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
Mid-Century Modern Danish Minimalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Minimalist Metal Candleholder, 1960s
Metal
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
Scandinavian modern Wooden Candleholder by Gunnar Kanevad, Sweden, organic shape
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A rather large and unusual and rare Swedish Mid-century modern handmade candleholder, which is also a figurative abstract sculpture. It is made out of one solid piece of wood with in...
Wood, Pine
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
Mid-Century Brutalist Metal Candleholder by Heinz Goll
By Heinz Goll
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large brutalist candlestick designed by Austrian artist Heinz Goll. A no-nonsense design composed of discs. These are arranged at right angles and thus form the feet. The large disc...
Metal
Hand-forged iron sanke design sculpture candle holder, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hand-forged iron sanke design sculpture candle holder, 1960s
Metal, Iron
$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
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
$52Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modernist Candle Holders Designed By Lenox
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Modernist Candle Holders Designed By Lenox
Metal
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
24 Modern Chrome Candleholders + Ashtray Bowl, Werner Stoff Nagel Germany 1960s
By Nagel AG, Bmf Nagel, Caesar Stoffi, Stoff 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
$810Sale 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
1960s Marianne Starck Sgraffito Black White Ceramic Candle Sconce, Denmark
By Thomas Toft, Marianne Starck, Ingrid Atterberg, Rörstrand, Michael Andersen & Son
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian modern handmade ceramic wall sconce by designer Marianne Starck (1931-2007) for Michael Andersen & Son. Manufactured on the island of Bornholm in the 1960s as part of th...
Clay, Stoneware, Pottery, Ceramic
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
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
50s Pair Vintage Pal Bell Abstract Modernist Brass Verdigris CandleHolder Israel
By Oppenheim
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Pair of Vintage, Pal Bell, MCM Abstract, Modernist, Brass, and Verdigris Candle Holders Israel Elegant, cast brass and subtlety abstract pair of shiny brass highlighted verdigris...
Brass
Mid Century Wrought Iron and Rattan Candlestick by Umanoff for Raymor c 1950s
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Rare floor model candelabra designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1950s. The four arm candle features a wrought iron structure, with wicker weaving. This example is in excelle...
Wrought Iron
$753Sale 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
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
$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
$654Sale 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
Artist Brutalist Candleholder Made in Brass and Copper, 1960s Austria
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Artist Brutalist Candleholder Made in Brass and Copper, 1960s Austria Super decorative, very puristic.
Brass, Copper
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
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
Arthur Umanoff Iron and Rattan Floor Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and woven rattan curved candelabrum designed by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1950.
Wrought Iron
Josef Frank, Candelabra, Brass, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds nine 0.5” candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.5"H x 11.25"W x 11.0"D All item...
Brass
Brass Candelabra - 7-Branch Menorah - Judaica Candle Holder, 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brass Candelabra - 7-Branch Menorah - Judaica Candle Holder, 1970s Elegant 7-branch menorah crafted in solid brass, with an elegant and modern design. ...
Metal, 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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,066Sale Price / set|48% Off
Large Mid-Century Italian Wrought Iron Candelabra, Psychedelic Design, 1970s
Located in Valencia, VC
Large Pair of Mid-Century Italian Psychedelic Iron Candelabra, 1970s A striking and rare pair of large Mid-Century Italian candelabra in a bold psychedelic style, dating to the 1970...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$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
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
$415Sale 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
Scandinavian Brutalist Metal and Glass Candleholder by Gunnar Ander, 1960s
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Hamburg, DE
Scandinavian Brutalist Metal and Glass Candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage ca...
Metal
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
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
Modernist Brass Candleholder by Klaus Ullrich for Faber & Schumacher 1950's
By Faber & Schumacher, Klaus Ullrich
Located in BELFORT, FR
Golden and black brass candle holder by Klaus Ullrich, famous German goldsmith and industrial designer of the mid-century. Designed in 1958 and then sold by Faber & Schumacher Duisbu...
Brass
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
Mid Century Italian Lacquered Brass, Lucite And Marble Candleholder Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Italian Lacquered Brass, Lucite And Marble Candleholder In excellent condition commensurate with age
Marble, Brass
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
exceptional large 1950s 60s mid century wall CANDLE HOLDER hammered copper
Located in Mannheim, DE
Very decorative wall candlestick from the 1950s/60s. Made of hammered copper. For a round or straight candle. On the back marked Wall Handcrafted Made in Germany. Dimensions in cm:...
Copper
Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Bronze Style: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern Colo...
Bronze
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. They are made in France of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the h...
Metal, Silver Plate
$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
$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
$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
Candle Table Light in Blister Glass by Nanny Still, 1970s
By Nanny Still
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Spacey looking candle table lamp for tea light, bloc or ball candles. It has a base of clear hand blown glass and a shade of clear blister glass. Designed by Nanny Still during the l...
Blown Glass
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
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
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
Pair of circle candlesticks by Matthew Hilton, England, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of circle candlesticks designed and produced by matthew hilton in england in the 1980s. Set of two aluminum candlesticks in brutalist style. Magnificent decorative objects that ...
Metal
California Studio Pottery Robin Egg Blue Candlesticks by Catalina Pottery
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of vintage California studio pottery ceramic candlesticks by Catalina Pottery, circa 1950s. Great look and form on this gorgeous robin egg blue set. They are in very...
Pottery
Large Green Glass Candlestick by Vetri Taddei di Empoli, Italy, 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Large Green Glass Candle Stick by Vetri Taddei di Empoli
Glass