Mid-Century Minimalist Teak Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century table lamp with a special base. A minimalist design.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Brass Table
to
1,672
6,988
6,182
12,297
1,006
115
11,078
411
268
182
102
77
47
46
43
42
35
28
21
16
15
12
9
4
39
178
12,080
1,121
37
8,511
2,394
2
1
10
60
320
2,483
1,942
1,823
254
49
12,871
12,472
4,275
4,110
1,501
8,792
4,141
3,221
3,030
1,505
13,418
12,762
12,998
118
107
86
76
75
Table Lamp in Patinated and Chrome Plated Brass 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
A wonderful mid century table lamp in chrome plated brass with a very nice patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Austrian Midcentury white lacquer and Brass Table Lamp attr. to J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This rare and charming Austrian Mid century table lamp features a white lacquered metal tulip base and beautiful brass fittings and soockets for two E27 bulbs The fabric of the shade...
Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Brass Table Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson with Pleated Shade - Sweden 1960's
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined mid-century table lamp designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s, crafted in Sweden.
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Vintage Table Lamp, 1970s, Germany
$223Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Table Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare mid-century table lamp, made in Germany, in the 1950's.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Vintage Plastic Table Lamp, 1970s, Germany
$214Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Plastic Table Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage mid-century table lamp, made in Germany, in the 1970's. Made of glass and plastic. Fully functional, repolished, cleaned, in original condition, with a few signs of use (sho...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century German Table Lamp from Cosack, 1960s
By Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century table lamp from Cosack. An elegant design from the 50s.
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Vintage Table Lamp, 1970s, Germany
$484Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Table Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare mid-century table lamp, made in Germany, in the 1950's.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Iconic Laurel Walnut & Brass Mid Century Modern Table Lamp Richard Barr Thurston
$1,596Sale Price|70% Off
Iconic Laurel Walnut & Brass Mid Century Modern Table Lamp Richard Barr Thurston
By Laurel Lamp Company, Richard Barr, Gerald Thurston
Located in Peoria, AZ
Magnificent! Brass & Walnut Mid Century Modern Table Lamp By Laurel Lamp Company Circa 1957 Attributed to Designer Richard Barr Wow!
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Framed Table Mirror, Finland, 1950s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined Finnish mid-century table mirror defined by its graphic geometry and solid brass construction.
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Mirrors
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Table Lamp with Plastic Shade, Germany, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Mid-Century table lamp, crafted in Germany in the 1960s, is a fine example of the era’s refined yet functional design aesthetic.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Set of 2 Mid-Century German Acryl and Brass Tripod Table Lamp from Cosack, 1960s
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare mid-century table lamps from Cosack. Filigree design with a special combination of materials. Three feet come together at one point on the shaft to form a tripod. The rods are ...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Set of 2 Mid-Century German Acryl and Brass Tripod Table Lamp from Cosack, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare mid-century table lamps from Cosack. Filigree design with a special combination of materials. Three feet come together at one point on the shaft to form a tripod. The rods are ...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Stilnovo Style Tripod Cone Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid Century table lamp with a characteristic umbrella and foot.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Set Of Table Lamps In Opaline Glass & Brass, Czechoslovakia 1955
$773Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set Of Table Lamps In Opaline Glass & Brass, Czechoslovakia 1955
Located in Zohor, SK
A beautiful pair of mid-century table lamps produced in 1955 by Jablonecké Sklárne, Czechoslovakia.
Category
Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Red Austrian Midcentury Brass and Iron Table Lamp by J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This rare and charming Austrian Midcentury brass table lamp, was manufactured by J. T. Kalmar, Vienna in the 1950s, Model Style no. 1213. It features a black cast iron base with on/o...
Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Metal
Set of 2 Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Brass Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Impressive mid-century table lamps. An elegant design with high-quality materials and workmanship.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Restored Mid-century Hawaiian Carved Mango Wood Panel Lantern Table Lamps, Pair
$2,208Sale Price / set|40% Off
Restored Mid-century Hawaiian Carved Mango Wood Panel Lantern Table Lamps, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A striking pair of mid-century table lamps hand made in Honolulu, Hawaii featuring beautifully carved wood panels with flowing botanical leaf motifs set against textured glass backd...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Adjustable Brass Table Lamp by Bergboms, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Bergboms, Svenskt Tenn
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This unusual mid-century table lamp was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s by Bergboms (model no.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Swedish Modern Brass Table Lamp by Böhlmarks
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Karlstad, SE
A striking mid-century table lamp by Böhlmarks, Sweden, featuring a sculptural combination of brass and wood.
