Pair of White Lacquer Brass Pulls High Chest Stands
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice pair of small white lacquer bachelor chests.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Cabinet Pulls
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215
100
26
23
13
8
5
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2
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Midcentury Paul McCobb Three-Drawer Dresser Credenza #1508 Blonde Maple T Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mid century Paul McCobb three-drawer dresser credenza Planner Group #1508. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group 3 drawer, solid maple black T pulls. Bla...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Steel, Iron
Danish Teak Pull Out Desk Secretary Desk Bachelor Chest Bookcase Bow Front MINT!
By Dux of Sweden
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Teak Pull Out Desk Secretary Desk Bachelor Chest Bookcase Bow Front MINT! Inspected vintage condition.
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Teak
Heavy Hammered Brass Hardware Pulls Exposed Legs Sculptural Design Dresser MINT
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Heavy Hammered Brass Hardware Pulls, Exposed Legs Sculptural Design High Chest Dresser Chest of Drawers MINT! mid century modern
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Frances Elkins Attributed Mahogany Block-Front Chest with Silverplate Pulls
By Frances Elkins
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A refined and unusually rare block-front chest attributed to iconic American designer Frances Elkins, celebrated for her ability to fuse classical vocabulary with the crisp restraint...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Dressers
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
White Bone Tone Wash Lacquer 6 Drawer Dresser Solid Brass Ornate Drawer Pulls
By James Mont, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
White Bone Tone Wash Lacquer 6 Drawer Dresser Solid Brass Ornate Decorative Drawer Pulls Mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Concave Front Sculptural Profile Large Pulls 6 Drawers Restored Espresso Dresser
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Concave front sculptural profile large pulls 6 drawers restored espresso dresser. Fully restored mid-century modern concave front espresso finish mahogany dresser credenza.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Style 4-Drawer Dresser in Ebony Lacquer & Brass Pulls
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
Restrained elegance was a hallmark of the great Tommi Parzinger, one of the most momentous designers of the Mid-Century era. His work—whether for Charak Modern or his own esteemed li...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Gold
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chest of Drawers/Tall Dresser with Brass Pulls
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elegant tall dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Featuring 5 drawers each with a pair of solid brass drawer pulls. Constructed out of solid wood and veneer. Dunbar is one of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Modern Italian Designer Desk With Brass Pulls in Herman Miller Style
By Herman Miller
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Make a definitive statement in your executive suite or home office with this rare Italian Mid-Century Modern desk. Believed to be the only one of its kind in the United States, this ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
Black Ebonized Low Petite Small Credenza Stand with Solid Brass Hardware Pulls
By James Mont, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black ebonized credenza cabinet with solid "gold" finish brass hard ware pulls accordion doors.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb 6 Drawer Dresser Credenza #1509 Blonde Maple T Pulls
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Paul McCobb 6 Drawer Dresser Credenza #1509 Blonde Maple T Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb six-drawer dresser credenza Planner Group #1509. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, 6 drawer, solid maple, black T pulls and b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Steel, Iron
Ebonized Black Lacquer Mahogany Tall 5 Drawers Dresser Gold Bracket Pulls MNT
By John Widdicomb, James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized black lacquer mahogany tall 5 drawers dresser gold bracket pulls MNT.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Pair Midcentury Paul McCobb 3 Drawer Dresser Credenza #1508 Blonde Maple T Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Vintage mid century Paul McCobb 3 - drawer dresser for Planner Group #1508. Beautiful small dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group 3 drawer solid maple black T pull...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Steel, Iron
Antique Art Deco lowboy dresser with Bakelite pulls and mounted mirror
$1,266Sale Price|40% Off
Antique Art Deco lowboy dresser with Bakelite pulls and mounted mirror
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Art Deco dresser features hardwood construction, beautiful mahogany veneer with unique pecan wood accents, four dovetailed drawers with bakelite pulls, and round mounted mirror ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Dressers
Materials
Mirror, Bakelite, Wood
Pair John Stuart Ebonized Lacquer Greek Key Brass Pulls Bachelor Chests MINT!
