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.
Arne Eskers Pewter Candleholders for Just Andersen, 1950s, Set of 2
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Trumpet Shaped Candlesticks designed by Arne Eskers and made by Just Andensen in Denmark during the 1950s. Both stamped and signed. Design number: 2601. Measurements: H: ...
Pewter
Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Metal, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal and brass candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds six 0.45” diameter candles Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Metal, Brass
Jens Quistgaard Iron "Candelabrums" for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Iron "Candelabrums" for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's. Stamped Denmark & IHQ.
Iron
Mid-Century Tree of Life Candle Holder by Bertill Vallien for Kosta Bode
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Tree of Life Candle Holder by Bertill Vallien for Kosta Bode, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official ...
Metal
Gunnar Ander, Pair of Candelabra, Brass, Glass, Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Bochum, NRW
This elegant pair of floral candle holders was designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, a Swedish metalworks company renowned for its refined decorative objects during the mid-20th...
Brass
Pair Vintage Mid Century WMF Ikora Silver-Plated Candlesticks
By WMF Ikora
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of vintage mid-century WMF Ikora silver-plated candlesticks. Dimensions: 2.63" H x 4.5" W x 2.5" D, Candle opening 1" diameter. Please visit take a l...
Silver Plate
Hand-forged iron sanke design sculpture candle holder, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hand-forged iron sanke design sculpture candle holder, 1960s
Metal, Iron
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Holds one 1.0” Diameter candl...
Brass
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plated Candle Holder for Dansk, France, 1970's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plated Candle Holder for Dansk, France, 1970's. Signed " DANSK DESIGNS FANCE IHQ. " Beautiful natural patina.
Silver Plate
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
24 Modern Chrome Candleholders + Ashtray Bowl, Werner Stoff Nagel Germany 1960s
By Stoff Nagel, Caesar Stoffi, Nagel AG, Bmf Nagel
Located in Miami, FL
A set of 24 S-22 model stackable 3-legged chrome modular candleholders plus an S-44 Ashtray/Bowl by two German artists, Hans Nagel (1926-1978) and Werner St...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
$308Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ivar Ålenius Björk Brass Candle Holders for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960's
By Ystad-Metall, Ivar Ålenius Björk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Ivar Ålenius Björk Brass Candle Holders for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960's. Makers mark to the bottom of each example.
Brass
$52Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modernist Candle Holders Designed By Lenox
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Modernist Candle Holders Designed By Lenox
Metal
Rare Wedgwood Jewelry Box, Round Light Blue Jasperware Lidded Box
By Wedgwood
Located in Bochum, NRW
Light Blue Wedgwood Jasperware Trinket Box - Round Shape with Grape Leaves Dimensions: Measure 10 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter. In excellent condition.
Porcelain
7-armed candlestick 1960s 70s mid century brutalist bronze CANDELABRA
Located in Mannheim, DE
Fantastic heavy 1960s 70s candleholder for 7 candles. Made of cast bronze. A perfect addition to any mid century interior. Dimensions in cm: Height 20 cm, width 30 cm, depth 8.7 cm...
Bronze
$134Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Hand-Painted Candlestick Candle Holder by DeSimone, Italy
By DeSimone, Giovanni DeSimone
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This vintage figural candlestick by Giovanni Desimone Italy is a unique and eye-catching piece of decorative art. DeSimone was a renowned Italian ceramicist and designer who worked in the mid-20th century, known for his whimsical and colorful ceramic sculptures...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
$832Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vintage 1960s Wedgwood Jasperware Cream on Blue Ceramic Collection
By Wedgwood
Located in Bochum, NRW
Midcentury small collection of four pieces Wedgwood Jasperware diamond cream on blue. Comprising 2 lidded boxes, a cachepot, an ashtray and a pair of candleholders. Vintage, 1960s. A...
Porcelain
Danish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brass candelabra likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.75"H x 4.375"W x 3.0"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Brass
Set of Three Danish Modern 24 Carat Gold Plated Candlesticks by Hugo Asmussen
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous set of three Danish modern 24 carat gold plated candlesticks by Hugo Asmussen, circa 1960s. The set is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 2.125"D x...
Gold Plate
$772Sale Price|20% Off
Arne Bang Candle Holder Bowl, 1950s
By Arne Bang
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Oval shaped stoneware ceramic candle holder / bowl by acclaimed Danish artist Arne Bang (1901-1983). Round base and organic floral decor on each side. Beautiful speckled earthy smoke...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay, Pottery
Mid-Century Clear Drops Oil Lamp or Candleholder by Freddie Andersen, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Impressive swivel oil lamp by Freddie Andersen. It can be used as an oil lamp or with a candle.
Brass
Gijs Bakker Rare Candle Holder in Patinated Silver and Enamel for Keltum 1963
By Gijs Bakker
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gijs Bakker rare candle holder in patinated silver and enamel for Keltum. The Netherlands, 1963. Wonderful and very rare candle holder by Gijs B...
