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.
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 Warren Platner, Knoll
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
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
Set of 2 pcs. Giorgetti Progetti Armchairs by Umberto Asnago
By Giorgetti S.p.A., Umberto Asnago
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 2 pcs. vintage Progetti armchairs, designed by Umberto Asnago. Manufacture date circa 1990's by Giorgetti, Italy. Labeled on the bottom and upholstery. In original white color...
Textile, Wood
Set of 6 pcs. Giorgetti Progetti Armchairs by Umberto Asnago
By Giorgetti S.p.A., Umberto Asnago
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. vintage Progetti armchairs, designed by Umberto Asnago. Manufacture date circa 1990's by Giorgetti, Italy. Labeled on the bottom and upholstery. In original white color...
Textile, 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
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
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
$6,317Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid-Century armchairs in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Refined pair of Mid-Century Italian armchairs in the style of Paolo Buffa, produced in Italy in the 1940s. These armchairs display the graceful lines and understated sophistication a...
Fabric, Wood, Maple, Walnut, Bouclé
$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
Pair of Vintage Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, 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
$1,914Sale 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
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
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 Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier
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
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
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand
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
"Bridge Armchair" for Votre Maison by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960s
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
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
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
$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Heywood Wakefield Recline and Swivel Lounge Chair and Ottoman, c 1950s Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural mid-century modern lounge chair and ottoman by Heywood-Wakefield, designed in the spirit of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair 670/671 by Herman Miller and reminiscent of the...
Naugahyde, Walnut
Giancarlo Piretti Green "Alky" Italian Armchairs by Anonima Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
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
$2,999 / set
Thonet B9 Bentwood Armchairs by Stendig
By Stendig Co., Michael Thonet
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
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
Pair of Otto Gerdau Italian 1950s Lounge Chairs in New Black Leather
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare pair of Italian mid‑century lounge chairs by Otto Gerdau (with label). The vintage 1950s chairs have been updated with new premium black leather upholstery. The iconic Scandinav...
Upholstery, Beech, Leather
Mid Century GFM 64 Armchair and Stool, E. Homa, Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, 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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Pair of Armchairs "Bastiano," Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Elegant pair of club/lounge chairs Model Bastiano, designed by iconic Italian design duo Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Italy. The chairs have a solid wooden frame and have recently...
Velvet, Wood
Vintage Pair of Black Leather Le Corbusier Armchairs LC1, 1960's
By Le Corbusier
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of vintage LC1 black leather chairs designed by Le Corbusier circa 1928's and manufactured in 1960's. Engraved serial umbers 9853 and 6709, Le Corbusier signature. Very good ori...
Chrome
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
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
Jean Gillon Paddle Arm Chairs Cognac Leather For Probel, 1960
By Probel, Jean Gillon
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
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
Eero Saarinen for Knoll 'Executive' Armchairs in Leather and Oak
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, dining chairs, model 71, oak, patinated leather, United States, design 1948, later production Organic shaped pair of chairs designed by Eero S...
Leather, Oak
Hollywood Folding Chair by Carlo Hauner for Reguitti, Italy, 1970s , in Walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Hollywood Folding Chair by Carlo Hauner for Reguitti, Italy, 1970s This folding director's chair, produced by Fratelli Reguitti and designed by Carlo Hauner in 1973, is a perfect exa...
Nutwood
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
Danish Henning Kjærnulf Sculptural Armchair, Oak with New Sheep Skin 1960s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage sculptural brutalist Henning Kjærnulf tall armchair from the 1960's. The razor blade style chair is made of solid oak, the seat is upholstered with new sheepskin whic...
Upholstery, Oak
"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
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 Wood Frame Lounge Arm Chairs (A) -...
Fabric, Walnut
"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
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
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
Pair of Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs for Minotti, 50s
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of armchairs designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. They feature a solid wood frame, original jacquard fabric upholstery, and gold-plated brass legs. The armchairs require reuphol...
Brass
Huge swivel armchairs in ochre yellow mohair by Kravet USA, 1970s. 2 available
Located in Hastings, GB
Huge squashy swivelling armchairs. Made by Kravet, USA, late 1970s. Newly reupholstered in an ochre yellow fluffy mohair type fabric. They're THE most comfortable chairs we've had: d...
Metal
Paolo Buffa, Pair of mid-century sculptural cherrywood armchairs, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
This is a pair of elegant armchairs designed by Paolo Buffa, crafted from solid cherry wood with a warm reddish-brown hue. The high, slightly inclined backrest features three wavy cr...
Wood, Cherry
Small Gray Velvet Armchair Italy 1950s Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Bedroom armchair Paolo Buffa Italy 1950s
Velvet
Pair of Midcentury Tiger Velvet Armchairs, GFM 142, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchair GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa, a polish architect, designer of Industrial Design and interior architecture, professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Pol...
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on the frame: Cass...
Chrome
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
Pair of Italian Mid Century off-white fabric upholstered armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Great Italian design , elegant and comfortable pair of armchairs . The color will match any interior. Great and refined upholstery .
Wood
Robert Haussmann for De Sede Pair of 'DS-201' Armchairs in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, pair of armchairs model 'DS-201', chrome-plated metal, leather, Switzerland, designed in 1957 A design by Robert Haussmann that features a cubic shape...
Metal, Chrome
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
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
Set of Leather Swan Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 2006
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Swan chair is an iconic design by renowned Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen. He designed this chair in 1958 for the lobby and lounge of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhag...
Metal
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
A pair of Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH501 "The Chair" in Teak & Cane
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Seattle, WA
A pair of model JH501 with cane seat and back, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen. This iconic Danish modern design is best known as "The Chair.” The more common version ...
Cane, Teak
$7,850 / set
Pair of Lounge Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of elegant lounge chairs, designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be compl...
Upholstery, Wood
“Kurul” Armchair by Kjærnulf, Oak & Lisa Larson Textile, Mid Century, 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 the distinctive LEO ...
Oak, Cotton
$7,684 / set
Pair of French Oak Armchairs, France, 1950s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This refined pair of French armchairs from the 1950s showcases the understated elegance of mid-century design. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs feature beautifully sculpted armrest...
Straw, Oak
$3,480 / set
Pair of Tacchini Mayfair Leather Lounge chairs
By Tacchini
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Tacchini Mayfair Leather Lounge chairs
Leather
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, Teak