mid century wishbone was constructed with great care. Find 403 options for an antique or vintage mid century wishbone now, or shop our selection of 26 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century wishbone — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century wishbone, designed in the mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one mid century wishbone that is appealing in its simplicity, but Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn and Heywood-Wakefield Co. produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Mid Century Wishbone?
A mid century wishbone can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,887, while the lowest priced sells for $180 and the highest can go for as much as $40,000.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
Questions About Mid Century Wishbone
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- What is a mid-century sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- Are the 1970s mid-century?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is mid-century artwork?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is mid century decor?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
- What is mid century furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
- What is mid-century jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What does mid century mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
- What is a mid-century chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.
Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.
Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.
Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
- Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
Read More
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Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.
Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
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