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tripod Table Lamp with Adjustable Brass Arm
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century table lamp with a striking tripod foot.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Pair of Table Lamps in Teak & Brass, BJS Skellefteå, Sweden 1960s
By Skellefteå BJS
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of beautiful mid-century table lamps in teak and brass produced by Bäcklunds Järn & Smide Skellefteå in Sweden in the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Aldo Tura, Bar Cart, Red Goatskin, Italian Midcentury / Hollywood Regency
By Aldo Tura
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two story bar cart by italian designer Aldo Tura. In wood with colored goatskin and transparant lacquer. Aldo Tura (1909-1963) began manufacturing his signature furniture in the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Modernist table lamp by Nils Strinning, Scandinavian mid century, Sweden, 1950s
By String Design AB, Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Forserum, SE
A rare functionalist mid-century table lamp designed by Swedish designer Nils Strinning in the 1950s and produced by String Design. It features a minimalist base made of plastic-coat...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
Table Lamps by The Majestic Lamp Co.
$1,339 / item
Table Lamps by The Majestic Lamp Co.
By Majestic Lamp Company
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing a timeless duo of sophistication and charm: the Mid-Century Table/Bedside Lamps by Majestic Lamp Co.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century German Minimalist Tripod Teak Table Lamp from Kaiser Leuchten, 1960s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very rare mid-century table lamp from the German manufacturer Kaiser Leuchten.
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Brass and Fabric Shade Table Lamp by Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This Midcentury brass table lamp by Rupert Nikoll, crafted in the 1960s, exemplifies the refined elegance and sculptural clarity for which the Austrian designer is celebrated. The la...
Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Brass, Opaline & Bakelite Table Lamp, Germany 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This vintage mid-century table lamp was designed and manufactured in Germany in the 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Table Lamps, Pencil Reed Rattan and Brass, Vivai Del Sud Italy 1960s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
These mid-century table lamps were designed and manufactured in Italy in the 1960s to 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Jean Arp Sculpted Lamp for Laurel, MCM Brutalist Style Table Lamp
By Philippe Jean, Jean Arp
Located in Miami, FL
This sophisticated mid century Table Lamp has a fine gilded brass sculpture on a resin base with a new shade.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Brass Table Lamp with Teak, Asea, Sweden 1950s
By ASEA
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Brass and Teak Table Lamp by ASEA, Sweden, 1950s This refined mid-century table lamp was produced by ASEA in Sweden during the 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Erik Wärnå Table or Wall Lamp for Gnosjö Konstsmide 1950s
By Erik Wärnå
Located in Meer, VAN
Erik Wärnå Table or Wall Lamp for Gnosjö Konstsmide 1950s. Lovely and quintessentially mid century table or wall lamp by Erik Wärnå for Gnosjö Konstsmide in the 1950s. Great design ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Modernist table lamp by Nils Strinning, Scandinavian mid century, Sweden 1950s
By String Design AB, Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Forserum, SE
A rare functionalist mid-century table lamp designed by Swedish designer Nils Strinning in the 1950s and produced by String Design. It features a minimalist base made of plastic-coat...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Swiss Tripod Table Lamp from SUB, 1960s
By Sub
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare, mid century table lamp with three -legged foot from the Swiss manufacturer Sub.
Category
20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Brass Table Lamp Model EV 53 by Itsu, Finland, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant Finnish Mid-Century table lamp model EV 53, manufactured by Itsu in the 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Tommaso Barbi Large Table Lamp with Brass and Bamboo Inserts, Italy 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century table lamp made of black laminated wood and brass, featuring decorative bamboo inserts and completed by a burgundy lampshade.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Foil
Signed Romeo Rega Table Lamp in Brass and White Silk Lampshade, Italy 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century table lamp in solid brass and brown perspex with its original silk and brass lampshade.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Adjustable Table Lamp by Cosack Leuchten, Germany
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid Century table lamp by Cosack. This and similar designs are often attributed to Louis Kalff.
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Forserum, SE
Scandinavian mid-century table lamp, model 726, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Ateljé Lyktan in the 1940s.
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Table Lamp Attributed to Hala Zeist, Netherlands, 1950s
By Hala Zeist
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Elegant mid-century table lamp, attributed to Hala Zeist, executed in brass with a striking yellow lacquered metal shade featuring a delicate band of perforations.
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Scandinavian/Finnish Modern Paavo Tynell Model 9227 Table Lamp, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Kangasala, FI
Rare Scandinavian/Finnish mid-century table lamp model 9227 designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito Oy, circa 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps Model EV 84, Itsu Oy, Finland
By Itsu
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Finnish mid-century table lamps with cylindrical woven shades and slender black metal structures.
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
1950s Mid Century Honeycomb Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by the renowned Gerald Thurston and manufactured by Lightolier in the 1950s, this exquisite mid-century table lamp is a bold fusion of sculptural form and functional design.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Metal and Fabric Shade Table Lamp by Temde, 1960s
By Temde Leuchten
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This mid-century table lamp by Temde, crafted in the 1960s, beautifully combines modernist elegance with warm functionality.
