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.
Four Mid Century Bumerang Chairs, Tiger Speaking Velvet - Dedar, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The “Bumerang Chair” is a characteristic piece of furniture from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era. Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the backrest, resembling a boome...
Leather, Textile, Wool, Beech
Gianni Vigorelli Set of Four Italian Dining Chairs with Crossed Backrests
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianni Vigorelli, set of six dining chairs, beech, plywood, fabric, Italy, 1950s. These chairs are beautifully constructed featuring a X-shaped frame, a striking detail that convinc...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Attributed Chrome & Dark Brown Leather Chairs, Cidue
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four cantilever armchairs attributed to Willy Rizzo, produced by Italian manufacturer Cidue. Each chair features a continuous thick tubular chrome frame that forms the cantile...
Chrome
Set of 10 Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak Dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A set of ten 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, in the style of Henning Kjærnulf, embodying the sculptural Brutalist sensibility that defined Danish craftsmanship of the ...
Brass
Set of 4 Gastone Rinaldi Chairs for RIMA Design Italia, 1970s Mid-Century Modern
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in Palermo, IT
Iconic Sets of 4 Vintage folding chairs made of chrome-plated steel tubing from the 1970s, designed by the renowned Italian designer Gastone Rinaldi for the RIMA company. This model...
Metal, Chrome
Set of Six Butterfly Chairs, Burgundy Velvet Amuleto, Dedar, Walnut Wood, 1960
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with brown walnut stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful italian fabric produceed by Dedar Milano - one of the most luxur...
Fabric, Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
$1,100 / item
Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, reupholstered in sheepskin, Czech Republic, 1950s Pine dining chairs featuring a sheepskin in beige color. This particular model is manufactured without armrest...
Fabric, Pine
Mid-Century Pair of Sculptural Armchairs in Cherry Wood with Rush Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchairs, cherry wood, rush, Europe, 1950s Elegant pair of European armchairs dating from the 1950s, beautifully crafted in warm cherry wood with sculptural curved arms and an open...
Rush, Cherry
Set of Eight Mid Century Heart Chairs in DUNES Pierre Frey Fabric, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type A5828. Colloquially called "heart" in amazing chenille fabric by Pierre Frey - one of the best french fabric company. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurm...
Jacquard, Velvet, Beech
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of twelve dining chairs, model '330', leather, walnut, Italy, 1969 Wonderful set of dining chairs in black leather upholstery and walnut wood by Ital...
Leather, Walnut
Eight Zet Dining Chairs in Tiger Mountain Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
1970s Post-Modern Italian Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, stained pine, Italy, 1970s Recalling the work of Mario Marenco's "Sapporo" chair, these dining chairs are characterized by their architectural backrest ...
Pine
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Dutch Set of Six Organically Curved Dining Chairs in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, teak, the Netherlands, 1960s Elegant and durable, these strongly curved dining chairs are crafted from teak. The design, a testament to both form and funct...
Teak
The Zet Dining Chair in Tiger Mountain Velvet Jacquard by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The Zet Dining Chair is a contemporary Vintola design defined by its bold geometry and refined proportions. The distinctive, angular frame creates a strong visual identity while main...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Large set of 12 Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's
By Charles Dudouyt, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Oak and Rush Chairs in Style of Charles Dudouyt , France 1960's Solid Oak chairs with Rush seats, with lovely Patina to the wood. The listed price is per chair and we have 12 chairs ...
Rush, Oak
$1,130 / set
1970s Cantilevered Chrome Chairs with Cushions
Located in Toronto, ON
A pair of chrome chairs with cream cushions. The chairs frame is cantilevered and well made. The cushions are a cream colored corduroy fabric. The cushions are removable and washable...
Aluminum, Chrome
Fritz Hansen A/S Set 8 Dining Chairs of Mahogany with Blue Leather Seats 1940s
By Mogens Koch, Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen, Kaare Klint
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A stunning set of 8 Art Deco dining chairs. Handcrafted and designed by Fritz Hansen A/S in Denmark in the 1940s. Stamped FH for Fritz Hansen A/S These chairs are made of solid mah...
Leather, Mahogany
Guillerme & Chambron Set of Six 'Thibault' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, set of six 'Thibault' dining chairs, solid oak, fabric, France, 1960s Set of six elegant dining chairs in solid oak by Guillerme and Chambron...
