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.
$302Sale Price|28% Off
1960s Gorgeous Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio Poli.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano Glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inches cm...
Murano Glass
Sommerso pink and purple Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful purple and pink sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso techniqu...
Murano Glass
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 5,11 x 4,3...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray, 1960s Italian Design, 4"
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inches cm...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Brass Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This Mid-Century Modern hexagonal brass tray showcases a striking geometric silhouette paired with a naturally aged patina that only decades of...
Brass
Vintage Onyx Ashtray, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Adorable vintage onyx ashtray made in Italy in the 1950s. Good vintage condition. The original label has been partially preserved Dimensions: Width: 10.5 cm / 4.1 inches Height: 3 c...
Stone
T. Barbi Signed "Sun" Ashtray or Catchall in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning “Sun” round ashtray or catchall in Murano glass and brass. This charming and unique piece was designed by Tommaso Barbi in Italy during the 1970s. In excellent condition, w...
Brass
$352Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Ashtray by Paloma Picasso for Villeroy & Boch, Italy, 1990s
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous ashtray or catch-All in porcelain by Paloma Picasso "Hongkong" for Villeroy & Boch, limited edition. Marked on the bottom. It's excellent condition Dimensions: ...
Porcelain
$384Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Purple Murano Glass Smoking Set by Antonio Imperatore
By Cristallerie Antonio Imperatore
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning purple smoking set by Antonio Imperatore in Murano glass. Made in Italy The items are in excellent condition. The table lighter works perfectly, This smoking set is go...
Murano Glass
$464Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Gorgeous Large Green Ashtray or Catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made i
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous large green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 7,08 diameter x 3,14...
Murano Glass
$624Sale Price / set|20% Off
Lalique Crystal Smoking Set, Signed, Ashtray & Lighter, France, 1970s
By Lalique
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set in crystal by Lalique. made in France. The both pieces are signed on the bottom. Made in France. The table lighter works perfectly. The items are in excell...
Crystal
1970s Purple Murano Glass Smoking Set by Antonio Imperatore
By Cristallerie Antonio Imperatore
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous purple smoking set by Antonio Imperatore in Murano glass. Made in Italy The items are in excellent condition. The table lighter works perfectly This smoking set is stu...
Murano Glass
$432Sale Price|20% Off
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Bowl, Big Blue Catchall, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Big Blue Bowl or Catchall By Flavio Poli in Murano glass. This is a unique piece a true sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 6,29" diameter x 3...
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso Murano Blue Sommerso Glass Bowl
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso bowl / ashtray in blue color with a cased rim in dark blue glass. Design attributed to Archimede Seguso for Seguso Factory, Italy, 1960s. A highly de...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Cenutry Minimalist Ashtray from Wmf, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Mi...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Ashtray by S. Pellegrino for Stimpla Milano, 1964
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Ashtray by S. Pellegrino for Stimpla Milano, 1964, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mat...
Plastic
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red and yellow ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condit...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Smoked Grey Faceted Glass Bowl / Ashtray, 1950
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Sommerso faceted Murano bowl in grey and clear glass. Attributed to Flavio Poli, Italy, 1950s. Asymmetrical design with multiple faceted faces in grey color submer...
Glass, Art Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand Ashtray for Lumax Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
About product: Lumax ashtrey by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand. Manufactured in France, circa 1970. The Lumax Ashtray by Le Corbusier is an iconic design piece. It was designe...
Art Glass
Ceramic Ashtrays blue and Pink color from France 1960 Rond Shape
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of Ceramic Ashtrays with Sea Urchin Motif, Pink and Blue, Decorative and Functional This pair of ceramic ashtrays, designed with a striking sea urchin motif, combines artistry ...
Ceramic
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 4,33 x 3,93...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Triangular Art Glass Bowl / Ashtray, Green & Yellow
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Green and Yellow Flavio Poli Seguso Faceted Decorative Bowl or Ashtray in Murano Glass __________________________________________________________________________- Sommerso faceted Mu...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
1960s Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi, Handmade, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excellent condi...
Alabaster
Tommaso Barbi Signed Cream Ceramic and Brass Ashtray or Catchall, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful round ashtray or valet tray in gorgeous burgundy ceramic and brass. This rare decorative piece is signed on the bottom and was designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced in It...