Silver
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish " Vänskapsknuten " candle holder made of handcrafted silvered metal, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good conditi...
Metal
$671Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Five Freddie Andersen Clear Drops Oil Lamps Brass Candleholder, Denmark
Located in Krefeld, DE
Five beautiful clear drops modernist brass oil lamps designed by Freddie Andersen, made in Western Germany in the 1970s. In good condition. Price for the s...
Brass
Set of 7 Graduated Scandinavian Modern Brass Candle Holders
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Set of 7 vintage brass candle holders in Scandinavian Modern style features elegant, slender forms with round flared bases and tulip shaped sconces. Warm, golden color, soft sheen, a...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-lacquered metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1940s. fits 0.5” diameter candle
Metal, Brass
Pierre Forssell Pair of Vintage Scandinavian Brass Candlesticks Sweden
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Pierre Forssell (1925-2004) Pierre Forssell was an acclaimed industrial designer who designed cutlery and cookware, for among others Gense, before joining the distinguished brass foundry of Skultuna as creative director in the early 1950s. Forssell was commissioned to renew Skultuna’s product range and created several successful series of modernist interior decorating objects...
Brass
Danish Brass Candlesticks with Rainbow Patina by Hans Bolling, Torben Ørskov
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This pair of candlesticks was designed by Hans Bolling and manufactured by Torben Ørskov in Denmark during the 1960s. They are made from solid brass and feature the manufacturer's ma...
Brass
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM iron candle holder by Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 6"D x 4.75"H and holds 2.5"D candle. Super nice piece! #3363
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder from Tingkeramik, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Candleholder and Tea Warmer from Tingkeramik, 1960s
Pottery
Candelabre 1960s Made În Austria
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage modernist candelabra, 1960s. Geometric iron and metal work. Holds 4 candles. Dimensions: 26W x 23H x 6D cm.Labeled Made in Austria.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s
By Jacques Pouchain, Dominique Pouchain
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Pair of Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s Charming pair of bird-shaped ceramic candlesticks. Japanese 1970s pottery. Each candlestick is hand-cr...
Enamel
Wrought Iron Wall Candlestick, circa 1950, France.
By Jean Touret
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century decorative wall candlestick, circa 1950, France. Ateliers de Marolles style. Medieval character in blackened wrought iron. Dimensions: 31 cm H, 19 cm W, 13 cm D. All purc...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Timo Sarpeneva
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver candlesticks, hallmarked for Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1950s, Timo Sarpeneva, maker. Each candlestick measures 2 1/4 inches high x 2 1/2 in...
Sterling Silver
A Pair of Turned Walnut Candlesticks by Rude Osolnik 1970's
By Rude Osolnik
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of turned walnut candlesticks by Rude Osolnik, ca' 1970's. "Osolnik was widely admired as one of the finest wood turners in America and his workshops and seminars were in dema...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modernist Japanese Iron Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of wonderful iron candle holders from Japan. Triangular form supported by a tripod base. Great patina. 1950s.
Iron
Mid-Century Bronze Tripod Candleholder - Brutalist Candelabra - Germany 1960s
By Walter Bosse
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Mid-Century Bronze Tripod Candleholder - Brutalist Candelabra - Germany 1960s Modernist two-arm candleholder in green-patinated bronze with brass details. Tripod base, beautiful pa...
Brass, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Alberto Pair of Candleholders by Oscar Tusquets for Bd Barcelona
By BD Barcelona Design, Oscar Tusquets Blanca
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Alberto Pair of Candleholders designed by Oscar Tusquets. Manufactured by Bd Barcelona (Spain). Candleholder in cast brass finish. Dimensions: High: D 8 x W 12 x H 28 cm. Low: D ...
Brass
$236Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Midcentury Trojan Horse Brass Candleholder
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful brass candleholder. Incredible piece that will certainly add that midcentury code to your decor. This piece has graphic presence and its solidity in brass, grounds with sty...
Brass
1970s Sweden Kosta Boda Ice Glass Candle Holder Goran Warff
By Kosta Boda
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Sweden Kosta Boda Polar Ice Art Glass Votive Candle Holder by Goran Warff 3.25 h x 4 diameter Preowned original vintage condition See all images provided.
Art Glass
Mid-Century Italian Silver Candlestick with Ostrich Egg, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Italian candlestick in silver 925 with ostrich egg. This incredibly stylish piece was designed in Italy during the 1970s, clearly in the style of Gabriella Crespi. In fabu...
Metal, Silver, Sterling Silver
1960s Murano Sommerso Art Glass Votive Candle Holder Green and Amber
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Murano Green and Amber Sommerso Art Glass Votive Candle Holder 1.5 tall x 2.75 diameter Preowned vintage condition. Refer to all images.
