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.
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
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
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of 'Fumay' Dining Chairs in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of dining chairs model 'Fumay', oak, fabric, France, 1960s Beautifully shaped chairs in oak by French designer duo Jacques Chambron and ...
Fabric, Oak
Set of Four Danish Dining Chairs in Rosewood Great Grain Figure 1950's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful set of four Danish dining chairs in rosewood. From the 1950's but we are unaware of the maker and Designer as the chairs are not marked. Very high quality craftmanship and ...
Rosewood
Joe Colombo for Pozzi Set of Eight '300' Dining Chairs in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Pozzi, set of eight dining chairs, model ‘300’, fabric, stained beech, Italy, 1966 In 1966, Joe Colombo designed the dining chair known as the ‘300’ model for Pozzi....
Fabric, Beech
Gebrüder Thonet for Stendig Model 209 Bentwood Chairs with Rare Cowhide Seats
By Stendig Co., Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
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
$821Sale Price|50% Off
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
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
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
French Mid-Century Rustic Modern Dining Chairs in Wood and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, rush, France, 1950s These chairs reflect a restrained French approach to design from the 1950s, grounded in utility, materials, and clear proportions. They are...
Rush, Beech
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
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
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
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
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno Stackable 'S83' Dining Chairs
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, dining chairs, model 'S83, moulded plywood, lacquered wood, aluminum, Italy, design and production 1962 Dining chairs model S83, designed by Eugenio Gerli ...
Aluminum
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
Giuseppe De Vivo Dining Chair in Perforated Black Coated Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe De Vivo, dining chair, model ‘55136’, coated steel, reupholstered in Pierre Frey Georges Vieux Rose fabric, Italy, design circa 1933, production 1950s This rare dining cha...
Steel
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
George Nakashima 'New' Armchair in Walnut and Hickory
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, ‘New’ armchair, walnut, hickory, United States, 1976 With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and refined joinery, this custo...
Hickory, Walnut
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
Thonet Bentwood Cafe Chairs with Carved Floral Seats, Set of Four
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Thonet bentwood cafe chairs exemplify the revolutionary steam-bending process pioneered by Michael Thonet in the 1850s. Each cha...
Beech, Bentwood
Set of 4 Pcs. Mid-Century Marcel Breuer Cesca Chairs by Cidue
By Marcel Breuer, Cidue
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pieces Cesca chairs designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928's. Production circa 1980's. These chairs are created in tubular chrome and woven cane rattan seat and back. With Cidue ...
Chrome
French Rustic Dining Chairs in Solid Wood with Seats in Patterned Multicolor Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, fabric, France, 1960s Crafted in France in the 1960s, this lovely and cheerful set of rustic chairs is a fresh add to an interior. The frame is made from solid...
Fabric, Beech
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
A Set of Six Italian Carlo De Carli Dining Chairs
By Cassina
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of six Italian dining chairs by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, model 693, introduced in 1958. The chairs feature solid wood frames with sculpted backs and tapered legs, reflecting...
Mohair, Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chairs in White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ dining chairs, model '892', stained beech, fabric, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistre...
Fabric, Beech
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
Mid Century Upholstered English Klismos Dining Chairs with Black Frames - Set 12
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this set of 12 dining chairs date from approximately 1950. Frames have painted black satin finish and have a klismos shaped style with cantered legs. Currently uph...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Set of 8 "Model 122" Dining Room Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant set of eight Model 122 chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s, a refined example of Italian modernist design where sculptural clarity meets everyday fun...
Leather, Foam, Ash
Pierre Cardin 4 Dining Chairs Chaises in Walnut and Leather France
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Pierre Cardin, set of 4 dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, circa 1970. This sculptural chair is designed by the French designer Pierre Cardin (1922-2020). The curved back highl...
Leather, Walnut
Early Pierre Chapo 'S11' Dining Chair in Solid Elm and Cognac Leather
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining chair, 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
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Iron and Rope Ribbon Chairs for Salterini 1950s
By Salterini, John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural "Ribbon" patio or dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Italy circa 1950's Set consists of 2 armchairs and 2 side chairs with wrought iron frames an...
Wrought Iron
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 6 Iconic Tatra Chairs In Walnut & Velvet By šuman, Nabytok Pravenec 1960s
By Tatra Pravenec, Antonín Šuman
Located in Zohor, SK
Set of six dining chairs produced by Tatra in Czechoslovakia, designed by Antonín Šuman in the 1960s. The design is defined by its distinctive bent plywood backrests, gracefully shap...
