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.
Arne Norell, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Green Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting a beautiful pair of “Sirocco” armchairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. Crafted with ash wood frames and upholst...
Leather, Ash
Iconic Hans J. Wegner “Wishbone” Oak Arm Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Oak Wood, Original Rush Chord Seats ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this j...
Rush, Wood, Oak
Authentic Pierre Jeanneret Sissoo Armchair PJ-010804, Chandigarh, 1965
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare Pierre Jeanneret Sissoo Armchair, circa 1965, from his residential furniture repertoire in Chandigarh. The armchair is constructed in solid sissoo, or Indian rosewood, with a...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of grey DAX armchairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller 1950's
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of "DAX" armchairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Circa 1956-1959. Molded fiberglass shell, steel legs. Grey colored fiberglass. Both chairs contain original label...
Fiberglass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Bouclé Lounge Chairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An original and bold 1970s-style design, highly seductive. These armchairs captivate the beholder and welcome those who sit in them with comfort. The armchairs feature a unique wood...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair of Henning Kjærnulf “Kurul” Sculptural Oak Armchairs in Lambswool, 1960s
By EG Kvaliteet, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful and sculptural pair of “Kurul” armchairs in oak & lambswool, designed by Henning Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, during the 1960s. The chairs feature highly dis...
Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
A Mid-Century Armchair by Anonymous Designer, Finland c. 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
An elegant armchair in birch, with a gently curved backrest and sculptural open arms terminating in rolled, upholstered rests, raised on tapering splayed legs. Newly reupholstered in...
Wool, Beech
Vintola Studio HUG Chair in Jacquard Fabric, Modern Design from Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
HUG Chair Designed by Vintola Studio, HUG Chair is defined by a continuous upholstered backrest that gently wraps around the body, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy. Its scu...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Ekornes Stressless Tan Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman Vintage 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Stressless recliner and matching ottoman feature an ergonomic high-back design with smooth swivel function. A curved bentwood ring base supports the plush contoured seat. It emb...
Beech
Arne Norell, Pair of Sirocco Lounge Chairs, Leather & Ash, AB Aneby, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of safari chairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. The chairs are crafted with a solid frame in ash and a wa...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs from the 1960s, made of wood and floral fabric
Located in Palermo, IT
A stunning pair of vintage modernist armchairs, dating primarily from the 1960s and featuring a solid wooden frame and fabric upholstery with floral and damask patterns. This design ...
Fabric, Wood
Marco Zanuso 'Regent' Armchair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare 'Regent' armchair was designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in Italy in the 1960s. Characteristic for this iconic model are the generous, outward placed armrests ...
Metal
$1,604 / set
Complete living room set with sofa and armchairs designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti in the 1960s
By Gigi Radice
Located in taranto, IT
This extraordinary living room set, designed by the brilliant Gigi Radice in the 1960s for the prestigious Italian company Minotti, perfectly embodies the sophisticated spirit and fo...
Brass
Two Mid Century Armchairs by E. Homa, Jacquard Velvet by Camengo, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM 64 designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type armchair is regarded ...
Textile, Beech
Brazilian Modernist Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Solid Wood, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A Brazilian lounge chair from the 1970s, combining black leather with a substantial solid wood frame. The design sits within the more robust side of Brazilian modernism, where tradit...
Hardwood
Mid Century GFM Stool in Geometric Tweed Jacquard Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful stool designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one of the best ...
Textile, Beech
LC3 Grand Modele Armchair by Le Corbusier for Cassina in Cowhide
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Reupholstered in brown cowhide, all new foam.
Cowhide
Pair of Italian Paolo Buffa High-Back Armchairs in Blue Velvet and Chenille, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant pair of Italian high-back armchairs, attributed to Paolo Buffa and dating from the 1950s. The armchairs feature a sculptural, slightly flared silhouette, with high, envel...
Chenille, Velvet, Nutwood
Mid Century GFM 64 Armchair - E. Homa, Jacquard Velvet by Camengo, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM 64 designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type armchair is regarded ...
Textile, Beech
Four Vintola Studio HUG Chairs in Jacquard Fabric, Modern Design from Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Set of Four HUG Chairs Designed by Vintola Studio, HUG Chair is defined by a continuous upholstered backrest that gently wraps around the body, creating a sense of comfort and intim...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Rare Armchair Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An 1940s Danish Armchair newly upholstered in a premium pure mohair fabric and Samuel and Sons French cord. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Wood
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Blue Fiberglass DAR Armchair, 2019
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic Eames Molded Fiberglass Armchair designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller in the United States in 2019. #5664 This striking example features a viv...