Art Glass
$425Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Spider Cast Iron Candle Holder Danish Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
This industrial clamp lamp is an authentic mid-20th-century American work light, originally produced for factory, workshop, and maintenance environments where durability, safety, and...
Iron
$675Sale Price|28% Off
SALE XL Bob Amin Vintage HandTurned Modern Kinetic Maple Wood MCM Menorah Signed
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
CYBER WEEK SALE Vintage X Long (16") Artisan Hand Turned Modern Organic Kinetic Curly Maple Wooden Mid Century Hanukkah Menorah. Signed by the artist Bob Amin Long, minimalist, On...
Birdseye Maple
Monumental Pair of Hurricane Lamps by John Vesey from Brooke Astor's Cove End
By John Vesey
Located in Southampton, NJ
Monumental pair of late 1950s V-27 wought iron and blown glass Hurricane Lamps by John Vesey. In my 15+ years of interest in Vesey's work this is the first pair of his Hurricane Lamp...
Brass, Aluminum, Iron
$240Sale Price / set|39% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Dansk Mid-Century Candle Holders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
An array of incredible Scandinavian classic candle holders from Dansk. This set includes a spider candle holder, an Iron and Brass candle holder ...
Iron
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative Rustic Iron Candelabra Floor Candle Stand
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a decorative three (3) arm iron candelabra floor stand on tripod base freestanding. Made in the USA. Dimensions: 55 H x 21.25 W x 16 D Original vintage unrest...
Iron
Ambrosià Crystal Candlestick Set – Hand-Cut Candle Holders for Home Décor
Located in Glendale, CA
Ambrosià Hand-Cut Crystal Candlestick is an Art Deco-Inspired Candle Holder in Black, Amber & Clear Crystal. It is a sculptural hand-cut crystal candle holder that seamlessly fu...
Crystal
Single Dorothy Thorpe "Pretzel" Twisted Lucite Candlesticks with Chrome Holders
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Dorothy Thorpe twisted Lucite candlestick with nickel plated candle holders. Set does show very few internal age cracks, common with lucite of this age. Excludes candles.
Chrome
Emaús Workshop Sun and Moon Forged Iron Candelabra, Mexico, 1960s
By Emaus
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Hand-forged iron candelabra from the Benedictine Emaús Workshop, Mexico, 1960s. Sculpted in the form of a stylized sun with a human face on one side and a crescent moon on the revers...
Wrought Iron
Ceramic & Wood Candlestick holders by Nittsjö, Sweden
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Floral Ceramic and Wood Candlestick Holders by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1960s A beautiful pair of Scandinavian Modern candlestick holders designed and produced b...
Ceramic, Wood
$815Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid Century Gaudí Style Vallauris Signed Ceramic Candelabra, France, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Whimsical Vallauris Ceramic Candleholders, France, circa 1950s An exceptional pair of sculptural ceramic candleholders from Vallauris, France, dating to the 1950s. These str...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware
$628Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Bring a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home with this iconic Jens Quistgaard candelabra, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from cast iron and brass, this sculptural piec...
Brass, Iron
$695 / set
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Candlesticks
By Kjell Engman
Located in New York, NY
Stunning set of 3 Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda glass candlesticks. The two smaller candlesticks height is 7''.
Art Glass
Ambrosià Crystal Candlestick Set – Hand-Cut Candle Holders for Home Décor
Located in Glendale, CA
Ambrosià Hand-Cut Crystal Candlestick – Modern Classic Candle Holder in Black, Amber & Clear Crystal The Ambrosià Crystal Candlestick masterfully blends modern design with classic e...
Crystal
French Ceramic Vide Poche circa 1960s, Vallauris, in the style of Georges Jouve
By Francis Crociani, Georges Jouve
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French ceramic white Vide Poche circa 1960s - in the style of Georges Jouve, Ruelland Black ceramic chandelier by Francis Crociani, crafted i...
Enamel
Mid Century Modern Brass Candle Snuffer Wand - India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A long brass candle snuffer, made in India. Created from brass, this long candle snuffer will be a beautiful accent on any side table. With a long twisted handle, it will make snuffi...
Brass
Midcentury Candleholder in Brass from Austria
Located in Vienna, Austria
Decorative midcentury candleholder from Austria. It comes as a set and includes scissors for controlling the wick and another element for snuffing the fra...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Handmade Massive Brass Candle Holder by Michael Harjes 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
It was designed by Michael Harjes (1926-2006) and manufactured by Harjes Metalkunst (1912), the family business in Germany. The candlestick is in excellent condition and has a deep g...
Brass
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Solid Polished Brass Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant beautiful solid polished brass menorah elegant and classic circa 1970's.
Brass
David Marshall Brutalist Candlestick, Spain, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Aluminium and Brass Brutalist Candle Holder by David Marshall, Spain, 1970s. David Marshall Desenos Brutalist three-arm aluminum and brass candlestick. Very good condition. Original...
Brass, Aluminum