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.
Murano Glass Sommerso Square Bowl Ashtray, Glows in UV
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Murano glass square bowl or ashtray with symmetrically folded rim features the dark burnt orange central interior glass layer with bright teal green colored glass on the rim, encased...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
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
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Blue Sommerso Design, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous blue 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 condition. Dimen...
Murano Glass
1960s Astonishing Grey Ashtray or Catch-All By Flavio Poli for Seguso
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
1970s Stunning Purple Smoking Set By Antonio Imperatore in Murano Glass.
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
Murano Bowl Shell / Ashtray in Peach -Orange Sommerso Glass Seguso Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
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
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
1970s Gorgeous Smoking Set by Lalique, Signed on the Bottom, Made in France
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
$352Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gorgeous Ashtray or Catch-All in Porcelain by Paloma Picasso for Villeroy
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
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
1960s Murano Large Blue Bowl or Catchall Designed by Flavio Poli
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
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-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
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
Tommaso Barbi Signed “Egg” Ashtrays / Catchall in Brass & Chrome, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic and iconic sculptural “egg” stacking ashtray in an elegant combination of brass and chrome-plated metal. This iconic piece was designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced in Ita...
Brass, Chrome
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
1960s Stunning Table Lighter in Murano Sommerso Glass By Flavio Poli for Seguso
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
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
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
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
Murano Opal Pink Alabastro Giant Air Bubbles Art Glass Bowl by Archimede Seguso
By Archimede Seguso, 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
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
Walter Bosse Sculptural Brass Hand Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century sculptural brass bowl designed in the shape of a hand. Originally conceived as an ashtray, this elegant brass piece is versatile to be used as a jewelry bowl,...
Brass
1960s Catchall / Vide-Poche in Porcelain "La Gioconda" by Piero Fornasetti
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
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
Midcentury Travertine Ashtray or Vide-Poche by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing squared ashtray or vide-poche in travertine and steel by Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Perfect desk object or gift idea.
Travertine, Steel, Chrome
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
Isamu Kenmochi 1960s MCM Chrome & Red Plastic Ashtray or Catchall Dish
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Japanese designer Isamu Kenmochi Ashtray or Catchall chrome & red melamine. Underside is marked "MARU /TREND PACIFIC, INC/...
Metal, Chrome
1950s Mid-Century Modern Ceramic and Black Glass Italian Smoking Set
By Rometti Ceramics 1, Ceramica Umbertide di Pucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a striking mid-century modern Italian smoking set, combining black glass and ceramic elements with bold design. The main figure is crafted from black ceramic, featuring a smo...
Glass, Ceramic
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
1960s Flavio Poli Colorful Faceted Diamond Ashtray by Seguso, Murano, Italy
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
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
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
Turquoise Crystal Ashtray signed by Moser, Italy, 1970s
By Moser
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional ashtray made of high-quality vibrant aquamarine colored crystal. This marvelous and unique piece was produced by Moser in Italy during the 1970s, and is signed on the bot...
Crystal
Large 1960's German Sculptural Glass Ashtray
Located in New York, NY
1960's German textured glass cigar ashtray with mottled glass around top and surrounding perimeter. where bowl looks as if floating in space. The bottom of the piece has a square ge...
Art Glass
Porcelain Vide-Poche Ashtray Gucci Mid-Century Modern Italian Design 1960s
By Gucci
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare square-shaped vide-poche/ashtray made of white enamelled porcelain with multicolor decorations and golden border. Gucci, Italy 60s. Please watch the video and photos carefully, ...
Porcelain
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
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
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
$841Sale 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
Pietro Chiesa Hammered Nile Green Crystal Ashtray or Catchall, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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
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
$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
$817Sale 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
$745Sale 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
1960s Stunning Table Lighter in Murano Sommerso Glass By Flavio Poli for Seguso
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
Mid-Century 1980s Chilean Brown Marble Ashtray, San Bernardo Atelier
Located in Toronto, CA
Exquisitely carved in the 1980s by an Italian-immigrant marble atelier in San Bernardo, Santiago, this remarkable mid-century-inspired ashtray embodies the sophistication and materia...
Marble
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 prestine excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 1,96 H ...
Murano Glass
Vintage Crystal Ashtray by Walther Kristallglas, Germany, 1970s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Elegant mid-century ashtray by Walther Kristallglas, made in Germany, circa 1970s. This square ashtray displays a sculptural presence thanks to its crisp geometry and the interplay b...
Crystal
Martini & Rossi French Opalex Ashtray
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Martini & Rossi triangular ashtray. White opalex is branded Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth on each side. Each corner has a beveled cigarette rest. Marked “Made in France...
Opaline Glass
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
$704Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Fornasetti Vide Poche / Catchall by Piero Fornasetti, Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1950s Fornasetti original astonishing porcelain vide poche/catchall "Sonate- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" by Piero Fornasetti . Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk acc...
Porcelain
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
Galliano Ferro Murano Blue Clear Bullicante Art Glass Geode Bowl / Ashtray
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cool Murano Sommerso art glass bowl in blue and clear glass with air bubbles. Galliano Ferro, Italy, 1950-1960s This beautiful hand blown glass bowl has a decorative design with hu...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
1960s, Stunning Green Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi
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
$384Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Stunning Table Lighter in Murano Frosted Glass by Paolo Traversi. Made in
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning Blue and Yellow 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: 2,...
Murano Glass
1970's Crystal d'Arques Owl Ashtray France
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful New old stock Ashtray with owl acid etched ,circa 1970's by Cristal D Arques France.
Crystal
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Sommerso Blue Clear Faceted Art Glass Bowl, 1950
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Faceted sommerso bowl, blue, clear murano glass, Flavio poli. Italy, 1950s. Eye-catching eight sided blue and clear block cut faceted bowl or ashtray. Attributed to Flavio P...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$913Sale Price|20% Off
Fratelli Toso Murano Green White Italian Art Glass Bowl with Copper Flecks
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spectacular Murano art glass flower bowl with copper or gold aventurine flecks. Attributed to Fratelli Toso, circa 1950s. Stunning Flower shaped hand blown glass bowl or ashtray in m...
Copper
$558Sale Price|25% Off
Murano Glass Ashtray Yellow & Blue Cenedese by A. Da Ros Sommerso, 1970s Italy
Located in Andernach, DE
Very impressive chunky Murano glass ashtray from the 1960s to 1970s by Cenedese, Italy. The greenish shimmering yellow appears almost like uranium glass and envelops the deep blue in...
Murano Glass
1970s Stunning Green Smoking Set By Antonio Imperatore in Murano Glass.
By Cristallerie Antonio Imperatore
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous green 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