By John Stuart Inc., James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid Century Modern John Stuart Ebonized Lacquer Greek Key Brass Pulls Bachelor Chests MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Stained Satinwood Nine-Drawer Dresser with Brass Pulls by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious Hendredon nine-drawer chest of drawers/dresser (ca. 1970s, USA). Composed of a richly stained satinwood chest featuring seven long and two short drawers with interlocking b...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Four Doors Black Lacquer Faux Finish Brass Hardware Pull Credenza Dresser Server
By James Mont, Karl Springer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern oriental style black lacquer faux finish brass hardware server credenza cabinet. James Mont decor inspiration.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Light American Walnut Three Drawer End Table Night Stand w/ Brass Hardware Pulls
By American of Martinsville, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern "floating" over solid walnut frame three drawer brass pulls end stand or a tiny dresser cabinet.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Black Lacquer Beveled Front 5 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser Large Gold Pulls
By James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Black Lacquer Beveled Front 5 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser Large Gold Pulls MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. x Pull Cork Top Sideboard
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. X Pull Cork Top Sideboard. As found condition with original black painted finish and cork tip that has been painted white. Brass X pulls retain ...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
American Light Oiled Walnut 9 Drawers Sculptured Pull 66" Long Dresser Credenza
By American of Martinsville, Established Lines, Henredon, Jack Cartwright, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Light Oiled Walnut 9 Oak Dovetail Drawers Sculptured Pull 66" Long Dresser Credenza MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Unusual Paul McCobb 6-drawer dresser on iron base, aluminum ring pulls
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Paul McCobb 6-drawer dresser on rare iron base, aluminum ring pulls..solid maple.40 years in the business , I have owned several Paul McCobb pieces ,I have never seen or owne...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
Pair Black Lacquer Heavy Solid Brass Drop Pulls Three Drawer Bachelor Chests
By James Mont, John Widdicomb, Grosfeld House, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Black Lacquer Heavy Solid Brass Drop Pulls Three Drawer Bachelor Chests Dressers MINT!
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Marble, Brass
Sculptural Legs & Drawer Pulls White Wash Bone Tone 5 Drawers Mahogany Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Paul Laszlo
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sculptural Legs & Drawer Pulls White Wash Bone Tone 5 Drawers Mahogany Dresser
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
By John Widdicomb, James Mont, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber, John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Ebonized Walnut Large Gold Rings Drop Pulls 3 Drawer Bachelor Chest MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Henredon Carved Chestnut Drawer Fronts Large Heavy Brass Drop Pulls Dresser MINT
By Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Henredon Carved Chestnut Drawer Fronts Large Heavy Brass Drop Pulls Dresser MINT
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Pair Three Drawers Light Walnut Banded Drawers Drop Pulls Bachelor Chests MINT!
By Henredon, Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Three Drawers Light Walnut Banded Drawers Drop Pulls Bachelor Chests MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb 1562 Drop Lid Desk with Organizer Maple T Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1562 drop lid desk with Rare organizer inside and adjustable glass shelf blonde maple finish T-pulls all solid maple. Flip down front door is des...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
Faux Tortoise 4 Drawer Heavy Brass Horse Shoe Pulls Bachelor Chest Dresser Mint!
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
John Stuart Mid-Century Modern Faux gold Tortoise 4 drawer heavy sold brass horse shoe pulls bachelor chest dresser mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Florence Knoll Maple Credenza with Leather Pulls and Oak Drawers Early 1950s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and rare credenza in maple by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. This classic modern icon is absolutely amazing and was constructed with a beautiful maple, oak drawers, na...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Steel
American Walnut Dresser Credenza 4 Drawers Two Door Compartment Brass Pulls MINT
By Paul McCobb, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Restored American walnut dresser credenza 4 drawers two door compartment brass pulls mint!.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Light Walnut Bow Front Drawers Long Brass Pull Hardware Gentleman's Chest Mint
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Light walnut bow front drawers long brass pull hardware gentleman's chest dresser commode mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
American Walnut long Dresser w/ Rolled Edges Curved Front Dresser Brass Pulls
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Walnut long Dresser w/ Rolled Edges Curved Front Dresser Brass Pulls
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Baker 9 Drawers Neoclassical 64" Long Dresser Credenza W/ Brass Ring Pulls MINT
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker 9 Drawers Neoclassical 64" Long Dresser Credenza W/ Brass Ring Pulls MINT
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Light Walnut Long Travertine Top 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Drop Ring Pulls MINT
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut long travertine Top 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Brass Drop Ring Pulls MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Marble, Brass
Baker 74" Long 7 Drawers Chippendale Style Light Wood Dresser Brass Pulls MINT!