Brass
$290Sale Price|23% Off
1960's Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray / Bowl
Located in Bern, CH
1960's blown glass ashtray. Designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. Made in Italy. A unique piece and beautiful shape and colour. Waves of beautiful peridot green. A genuin...
Murano Glass
Murano Bowl Shell / Ashtray in Peach -Orange Sommerso Glass Seguso Italy, 1970s
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a stunning Murano glass ashtray with an organic form, attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso and dating from the 1960s–1970s. The elegant, sculptural d...
Murano Glass
Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter by Flavio Poli, Mid-Century Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. Handcrafted in Italy using the iconic Murano sommerso glass technique, it features a d...
Murano Glass
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Opal Pink Alabastro Giant Air Bubbles Art Glass Bowl by Archimede Seguso
By Seguso, Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Massive hand blown Murano Sommerso pink and opalescent white glass flower bowl with folded rim. Manufactured By Archimede Seguso and Seguso Factory, Italy, 1950s. Iridiscent pink gl...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
Circular blue Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful blue sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso technique (superimp...
Murano Glass
Kosta Boda "Sunflower" Ashtray Art Glass by Goran Warff
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A biomorphic art glass "Sunflower" ashtray by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda made in Sweden, circa the 1980s. The ashtray is in good vintage condition with no chips or cracks.
Art Glass
1960s Piero Fornasett Porcelain Catchall 'La Gioconda' , Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Original astonishing porcelain catchall / vide-poche "La Gioconda" by Piero Fornasetti. Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk accessories. Marked on the bottom...
Porcelain
Orange Sommerso ashtray by Seguso, Murano glass & silver support, Italy, 1970
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful orange sommerso ashtray designed and manufactured for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the "sommerso" technique (superposition of layers of molten g...
Silver
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Sommerso Purple Blue Multi Faceted Bowl
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte multi faceted purple and soft blue Murano glass Sommerso bowl, Italy, 1960s. This hand blown glass bowl is made of purple glass...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Pietro Chiesa Hammered Nile Green Crystal Ashtray or Catchall, Italy 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful nile green hammered crystal ashtray or catchall. This charming piece is attributed to the mastery of Pietro Chiesa and was produced in Italy during the 1950s. This squar...
Crystal
Ashtray Vide-Poche Flavio Poli Murano Glass Sommerso Midcentury Italy 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Palermo, IT
Ashtray/vide-poche produced in Italy in the 1960s by the Italian designer Flavio Poli. The ashtray was made of big thick submerged Murano glass in shades of wine with inverted edges....
Murano Glass
$134Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Lavender Art Glass Dish with Swirled Edges by V.A.N. Crystal
Located in Toronto, CA
This exquisite lavender art glass dish was handblown in Italy by V.A.N. Crystal during the mid-20th century, a period celebrated for its innovation in Murano-inspired glass design. T...
Blown Glass
Bronze and Brass Ashtray, Franz & Karl Hagenauer, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Karl Hagenauer, Franz Hagenauer
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Bronze and Brass Ashtray, Franz & Karl Hagenauer, Austria 1950 Sculptural ashtray with an elegant and streamlined modernist style. Crafted in bronze and brass, the piece combines ...
Brass, Bronze
Vallauris Yellow White Brown Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Mid-Century Vallauris ashtray / bowl in glazed ceramic. Beautiful fat lava glazed ceramic ashtray in yellow, amber, white and brown colors. Manufactured by Vallauris. France, ...
Ceramic, Majolica
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, Grey, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Grey Ashtray or Catch-All By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 5,11 diameter x 3,14 H inches cm 13 x...
Murano Glass
1960s Flavio Poli Colorful Faceted Diamond Ashtray by Seguso, Murano, Italy
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful multi-faceted and polished Murano glass ashtray in a wonderful diamond shape from the 1960s. Designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Italy. A colorful combination of light-blue, yellow and green layered art...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$813Sale Price|20% Off
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Blue Clear Glass Geode Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso triangle geode bowl in dark blue and turquoise blue glass . Italy, 1960s. A darker blue in the central part contrasting with the edge in turquoise b...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing green ashtray or Vide Poche Rare By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Glass. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 2,75 H i...