Fabric, Oak
Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair in Chrome and Straw, Signed Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century Cesca chair in chromed metal, Vienna straw and black lacquered beech wood. This beautiful chair was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in Italy dur...
Metal, Chrome
Sculptural Dining Side Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti, Solid Walnut
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Dining Side Chairs. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Made in the USA. Customer provides Fabric. Price is per chair. Shipping in the US will be $250 for t...
Walnut
Ward Bennett Landmark Style Dining Chairs in Wood and Cane set of 6
By Ward Bennett
Located in Den Haag, NL
A super stylish and incredibly well made set of chairs from Italy in the 1970s. These consist of solid oak black glossy frames with brand new Linen upholstery seats and Wicker backs...
Wicker
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi Set of Four 'Sapporo' Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, set of four dining chairs model ‘Sapporo’, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s A stunning set of dining chairs designed by Mario Marenco in the 1970s, craft...
Leather, Walnut
Set of Four 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in the Milo Baughman Style.
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Four Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome Canteliever Dining Chairs in the Milo Baughman Style. Circa 1970s. Feature a quintessential 1970s Mid-Century Modern design with tufted ...
Chrome
George Nakashima Set of Four 'Conoid' Chairs in Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for Nakashima Studio, set of four 'Conoid' chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1962 This stunning set of four Conoid dining chairs are designed by woodwork mast...
Hickory, Walnut
Nest Dining Chair, Yellow Nouvelles Vagues Velvet by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stable dining seating. A contemporary chair inspired by the spirit of 1960s design, reinterpreted through a softer, more embracing form. With its integr...
Jacquard, Beech, Velvet, Linen
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern M154 "Dog Biscuit" Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Bradenton, FL
A set of four birchwood M154 "Dog Biscuit" dining chairs designed by Heywood Wakefield, circa 1950. One of their most iconic designs, the sculptural frames feature the famous Dog Bis...
Birch, Maple
Milo Baughman, Six Dining Chairs, Chrome, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Milo Baughman, American Mid-Century Modern, Six Dining Chairs, Chrome, Fabric, USA, 1970 Set of six patinated chrome and fabric dining chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Co...
Chrome
Set of Eight Nest Dining Chairs by Vintola Studio, Yellow Velvet Dedar, 2026
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stable set of eight dining seats. A contemporary chairs inspired by the spirit of 1960s design, reinterpreted through a softer, more embracing form. Wit...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Eight Vintola Dining Chairs, Tiger Velvet - Dedar, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
$158,000 / set
Exceptionally Rare Set of Eight George Nakashima 'Grass-seated Chairs' in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, set of eight 'Grass-seated Chairs', American black walnut, sea grass cord, United States, early 1960s Through its pure form, thoughtful use of materials, and exqui...
Seagrass, Walnut
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico ...
Leather, Beech
Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen style Danish Teak Mid Century Dining Chairs
Located in Lutz, FL
Set of 6 Danish Teak and black vinyl dining chairs, a nod to Kai Kristiansen’s model 31’s, but distinctly their own with additional design details. Marker unknown, very good build q...
Faux Leather, Teak
Tito Agnoli for Molteni Set of Four 'Fiorenza' Dining Chairs in Leather & Walnut
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Molteni, set of four 'Fiorenza' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1968 These chairs are an excellent example of Italian Mid-Century design. The back is slightly...
Leather, Walnut
Four Dining Chairs, Leopard Velvet by Edmond Petit, Walnut Wood, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Giuseppe De Vivo Pair of Dining Chairs in Perforated Black Coated Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe De Vivo, pair of dining chairs, model ‘55136’, coated steel, reupholstered in Pierre Frey Georges Vieux Rose fabric, Italy, design circa 1933, production 1950s These rare ...
Steel
Sistina dining chairs by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi, Italy 1980s Set of 4
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Set of 4 dining chairs Sistina Saddle by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi. Made in Italy in the 1980s. Tito Agnoli originally comes from the Peruvian capital Lima, but studied at the Po...
Leather
Early Pierre Chapo 'S11' Dining Chairs in Solid Elm and Cognac Leather
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining chairs, model 'S11', elm, leather, rope, brass, France, ca. 1966 This design is an early edition by Pierre Chapo. Crafted from solid elmwood, the chairs exhibit...