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker 74" Long 7 Drawers Chippendale Style Light Wood Dresser Brass Pulls MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Large Asian Black Lacquer Large Carved Wood Door Pulls 8 Drawer Dresser Credenza
By James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Asian Black Lacquer Large Carved Wood Door Pulls 8 Drawer Dresser Credenza
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Oak
Light Walnut Hammered Brass Pulls 5 Drawer Chest of Drawers Dresser Mint
By Drexel, Heritage Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Light American walnut hammered brass pulls 5 drawer chest of drawers dresser mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Black Lacquer Ebonized Pieced Wood Pulls Gallery Top 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza
By Harvey Probber, Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Black lacquer ebonized pieced wood pulls gallery top 9 drawers sculptural splayed legs dresser credenza.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
USM Haller XL 6-Door Storage Unit with Pull-Out Trays – Silver, Casters, 1960s
By Fritz Haller, Usm Haller, Paul Schaerer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This USM Haller XL storage unit is presented in excellent condition, embodying the iconic modular design that has defined Swiss modernism since its creation in the 1960s. Finished in...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Pair T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Dressers with Brass RIng Pulls
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings Black Enamel Bachelor Chests with Brass Ring Pulls, 1950's. Featuring rectangular, rolling, dovetailed black ebonized wood three drawer cabinets with ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Charak, 6 Drawer Dresser in Walnut with Solid Brass Pulls
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Wilton, CT
Tommi Parzinger designed this walnut dresser for Charak Modern in 1938 (right before opening his own design studio Parzinger in 1939). His MCM pieces are highly sought after as his f...
Category
Vintage 1930s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Drexel Compact 54" Wide Clover Shape Pulls Light Walnut 6 Drawers Dresser MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Drexel Compact 54" Wide Clover Shape Pulls Light Walnut 6 Drawers Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
High-Boy Dresser With Nickel X-Shaped Pulls By Paul Frankl For Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage gem is designed by the iconic and prolific Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. retailed by John Stuart in the heart of New York City, circa 1950s. This highboy dresser...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Nickel
RARE Hard Rock Maple Conant Ball American Modern Art Deco Desk with Round Pulls
By Russel Wright
Located in Monrovia, CA
1940s Russel Wright Conant Ball American Modern Solid Hard Rock Maple Art Deco Round Pull Desk Very RARE. This RARE Solid Hard Rock Maple Desk With Round Pulls Is In Excellent V...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Pickled White Oak & Yew Wood Heavy Long Brass Drop Pulls Long Dresser Credenza
By Bernhardt, Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pickled White Oak & Yew Wood Heavy Long Brass Drop Pulls Long Dresser Credenza MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by Dixie
By Dixie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
Solid Mahogany Brass Drop Pulls Federal High Boy Dresser Chest of Drawers MINT!
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Mahogany Brass Drop Pulls Federal High Boy Dresser Chest of Drawers MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture 10 Drawer Double Dresser Solid Brass X Pulls
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern tan walnut finish double dresser credenza by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Dresser w/ Cane & Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
😁 Materials: Walnut-Stained Elm Wood, Original Cane Front, Brass Pulls This mid-century modern sculpted dresser from the 1960s showcases a striking balance of texture, warmth, and...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Pair John Stuart Refinished 3 Drawer Bachelor Chests Dressers W/ Long Brass Pull
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair John Stuart refinished 3 drawer bachelor chests dressers w/ long brass pulls.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
9 Drawers Two Decorative Doors Solid Brass Buckle Drop Pull Rolled Edges Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
9 Drawers Two Decorative Doors Solid Brass Buckle Drop Pull Rolled Edges Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Dark Walnut Solid Brass Pulls Hardware Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Side by side three-drawer set and double doors compartment dresser credenza.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Burl Wood Black Ebonized Border 9 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza Brass Pulls Mint
By Century Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Burl Wood Black Ebonized Border 9 drawers long dresser credenza brass pulls mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style Antique Desk Brass Pulls Table Mint
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style antique desk brass pulls table mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Classic Modernist 5 Drawer Chest by Basic Witz.. two-tone with brass pulls
By Basic Witz
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist 5 Drawer Chest by Basic Witz.. featuring two-tone wood,, rosewood elements, with stunning brass pulls,, Great design,, almost regency looking.. Hand delivery avail ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
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Midcentury Cabinet Pulls For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of midcentury cabinet pulls is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique midcentury cabinet pulls was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and brass. Find 411 antique and vintage midcentury cabinet pulls at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 13 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Midcentury cabinet pulls have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco midcentury cabinet pulls are consistently popular styles. Paul McCobb, Paul Frankl and Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) each produced beautiful midcentury cabinet pulls that are worth considering.
How Much are Midcentury Cabinet Pulls?
Prices for midcentury cabinet pulls can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, midcentury cabinet pulls begin at $125 and can go as high as $28,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,995.
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.
Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
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X Shaped Drawer Pulls
Bow Front Bachelor Chest
Brutalist Drawer Pulls
Concave Dresser
George Nelson Drawer Pulls
John Keal For Brown Saltman Dresser
Maple Burl Wood Dresser
Tall 8 Drawer Dresser
Tall Bachelor Chest
Ackerman Pulls