Steel
Mid Century Sculptural Chair in Walnut and Copper, American Studio Craft 1950s
Located in Troy, MI
Exceptional studio craft armchair USA circa 1950's Handcrafted walnut frame with continuous horseshoe-form arms, tapered uprights and exposed joinery Copper framed suspended seat w...
Copper
$7,800 / set
Set of Six Armchairs in Oak and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of Six armchairs, oak, straw, Europe, 1960s Made in Europe during the 1960s, these chairs are a charming example of rustic furniture design from the post-war period. The chairs ...
Straw, Oak
Alvar Aalto Paded Cantilever Armchair Model 43, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
An early padded Spring chair model 43 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyömaa from the 1940s. This chair is one of the most recognizable pi...
Metal
$45,427 / set
Marc Held Pair of “Culbuto” Armchairs
Exceptional pair of “Culbuto” armchairs, designed by French designer Marc Held in 1967 and produced by Knoll International, circa 1970. One of Marc Held’s most recognizable designs, ...
Leather, Fiberglass
Vintage ULUV Rattan Armchair, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
A beautiful vintage rattan armchair produced by ULUV in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. This Mid-Century Modern lounge chair features a warm honey-oak tone wooden frame, curved armr...
Rattan, Wood
Mid Century Lane Furniture Burgundy Red Oxblood Leather Reclining Armchair MCM
By Lane Acclaim
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 1975 Lane Furniture / Action Industries burgundy top grain leather reclining chair featuring padded headrest, rolled arms and brass nailhead trim. Lane Furniture acquired Ac...
Metal
Adrian & Frida Audoux Minet for Vibo Armchair in Braided Hemp
By Vibo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet for Vibo, armchair, beech, rope hemp, France, late 1940s A naturalistic dining chair designed by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet. The seat and backrest ...
Hemp, Beech
$1,833Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of vintage 1970s leather armchairs "Siesta" design I. Relling for Westnofa
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame and black leather upholstery, model "Siesta" design Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear given b...
Leather, Wood
August Thonet No. 30 Bentwood Armchair For Ton, Czechoslovakia, Mid 20th Century
Located in Zohor, SK
Elegant Model No. 30 bentwood armchair, a classic Thonet design, manufactured by TON in Czechoslovakia during the mid-20th century. The chair is distinguished by its beautifully scul...
Wool, Bentwood
Sculptural Swivel Lounge Chair in Cream Bouclé and Walnut
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in pure geometry and enveloping form, this swivel lounge chair brings a commanding architectural presence to high-end interiors. Defined by its continuous, nested circu...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$2,450 / item
Cubic Lounge Chairs in Light Grey Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chairs, beech, fabric, Europe, 1970s. Geometric shaped lounge chairs composed of solely cubic forms. The wooden frames that function as armrests are based on a square shape,...
Fabric, Beech
Danish Kurul Armchair in Oak and Striped Green Wool by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Kurul Armchair in Oak and Striped Green Wool by Henning Kjaernulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s. This Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Curule chair in solid Nordic oak...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Arnold Madsen, Beech Wood & Sheepskin
Located in PARIS, FR
Arnold Madsen Wooden Sheepskin arm chair, 1950 A rare and iconic Danish mid century chair in natural beech wood and white sheepskin designed by Arnold Madsen in Denmark. Previously...
Sheepskin, Beech
$6,189 / item
"Californian" armchair FRANCE - 1960s
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Jacques Charpentier , a French decorator and editor trained at the École Boulle, this armchair reflects his work of the 1960s. It rests on a stainless steel base, a signa...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Sculpted Arm Lounge Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century modern solid teak sculpted arm lounge chairs. They have spindle or slat backs with a loose back cushion. The vintage upholstery is in very good conditio...
Upholstery, Teak
Early Ed. Ray & Charles Eames Original Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in The Hague, NL
Classical lounge chair and ottoman designed by Charles& Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller, end 40's beginning 50's period USA. "Who would say that pleasure is not usef...
Leather, Rosewood
Cala Armchair with Rounded Upholstered Form and Sculptural Outer Shell
Located in New York, NY
The Cala Armchair is defined by a soft, enveloping silhouette, where generous upholstery is held within a rounded sculptural outer shell. Inspired by the quiet enclosure of a shelter...