Murano Glass
Castaways Hotel Miami Beach Glass Ashtray
Located in Bradenton, FL
A hexagonal glass ashtray from The Castaways Hotel of Miami Beach, Florida. The center is printed with their logo and reads “Castaways, Quality Courts, Miami Beach Florida”.
Glass
$108Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Clear Crystal Heavy Ashtray 1960's
Located in Toronto, CA
This Mid Century Clear Crystal Ashtray from the 1960s is a striking blend of minimalist design and timeless elegance. Crafted from heavy, high-quality crystal, its clear and versatil...
Crystal
Anchor Hocking Soreno Textured Amber Glass Ashtray Vintage American
By Hazel-Atlas, Anchor Hocking
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Textured amber glass ashtray was made by Anchor Hocking as a part of Soreno series. Soreno ashtrays, also called Lido, have a pattern of a series of raised lines forming an almost m...
Art Glass
Romano Bianchi Alabaster Smoking Set, Handmade, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, cigarette box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excellent c...
Alabaster
$837Sale Price|20% Off
Archimede Seguso Murano Purple Sommerso Art Glass Bowl
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso bowl / ashtray in purple color with a cased rim in pink/ blue glass. Design attributed to Archimede Seguso for Seguso Factory, Italy, 1960s. A highly decorative geode round bowl lovely to be used as rings bowl, jewelry bowl, vide-poche or ashtray. An interesting piece placed with other Murano glass pieces or decorative objects on a mirror tray to use in a vanity table, powder room our courtesy bathroom. It can be used also it as hand soap bowl...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Vintage alabaster ashtray, Italy 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Authentic heavy alabaster ashtray made in Italy in the 1960s. Vintage glass ashtray is in very good vintage condition. Dimensions: Wid...
Alabaster
Cat Brass Ashtray or Bowl
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1950 vintage cat brass ashtray or bowl. This can be used as a sculpture too.
Brass
Castaways Hotel Miami Beach Glass Ashtrays - a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of yellow glass ashtrays from The Castaways Hotel of Miami Beach, Florida. The center is printed with their logo and reads “Castaways, Qual...
Glass
Set of 6 Hedgehog Ashtray / Bowls in Metal, Mid-century
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Walter Bosse
Located in Malmö, SE
A complete set of six stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays / bowls i metal. Great original condition.
Metal, Zinc
$741Sale Price|20% Off
Seguso Murano Sommerso Bullicante Blue Glass Bowl / Ashtray
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bullicante gold dust art glass bowl or ashtray, Italy, 1950s. Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso. This eye-catching Murano cobalt blue Sommerso Italian Art glass bowl is made of ...
Gold Leaf
Midcentury Pair of Ashtray in Glass & Chrome by Gallotti & Radice, Italy 1970s
By Gallotti & Radice, Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful set of pair of ashtrays or bowls in aquamarine glass coming with their chrome steel holding structure. Designed by Gallotti & Radice in the 1970s, Italy. The o...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
XL Sommerso pink ashtray by Seguso, Murano glass, Italy, 1970
By Seguso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Extra large purple sommerso empty pocket or ashtray designed and manufactured by seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the sommerso technique (superposition of lay...
Murano Glass
Ashtray, Herta Baller Vienna, Around 1950s ( marked on bottom )
By Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Ashtray, Herta Baller Vienna, Around 1950s ( marked on bottom ) Original condition
Brass
Murano Amber Art Glass Ashtray with Controlled Bubbles, Italy, circa 1960s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Murano art glass ashtray, handcrafted in Italy during the mid-20th century, circa 1960s. This sculptural ashtray is executed in thick amber glass and features an organic free-form de...
Murano Glass
Mid 20th Century Cocktail Ashtray in Flower Shape with Removable Petals
By Mauro Manetti, Gucci
Located in Roma, IT
I’m pleased to offer for sale a set of vintage cocktail ashtrays that combine functionality, fine craftsmanship, and striking decorative appeal. Dating from the 1960s to the 1970s, ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Table Lighter, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning blue table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 4,33 x ...
Murano Glass
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Fratelli Toso Murano Pink White Copper Aventurine Ribbons Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown pink, white and copper aventurine twisted ribbons Italian art glass decorative bowl. It is documented to the Fratelli Toso company, with similar d...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass