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.
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
Vidalenta Outdoor Green Armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary Vidalenta armchair designed by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, conceived as part of the Vidalenta outdoor collection. With its inviting, enveloping silhouette and refined...
Metal
Set of Four Platner Armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, Steel, Velvet, 1960s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Glasgow, GB
This set of four Platner armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, designed in the 1960s, represents a defining example of American mid-century modern design. Each chair is constructed ...
Steel
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
$1,863Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Oak Armchair, attributed to Henning Kjærnulf 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A example of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. Constructed from richly toned danish oak, the frame features gently tapered legs, sculptural armrests, and finely turned spindle ...
Fabric, Oak
Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Blue Outdoor Armchair for Cassina
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking outdoor reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating concept...
Plastic
$230Sale Price|50% Off
Mid Century GFM Stool in Yellow Jacquard by Casamance, 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
$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
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs for Ariberto Colombo, 50s, Pair
By Ico Parisi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Two iconic armchairs designed by Ico Parisi. Elegant and comfortable, with original upholstery, but as you can see in the photo, it is worn and the seat padding needs replacing. Beec...
Velvet, Beech
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
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
Guglielmo Pecorini Splendid oak armchair
Located in Milano, IT
Guglielmo Pecorini Splendid oak armchair with turned, tapered legs, curved, carved armrests, and padded fabric. Manufactured by Guglielmo Pecorini & Co., 1940. Considered one of t...
Fabric
Pair of Brutalist Leather & Wood Armchairs in the style of Jean Gillon, 1960's
By Carl Straub, Pierre Chapo, Jean Gillon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Brutalist Leather & Wood Armchairs in the style of Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960's The chairs are in good original as found condition. The leather is "cognac" in color and ...
Leather, Oak
$1,172Sale Price|44% Off
Mid Century GFM 64 Armchair, Drawing Jacquard Velvet Dedar, Homa, 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
$1,894Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of vintage 40s wood and fabric armchairs Italian design
Located in None, IT
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
$2,747Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage 1970s Leather Lounge Chairs by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken
By Elsa and Nordahl Solheim, Rybo Rykken
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A pair of rare sculptural Mid-Century lounge chairs, so called "Ry-Wing", designed by Elsa and Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken & Co., Norway, circa 1970s. These stunning Scandina...
Leather, Beech
$1,041Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s , Pair of Mid-Century Modern Armchairs , Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
good condition cleaned seat height 43cm
Fabric
Two Mid Century GFM 64 Armchairs, Drawing Velvet by Dedar, Homa, 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
Vintage Boling Chair Co Mid Century Modern Walnut Lounge Arm Chairs (A) - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Boling Chair Co. Mid Century Modern Walnut Woo...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid Century Set of Two GFM 64 Armchairs and Stools, Jacquard by Dedar, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Set of 4: 2 x beautiful armchairs and 2 x stools GFM 64 designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The...
Textile, Beech
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Armchair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Italy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the result ...
Polyester
Giancarlo Piretti Green "Alky" Italian Armchairs by Anonima Castelli
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid-century green fabric "Alky" armchairs, designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy. These lovely Alky armchairs are fully original in brand...
Aluminum
Edward Wormley, Armchairs, Wood, Mohair, Cane, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, cane and mohair armchairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Dunbar, USA, c. 1950s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Mohair, Cane, Wood
"Bridge Armchair" for Votre Maison by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in New York, NY
Elegant bridge armchair designed by Guillerme et Chambron, exemplifying the warm and sculptural language of French design from the 1960s. The solid wood frame features curved armrest...
Upholstery, Oak
$5,389Sale Price / set|35% Off
Vintola Studio Six Dining Chairs, Casamance DEMOISELLE and Nimbus Fabric
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
(US tax includeed fast shipping) A contemporary piece with the soul of the 1960s. Designed by Ola Szewczul for Vintola Studio, this chair blends elegance, nobility, and everyday com...
Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
$2,999 / set
Thonet B9 Bentwood Armchairs by Stendig
By Michael Thonet, Stendig Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four B9 bentwood arm chairs designed by Michael Thonet. This set of chairs was produced by licensed manufacturer Stendig. Wonderful sculptural design with clean minimal modern...
Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Danish Modern Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Lambswool & Birch, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant pair of Danish Art Deco lounge chairs from the 1940s, crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker. These rare chairs feature softly curved, sculptural silhouettes that exempl...
Lambskin, Wool, Birch
A Pair of Mies van der Rohe 'MR20' Cantilevered Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of vintage MR20 cantilevered cane armchairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International. This design traces back to the chair Mies presented in 1927 at the Weissenhof Estate ...
Steel, Chrome
Pair Of Ilmari Lappalainen Laila Arm Chairs 238 in Maple Sheepskin, Asko 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of elegant armchairs designed by Ilmari Lappalainen and manufactured by Asko Oy in Finland in the 1940s. The chairs are reupholstered with natural sheepskin in the beautiful m...
Sheepskin, Birch
Mid Century Beige Checkered Fabric Armchair, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Very comfortable armchair type 300-227, unusual model but captivating with its minimalism. Construction without armrests, turned legs made of beech wood. These armchairs were manuf...
Textile, Beech
Jean Gillon Paddle Arm Chairs Cognac Leather For Probel, 1960
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in Vienna, AT
Paddel pair of arm-chairs by Jean Gillon for Probel, in cognac leather and wood Beautiful and comfortable chairs in great condition with hardly any wear. We have a matching sofa (3 ...
Leather, Hardwood
Attribute to Paolo Buffa Mid-century Modern Italian Bouclè Armchairs, Pair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of Italian armchairs captures the essence of mid-20th century modern design, attributed to Paolo Buffa. Made around the 1950s, these armchairs are distinguished by their el...
Bouclé, Beech
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chrome tubular steel, cognac color leather upholstery. Marked/engraved on the f...
Steel
Attribute to Paolo Buffa Mid-century Modern Italian Bouclè Armchairs, Pair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of Italian armchairs captures the essence of mid-20th century modern design, attributed to Paolo Buffa. Made around the 1950s, these armchairs are distinguished by their el...
Bouclé, Beech
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in black painted tubular steel, cognac color leather upholstery. Marked/engraved o...
Steel
Pair of Vintage Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage LC1 chairs designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, black pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on ...
Chrome
Bellini CAB 413 Armchair in Watermarked Black Saddle Leather for Cassina, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original Mario Bellini CAB 413 armchair in black leather with purely cosmetic watermark damage. Visible as a vein across the seat bench and across the back panel. Photographed with a...
Leather
Pair of Ico Parisi MidCentury Modern Italian Armchairs for Ariberto Colombo, 50s
By Ico Parisi, Ariberto Colombo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A pair of iconic armchairs designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantù, 1950. The armchair has been completely restored and upholstered in cream-colored bouclé-effect fabric, ...
Bouclé, Beech
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic example of mid-century modern design, this Finn Juhl No. 48 open armchair dates to the 1950s and was manufactured by Baker Furniture, USA, one of the few American firms lic...
Teak
Small Gray Velvet Armchair Italy 1950s Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bedroom armchair Paolo Buffa Italy 1950s
Velvet
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
Vivai del Sud Lounge Chair in Pink Fabric Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vivai del Sud, lounge chair, pink fabric upholstery, Italy, 1970s This vibrant and cheerful lounge chair was created in the 1970s. This playful lounge chair is upholstered in a shi...
Fabric
"Kurul" Armchair in Oak & Hessian, Henning Kjærnulf, Mid Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine and elegant armchair in solid oak, designed by Henning Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s. Model “Kurul.” The chair has been reupholstered in a natural hessian fa...