Metal
$1,776 / set
Pair of wicker armchairs manufactured by Design Italia in the 1950s–60s, Mid-Century Modern style
Located in Palermo, IT
A pair of Mid-Century Modern wicker armchairs, a classic piece of modern antiques made in Italy. The hemispherical or inverted-cone-shaped shell is crafted from a dense, elegant weav...
Metal
Sculptural Swivel Lounge Chair in Soft Alpaca Velvet and Walnut Base
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in pure geometry and enveloping form, this swivel lounge chair brings a commanding architectural presence to high-end interiors. Defined by its continuous, nested circu...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Adrian & Frida Minet for Vibo Armchair in Wicker Straw
By Vibo, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet for Vibo, armchair, stained beech, straw, France, 1950s Rustic armchair designed by the duo Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet. The seating and backrest are m...
Straw, Beech
Pair of Custom COM Fabric Tub Armchairs with Black Metal Frame
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
This pair of armchairs can be upholstered in the client’s own material, allowing the design to be tailored through a selected COM fabric. Each chair is defined by a rounded tub silho...
Metal
$1,833Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of vintage 40s wood and fabric armchairs Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame, green fabric cover and gold studs, Italian design, 1940s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. SIZING: Height 75 cm; wi...
Fabric, Wood
Two Mid Century GFM Stools in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful pair of two stools designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one...
Textile, Beech
Le Bambole armchair in cotton by Mario Bellini for B&b Italy 1972
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, original cotton fabric. Excellent conditions, slight fading and small spots, le Bambole...
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
A Pair of Walter Baermann Armchairs Prestige Furniture MCM Modern ca' 1960's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Walter Baermann armchairs for Prestige Furniture, ca' 1960's. Original upholstery-time capsule intact condition. American/Danish Mid-Century style-so very early 1960's.
Upholstery, Ash
Mid Century GFM Stool in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful stool designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one of the best ...
Textile, Beech
A Vintage Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Adjustable Armchairs 1940's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-low, medium, high. Made of mahogany and natura...
Mahogany
Mario Bellini model Cab 413 dining armchair in leather Cassina Italy 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
An iconic Model CAB 413 dining armchair designed by Mario Bellini in 1977 and produced by Cassina in Italy. The chair features a slender steel frame completely covered with a fitted...
Metal
Brazilian Designer, Armchair, Iron, Rattan, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An iron and rattan armchair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Apartamento 61, São Paulo. Wear consistent with age and use. Cane seat replaced. Overall Dimensi...
Iron
LC3 “Grand Confort, Durable, 60” Limited Edition Red Armchair by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina LC3 “3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle, Durable, 60” Limited Edition Armchair by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret & Charlotte Perriand Created to celebrate the 60th a...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Coronado' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Coronado' lounge chair, cognac leather, Italy, 1966 The 'Coronado' lounge chair is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B talia. The seat has a...
Leather
'Mole' armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
'Mole' armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s The Mole Armchair is a classic design by Sergio Rodrigues from the 1960s. This original period example remains in its original con...
Leather, Wood
Franco Albini Pair of Rattan and Bamboo Armchairs, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of mid-century armchairs entirely made of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These charming organic modern chairs were produced in Italy during the 1960s and ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Cassina LC1 “Fauteuil Dossier Basculant, 60” Red Limited Edition Chair
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Cassina LC1 “Fauteuil Dossier Basculant, 60” Limited Edition Chair Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cassina’s production of the Le Corbusier®, Pierre Jeanneret® and Char...
Metal
Gio Ponti Art Dèco Italian Lounge Armchair from Hotel Bristol Merano, 50s, Pair
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A luxurious pair of Art Deco armchairs, attributed to Gio Ponti, originally designed for the prestigious Hotel Bristol Merano in Italy. The armchairs feature low, sculptural armrest...
Brass
Safari Armchair in Natural Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Safari lounge chair, leather, stained beech, metal, Europe, 1970s Stunning safari lounge chair covered in original upholstery made of natural cognac brown leather. The chair shows v...
Metal
Italian Dynamic Lounge Chair in Olive Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, birch, lacquered wood, fabric, Italy, 1960s. Well-shaped Italian lounge chair in an olive green upholstery. The lower part of the legs are in a sharp V shape and execu...
Fabric, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
$22,000 / set
Pair of Taichiro Nakay Armchairs in Cherry Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Taichiro Nakay for La Permanente Mobili, lounge chairs, cherry wood, fabric, Italy, 1955 Taichiro Nakay is an incredibly talented Japanese designer who is mostly known for his part...
Fabric, Cherry