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Pair of 1970s Travertine Table Lamps
$580 / set
Pair of 1970s Travertine Table Lamps
Located in London, London
A sculptural pair of mid-century table lamps executed in carved travertine, circa 1970s.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Travertine
Mod. 553 Table Lamp by Oscar Torlasco for Lumi, Collectible Italian Design
$3,668Sale Price|10% Off
Mod. 553 Table Lamp by Oscar Torlasco for Lumi, Collectible Italian Design
By Lumi, Oscar Torlasco
Located in Milano, IT
Oscar Torlasco Lamp - Torlasco Table Lamp - Mid-Century Table Lamp Rare and sought-after "Mod. 553" table lamp in brass and bakelite, designed by Oscar Torlasco for Lumi.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Paolo Venini Braided Diamointe Table lamp for Venini Italy, 1940c.
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Chicago, IL
Venini Braided Diamante Table Lamp, Model 9034, Italy, c. 1940 A rare and elegant mid-century table lamp by Paolo Venini for Venini, featuring a hand-blown glass body in a distinctiv...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Glass
Gilt & Brass PALM FROND AMERICAN DESIGN TABLE LAMPS
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Gilt Brass Palm Frond Lamps Fossil Stone Bases American, circa 1960s A sculptural ode to organic elegance, this distinctive pair of American mid-century table l...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Stone, Metal
Bertil Brisborg, Nordiska Kompaniet, a pair of table lamps 32060, Sweden, 1940s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Bertil Brisborg
Located in Forserum, SE
A beautiful pair of mid-century table lamps, model 32060, designed by Bertil Brisborg for the Swedish department store Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1940s.
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century “Black Lady” Table Lamp by Barsony, Australia, 1950s
By Barsony Ceramics 1
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century “Black Lady” Table Lamp by Barsony, Australia, 1950s Dimensions: H 56 cm x W 23 cm x D 15 cm (H 22.05 in x W 9.06 in x D 5.91 in) Marked: Barsony on reverse A striking...
Category
Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Pair Sculptural brutalist Tiki Mid-Century Glaze Lamps in the Style Honi Chilo
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of Sculptural brutalist- Tiki- Mid-Century Drip Glaze Lamps- Honi Chilo Style A very striking pair of mid-century table lamps featuring sculptural ceramic bodies with vibr...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
Brass Table Lamp by MAE, Möller Armatur Eskilstuna, Sweden, 1950s
By Möllers Armaturfabrik
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined Swedish mid-century table lamp made in solid brass, defined by its clean vertical form and weighted circular base.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Rare Brass Wood Table Floor Lamp White After Gerald Thurston Lightolier
$1,888Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Brass Wood Table Floor Lamp White After Gerald Thurston Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Peoria, AZ
AFTER GERALD THURSTON MID CENTURY TABLE FLOOR LAMP CLASSIC DESIGN WHITE & GOLD FINISH!
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Exquisite Pair of Large Belgian Brass Eagle Sculptured Table Lamps for DeKnudt
By Deknudt
Located in Voorburg, NL
Beautiful Pair of very Large and Solid Brass Mid Century Table Lamps from the ‘70s produced by DeKnudt in Belgium which craftsmanship is renowned for its quality and beauty.
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of Leatherette & Brass Table Lamps by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno, 1960s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Karis, Nyland
A sculptural pair of Finnish mid-century table lamps designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape for Orno.
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Bertil Brisborg, Nordiska Kompaniet, Scandinavian desk lamp 32535, Sweden, 1950s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Bertil Brisborg
Located in Forserum, SE
A mid-century table lamp, model 32535, designed by Bertil Brisborg for the Swedish department store Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
Bertil Brisborg, Nordiska Kompaniet, Scandinavian desk lamp 32535, Sweden, 1950s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Bertil Brisborg
Located in Forserum, SE
A mid-century table lamp, model 32535, designed by Bertil Brisborg for the Swedish department store Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
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Midcentury Brass Table For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic midcentury brass table available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, brass and glass, every midcentury brass table was constructed with great care. Find 2444 options for an antique or vintage midcentury brass table now, or shop our selection of 20 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect midcentury brass table — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A midcentury brass table made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one midcentury brass table that is appealing in its simplicity, but Cesare Lacca, Mastercraft and Romeo Rega produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Midcentury Brass Table?
A midcentury brass table can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,045, while the lowest priced sells for $147 and the highest can go for as much as $40,000.
A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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How Top Designers Are Using Mid-Century Chairs in Today’s Interiors
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
A Basket-Weave Pattern Adds Country Charm to Paolo Buffa’s Elegant Cabinet
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
End Your Quest for Fire with This Handmade Majolica Chimney
Prehistoric motifs give the mid-century Italian fireplace an elemental feel.
Who Were Guillerme et Chambron? French Veterans of WWII with a Knack for Clever, Quirky and Livable Furniture
Their charming solid-oak pieces offer homes utility and comfort.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.