Velvet, Oak, Walnut
Shell Dining Chair, 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
Augusto Savini for Pozzi Set of Four 'Pamplona' Dining Chairs in Red Lacquer
By Augusto Savini, Poggi
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
$38,500 / set
Lovö Chairs Axel Einar Hjorth Pine Wood, 1940
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two pairs of “Lovö” easy chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth, executed in solid pine and defined by a robust, deliberately rustic character. The expressive construction is complemented by wr...
Pine
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 Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
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
Early Gae Aulenti for Zanotta 'Locus Solus' Tubular Armchair in Steel
By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 'Locus Solus' armchair, chromed tubular steel, blue leatherette, Italy, 1964 This Locus Solus armchair, designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Zanotta, is ...
Steel
Set of Pink Tubular Steel Chairs 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 salmon pink lacquered tubular chairs with s...
Steel
David Rowland 40/4 Metal Stacking Chairs The General Fireproofing Co, 1974
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Rowland '40/4' metal stacking chairs for The General Fireproofing Co, 1974. An award winning design, featured in multiple museums, these iconic metal enameled chairs with tubul...
Metal, Chrome
Expertly Restored-Niels Koefoed “Eva” Teak & Leather Dining Chairs for Koefoeds
By Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1, Niels Koefoed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
$4,254Sale Price / set|20% Off
6 Vintage Danish Brutalist Oak Razorblade Dining Chairs, H. Kjærnulf style 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Henning Kjærnulf's iconic "Razorblade" dining chairs, produced by Nyrup Møbelfabrik in 1960s-70s Denmark. This set of six represents the definitive original—a captivating fusion of b...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 12 Danish Henning Kjærnulf Razor Blade Chairs of Oak + New Sheepskin 1970
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Here is a set of 12 Danish vintage razor blade chairs in great country style. They are designed by Henning Kjærnulf and manufactured by the Danish company Nyrup Møbelfabrik/ EG Furn...
Sheepskin, Oak
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
Les Arcs Chairs by Charlotte Perriand, 1960s, set of 6
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 6 chairs in leather and chromed metal. This model was designed by Charlotte Perriand for the French ski resort of Les Arcs in the 1960s. Seat height: 45 cm. Wear due to time a...
Metal
Set of 8 Vittorio Dassi Diningroom Chairs, Italy 1950s
By Mobilificio Dassi, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of 8 Dinning - Chairs Designed by Vittorio Dassi and manufactured in the 1940s by the Dassi workshop in Italy. The chairs feature solid mahogany frames. The seats require reupho...
Wood, Faux Leather
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
1970s Set of 6 Danish Henning Kjærnulf Razor Blade Chairs of Solid Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Here is a set of 6 Danish vintage razor blade chairs in great country style. They are designed by Henning Kjærnulf and manufactured by the Danish company Nyrup Møbelfabrik/ EG Furni...
Oak, Fabric
Mid Century Modern Space Saver Minimalist Hide Away Dropleaf Table & 4 Chairs
Located in Bensalem, PA
Please look at pictures for overall detail feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Mid Century Blue Mushroom Chair, Type 200/128, by J. Kedziorek, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful chairs type 200/128, designed by Juliusz Kedziorek and manufactured by Goscieninska Furniture Factory in Poland. We called them "mushroom" chairs cause of light and nice s...
Velvet, Beech
French Armchair with Red Wooden Frame and Straw Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair, beech, straw, France, 1960s. Stunning French armchair with red beech frame and classic organic straw seat. This chair features a solid wooden frame, consisting of cylindri...
Straw, Beech
Set of 6 Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by G Plan
By Victor Wilkins, G Plan Furniture
Located in Gardiner, NY
Set of 6 authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. Designed by Victor B Wilkins for G Plan. Maker's label on bottoms. This set is in excellent condition with brand new v...
Teak
Mid Century Butterfly Chair, DELFI Carmine by C&C, Walnut Wood, 1960s
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 C&C Milano - one of the most luxury ...
Fabric, Beech, Jacquard, Velvet
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
Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen Mid Century Danish Teak The Chair - Set of 12
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen Mid Century Danish Teak The Chair - Set of 12 Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 20.5 deep x 30.25 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm hei...
Upholstery, Teak