Oak, Burlap
$1,100 / item
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen 'Oxford' Desk Chairs
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, pair of 'Oxford' desk chairs model 3272, aluminium, wood, fabric upholstery, United Kingdom, design 1965, recent production The original version of t...
Aluminum
"Kurul" Armchair in Oak & Lambswool, Henning Kjærnulf, Mid Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine and elegant armchair in solid oak, designed by Henning Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s. Model “Kurul.” The chair has been reupholstered in high-quality shearli...
Lambskin, Wool, Oak
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Set of Four Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Set of four stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona ...
Metal
Pair Tall Rattan Armchairs Lio Carminati, Italy, 1950's
Located in Rochester, NY
In the style Gio Ponti, a great looking pair of large tall wing back rattan armchairs in overall nicely aged original warm honey colored surface. Lio Carminati, Italy circa 1950's. 5...
Rattan, Cane
Large Italian Lounge Chair in Stained Pine and Rope Seating
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, stained pine, rope, Italy, 1970s The designer of this Italian lounge chair truly wanted to impress the viewer with a monumental, volumetric design. The wide frame in s...
Rope, Pine
Antonin Suman for TON Dining Chairs with Red Wooden Frames
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Antonin Suman for TON, +80 armchairs model E4309, lacquered beech, fabric, Czech Republic, 1977 A large set of dining chairs that were designed ...
Fabric, Beech
Sculptural Velvet Armchair In Glossy Natural Ebony Wood Structure-Jose De Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This luxurious armchair is a study in elegant curves and sophisticated materials. It features a plush, upholstered seat and a beautifully defined wraparound back, which provides both...
Fabric, Velvet, Ebony
Antonin Suman for TON Dining Chairs with Red Frames and Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Antonin Suman for Ton, armchairs model E4309, lacquered beech, fabric, Czech Republic, 1977 These dining chairs are manufactured by Ton. The chair features a wonderful bentwood fram...
Fabric, Beech
A Mid Century Design Yellow Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen, Swivel Base
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Arne Jacobsen For Fritz Hansen Vibrant Yellow Egg Chair on Four Star Aluminium Base Swivels and Rotates No Makers Marks On Labels. Height to seat: 48cm Height to arms 64cm Base Dep...
Aluminum
$3,800 / set
Thonet, Armchairs, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and brown fabric armchairs produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. With paper labels. Upholstery distressed; reupholstery recommended. Wear to wood frame cons...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Vintage Director's Chairs, Salmon Chenille & Brass
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage pair of director's chairs in salmon chenille with a brass x-base frame and wooden arm rests. Retain manufacturer's original label.
Brass
$4,105Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Danish Art Deco Pair of Armchairs in Solid Oak - 1940s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A pair of beautiful Solid Oak Armchairs from the 1940s which also feature a wide couch as an extra option to match. The chairs were produced entirely in Denmark, with its previous ow...
Fabric, Oak
Van Os Culemborg Lounge Chair
By Van Oss Culemborg
Located in Waalwijk, NL
G. Van Os for Van Os Culemborg, lounge chair, beech, fabric, The Netherlands, 1950s This elegant easy chair, designed by G. Van Os in the Netherlands, is...
Fabric, Beech
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chair 'Dezza' in Light Blue Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chair model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered beech, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chair designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. This cha...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Belgian Lounge Chair in Cherry & Ochre Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, lounge chair, fabric, cherry, Belgium, 1950s This well-detailed easy chair features an outstanding cherry frame in which the legs and arm...
Fabric, Cherry
$454Sale Price|20% Off
Fauteuil en bois vintage Baumann modèle Éventail des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Fauteuil vintage des années 60, en bois de hêtre, de la maison Baumann, modèle Belvoir communément appelé modèle Eventail, produit à partir de 1965, esprit scandinave, très bon état....
Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Armchair, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and off-white fabric armchair or side chair designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fa...
Fabric, Walnut