Metal
Gebrüder Thonet for Stendig Model 209 Bentwood Chairs with Rare Cowhide Seats
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Stendig Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The design for the Model 209 was originally conceived by Gebrüder Thonet in the 1920s, under communist direction and in nationalized factories. 30 years later, Charles Stendig got a ...
Cowhide, Wood, Bentwood
Argentine Designer, Dining Room Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Argentina, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six oak and beige fabric dining room chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1980s. Staining to fabric, reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age and use. O...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 6 Chairs Designed by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, Walnut
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 6 chairs Mod. 693, Designed by Carlo de Carli for Cassina. Solid walnut, chairs have been recently recovered in a charcoal grey cotton velvet. Ready for a new home.
Faux Leather, Walnut
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. This set consits of 6 pcs. chairs with amrests. The chairs are with new black color velour upholster...
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frames, with caned backs and vinyl upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$3,950 / item
Finn Juhl for Bovirke 'Reading Chairs' in Teak
Finn Juhl for Bovirke, 'Reading' dining chairs, oak, teak, metal, Denmark, 1953 In 1953, Finn Juhl designed this 'Reading Chair' for Bovirke. The chair is organically shaped featuri...
Metal
Augusto Savini for Pozzi Set of Four 'Pamplona' Dining Chairs in Red Lacquer
By Poggi, Augusto Savini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Augusto Savini for Pozzi, set of four 'Pamplona' dining chairs, lacquered wood, fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1960s 'Pamplona' armchairs in red lacquered wood and red textured upholster...
Aluminum
Set of 4 Dark Brown Stained Thonet "N. 218" Inspired Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Thonet "N. 218" style dark stained bent wood bistro chairs with cane seats. In original condition with visible wear consistent with their age and use. Wear includes scratchi...
Cane, Bentwood
Large Set of Modernist Dining Chairs in Wood and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, coated steel, Europe, 1980s The design of these 1980s chairs avoid sharp edges or overly angular forms, leaning instead into cylindrical legs and rounded corne...
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina '121' Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather and Walnut
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, dining chairs, model ‘121’, walnut, cognac leather, Italy, 1965 Pair of stunning dining chairs by the Italian designer couple Tobia and Afra Scarpa....
Leather, Walnut
$3,624Sale Price / set|20% Off
Italian Mid Century Set of 10 Dining Chairs 1950's Mahogany & Velvet
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice set of 10 dining chairs sold in AS/IS condition solid and sturdy these set is in a velvet green upholstery , one chair has a hole on the fabric as shown , the wood finish shows ...
Velvet, Mahogany
George Nakashima Set of Six 'New' Dining Chairs in Walnut and Hickory
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, set of six ‘New’ dining chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1976 and 1977 With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and re...
Hickory, Walnut
Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina Pair of '330' Dining Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina, pair of '330' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1970s Stunning organic looking dining pair of chairs by Italian designer Silvio Coppola. Th...
Leather, Walnut
Set of 4 Dining Chairs Wood Curved Leather Beige Mid-Century Modern Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Four Midcentury Modern wooden chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship give them an iconic and refined look. The chairs fea...
Leather, Wood
$650 / item
Modernist Dining Chairs in Wood and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, coated steel, Europe, 1980s The design of these 1980s chairs avoid sharp edges or overly angular forms, leaning instead into cylindrical legs and rounded corne...
Steel
Set of Eames for Herman Miller Fiberglass Shell DSS Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Original set of 5 DSS molded fiberglass shell chairs on stacking base, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Very nice glossy fiberglass shells on steel stacking base...
Steel
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chair in Leather & Dark Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chair, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico Ma...
Leather, Beech
Sculptural Dining Arm Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Sculptural Dining Chairs in the style of Gio Ponti. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Arm height is 25.25”. Available seat height is 17.5" - 19”. Made in the U...
Fabric, Walnut, Leather
Set of Tubular Steel Chairs with Striped Seats by Robert Mallet-Stevens
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Mallet Stevens for Stevens designs, dining chairs, lacquered metal, fabric, France, design 1928, production later Admirable set of white lacquered tubular chairs with striped...
Steel
Set of Six Shell Dining Chairs, Linen Schwarzwald by Dedar, Vintola Studio
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile dining seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vi...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Beech
Brazilian Modern Dining Chairs in Rosewood by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Troy, MI
Exceptional and rare set of dining chairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte Brazil circa 1956 Sculpted Brazilian rosewood frames w...
Cane, Rosewood